By Thapelo Molefe
Thousands of people bid farewell to former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza in an emotional state funeral in Mbombela on Saturday.
The service brought together citizens, political leaders, diplomats, church figures and traditional leaders all united in honouring a man remembered as humble, loyal and deeply connected to the people.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the official eulogy, described Mabuza as a unifier in troubled times, who made a huge contribution in the journey to a democratic South Africa.
“David Mabuza, DD as he was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga, but throughout the country,” Ramaphosa told the mourners.
“It is as a servant of the people for which our departed leader and comrade will be best known and for which he will be forever remembered.”
The president described Mabuza as a dependable and committed leader, who understood responsibility without needing the spotlight.
“He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives,” Ramaphosa said.
He spoke of Mabuza’s passion for education, his leadership in government and his deep commitment to unity.
“He played a key role in maintaining balance in deeply divided political times… In death, he has once again brought us all together across many nations and continents to mourn, to pay homage, to remember and to fondly reminisce.”
The ceremony was rich in personal memories from those closest to Mabuza, starting from his wife and children.
Mabuza’s daughter, Angela, who spoke on behalf of his children, painted a picture of a father who was both strict and deeply loving.
“Our father was a national figure, a statesman,” she said.
“But when he was with us, he gave us his full attention. The time he gave us was rare, but it was truly rich, undisturbed and full of purpose.”
She recalled how Mabuza, who started out as teacher before entering politics, treated school report cards as “magic tickets”, not because they promised gifts, but because they represented effort and discipline.
“When we came home with a beaming 90%, he would raise an eyebrow and say, ‘and the missing 10%?’ He believed in excellence, but more than that, he believed in trying your best.”
Angela Mabuza spoke of his steady belief in them.
“He let us try. He’d say, ‘go for it’, and we did because he believed in us long before we believed in ourselves.”
She ended by saying: “More than grief, what we feel is gratitude. Gratitude that we were loved so deeply by such a rare man. He taught us that every move matters. That your name must mean something. That no challenge is beyond you if you face it with discipline, humility and heart.”
His youngest sister, Zandile Mabuza, remembered him not just as a brother, but as a leader within the family.
“You were number six out of 12 children, but you carried the strength and responsibility of the eldest,” she said.
“When our parents passed, you stepped in without hesitation. You were overprotective and serious, but always present.”
Fighting back tears, she said: “Now you’ve joined the four siblings who left before you. It’s hard to understand, and even harder to accept. But we take comfort knowing this was God’s plan.”
One of the most emotional moments of the day came when a farewell letter written by Mabuza’s wife, Nonhlanhla Mabuza, was read by family friend Nomsa Mnisi.
“I never imagined life without you,” she wrote.
“At first, I struggled sharing you with the country. But I came to understand your calling. You were not just mine; you belonged to the people.”
She recalled quiet mornings at home, their shared coffee and the strength he gave to their family.
“You said it was time to focus on your health and to make up for lost time. And you kept that promise.”
Businessman Robert Gumede gave a passionate and revealing speech about Mabuza.
“Many, who didn’t know him, have spoken differently about him,” Gumede said.
“But we, his family, knew who he really was a man of discipline, a man who separated family from politics completely.”
He recalled how Mabuza refused to let family members benefit from his political position.
“I used to ask him, why don’t you get your wife a government car with a driver? But he said no. She drove herself to work. That was his discipline.”
Gumede said Mabuza never chased high office, but accepted the responsibility when asked.
“He was known as Mr Unity. He worked to bring people together, even from his hospital bed. He didn’t change for the stage, [but] he stayed who he was.”
Gumede thanked the African National Congress and Ramaphosa for honouring Mabuza with dignity.
“He gave his all to his movement and his country. His legacy is unity, action and love for the people,” Gumede concluded.
After the tributes and prayers, the SA National Defence Force led the final procession, where Ramaphosa handed the national flag to the Mabuza family.
The Last Post was played, signifying the finality of death.
“In his eternal sleep, he is demonstrating that our many differences along political party and racial lines and the numerous disputes we may have, are eclipsed by our shared desire to follow his lead in building a just, equitable and caring society,” Ramaphosa said.
He said the sad and untimely passing of Mabuza was a time for the leaders of South Africa to reflect. They needed to ask themselves if they had sought public office because of the rewards they believed they could reap, or was it to improve the lives of the country’s citizens?
“Are we as selfless as we profess to be? Are we builders and unifiers, or do we divide and break? These questions are easy to ask, but sometimes difficult to answer.”
Mabuza’s funeral was a gathering not just of mourners, but of a country remembering a man who touched the lives of many far beyond his inner circle.
He is remembered as a father, a brother, a comrade and a builder of unity.
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