Gauteng Premier Lesufi says Mabuza was like a father to him

JOHANNESBURG - The family of the late former deputy president David Mabuza has left their Johannesburg home, making their way to Barberton in Mpumalanga.

It’s believed arrangements have been made to have Mabuza’s body taken to his hometown on Friday as well.

The family arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday, just hours after his passing at a hospital in Sandton.

READ: Lamola: Mabuza contributed immensely to the growth of the ANC in Mpumalanga and SA

It’s been a day of mourning for David Mabuza’s family, who spent the day receiving friends and relatives coming to pay their respects.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi was the last to visit and joined the family, along with a large police contingent, to collect Mabuza’s body from the mortuary.

Lesufi said that Mabuza was more than just a fellow African National Congress (ANC) member, but was like a father to him.

"Last night, when I heard the news that he has passed on, the first thing that came to mind was that I’m now an orphan. In politics, you are literally along, but we were fortunate to have former leaders who are still alive and could take our calls without any hesitation."

The next stop is Barberton in Mpumalanga, where Mabuza is expected to be laid to rest next week.