Thabo Mbeki, South Africa’s former President, is confirmed to be alive and in good health, according to his foundation.
Addressing social media reports circulating on Wednesday regarding Mbeki’s health, some of which claimed his demise, the foundation released a statement categorically denying these rumours.
“We categorically deny these reports and wish to assure the public that President Mbeki is in good health,” the foundation stated, emphasising the importance of caution and responsible engagement with online information, especially in times when misinformation can spread rapidly.
This isn’t the first instance of Mr. Mbeki being the subject of false news reports. In 2021, during the COVID pandemic, social media falsely claimed the former leader’s demise.
Thabo Mbeki, who succeeded Nelson Mandela as the country’s second democratically elected president, served from 1999 until 2008.
