David Mabuza
By Nkosana Khumalo
The African National Congress (ANC) Mpumalanga Executive Committee and the Mabuza family have confirmed that the memorial service for former Deputy President David Mabuza will take place next week on Thursday, 10 July 2025. This follows productive discussions to ensure a fitting farewell for the late leader, who passed away on 3 July 2025 at age 64. According to the Presidency’s Official Funeral Policy Manual, Mabuza will be honoured with a State Funeral Category 2, reserved for former deputy presidents, and the National Flag will fly at half-mast nationwide until his burial.
Memorial Services Across Mpumalanga
Deputy Provincial Chairperson of the ANC, Speedy Mashilo, announced that memorial services will be held in all three regions of Mpumalanga—Kangala, Nkangala, and Gert Sibande—starting Thursday. “We agreed to establish a team that the family has delegated Comrade Dez to be part of. This is the team that will be preparing, starting with the memorial services, which will commence on Thursday across our three regions so that at least people can have an opportunity to celebrate the life of Comrade DD,” Mashilo explained. These events will allow communities to honour Mabuza’s legacy. The state funeral date is still pending government confirmation, with Mashilo noting, “We are still waiting for the state to agree with the date.”
The remains of Mabuza were brought to Mpumalanga from Johannesburg on 4 July 2025. After rituals at his Bryanston home to “fetch his spirit,” a convoy escorted the family and remains to Barberton, arriving late that night. This journey reflects the family’s wish for him to be buried at their farm in Barberton, a plan currently under discussion.
Tributes Highlight Mabuza’s Legacy
Political leaders and parties have gathered at Mabuza’s Barberton homestead to pay respects. The ANC, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and uMkhonto weSizwe Party were among those present. Former MEC Pat Ngomane praised Mabuza’s focus on service delivery: “The first name of Comrade DD was service delivery; he built a lot of roads, and he brought water into the society. Even though it is not complete, he touched a lot of people.”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, speaking in Bryanston, called Mabuza a unifier. “He would always say to me, ‘I want unity,’ and that’s what I want to remember him for. A man who, once he agreed to do something, would never betray you,” Mashatile said. He urged ANC members to continue Mabuza’s work in uniting the party and serving South Africans.
Minister Ronald Lamola described Mabuza as a “congressman dedicated to community development,” adding, “He understood and loved the ANC, he was a mobiliser, a community builder.” Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu highlighted his humility: “He shaped my perspective on how commitment can propel you from the classroom as an educator to participate in responsibilities of a bigger scale.”
ANC First Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane called him a loyal cadre: “DD never put his position of being in public office as a prerequisite of being a member of the party. He remained a cadre of the ANC, moved away from public life, but continued to work for the ANC.” Cosatu’s Matthew Parks noted his humility, saying, “He will be remembered as a humble person who didn’t always seek the limelight for himself but was happy to give support to others to lead.”
From Teacher to National Leader
David Dabede Mabuza, born on 25 August 1960 in Phola, Mpumalanga, was a teacher and principal before entering politics. Nicknamed “The Cat” for his resilience, he began in the Black Consciousness Movement and later joined the ANC. His career included roles as MEC for Education and Housing in Mpumalanga, Premier from 2009 to 2018, and ANC Deputy President in 2017, before serving as South Africa’s Deputy President from 2018 to 2023.
Mabuza’s tenure saw improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Mpumalanga. Nationally, he chaired the South African National Aids Council and led anti-poverty efforts like Public Employment Programmes. His diplomatic work strengthened South Africa’s ties with African nations and the world, including at BRICS summits.
Controversy Over Death Announcement
The ANC defended Secretary General Fikile Mbalula after reports suggested he announced Mabuza’s death on social media before President Cyril Ramaphosa’s official statement. The party clarified: “The official ANC statement was released in a manner consistent with protocol, following the announcement by the President of the Republic. The Secretary General’s earlier social media post was a humane and compassionate reflection during a moment of collective grief.” They criticized media speculation as “political gossip in search of scandal where there is none.”
Ramaphosa delayed his announcement until Mabuza’s family arrived in Johannesburg from Barberton, respecting their need to pay respects privately. This sparked debate, but the ANC insisted Mbalula acted with compassion, not protocol violation.
A Nation Prepares to Say Goodbye
Mabuza died in a Gauteng hospital after breathing difficulties, passing away in the emergency room despite medical efforts. Family spokesperson Desmond Moela said, “He suddenly passed away while still in the emergency room with doctors who were assisting to stabilise him.” The family is finalising funeral plans, with Moela promising updates soon.
Additional dignitaries, including the Director-General in the Presidency and Deputy Minister Regina Mhaule, have joined preparations in Barberton. President Ramaphosa, unable to visit immediately due to a BRICS meeting in Brazil, is expected to visit the family next week. The farm entrance is draped in ANC regalia, and security is heightened for expected high-profile visitors.
A Lasting Impact
Leaders across parties praised Mabuza’s grace. The EFF noted, “When he fell out of favour with his party, he did not use his political challenges as a reason to destabilise the country; he instead bowed out of public office with grace.” BOSA’s Mmusi Maimane said he was “open to suggestions,” while Rise Mzansi’s Makashule Gana called him a “political operator” who knew when to step back.
As South Africa mourns, Mabuza’s legacy as a unifier, educator, and servant of the people endures. His memorial services and state funeral will celebrate a life dedicated to freedom, development, and unity.
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