On June 16, 1999, Nelson Mandela stepped down from the Presidency of South Africa. He was replaced by Thabo Mbeki, the new leader of the African National Congress. The ANC had won parliamentary elections on June 2..

On June 16, 1999, Nelson Mandela, an iconic figure in the struggle against apartheid and the first Black President of South Africa, stepped down from the presidency. His departure marked the end of a remarkable era that had seen the country transition from decades of racial segregation and oppression to a nascent democracy. Mandela had been in office since May 1994, following the first fully representative, multiracial election in South African history.

His successor, Thabo Mbeki, was no stranger to the intricacies of South African politics or the African National Congress (ANC), the political party both men belonged to. Born to a family deeply involved in the anti-apartheid struggle, Mbeki had served as Mandela's deputy president. He was an experienced diplomat and a well-educated politician who had spent many years in exile during the apartheid era. His father, Govan Mbeki, was also a prominent anti-apartheid activist and a close associate of Mandela.

Prior to Mandela's departure, South Africa had conducted parliamentary elections on June 2, 1999. The ANC emerged victorious, capturing 66.4% of the vote, which was a slight increase from the 62.7% it had obtained in 1994. The win solidified the ANC's hold over the country's political landscape and paved the way for Mbeki to ascend to the presidency.

The transition from Mandela to Mbeki was seen as a critical moment in South Africa's fledgling democracy. Mandela had become a global symbol of resilience, peace, and reconciliation, and there were concerns about how the country would fare under new leadership. While Mandela had focused on national unity and reconciliation among South Africa's racially and ethnically diverse population, Mbeki faced the challenge of addressing more pragmatic concerns, such as economic inequality, unemployment, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic that was ravaging the country.

Mbeki's presidency was characterized by a more technocratic approach compared to Mandela's emphasis on moral leadership. Under Mbeki, South Africa adopted policies aimed at economic growth and development, including the Growth, Employment, and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy. However, his administration was also marred by controversies, including his controversial stance on HIV/AIDS and his handling of the Zimbabwean crisis.

In summary, Nelson Mandela's stepping down on June 16, 1999, and the subsequent assumption of power by Thabo Mbeki, was a pivotal event in South Africa's history. It not only represented a change in leadership but also indicated a shift in the nation's focus from the ideals of reconciliation to the pragmatic challenges of governance and development. The ANC's win in the parliamentary elections solidified this transition, ensuring that the party's influence would continue to shape South Africa in the years to come.