Mbalula could be in hot water for confirming Mabuza’s death before Ramaphosa

JOHANNESBURG - African National Congress (ANC) secretary general Fikile Mbalula could find himself in trouble for publicly confirming the death of former deputy president David Mabuza before the president’s official announcement.

President Cyril Ramaphosa waited for Mabuza’s family before informing the nation about his passing on Thursday.

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With his announcement, Mbalula is accused of undermining his party and government processes.

While other senior government and ANC leaders waited to go public with the news of Mabuza's passing, Mbalula went on X to confirm the death.

This, however, was without any communication from the highest office in the land, which Mabuza once served as deputy president.

It’s now understood Ramaphosa had opted to wait for Mabuza’s wife and family to travel from Barberton in Mpumalanga to Johannesburg, where he died before their arrival.

Government insiders told EWN that the president wanted to allow the Mabuzas space to pay their respects before informing the nation.

Mbalula has now caught the ire of his comrades in the top seven and in the national executive committee (NEC), with some suggesting he must be reprimanded.