The political community still finds itself in a state of shock following the passing of former South African deputy president David Mabuza.
Nicknamed ‘The Cat’, Mabuza served the country alongside current president, Cyril Ramphosa, as his deputy during his first term in office. He passed away at a Sandton hospital on Thursday after battling a long illness. He was 64 years old.
The news of his passing has since been a bitter pill to swallow for many of his close colleagues and others who have had the privilege of knowing him on a personal level.
Confirming the news was ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, who said: “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of former deputy president of the republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza.”
Mbalula honoured the late politician for his continuous contributions towards liberation, as well as his years of service to the country and the Mpumalanga province where he served as premier.
“On behalf of the ANC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa. We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served with humility and conviction,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa shared a statement of his own, highlighting that his thoughts and prayers were with the Mabuza family and the comrades within his political home, the ANC.
“We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism at the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation and shape South Africa’s engagement with our continental compatriots and the international community in his role as Deputy President.
“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,” he concluded.
Current Deputy President, Paul Mashatile also shared a tribute message via X.
Further communication regarding the memorial service and funeral will be shared in due course.
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