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Eight Days in September: The Removal of Thabo Mbeki is a political memoir by South African author and former civil servant Frank Chikane. Published in 2012 by Pan Macmillan South Africa, the book provides an insider's account of the events leading to the removal of President Thabo Mbeki from office in September 2008.[1]
| Author | Frank Chikane |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Political memoir |
| Genre | Non-fiction |
| Publisher | Pan Macmillan South Africa |
Publication date | 2012 |
| Publication place | South Africa |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 271 |
| ISBN | 978-1-77010-221-7 |
Background
editFrank Chikane served as the Director-General in the Office of the President during Mbeki's presidency. In this capacity, he was responsible for managing the transition from Mbeki to Kgalema Motlanthe and subsequently to Jacob Zuma. His position afforded him a unique perspective on the political dynamics within the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African government during this tumultuous period.[2]
The book offers a detailed narrative of the eight-day period in September 2008, during which Mbeki was removed from office. Chikane describes the internal strife within the ANC, the political maneuvering that led to Mbeki's ousting, and the subsequent transition of power. He also reflects on Mbeki's legacy and the implications of his removal for South Africa's political landscape.[3]
The Chikane files
editPrior to the publication of the book in 2012, Chikane authored a series of articles known as the "Chikane Files," which were published in The Star newspapers in 2010.[4] These articles served as a precursor to the book, providing a preliminary account of the events surrounding Mbeki's removal. The book expands upon these articles, offering a more comprehensive and detailed perspective.[5]
When it was finally published in 2012, the book was reviewed by various scholars and analysts, with some[who?] praising its candidness and insight into the inner workings of the ANC and the South African government. However, some critics[who?], particularly the ANC, questioned Chikane's objectivity, given his close association with Mbeki and his role in the events described. The ANC's secretary-general at the time, Gwede Mantashe, first warned the public in July 2010 to be cautious of the files as they were not the "gospel truth".[4] Despite these critiques, the book is considered a valuable contribution to the understanding of South Africa's political history during this period.[3]
References
edit- ^ Pan Macmillan South Africa - Eight Days in September, 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2025
- ^ Mail & Guardian - Frank Chikane on Eight Days in September, October 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2025[dead link]
- ^ a b News24 Book Review, October 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2025[dead link]
- ^ a b Chikane files not gospel - ANC, News24, 24 July 2010. Retrieved 12 August 2025
- ^ New book looks at Mbeki exit, IOL, July 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2025[dead link]