By Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially declared a period of national mourning following the death of former Deputy President David Mabuza, who passed away last week, at the age of 64 after a short illness.
As the nation prepares for the funeral, Ramaphosa has declared a period of national mourning from Monday until the evening of the funeral on Saturday; with all national flags to be flown at half-mast across South Africa.
“The President reiterates his deep condolences to the Mabuza family. He wishes the family strength as they and the nation reflect on the life of a family member, activist, educator, intellectual, and leader in government who contributed greatly to the attainment of freedom and development in our society,” the Presidency said.
Mabuza will be honoured with a State Funeral Category 2 on Saturday, with ceremonies set to take place in Mpumalanga, although his final resting place remains under discussion.
In accordance with the State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual of The Presidency, a Category 2 state funeral is reserved for individuals who served as Deputy President, Acting President, or Former Deputy Presidents of the Republic.
Preparations are now in full swing for the funeral, which is expected to draw senior government leaders, high-ranking ANC officials, and international dignitaries. However, the exact location of Mabuza’s burial has not yet been finalised.
Family spokesperson Desmond Moela confirmed during a media briefing at the Mabuza family home in Barberton that the funeral date is set, but discussions are ongoing about where the late statesman will be laid to rest.
“We are still engaging with multiple stakeholders to ensure that this decision is made respectfully and in alignment with both personal and public considerations,” Moela said.
According to Moela, Mabuza had personally expressed a wish to be buried on his private farm in the Barberton area.
An ANC delegation visited the site on Saturday to assess its suitability, but Moela emphasised that no decision has been made.
“This is not just going to be a matter for the family only. We are receiving guidance from the government and the ANC. Everyone involved understands the significance of this decision, and we want to ensure we act in the best interest of his legacy,” he said.
Given Mabuza’s senior role in government and the ANC, the funeral is being jointly coordinated by the Mabuza family, the African National Congress, and the Presidency.
Mabuza served as Deputy President from 2018 to 2021, working closely with President Ramaphosa during a period of political transition.
Before that, he was the Premier of Mpumalanga for nearly a decade, where he played a pivotal role in provincial development and political stability.
Despite controversies surrounding aspects of his leadership, Mabuza was widely acknowledged as a strategic thinker who helped steer the ANC through internal divisions.
He was instrumental in uniting factions ahead of the party’s 2017 elective conference, and he maintained a low but powerful profile in national politics thereafter.
Moela also confirmed that the family is considering a public memorial service in Mpumalanga to give citizens an opportunity to pay their final respects.
“We appreciate the outpouring of support from across the country. The family is working carefully and thoughtfully through this process to ensure everything is done in his spirit,” he said.
As South Africans reflect on Mabuza’s complex political career, the funeral is expected to serve as a national moment of reflection, mourning, and unity.
Since news of his passing, tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum.
Many described Mabuza as a quiet powerbroker, a grassroots organiser, and a deeply loyal servant of the ANC who preferred to work behind the scenes.
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