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his support for Mugabe against the MDC. Some in the ranks of COSATU and theANC spoke covertly of whether Thabo should even see out his two terms. 436Indeed, by the first half of 2005, the SACP was ‘examining its options’ regardingremaining in the alliance, even prior to Mbeki’s dismissal of Zuma in mid-2005, towhich it was opposed. Yet, the organisation decided against abandoning the ANC ata congress held in April that year. 437Mbeki’s first term presented a perfect opportunity for the launching of a number ofkey foreign policy initiatives. First among these was the adoption of the AUConstitutive Act in July 2000, in which Mbeki was instrumental. Mbeki was also atthis time constructing his socio-economic plan for Africa, which would latermetamorphose into NEPAD. This was the foreign affairs project on which Mbekiexpended much of his time and energy, travelling in Africa, and makingrepresentations to the G8 and the Association of Southeast Asian States (ASEAN)to obtain global support. South Africa also took a leading role in establishing thePan-African Parliament, one of the new continental institutions, and won the rightto host it. Further resources were allocated to Mbeki’s African Renaissance whenthe African Renaissance and Co-operation Fund Act was promulgated in 2001. 438Although this Fund does not utilise South African resources exclusively, they docomprise a substantial component. Mbeki’s first term was also marked by SouthAfrica’s leading role in mediating an ending to the civil war in the DRC.In summary, Mbeki’s first term saw him preside over an increasing centralisation ofpolitical power in the Office of the State President. This started a process ofalienation between himself and the ANC rank-and-file and alliance partners.Mbeki’s strengthened position enabled him to mobilise resources for grand gesturesat the continental level, such as initiating the African agenda, and presidentialdiplomacy associated with it. He was unable, however, to deal successfully with436 Feinstein, After the Party, 108.437 Independent Online. 2005. “Communists elect not to run own poll race”. April 11,2005. Accessed online at: http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/communists-elect-not-torun-own-poll-race-1.238425,on 27 February, 2011.438 The fund consists of money appropriated by Parliament, in addition to other sources.In 2006, the amount allocated by the South African parliament was R150 million. SeeAfrican Renaissance and International Co-operation Fund Accounting Officer’s Reportfor the year ended 31 March 2007. Accessed online at:http://www.dfa.gov.za/department/report_2006-2007/arf%20report.pdf on 16 March,2011.182