Mangosuthu Lutuli

From Daily Escape

The Honourable Mangosuthu Joseph Lutuli
State President of the Republic of South Africa
In office September 3, 2002 — present
Political party	United Party
Preceded by	B.W. Swart
Succeeded by	Incumbent
Born	July 14, 1951 Durban, Natal, South Africa
Spouse	Sibusile Lutuli
Profession	Politician, lawyer
Religion	Methodist
Languages	Zulu, Xhosa, English, Afrikaans

The Honourable Mangosuthu Lutuli (b. July 14, 1951) is the current State President of the Republic of South Africa. He has served in that capacity since 2002, when he was elected by the National Assembly. Prior to serving as State President, he has served as a barrister, an ombudsman, and a lawyer.

The ninth of fourteen children, Lutuli was born to an impoverished family, and his early years were marked by one tragedy after another. Two of his siblings died before the age of one, and his father passed away of cirrhosis of the liver when Lutuli was ten. His distraught mother subsequently fell ill, leaving it to the older children to care for the family and manage the household. Though these were chaotic and hectic times, the family's solid faith, commitment to each other, and perseverence saw them through, and Lutuli pledged that he would make his mother proud of him someday. He excelled in school, winning a scholarship to study at Stellenbosch University, where he obtained a master's degree in law.

After graduating, he married, and subsequently started a career as an attorney; after a rocky start and several difficulties, he eventually found his footing, and became successful. Though he achieved neither wealth nor fame, he was able to provide comfortably for his wife and his son, Shaka (named in honor the famous Zulu chieftain). Shortly after his fortieth birthday, he decided to play his hand at politics. He campaigned for parliament as candidate for the United Party, won, and went on to serve in parliament from 1991 until 2002, when he was elected to the largely ceremonial post of State President.

Though the State President is in essence just a figurehead, the position still commands much respect among South Africans, and Lutuli works diligently to ensure that the sanctity and integrity of this esteemed office are maintained. He is well-liked for his charisma, honesty, pleasant demeanor, and good humor.