Great victory to fairness and to humanity at large. I suppose he has done enough to deserve a job in his northern neighbour's new cabinet. He did such a stirling job up there they will create something good for him But then he must get used to seeing sickly, hungry, unkempt, uneducated, dying children daily, while he swims in ill-gotten wealth and learns Zanu slogans. He should have no problem getting a farm either. Shame !

I donot know the domestic politics in South Africa. But, If this man was the same man that handled the Zimbagwe-Migwabe Wahala, then he is supposed to have been kicked out long ago. He is an Idiot.

Africa won't miss him. However, Africa won't forget that he sided with the villainous Mugabe when the majority of Zimbabweans, through the ballot, said otherwise. Of recent he was again at it, in Khartoum siding with Bashir Omar who has been indicted for war crimes which he and his government have perpetrated on the people of Darfur. Mbeki needed to have gone long ago, especially now that he has crossed the line by meddling too much in other countries affairs, and misusing South Africa's political stature. What quiet diplomacy is that that supports criminals, be they African heads of state ? It is unacceptable and should rightly be condemned in the utmost.

After many years of white rule, the people of South Africa still have to deal with their own kind.As a black man myself,I think Mr.Mbeke needs to step down and gave place a chance for new leaderships.

please!!please!! i beg in the name of father,son, and holy spirt!!! let try to understand that intersts of population have to come before politician's one!! why do we human being(african )looking at only the mistak of somebody when ours are full like liver during rain season!! MR mbeki has tryed his best!!i'm sure for that!! he played good role in my country up to day(burundi)!! let take care of africa !!is our continental , let have humbleness in our hearts!! let think about tomorrow,and do not forget that the things we are faiting for is not for us!! but for this world!!!if can be possible for us to do experment for this, i think we can ask MWANAWASA IF HE HAS TOOK ANYTHING AMONG OF HIS PROPARTY, OR MONEY ..WHATEVER!!!!

Thabo Mbeki has displayed a rare political courage, in which none African Heads Of State could do. Instead, these "sit tight & die there" African Heads Of State would head to the law court to challenge their parties' decision. I personally duff my sincere cap for Thabo Mbeki. He's a real ruler to be emulated. He has earned for himself a complete respect and praises in Africa and entire World in general. He should be given a World Noble Prize for Peace Initiation. If he would have objected to his party's decision, by now SA eould have erupted in unimaginable political imbroglio / civil unrest, because about 80% of the 40mill people belong to ANC. Thabo Mbeki is sensible, intelligent and damn courageous. Thumps up for the Man Of Courage and Sincerity. You are our main Man Of The Year, 2008, Thabo Mbeki. Other Heads Of State should frankly copy from you.

Thabo Mbeki est un grand homme, un valeureux africain, un homme d'Etat de grande envergure. Il respecte les lois. Il respecte ses concitoyens. Par sa future démission, il donne un bon exemple, difficilement imitable, aux nombreux politiciens africains qui n'ont aucune notion de l'Etat et du respect des lois. Ainsi, ils sont politiciens et ne seront jamais des hommes d'Etat comme Mbeki. Je me réfère particulièrement au Congo, honte de toute l'Afrique et de l'humanité entière, république bananière par excellence, pompeusement appelée république démocratique, que des politiciens sans éthique et sans culture pillent quotidiennement en asphyxiant leurs concitoyens condamnés à mourir de faim sur une terre fertile.

This decision of the ANC shows the maturity of the democracy in SA's politic. It's an example for many Africans countries to follow. It SHOULD TELL THEM THAT one's can't stay in power when the people don't want him even if he/she constitutionnaly can do so. I hope the lesson spread across Africa and learned.

Yes indeed ANC is leading by example. In contrast ZanuPF does not hold its leaders accountable and the sorry state of Zimbabwe is the unfortunate result. How can ZanuPF still keep a leader who admits to having had the worst Cabinet but kept it all the same? And who admits to the humiliation of having to share power with the opposition?

This post was deleted because it contravenes AllAfrica's commenting guidelines.

Mbeki's willingness to step down shows his character, even after his accomplishments not only in South Africa, but in Zimbabwe too. There are few leaders who still maintain their dignity and Mbeki was one of them... I don't think this will be the last we will see of him.

Thabo Mbeki's reign of terror ha finally come to an unceremonious and abrought end.Good riddance.We need to ask:will the vampire strikes back and in what form?I am also gratefull that Jacob Zuma will advance the nation and the ANC together in unity towards 2012.

My friend, tell Zuma to Zip his trousers and stop having indiscriminate sex with HIV positive women. He must grow up and learn to be responsible now that he is one step from the presidency.

It's unfortunate what has just happened in South Africa with the architect of modern day South AFrica been asked to leave before the end of his mandate. We may have a lot of criticism to make of President Mbeki about HIV/AIDS, Zimbabwe, Zuma trial, and it is only fair because he is human like everyone else.

What ever the issues and his mistakes, President Mbeki has played his part in the reconstruction of South Africa and Africa, he has played a seminal role in the transformation of the world. He has given a voice to Africa and the developing world in the global stage. Thank to Mr Mbeki Africa can now claim its sovereignty over matters concerning the continent.

President Mbeki has dedicated his time in office defining South Africa as an African country and positioning the African continent on the world map. This was acknowdged by the iconic President Mandela in his Nelson Mandela lecture series in 2006. President Mandela went as far as presenting president Mbeki as the most effective of all the prime ministers and presidents that South Africa has ever had.

Whatever the fight taking place in ANC President Mbeki deserves credits for the job that he has done for South Africa, the continent and the developing world. No amount of insults will ever take away what he has achieved for us. History will judge everyone. THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT FOR YOUR PART IN SHAPING AFRICA AND THE WORLD. TANK YOU FOR YOUR UNASSUMING COMMITMENT TO AFRICA RENAISSANCE. WE WILL MISS YOU.

MOFFO

Allafrica.com appears to provide its coverages of the homeland to a majority twenty first century slaves. If not, allafrica.om has not shown otherwise. Allafrica.com hastily takes down any emmancipating postings that defend Afraka's rights and freedom, while promoting slave/colonized mindsets. Allafrica.com cannot fool we the people, knowing very well whose interests they are serving.

Shame on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The south African polotical system has shown that what a democracy government should look like and shoud be to the rest of African countrys or leaders throughout the continent of Africa. Specially part of East Africa like Ethiopian government,who has been in power since 1990s and still in power. The dictators should take a note or lesson from advance country. South Africa has trully shown so fur what it mean to be a democratic government.God Help Africa!

You guys seem to have a short memory,how many of you guys actually played your part buy voting him in for a SECOND term in 2005,this WOULD be an interesting statistic

There is also another saying,If you did not vote(witch many Soth Africans died for)you deserve what you get.

The trend continues ‘quite diplomacy, 'quite exit' from politics. Albeit, very dignified for to agree to the recall from the ruling party ANC.

It is evident that his impartial mediation effort in Zimbabwe, handling of the JZ trial, contesting the ANC presidency against party tradition -- being defeated and creating two centres of powers in the separation of the ruling national party president and the national president, meddling in the independence of the national prosecuting authority, his inability to communicate effectively his grip on HIV and AIDS and help shape appropriate government policy will go on record as some of the factors that tainted his reign.