Presidency of Thabo Mbeki
| Presidency of Thabo Mbeki | |
|---|---|
 Thabo Mbeki, second post-apartheid President of South Africa | |
| In office | |
| 14 June 1999 – 24 September 2008 | |
| Preceded by | Mandela presidency |
| Succeeded by | Motlanthe presidency |
| Seat |
Mahlamba Ndlopfu, Pretoria Genadendal Residence, Cape Town |
| Political party | African National Congress |
The Presidency of Thabo Mbeki began on 14 June 1999, when Thabo Mbeki became then second President of South Africa. Mbeki an African National Congress (ANC) member who had previously been the Deputy President of South Africa defeated Democratic Alliance (DA) presidentian, Tony Leon in the South African general election, 1999. Mbeki's running mate Jacob Zuma became the Deputy President that same day.
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.