'We were loved so deeply, by such a rare man' – Mabuza's children
The children of former Deputy President David Mabuza have remembered him as a present and supportive father.
Mabuza is being laid to rest in Mbombela, Mpumalanga on Saturday.
He died last week at the age of 64 at a Johannesburg hospital, following a short illness.
Speaking on behalf of the children, Mabuza’s son Mxolisi said their father encouraged them to excel while remaining humble.
He said Mabuza, a former math teacher, always emphasized the value of education.
“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.”
She added that their father believed in them, supported every wild dream his children had, and always encouraged them to try.
“More than grief, what we feel is gratitude. Gratitude that we were loved so deeply by such a rare man. Gratitude for the lessons, the standards, the strength, and the example. Gratitude for the honour of calling him Dad.”
‘WRITING OUR LAST LOVE LETTER’
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.”
Mabuza recalled how she had been approached by a quiet but confident DD, who told her that he had found what “he had been looking for” in her.
The couple met 23 years ago.
“Our honeymoon phase was short-lived as I realized I was sharing you, not with another woman, but with a greater calling. Serving the people of South Africa was your first love. Like any young wife, I struggled with that at first, but seeing the joy, purpose, and impact you brought to the people of Mpumalanga, I came to embrace my place beside you with love and pride.”
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.
Businessman Robert Gumede spoke on behalf of the broader family.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy before Mabuza is laid to rest in a private ceremony.
WATCH: Funeral of Former Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza
