Former Deputy President David Mabuza laid to rest

''A forever humble person''. That is how Presdient Cyril Ramaphosa described the late former Deputy President David Mabuza.

Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at Mabuza’s funeral in Mpumalanga on Saturday.

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Mabuza passed away last week after a short illness. Ramaphosa declared Mabuza’s funeral a State Category Two funeral. Mabuza was the Deputy President of South Africa from 2018 to 2023 and served as the Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018.

‘’In all his roles he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity. Yet despite his stature, he was forever humble. His own humble beginnings infused him with a mission to uplift our people. He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch. Since the news came of his passing, we have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and political leaders from across the spectrum flocking to DD’s home in Barberton to pay their respects.

‘’Such was his popularity. Such was his ability to unite the people of this province. David Mabuza was not a man for standing on podiums and giving long speeches. He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives. Over the past days we have heard from a number of young citizens of Mpumalanga who have described him as a father of the community, who helped bring development to many rural parts of Mpumalanga.’’

‘’He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism and quiet resolve. To some, he was the "cat with nine lives" — resilient in the face of political storms. But to many in his home province and beyond, he was a source of support, a provider of opportunities, and a champion for rural development and education,’’ added Ramaphosa.

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Former deputy president David Mabuza’s children have remembered him as a disciplined, structured, and decisive leader.

Delivering a heartfelt tribute at his funeral service this morning, Mabuza’s son, David Junior Mabuza, described him as a present and purposeful father who instilled values of humility, resilience, and excellence. Speaking on behalf of the children, Mabuza’s son Mxolisi said their father encouraged them to excel while remaining humble.

“He made it clear that we were standing on the shoulders of sacrifice, and because of that, we never take our lives for granted. Education was one of our father’s greatest passions. He spoke about it as a tool for success and a foundation for freedom. He called our report cards ‘magic tickets’, not because they guaranteed gifts, but because they represented effort, discipline, and freedom.”

Mabuza’s daughter, Angela, said their father was never casual about parenting and he moulded them to become valuable members of society.

“He wanted us to become people of substance; people who could stand tall, though without arrogance; people who knew what they stood for and who they stood beside.”

Nomsa Mnisi read a message on behalf of Mabuza’s widow, Nonhlanhla.

“My beloved Mshengu, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a life without you, yet here I am writing our last love letter.”

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Mabuza was the sixth of 12 children. His youngest sister, Zandile, remembered him as a strict but caring brother who was overprotective of his sisters.

 

Done By: Mitchum George