South Africa is mourning the death of former Deputy President David Mabuza who passed away on Thursday at the age of 65 following a short illness.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described Mabuza as “a leader grounded in activism” who helped shape South Africa’s engagement with its regional and international partners.
“The former Deputy President deserves our appreciation for his deep commitment to the liberation struggle and to the nation’s development as an inclusive, prosperous, democratic state,” Ramaphosa said.
Mabuza served as Deputy President from 2018 to 2023 following a decade-long tenure as Premier of Mpumalanga.
During his time in national office, he led the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land and Agriculture, overseeing the implementation of landmark policies such as the Land Court Act, the Land Donation Policy and the Beneficiary Allocation Policy.
Presiding officers of South Africa’s parliament praised Mabuza’s dedication to accountability and oversight, noting his consistent engagement with both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
“His passing is a profound loss not only to his family and comrades, but to the nation as a whole,” National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said in a joint statement.
Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah also paid tribute, calling Mabuza “a respected statesman and liberation fighter” whose efforts advanced socio-economic emancipation across the region.
“We shall remember Cde Mabuza for working tirelessly for unity and the socio-economic emancipation of South Africans and the region at large,” she said.
Mabuza’s political career spanned decades, beginning with grassroots activism and culminating in his role as Deputy President.
He was widely regarded as a strategic operator and a champion of rural development.
JN/APA