Former SA deputy president David Mabuza dies at 64

David Mabuza

Cape Town – Former South African Deputy President David Mabuza has died at the age of 64 after a long illness. He passed away on Thursday at a hospital in Sandton.

Mabuza died at a hospital in Sandton after a prolonged illness.

“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,” ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said in a statement.

“Comrade Mabuza dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. From his days in the struggle against apartheid to his leadership as Premier of Mpumalanga and later as Deputy President, he was a committed cadre who carried the values of unity, discipline, and transformation.

“On behalf of the African National Congress, 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. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his legacy by continuing the work of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa.

Nicknamed “The Cat”, Mabuza was a veteran politician and anti-apartheid activist. His death was confirmed by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who praised him as a committed leader who served South Africa with humility and conviction.

Mabuza served as deputy president of South Africa from 2018 to 2021 under President Cyril Ramaphosa and stepped down from politics in 2023. He was previously Premier of Mpumalanga (2009–2018) and held leadership roles in both the ANC and teacher unions.

Tributes have poured in from across the country as the ANC and public mourn his passing.

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