SA mourns death of former deputy president David Mabuza

Mabuza died at a hospital in Johannesburg, the province where he spent much of his political life and career.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Mabuza’s passing with deep sadness, describing him as a leader who played a significant role in South Africa’s political development, governance, and international diplomacy.

"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.

"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," said Ramaphosa.

Mabuza served as South Africa’s Deputy President from 2018 to 2023, following his election as Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC) in 2017. 

During his tenure, he played a key role as Leader of Government Business in Parliament, coordinated major anti-poverty programmes, and led the South African National Aids Council.

Mabuza also chaired important Cabinet Committees, including those on Governance, State Capacity and Institutional Development, and Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security.

Before his national role, Mabuza served as the Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018 and had previously held several provincial MEC positions, including in Education, Housing, Transport, and Agriculture.

He was also entrusted with land reform efforts, chairing the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land and Agriculture, where he helped implement key policies such as the Land Court Act, Land Donation Policy, and Beneficiary Allocation Policy.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, joined the nation in mourning and praised Mabuza’s commitment to accountability and oversight.

"We pay homage to former Deputy President Mabuza, an exemplary leader and patriot who dedicated his life to the service of our people. His passing is a profound loss not only to his family and comrades, but to the nation as a whole," said Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo.

"He remained committed to parliamentary accountability, consistently availing himself to answer questions in the National Assembly and the NCOP, and engaging in oversight processes with diligence and respect."

President Ramaphosa confirmed that memorial and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. 

Mabuza is expected to be honoured with a national official funeral in recognition of his service to the country.

"On behalf of the government and the nation, I offer my profound condolences to the late Deputy President’s wife, Mrs Mabuza, his children, his friends, and the people of Mpumalanga," the president said.

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