Mabuza praised as a champion for unity & as a leader worth emulating

JOHANNESBURG - The political friends of the late former deputy president David Mabuza have described him as a champion for unity, saying that he wanted internal division in the African National Congress (ANC) to be demolished.

Several politicians who were close to Mabuza visited his home in Bryanston on Friday to pay their respects. 

This follows the former deputy president's passing on Thursday following a short illness.

ANC Gauteng co-convenor and premier, Panyaza Lesufi, said that Mabuza was selfless.

"When we knew we were going through difficulties in the last elections, I personally drove to see him, not only to request that he campaigns for us but to ask for resources that we needed to protect and safeguard our province. He didn’t recuse himself because he’s from Mpumalanga. He understood our plea and provided the support."

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, "The solid foundation he laid has built what we have today as government. So it’s a great loss and condolences to the family, the ANC and all people of South Africa."

Meanwhile, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that younger ANC members should follow in the footsteps of his late predecessor, Mabuza.

Mashatile made these remarks outside Mabuza’s Bryanston home on Friday, where he visited the family to offer his condolences.

Mashatile described Mabuza as a leader who set a strong example for others to emulate.

"Once he agreed to do something, he would never betray and would never change. That’s the kind of leadership we want to see emerging in our ranks. People who are committed, honest and who will live by the values of our organisation and never turn their backs on our people."

Mabuza’s body has now been moved to his hometown of Barberton in Mpumalanga, where he will be laid to rest.