Former president Thabo Mbeki received a lifetime achievement award at the 2008 African ICT Achievers Awards.
The accolade is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the ICT industry across the continent and whose efforts have impacted on both policy and people.
Mbeki resigned as president of the country after he was recalled by the ANC earlier this year.
At last week's awards ceremony, Nepad e-Africa Commission executive deputy chairman Dr Henry Chasia spoke of Mbeki's contribution, saying: “In 1991, Mbeki addressed the telecoms authority in the country about transformation - at a time when it was still difficult to find a black person or a woman in the room. His initiatives have led to the fruits which we are now all experiencing. He has inspired many policies and in 1998, SA had the first female to sit on the ITU council. Under his leadership, SA was recognised by the ITU for having the fastest developing ICT industry on the continent.”
Communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri handed over the award and said: “I have never had greater pleasure in giving an award than I have now.”
Mbeki steered clear of political commentary in his acceptance speech, choosing rather to thank the organisers for the recognition and say he hopes the awards would serve as further inspiration for others in the industry to do better.
Former minister of public service and administration Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi was also recognised at the awards. She received the top ICT minister in Africa award - which she shared with professor Romain Murenzi, of Rwanda. Fraser-Moleketi was one of the ministers who resigned from her post earlier this year following Mbeki's resignation.
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