Mbeki's departure won't be a big loss

Thabo Mbeki is a typical example of a person who has outstayed his/her welcome. Compare his degrading departure with his arrival nine years ago, when he took over from Nelson Mandela.

No one bothered to question his right, or his claim, to be president of the new South Africa, but it was soon realised that Mbeki was no Mandela.

In his first few years in office, without doubt Mbeki lingered in the shadows of the towering giant of his predecessor. Even now, nine years later, comparisons are made between the two, only for people to admit there can be no comparison as Mbeki falls miserably short of expectations.

He has not improved conditions for black South Africans, something seen as a priority if he was to gain the support of his own people on ability, rather than as leader of the African National Congress.

He has done little to improve trade, his foreign policy is in a shambles and crime is at an all-time high, leaving many expatriate South Africans leery of returning home until a better tomorrow arrives.

Mbeki's departure will not be a big loss to South Africa. The only sad thing for the country is his expected successor, Jacob Zuma, may not be any better.