Final Goodbye to Former Deputy President David Mabuza

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the late former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza as “a unifier, a servant of the people, and a humble leader”.

Ramaphosa said this during his official eulogy at Mabuza’s state funeral service held on Saturday, 12 July, at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

Mabuza, fondly known as DD, was laid to rest following a Special Official Funeral Category 2.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the political spectrum, traditional leaders, and international representatives.

In his moving tribute, Ramaphosa described Mabuza as a man who always put the needs of the people first.

“It is, as a servant of the people for which our departed leader and comrade David Dabede Mabuza, will be best known and for which he will be forever remembered,” said Ramaphosa.

He praised Mabuza’s contribution to education, rural development, and unity. As former premier of Mpumalanga and later deputy president of the Republic, Mabuza worked to bring services directly to communities.

“Mpumalanga has so many more boarding schools in rural areas because DD wanted to eradicate the barrier to education for farm kids,” he said.

The President also recalled how Mabuza often used his own money to address urgent needs in poor areas.

“There are families who now live in decent homes because during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot and at some point, dug into his own pockets to meet their needs,” he stated.

He said despite his high-ranking positions, Mabuza was known for his humility.

“He never isolated himself from the people. He never lost the common touch.”

Looking back on Mabuza’s political journey that began in his youth through the Black Consciousness Movement and later as a teacher, Ramaphosa called him a dependable leader who brought balance during difficult political periods.

“He played a key role in maintaining balance in deeply divided political times.”

As the nation mourns, Ramaphosa urged leaders to think about their purpose.

“Do we seek public office because of the rewards we think we can reap, or do we take on the mantle of leadership so that we may improve the lives of our people?” he asked.

In an emotional closing, the President said goodbye to his former deputy.

“Now rest, my brother, brave son of the African soil. Your work is done and complete. The country remembers you,” said Ramaphosa.

Mabuza is remembered as a strategic thinker, a quiet force for change, and a loyal servant of South Africa’s people.

WATCH | Mabuza’s funeral proceedings underway

DD Mabuza to be laid to re

SOUTH AFRICANS from across the political spectrum have gathered in Mbombela today, 12 July, to bid a final farewell to former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza.

The official funeral service is being held at Hoërskool Bergvlam, where mourners, dignitaries, and community members have gathered to honour the life and legacy of a leader affectionately known as “The Cat”, a nickname that reflected his political agility and quiet resilience.

The funeral has been declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2, a designation reserved for former deputy presidents.

It includes full military honours, with ceremonial support provided by the South African National Defence Force.

Mabuza passed away on 3 July aged 64.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead tributes during the ceremony, reflecting on Mabuza’s contribution to the country’s democratic process and his role in government.

Among those in attendance are Deputy President Paul Mashatile, former president Thabo Mbeki, EFF leader Julius Malema, UDM President Bantu Holomisa, Cabinet ministers, members of Parliament, and representatives from various political parties.

The ANC’s national leadership is also present, joined by struggle veterans and community leaders from Mpumalanga, the province where Mabuza served as Premier from 2009 to 2018, and which he continued to champion throughout his political career.

The late former deputy president will be laid to rest later today during a private burial ceremony at his homestead in Barberton.