Abstract
Mbeki was credited for having established institutions and programmes both domestically and abroad to assist in the development and growth of Africa. He also shared his vision of an African Renaissance and wanted the people of Africa to become independent thinkers, leaders and decision makers. Although Mbeki received international acclaim as the African champion and leader, he did not always receive such admiration domestically, as his political leadership style was often criticised for being too distant, aloof and technocratic (Glaser, 2010). This research sought to examine Thabo Mbeki’s ideas for global reform and to identify his political leadership style from June 1999 when he became president of the Republic of South Africa until September 2008 when he was recalled as president of the African National Party (ANC).
In order to examine the research efficiently, five research objectives were included: i) to study Thabo Mbeki’s Pan-Africanist vision and ideas for global reform; ii) to develop a pragmatic understanding of how Thabo Mbeki navigated and implemented his African Agenda and ideas for global reform; iii) to identify Thabo Mbeki’s political leadership style; iv) to analyse the factors that influenced Thabo Mbeki’s political leadership style; v) to assess whether Thabo Mbeki’s political leadership style was effective.
A qualitative research approach was employed. The research strategy included a single case study in the form of a life history. The study used a political life history of Thabo Mbeki, in-depth semi-structured interviews, as well as solicited documents and literature to collect and analyse data for exploration and insight into the inquiry. Content analysis was used as an analytical technique.
The findings of the study were presented, analysed and synthesised according to the findings in the literature and the theoretical framework. The research revealed that Mbeki had ambitious ideas for global reform and had a strong Pan-Africanist vision, these ideals were informed by his parents and the thinking of his mentors: O.R. Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Duma Nokwe. The research also confirmed that Mbeki implemented and drove his idea for global reform through the establishment of...
M.Phil.