President Thabo Mbeki Reviews Ships of the South African Navy

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Credit: Sofia Tosolari/AllAfrica

The downfall of South Africa's President Thabo is closely linked to controversy over a massive arms deal which included the purchase of new ships -- which were officially shown to Mbeki late in August 2008. In this photo, Mbeki takes the salute from the SA Navy at its Simon's Town base near Cape Town.
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Credit: Sofia Tosolari/AllAfrica

Sailors of the SA Navy begin the "Presidential Fleet Review" by marching past Mbeki in formation. The last review had been presided over by President Nelson Mandela.
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Mbeki boards the review ship, the SAS Protea.
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In good mood, Mbeki posed for photographs with dignitaries and journalists, switching roles with a photographer in the process.
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The navy fleet makes its way towards the SAS Protea. Fourteen vessels took part in the review.
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Mbeki against the backdrop of the frigate, the SAS Amatola. Jacob Zuma, who has dislodged Mbeki, is alleged to have taken bribes from the French company which provided weapons for the ship and three other frigates.
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Credit: Sofia Tosolari/AllAfrica

Mbeki, in his role as Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C), greets his fleet. Addressing a parade afterwards, he insisted that new frigates and submarines were "obtained honestly."
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Credit: Sofia Tosolari/AllAfrica

After much cajoling, Mbeki reluctantly posed with a "C-in-C" cap, joined by defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota (left).
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Three helicopters fly past the review ship with the South African flag flying below. Mbeki said that the navy now has the "capacity to accomplish the full range of maritime strategic objectives and missions."
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The SAS Mendi - another of the frigates - with the crew lining the deck to salute the president.
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The SAS Queen Modjadji I, commissioned in April 2008, is one of two new submarines built in Germany.
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Mbeki (left) is joined by General Godfrey Ngwenya (center), the chief of the South African National Defence Force, and Vice Admiral Johannes Mudimu, the head of the navy.
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Credit: Sofia Tosolari/AllAfrica

The officers salute as the President Mbeki leaves the SAS Protea.