Mbalula insists he followed ANC protocol before announcing Mabuza's death on social media
On Thursday, Mabuza’s family expressed at his memorial service that they found out about his passing through social media.
FILE: ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula during a media briefing at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on 13 March 2025. Picture: Spamandla Dlamini/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula insists he did nothing wrong by announcing the death of former deputy president David Mabuza on social media before the President’s official statement.
On Thursday, Mabuza’s family expressed at his memorial service that they found out about his passing through social media.
READ: David Mabuza's remains handed over to family ahead of Saturday’s funeral service
Earlier this week, Eyewitness News reported that Mbalula faced backlash for making the announcement before the family was made aware.
Former deputy president David Mabuza’s sister, Zandile Mabuza, was visibly emotional as she spoke about how the family was treated.
She told mourners at her brother’s memorial service that it felt inhumane to learn of his passing on X before receiving any call from relatives.
But ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula insisted that he followed ANC protocol before making the announcement on his personal social media platforms.
"From our side as the ANC, we have followed all protocol. I think the entire nation was engulfed the news of his passing, which landed in media houses. Some of the members of the family learnt of his passing through the media network but from our side, protocol was followed."
Mabuza’s remains were formally handed over to the family on Friday ahead of his funeral on Saturday.
The family has requested privacy and has cancelled the church service scheduled for this evening.