Zanele Dlamini Mbeki

Zanele Dlamini Mbeki is the former first lady of South Africa and the wife of former South African President, Thabo Mbeki.

Career and Marriage

Zanele met Thabo Mbeki while studying for a post graduate degree at the University of London to become a social worker, while her family lived in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra.

Zanele met Thabo while she was involved in student politics, and they fell in love.

While Thabo travelled, Zanele finished her masters at the University of London and then went to the United States to get her doctorate.

Zanele and Thabo got married at the Farnham estate in 1974. The wedding was attended by then ANC president Oliver Tambo and his wife Adelaide Tambo.

Zanele and Thabo have no children.