HIV/AIDS denialism in South Africa according to Gellman, Mbeki is "keeping the scientific uncertainties alive because he doesn't want to portray himself as helpless." On May 10, 1994, Mandela became President of South Africa, remaining in that office until replaced by Thabo Mbeki five years later. During his presidency, which lasted from then until 1999, Mandela remained largely indifferent to HIV/AIDS, and did not speak out about the danger it posed to South Africa until the early 2000s. Mandela has himself reportedly expressed regret that he did not do more to combat AIDS during his presidency. In early 1997, Mbeki, who was then the Deputy
Heroes' Day (South Africa) Heroes' Day (South Africa) Kruger Day or Heroes' Day was a public holidays in South Africa from 1882 to 1899 and again from 1952 to 1994, celebrated annually on 10 October in South Africa. The day was named after Paul Kruger, a Boer resistance leader against British rule and later president of the South African Republic, who celebrated his birthday on 10 October. The day was used to underline the values and principles of the Afrikaner people. Kruger Day was first celebrated in 1882, while Paul Kruger was still alive. Kruger was then the vice president, but because he enjoyed