Mabuza's funeral a very solemn moment for the nation, says Ramaphosa

MPUMALANGA - President Cyril Ramaphosa said that his late former deputy, David Mabuza, contributed significantly to the development of South Africa’s democracy.

Ramaphosa made these remarks while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Mabuza’s funeral service on Saturday morning.

The former statesman’s funeral is underway at the Bergvlam High School in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

Mabuza, who passed away after battling a short illness last week, will be laid to rest at his home in Barbeton later on Saturday.

Ramaphosa, accompanied by a military parade, escorted the remains of his former deputy into the funeral ceremony.

Mabuza’s coffin, draped in the South African flag, was surrounded by family members who were visibly moved as his remains arrived.

Ramaphosa said while this was indeed a sombre moment for the nation, Mabuza leaves behind a legacy worth honouring.

"It’s a very solemn moment for all of us. We are here to honour and bury a person I worked with very closely as my deputy president. But it's also a moment to celebrate his life. He made a huge contribution to the development of our democracy."

Ramaphosa commended Mabuza for championing unity instead of factional politics within the ANC.