Ramaphosa: The sad passing of Mabuza a time for SA leaders to reflect on why they're in public office

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa said that political disputes should not get in the way of the work addressing the country’s persistent socioeconomic challenges.

He made the calls while delivering the eulogy at the funeral service of former deputy president David Mabuza in Mbombela on Saturday.

Mabuza succumbed to breathing complications at the age of 64 earlier in July.

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While it was not his first brush with ill health, his family and friends said they didn’t see his death coming.

Emulating Mabuza's leadership style, Ramaphosa has called on public servants to put their political differences aside.

"In his eternal sleep, he is demonstrating that our many differences along political party and racial lines and the numerous disputes we may have are eclipsed by our shared desire to follow his lead in building a just, equitable and caring society."

Ramaphosa said that now was a good time to look in the mirror.

"The sad and untimely passing of our fellow comrade is a time for the leaders of this country to reflect. Do we seek public office because of the rewards we think we can reap, or do we take on the mantle of leadership so that we may improve the lives of our people? Are we as selfless as we profess to be? Are we builders and unifiers, or do we divide and break? These questions are easy to ask, but sometimes difficult to answer."