By Ken Afor
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation has debunked reports that the former South African President, Thabo Mbeki is dead.
The foundation in a post on X shortly after the report circulated on social media suggesting his demise categorically stated that Mbeki is not dead, he is alive and well.
“The Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) wishes to unequivocally refute as false and malicious a 2016 news insert by a Ghanian broadcaster, GBC 24, which is circulating on social media claiming that the Patron of the TMF and former Head of State of South Africa, President Thabo Mbeki, has passed away.
“We want to assure the public that President Mbeki is in good health. This not being the first time such fabricated reports have surfaced; we once again reiterate that they are deliberately misleading and harmful.
“We urge caution and responsible engagement with online information, particularly during a time when misinformation can easily spread rapidly.
“We appreciate your concern about President Mbeki and ask that you rely on official channels for accurate information about his well-being and activities. The Thabo Mbeki Foundation remains the primary source for such information.
“Thank you for your continued support and understanding,” the foundation stated on X.
It would be recalled in 2021, there was a previous death report that resembled the one during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Foundation, at that time, took a stand to disprove it.
Following Nelson Mandela, Mbeki assumed the presidency as the second black president of the country. He held the position of President of South Africa from 1999 to 2008.
Mbeki is highly regarded for his intellectual approach to governance and his significant contributions to post-Apartheid South Africa.
He was succeeded by Jacob Zuma.
