Nokukhanya Mntambo12 July 2025 | 14:00

Mabuza still had so much to live for, says Ramaphosa

David Mabuza's family, friends and politicial allies remembered the 64-year-old at a funeral service in Mbombela on Saturday.

Mabuza still had so much to live for, says Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa gave the eulogy at the funeral service of former Deputy President David Mabuza at the Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga on 12 July 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN

MBOMBELA - President Cyril Ramaphosa said that former Deputy President David Mabuza still had so much to live for, as the late statesman was laid to rest.

Mabuza died last week Thursday at a hospital in Sandton following a short illness.

His family, friends and politicial allies remembered the 64-year-old at a funeral service in Mbombela on Saturday.

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Since his passing, Mabuza has been hailed for championing unity and leading by example.

Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy during the official programme.

"He played a key role in maintaining the balance in a deeply divided political landscape in the country and his own movement. We had hoped he would be around much longer, particularly in his time of retirement, when he would have continued playing an important role, giving guidance, giving advice on the quiet."

Ramaphosa said that in emulating Mabuza’s leadership, self-introspection was needed.

"We are not always what we claim to be. Too many of us often say we are honest in what we say but, in the end, become less honest in what we do. Too often, personal ambition takes precedence over collective progress."