Former African Presidents celebrate Mbeki At 80

By Samuel Ouma [caption id="attachment_97491" align="alignnone" width="696"] Thabo Mbeki is a revered member of the Africa elder statesmen club[/caption] The Forum for Former African Heads of State and Government on Saturday, June 18, 2022, celebrated the former South African President Thabo Mbeki’s 80^th birthday. In a statement read by the former Mozambique Head of State, Joaquim Chissano, the forum said they were lucky to work closely with His Excellency Mbeki and experienced his firsthand human qualities of hard work, warmth, compassion, and indefatigable commitment to the cause of justice and love for the people and Africa. “We, the members of the forum for former African heads of state and government, Africa forum, celebrating your excellency's 80th birthday,” said His Excellency Joaquim Chissano. They noted that the ex-South African President exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision, and exemplary leadership, making the continent's prosperity clearly visible on the horizon and exploration for future generations. The members of the forum also acknowledged him as one of the architects of Africa's transformation agenda and his immense contribution to Africa's peace, stability and unity. “Your commitment to social justice, your keen sense of public service, and immunity are qualities that exemplify your leadership and which continue to inspire the young and old throughout the continent,” added Mr. Chissano. Moreover, they also described President Mbeki as a selfless leader who restored and revived African dignity to promote the philosophy of Africanus and Pan-Africanism. The former African heads also appreciated him for his significant contributions to the Forum for Former African Heads of State and Government activities. Thabo Mbeki was born in 1942. He served as the South African President between 1999 and 2008.