Former President Mbeki “killed” Three Times

04/01/2024

1 minute read

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation has dismissed false reports that the former President of the country, Thabo Mbeki, is gravely ill or has died.

This is the third time his death has been falsely reported.

Mbeki took over as president after Nelson Mandela and the country was under his administration from 1999 to 2008.

In a statement, the Mbeki Foundation confirmed that he was very much alive and in good health.

“The Thabo Mbeki Foundation is aware of recent, unfounded reports circulating on social media regarding the health of the patron of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, President Thabo Mbeki. We categorically deny these reports and wish to assure the public that President Mbeki is in good health,” it said .

The foundation has warned the public to desist from spreading rumours coming from fake misleading reports doing the rounds on social media.

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

The foundation urged the public to rely on reliable news sources or channels for factual reporting regarding the former President.

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

This particular incident is the third one following claims that Mbeki had died in 2021 after he had battled COVID-19 for almost a week and another one where a website claimed he had died in 2016.

“The Thabo Mbeki Foundation continues to be inundated with queries regarding former President Thabo Mbeki’s health following a hoax report about his passing by a dubious website earlier this week.It is regrettable that some media outlets including public broadcasters on the continent, have reported on the hoax as fact without reference to the foundation or accredited South African Embassies and High Commissions in their countries,” it said at the time

04/01/2024

1 minute read