By Charles Molele
Former Deputy President David Mabuza, who has long been dogged by accusations of corruption, died on Thursday at a Sandton Mediclinic after a prolonged illness.
Mabuza, known as ‘The Cat’ in ANC’s political circles, was 64-years-old at the time of his death.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula confirmed Mabuza’s passing on social media.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of former deputy president of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, comrade David Dabede Mabuza,” Mbalula said on X.
“Comrade Mabuza dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. From his days in the struggle against apartheid to his leadership as premier of Mpumalanga and later as deputy president, he was a committed cadre who carried the values of unity, discipline and transformation.
“On behalf of the African National Congress, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa said he had learned with deep sadness of the passing of Mabuza.
“On behalf of government and the nation, I offer my profound condolences to the late Deputy President’s wife, Mrs Mabuza, and the children,” said Ramaphosa.
“We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism at the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation and shape South Africa’s engagement with our continental compatriots and the international community in his role as Deputy President.”
Ramaphosa added that further announcements would be made in due course on memorial arrangements and “the honours with which the country will pay its final respects to the Former Deputy President.”
The EFF paid tribute to Mabuza on Thursday night and described him as “a veteran of the liberation struggle and a long-serving servant of the people”.
“Though Mabuza only served one term in office and never ascended to the Presidency, a rarity for someone who held the position of Deputy President, he never placed personal ambition above the duties of his office,” the EFF said in a media statement.
“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 and a clear sense of duty to the Republic.”
Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, praised Mabuza for dedicating his life to serving the people, from his local communities in Mpumalanga to the nation as a whole.
Parks described Mabuza as a humble yet decisive leader who navigated challenging times for South Africa, particularly during the aftermath of State Capture and corruption.
“When South Africa was at the crossroads after the painful decade of state capture and corruption, then Premier Mabuza played a seminal role within the leadership collective of the African National Congress, to place it, the broader liberation movement and the nation firmly on the path of renewal,” said Parks.
“When the time came to hand the baton to the next generation, Deputy President Mabuza did not hesitate to do so humbly and always emphasising the importance of discipline. He continued to play his role as a former Deputy President and an elder.”
Mabuza’s political career was largely overshadowed by controversy.
While serving as Mpumalanga’s education MEC, Mabuza was implicated in a scandal involving inflated matric results.
In 2009, shortly after becoming premier, R14-million in cash allegedly went missing from his Barberton farm – though police later confirmed only R4 million had been reported stolen.
Mabuza was also alleged to have been behind the killing of Mbombela speaker Jimmy Mohlala in 2009, who blew the whistle on corruption linked to the building of a 2010 World Cup stadium.
Mabuza was born on 25 August 1960 in Phola Trust, Mpumalanga.
He earned a national teacher’s certificate from Mgwenya College of Education in 1985 and later completed a BA in Psychology from the University of South Africa (Unisa) in 1989.
A trained mathematics teacher, Mabuza worked as a school principal before entering politics.
Mabuza was premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018 and became deputy president of the ANC in 2017, a position he held until 2022.
Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, he served as deputy president of South Africa from 2018 until his resignation from Parliament in March 2023.
During his time in office, he also acted as the leader of government business.
Mabuza resigned as an MP in March 2023 following his request to Ramaphosa to step down as the second in command.
He told the nation and ANC members he had agreed with Ramaphosa that he must step down to allow the then newly elected ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile to take over.
Mahlengi Bhengu, ANC national spokesperson, said Mabuza was deeply committed to reconciliation and nation-building, acting as a bridge-builder within both the movement and government.
“He had a charming personality that connected with the people, reflective of the ANC’s rootedness in society. Rising from the ranks of student activism to becoming Premier of Mpumalanga and ultimately the Deputy President of the Republic, Cde Mabuza exemplified a life committed to the liberation and upliftment of the people,” said Bhengu.
“As a leader, he played a critical role in building the ANC structures in Mpumalanga and the country. He was instrumental in strengthening unity and stability within the organisation. His term as Deputy President was marked by a calm and steady hand.”
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