PRESIDENT Thabo Mbeki’s second book was launched at a glittering ceremony at Parliament on Wednesday night. Called ”Mahube — the Dawning of a Dawn”, it comprises a collection of speeches and pronouncements Mbeki has made over the years. The ceremony, in the historic Old Assembly dining room, was attended by leading figures in the political and book publishing fields, with virtually the whole Cabinet being present, as well as a number of opposition politicians. Other dignitaries included South Africa’s ambassador to Ireland, Melanie Verwoerd, a former ANC MP; former SA ambassador to The Netherlands, Carl Niehaus, also a former ANC MP; and Mbeki’s wife, Zanele. Mbeki, whose first book was also on the same lines, joked to the packed gathering: ”Perhaps some of the foolish things I said will inspire other people to write.” He added that he hoped the price of books would be reduced, His latest book sells for R150. – Sapa