Former Deputy President of South Africa Passes Away at 64 |
| File photo: GCIS / South African Government |
South Africa is mourning the loss of one of its most influential political figures. Former Deputy President David Dabede “DD” Mabuza has passed away at the age of 64. The African National Congress (ANC) confirmed the news today, Thursday, 3 July 2025, in an official statement.
Mabuza died in a Johannesburg hospital following a period of illness. The exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed, with party officials only confirming that he had been “unwell” for some time. His passing comes after years of relative silence from public life, amid ongoing health concerns.
🇿🇦 A Life in Service
Mabuza’s political career spanned decades, rooted in his early activism as a teacher and anti-apartheid organiser in Mpumalanga. He rose through the ANC ranks, becoming:
- Premier of Mpumalanga Province (2009–2018)
- ANC Deputy President (2017–2022)
- Deputy President of South Africa (2018–2023)
He was instrumental in Cyril Ramaphosa’s rise to ANC leadership at the party’s 2017
🔍 A Complex Legacy
David Mabuza was often described as one of the most enigmatic and tactical figures in post-apartheid South African politics. Nicknamed "The Cat" a reference to his many political comebacks he maintained influence even when operating behind the scenes.
During his time as Premier of Mpumalanga, Mabuza gained both praise and criticism. Supporters credited him for improving service delivery in rural areas, while critics raised concerns about allegations of corruption and patronage networks allegations he consistently denied and which were never formally proven in court.
When he entered the national stage, Mabuza reshaped power dynamics in the ANC by endorsing Cyril Ramaphosa at the party’s 54th National Conference in 2017, despite expectations that he might align with the opposing faction. This bold move tilted the scales and helped secure Ramaphosa's victory over Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
As Deputy President, Mabuza kept a low public profile, but insiders say he played a vital role in behind-the-scenes negotiations, intergovernmental coordination, and managing intra-party tensions. His critics often asked why such a senior leader remained so absent from the spotlight yet his influence was never in doubt.
Life After Politics
After stepping down in 2023, Mabuza faded quietly from public life, retreating to his farm in Mpumalanga. Health concerns were often cited for his absence, and despite calls for interviews or memoirs, he remained largely silent.
His exit left a leadership vacuum in certain ANC circles, especially among provincial power blocs that once relied on his guidance. Still, he stayed out of controversy, avoided political spats, and never publicly criticized his successors an approach that earned him both respect and curiosity.
📢 Public Reaction
Since the news broke, tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum:
- President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver a formal address in the coming days.
- Former colleagues have described Mabuza as a “quiet giant” and a “man of resilience.”
- Social media has been flooded with messages of condolence from citizens, political commentators, and journalists.
While some continue to debate his political legacy, there is widespread agreement that Mabuza was a key player in the evolution of post-apartheid governance.
🕯️ What His Death Represents
Mabuza’s passing comes at a time when the ANC and South Africa are grappling with new questions of leadership, renewal, and national identity. His death marks the end of an era one defined by factional battles, high-stakes transitions, and leaders who carried the burdens of liberation history alongside the challenges of modern governance.
📌 Final Thoughts
David Mabuza leaves behind a complicated but significant political legacy. He was a product of the ANC’s rural heartland, a master strategist who could outmaneuver rivals, and a leader who despite criticism remained loyal to the movement that shaped South Africa’s democracy.
Whether remembered as a kingmaker, a loyal cadre, or a controversial provincial strongman, his story is undeniably part of South Africa’s political fabric.
🕊️Lala ngoxolo, DD Mabuza.
May you rest in peace.
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