Mbeki 'to undergo spiritual rebirth'

By Thabiso Thakali

2009 is going to start with a battle for ANC president Jacob Zuma but end well, while former president Thabo Mbeki could undergo a spiritual rebirth - that's if predictions by two diviners are anything to go by.

Sharing their predictions for 2009 with the Saturday Star, an astrologer and a sangoma agreed that despite what could be a rough start in the new year, there will be better times for Zuma.

And perhaps personal transformation is on the cards for Mbeki in 2009, although, according to astrologer Richard Fidler, he is set to become more reclusive.

"Mbeki's chart shows that he is quietly going to go through a spiritual change. He might become active in social welfare projects or humanitarian work," said Fidler.

"Zuma's astrological chart shows that April [the mooted date for the general election] will be an important month in his life. It shows that he will be more active in this period"

Sweetness Tau, a Vosloorus-based sangoma, predicted that Mbeki would emigrate.

She said Mbeki and his ancestors were unhappy at the way the country was being run at the moment, and this could make him decide to leave.

"There is a high possibility that Jacob Zuma may ultimately become the president of SA, although his legal woes may continue to threaten to derail his plans," she said.

"But because he [Zuma] has been through this before and he has the support of his ancestors, he will survive with few scars."

Both seers were adamant in their predictions that while the Congress of the People would pose a serious threat to the ANC's dominance, the ANC would still comfortably win 2009's general election.