Mbalula: Late David Mabuza devoted his entire life to serving SA
Former Deputy President David Mabuza passed away on Thursday at a hospital in Sandton.
FILE: South Africa's Deputy President David Mabuza speaks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (not in picture) during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 29 October 2019. Picture: Naohiko Hatta/POOL/AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Tributes are continuing to pour in for former Deputy President David Mabuza, with African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula saying that he devoted his entire life to serving the country.
Mabuza passed away on Thursday at a hospital in Sandton.
He was 64.
Fondly referred to as “the cat with nine lives,” he served as deputy president of the ANC in 2017.
The following year, he was appointed deputy president of the country, a position he held until 2023.
Mbalula said that Mabuza should be remembered for his humility and unwavering dedication.
ANC NEC member Lindiwe Zulu also shared some of her most cherished memories of the late deputy president.
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 (@MbalulaFikile) July 3, 2025
Comrade Mabuza dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. From his days in the… pic.twitter.com/BZXbdRD2wB
PUT THE PEOPLE FIRST
Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have paid tribute to the former deputy president, saying he always put the people first.
The NCOP had to pause proceedings briefly during the department of transport's budget debate on Thursday, to inform delegates of Mabuza's passing.
NCOP House chairperson, Bhekizizwe Abram Radebe, described Mabuza as selfless.
"He was the embodiment of a servant leader. Irrespective of the position he had, he always served the people of South Africa first. I think that as the NCOP, I request that we rise for a minute of silence in his memory."
MOMENTS WITH MAMA WINNIE
Madikizela-Mandela's former personal assistant, Zodwa Zwane, also shared some of her most treasured memories of the late deputy president.
Zwane spoke about the special moments Mabuza shared with Mama Winnie.
"The first memory that comes to my heart is when Mama Winnie Mandela was still alive. The ANC, as usually, would celebrate its birthday. But Mabuza came with a huge cake with ANC colours. This was one of those things that Mama Winnie truly appreciated."