WATCH | ‘Not deliberate,’ says Mbalula after Mabuza death leak

Mbalula

Cape Town – Ahead of former deputy president David Mabuza’s funeral on Saturday, the ANC apologised to his family for how his death was announced.

According to The Citizen, Mabuza’s sister, Zandile, criticised the party during a memorial service on Thursday, saying some family members learned about his passing through social media.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula had initially announced the news on his social media accounts.

On Friday, Mbalula apologised to the family at their home in Barberton, Mpumalanga, saying the situation was not deliberate and that protocols had been followed.

“From our side, as the ANC, we have followed all protocols. I think that it was a matter that the entire nation was engulfed with information that came in dribs and drabs and landed in the media houses and some of the family members learnt about his passing through [social media] networks,” Mbalula said.

He added: “I think it is important for us to extend that important apology to the family, as not everyone did what they did deliberately. It was a speed of a dial when they came across the information and it was not quite clear where the centre was in terms of the announcement.”

Family spokesperson Desmond Moel said the apology was accepted.

According to Sunday Times, Mbalula faced criticism from senior party members for announcing Mabuza’s death on his personal social media accounts instead of through official ANC or Presidency channels.

Despite the backlash, Mbalula dismissed the criticism, asserting his authority within the party and calling the complaints “unfortunate and unfair.”

Mabuza’s funeral proceedings began privately on Saturday morning and continued with a state funeral where President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy.

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