Raymond Mhlaba,
and Andrew Mhlangeni).

In 1977, while he was still in prison on Robben Island, the University of
Amsterdam awarded Mbeki an honorary doctorate of social science for his book The Peasant's Revolt
which had been published in Britain in 1964 (and banned in South Africa). The
book deals with revolt against the government by South Africa's poor peasants
and agricultural workers in Zululand and Pondoland between 1956 and 1960.

On 5 November 1987 the South African Nationalist government released Mbeki
from Robben Island, hoping this would pave the way for the release of other
long-serving political prisoners. But instead of quietly enjoying his freedom,
Mbeki resumed working for the ANC. The government restricted him to the city of
Port Elizabeth until November 1989. In February 1990 the ban on the ANC was
lifted and Mbeki resumed his placeon its national committee.

After South Africa's first democratic elections were held, in May 1994, Govan
Mbeki was elected Deputy President of the Senate. His quest for a free South
Africa had been realised. He retired from politics in 1999. When asked about his
son being president, he said: "I feel fine, not because he is my son, but
because we have a man in that position to carry on with the work of the ANC and
the people of South Africa."

Govan Mbeki died in his sleep on 30 August 2001, at his home in Port
Elizabeth, at the age of 91.