Thabo Mbeki Foundation slams reports of former President’s ‘death’

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The Thabo Mbeki Foundation has dismissed as fake news reports doing the rounds and claiming that former South African President, Thabo Mbeki has died.

This comes after unfounded death rumors of former statesman recently rippled across social media platforms, causing public concern and speculative chatter.

In a video widely circulated believed to be dated back in 2016 of a broadcast channel in Ghana, a news reader is heard making the announcement of Mbeki’s ‘death’.

“Mbeki died at the age of 74, was pronounced dead on arrival by the hospital this morning after a short illness. According to the family, the former president had complained of sickness at dawn,” she stated.

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The 81-year-old former head of state served as president from 1999 to 2008.

Mbeki, who succeeded Nelson Mandela as president of South Africa remains a respected figure for his intellectual leadership and his contributions to post-apartheid South Africa’s economic growth and stability.

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An unknown person edited the former president’s Wikipedia page and included the information that he had died on 2 January 2024.

The Foundation refuted the rumors and assured the public that the former President is in good health.

Supplementary TMF Statement on GBC 24 News Report Regarding President Thabo Mbeki pic.twitter.com/71h7vGbYbE

— Thabo Mbeki Foundation (@TMFoundation_) January 3, 2024

It further added that this was not the first time such fabricated reports have surfaced.

In June 2021, during the pandemic, a WhatsApp message from someone purporting to be a News24 journalist falsely claimed that Mbeki had died of Covid. 

“We urge caution and responsible engagement with online information particularly during a time when misinformation can spread rapidly.

“We appreciate your concern and ask that you rely on official channels for accurate information about President Mbeki’s well-being and activities,” Anga Jamela, TMF spokesperson said.