Thabo Mbeki and the Battle for the Soul of the ANC - Paperback

by William Mervin Gumede (Author)

As a spokesman for a country, a continent and the developing world, Thabo Mbeki plays a crucial role in world politics, but to many people he is an enigma. Is this simply because Mbeki is a secretive man, or are there complicated political factors at play?

In this book, experienced journalist William Gumede pulls together the insights he has gained from years of reporting on the Mbeki presidency to create a sophisticated but readable account of South Africa's seat of power. He explores the complex position that Mbeki occupies - following in Nelson Mandela's footsteps, heading a party with roots as a liberation movement, and ruling an intensely divided country. Revealing the political and personal tensions behind the scenes, Gumede explains the forces that have created one of the world's most powerful and enigmatic leaders.

Covering Mbeki's attempts to modernise the economy and kick-start an African Renaissance, and investigating his controversial stance on issues from AIDS to Zimbabwe, the book offers invaluable insights into the machinations behind political decisions that touch the lives of millions every day.

Author Biography

William M Gumede is Senior Associate and Oppenheimer Fellow, St. Antony's College, Oxford. He is on the faculty of the Graduate School of Public & Development Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He writes a blog on global politics for the Washington Post. He was Deputy Editor of The Sowetan newspaper in Johannesburg. He is a contributing author to the New History of South Africa, Tafelberg Publishers.