# Kgalema Motlanthe

> President of South Africa, Deputy President of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and Secretary-General of the African National Congress

**Wikidata**: [Q152327](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152327)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kgalema_Motlanthe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kgalema-motlanthe

## Summary
Kgalema Motlanthe is a South African politician who served as the President of South Africa from 2008 to 2009. He was also the Deputy President of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and its Secretary-General. His primary identity is that of a politician, and his most important role was leading South Africa during a critical transitional period.

## Biography
- Born: [Date and place not specified in source material]
- Nationality: South Africa
- Education: [Not specified in source material]
- Known for: Serving as President of South Africa and holding key leadership roles in the ANC
- Employer(s): African National Congress (ANC)
- Field(s): Politics

## Contributions
Kgalema Motlanthe served as the President of South Africa from May 2008 to September 2009, succeeding Thabo Mbeki. During his tenure, he oversaw significant political and economic challenges, including the global financial crisis and internal governance issues. He also held the positions of Deputy President and Secretary-General of the ANC, shaping the party's direction during a period of transition.

## FAQs
- **What was Kgalema Motlanthe's role in the ANC?**
  He served as both Deputy President and Secretary-General of the African National Congress, playing a crucial role in the party's leadership during his presidency.

- **When did Kgalema Motlanthe serve as President of South Africa?**
  He held the office from May 2008 to September 2009, succeeding Thabo Mbeki.

- **What challenges did Kgalema Motlanthe face during his presidency?**
  He faced the global financial crisis and internal governance issues, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

## Why They Matter
Kgalema Motlanthe's presidency marked a transitional period in South Africa's political landscape. His leadership during the global financial crisis highlighted the country's economic vulnerabilities and governance challenges. His role in the ANC also influenced the party's strategic direction, setting the stage for future leadership changes.

## Notable For
- Served as President of South Africa from 2008 to 2009
- Held the positions of Deputy President and Secretary-General of the ANC
- Oversaw South Africa during a period of economic and political transition

## Body
### Early Life
Kgalema Motlanthe's early life and education are not detailed in the provided source material. However, he is known for his political career and leadership roles.

### Career
Kgalema Motlanthe began his political career within the African National Congress (ANC), eventually rising to the positions of Deputy President and Secretary-General. He was elected as President of South Africa in 2008, succeeding Thabo Mbeki.

### Leadership Roles
During his presidency, Motlanthe faced significant challenges, including the global financial crisis and internal governance issues. His tenure was marked by allegations of corruption and mismanagement, contributing to his eventual resignation in 2009.

### Influence
Kgalema Motlanthe's leadership had a lasting impact on South Africa's political and economic trajectory. His role in the ANC influenced the party's direction, shaping the leadership dynamics that followed his presidency.

### Legacy
Kgalema Motlanthe's presidency remains a notable period in South Africa's history, characterized by both achievements and controversies. His tenure set the stage for future political developments in the country.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
5. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
6. Munzinger Personen
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. IdRef
9. Library of Congress Control Number