Tributes pour in for David Mabuza, described as a dominant figure in South African politics

Tributes are pouring in for former Deputy President David Mabuza, who served as Deputy President under Cyril Ramaphosa's first term, who died on Thursday afternoon, aged 64. 

Mabuza was remembered as a dominant politician and a committed and humble cadre who dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula on Thursday confirmed the news and extended his condolences to the Mabuza family. 

"It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of the former Deputy President of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza," Mbalula said.

He described Mabuza as a patriot, freedom fighter, and leader who served with humility and conviction.

"We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served with humility and conviction. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his legacy by continuing the work of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa," he said.

Professor Somadoda Fikeni, a former political analyst who worked with Mabuza, described him as a dominant politician who could outwit political opponents. He compared Mabuza to ANC heavyweight Matthews Phosa, who he succeeded as Mpumalanga premier.

 "Mabuza was a person I followed a lot when I was a political analyst. He could outwit political opponents, and I could say he was the most dominant politician I know and want to compare him to Matthews Phosa," Fikeni said.

Political parties  have also paid tribute to Mabuza, including the GOOD Party, RISE Mzansi, ActionSA, the African Congress for Transformation (ACT) and Build One SA.

The GOOD Party leader and Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said: “He was an exemplary chair of intergovernmental forums, his meetings were marked by punctuality, clarity of purpose, and firm outcomes. I personally admired his respect for time and process, and it is a discipline we can all learn from in public service," 

Mmusi Maimane, BOSA leader remembered Mabuza as a significant figure in South African politics. 

"While we often found ourselves on opposing sides of policy and principle, today we pause to honour the life of a man who occupied one of the highest offices in our nation and played a significant role in its political life," Maimane said.

RISE Mzansi remembered Mabuza as a freedom fighter.

“Mabuza was a freedom fighter, seasoned politician, unionist and operator. ‘The Cat’ is no more…We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Mabuza family and the African National Congress.”

ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba said while varying reflections on his legacy will no doubt unfold in the days to come, he simply wished to extend compassion to Mabuza's family as they begin this difficult mourning journey. 

“We pray for their strength, peace and comfort during this time of loss,” Mashaba said.

His former friend and comrade Ace Magashule, the president of the African Congress for Transformation (ACT), said he had received the news with deep sadness and heartbreak.

Mabuza's legacy is complex, with some viewing him as a power broker and others as a committed cadre. 

Cosatu spokesperson Matthew Parks said Mabuza was not perfect but played a major role in the growth of the country.

Mabuza was born at Phola Trust, in Mpumalanga, on 25 August 1960 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa in 1989.

He served as an MEC for Education in Mpumalanga from 1994 to 1998 and as a regional chairperson of the ANC during the same period.

He became a member of the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC from 1998 to 2006.

While he served in other government roles, including Mpumalanga premier, he became the deputy president of the ANC from December 2017 to December 2022. 

Details of his funeral are yet to be announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Mabuza is expected to be honoured with an official State funeral.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za