Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has put an end to swirling rumours about his d3@th by making his first public appearance.
The baseless reports suggested that Mbeki had passed away in an undisclosed hospital after a brief illness.
These unfounded rumours gained traction online, prompting the Thabo Mbeki Foundation to issue a statement setting the record straight.
Addressing the speculation, the foundation acknowledged the existence of the rumours and emphasized that they were without merit. In an official statement, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation categorically denied the reports and reassured the public that the former president was 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,” read part of the statement.
The foundation also took the opportunity to caution against relying solely on online information and encouraged individuals to obtain accurate updates on Thabo Mbeki’s well-being from official channels.
Now, Thabo Mbeki personally addressed the death rumours in a video shared by journalist Chrisela Zozi Lewis on X (formerly Twitter). While attending the funeral of photographer Peter Magubane, Mbeki dismissed the rumours, revealing that they originated in 2016 from someone in Ghana and resurface every year.
“I’m fine thanks. Very well. That story which they tell originated from somebody in Ghana in 2016 and they keep popping it up every year. I don’t know what they’re up to,” Mbeki assured everyone of his good health.
Mbeki mentioned that they had requested the Ghanaian President to address the matter. He reiterated that he is not only alive but in good health before extending New Year greetings.
“We told the Ghana Government that they must attend to it. It’s a silly story. I don’t know what the intention is. But somebody keeps popping it up every year. but as you can see I’m still very much alive and well. Happy New Year to everybody,” Mbeki added.
Source iHarare.com
