Mbeki In America - South African President Thabo Mbeki - Brief Article

Ebony, August, 2000

South African President Charts New Course In Whirlwind Visit

CHARTING a new course for a new South Africa and establishing his own credentials as a world leader, President Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by his wife, first lady Zanele Mbeki, charmed business and political leaders and people on the street in a triumphant tour of the United States. From Atlanta's King Center in the South to corporate suites in the West to the White House and national and international offices in Washington, American cultural and political centers rang with praises of the new South Africa and the new South African leader.

The highlight of the trip was a White House State Dinner that brought together Washington's elite, the nation's top business leaders, glamorous entertainment and media leaders, and top government officials, including Vice President Gore, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Attorney General Janet Reno, Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater, Secretary of Commerce William Daley and Secretary of Defense William Cohen.

Some observers had predicted that the impact of Mbeki's visit would be lessened by controversy over his handling of the AIDS crisis in South Africa. But the South African president, no stranger to controversy, deftly handled questions on the subject, saying that his primary interest was in seeking the best solution for the special problems AIDS presents in his country. President Clinton issued all executive order designed to increase access to HIV-AIDS pharmaceuticals and medical technology in South Africa.

Both presidents stressed the special relationship that exists between America and South Africa.

"A great deal unites South Africa and the United States," President Clinton said. "This relationship between our two countries is a very special thing."

Clinton said in a toast to Mbeki and South Africa: "Life is a promise, and that promise is us. And the promise of South Africa is a promise that will always join our two people."

Mbeki praised Clinton for a recent law that expands trade with Africa and said: "That friendship is getting closer and closer all the time."