Presidency of Thabo Mbeki
The Presidency of Thabo Mbeki began on 14 June 1999, when Thabo Mbeki became the second President of South Africa. Mbeki, an African National Congress member who had previously been the Deputy President of South Africa, defeated Democratic Alliance president, Tony Leon in the South African general election, 1999. Mbeki's running mate Jacob Zuma became the Deputy President that same day.
 | |
| Presidency of Thabo Mbeki | |
|---|---|
| 14 June 1999 – 24 September 2008 | |
| President | Thabo Mbeki |
| Party | African National Congress |
Inauguration
Mbeki's Inauguration was held on 6 June 1999, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Mbeki was sworn in as president by Chief Justice of South Africa, Arthur Chasckalon.
During his inaugural speech Mbeki said the following:
As the sun continues to rise to banish the darkness of the long years of colonialism and apartheid, what the new light over our land must show is a nation diligently at work to create a better life for itself.