The family of former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza has officially confirmed his death, describing him as a loving father, devoted husband, and humble servant of the people whose life was defined by service and sacrifice.
In a statement issued by family spokesperson Desmond Moela, the Mabuza family said the 64-year-old politician died on Thursday after experiencing breathing difficulties.
“He passed away on 3 July 2025. On this day, he experienced breathing difficulties and immediately went for a medical consultation at the hospital in Gauteng.
“He suddenly passed away while still in the emergency room with doctors who were helping stabilise him,” Moela said.
The family said Mabuza’s death has left a deep void not only within their home but also in the hearts of all who knew him and were impacted by his work.
“As a husband, father, brother, and pillar of strength in the Mabuza family, he will be dearly missed for his love, care, and dedication to the well-being of his family and all those close to him,” reads the statement.
Firm leadership style
Moela said Mabuza dedicated his life to improving the living conditions of the people he was privileged to serve — both as a freedom fighter and as a leader in government.
“For him, his participation in the struggle for freedom and democracy was a critical platform to transform the lives of ordinary people for the better,” he said.
“He was a humble servant of the people who made his contribution as part of the leadership collective at both provincial and national levels.”
Born and raised in Mpumalanga, Mabuza’s political career saw him rise through the ranks from a teacher and unionist to premier of Mpumalanga and eventually deputy president of South Africa under President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He was known for his firm leadership style, rural development focus, and controversial political manoeuvrings that earned him the nickname The Cat.
The family expressed gratitude for the national and international support received since news of his death broke.
“As a family, we are humbled by the outpouring of messages expressing condolences, love, and support from individuals across the country and beyond our borders.”
Moela said funeral arrangements are underway but asked for patience as the family continues to consult key stakeholders.
“As we commence with the preparations for his funeral, we would like to plead for patience until we conclude consultations with key stakeholders on the processes and order of proceedings leading to the day of his interment,” said Moela.
He added that all updates and official developments regarding the funeral would be communicated by him on behalf of the Mabuza family.
Servant of the people
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Mabuza.
In a heartfelt statement, Ramaphosa extended his condolences to Mabuza’s family, friends, and the nation, highlighting the late leader’s significant contributions to South Africa’s political and social landscape.
“I have learnt with deep sadness about the passing of former deputy president David Mabuza, a dedicated servant of our people,” Ramaphosa said.
“On behalf of the government and the nation, I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Mrs Mabuza, their children, and all those who knew and worked with him.”
Mabuza, who served as deputy president of South Africa from 2018 to 2024, was a pivotal figure in both national and provincial governance.
Before his tenure as deputy president, he served as the premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018 and held various portfolios as a member of the executive council in the province.
His political career was deeply rooted in the ANC, where he was elected party deputy president in December 2017.
Reflecting on Mabuza’s legacy, Ramaphosa praised his leadership and commitment to public service. “Deputy president Mabuza was grounded in activism from the early stages of his political career.
“He applied his remarkable leadership and mobilisation skills as leader of government business in parliament while also spearheading critical initiatives like the South African National Aids Council and anti-poverty programmes,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that the government will announce the details of memorial arrangements and national honours to pay final respects for Mabuza in the coming days.
Big shoes to fill
Deputy President Paul Mashatile said having to fill Mabuza’s shoes both in the ANC and in government has not been an easy task.
“I will always remember comrade David Mabuza as a dear brother. A man of principle, who never walked away once he had made a commitment to perform a task or achieve an objective,” said Mashatile.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union [Sadtu] described Mabuza as one of the founding members of the trade union.
“He was instrumental in building the union’s structures in the then Eastern Transvaal, now known as Mpumalanga,” Sadtu said in a statement.
“His efforts helped lay the foundation for a strong, non-racial, unitary teachers’ union committed to advancing the rights of educators and learners alike.
“Before the formation of Sadtu, he was an active member of the National Education Union of South Africa, which was a vocal and fearless force during the apartheid era, famously advocating for liberation before education.
