South Africa Mourns Former Deputy President David Mabuza

South Africa is in mourning following the death of David Dabede Mabuza, a veteran politician and former Deputy President, who passed away on 3 July 2025 in Sandton. He was 64.

Born on 25 August 1960 in the rural settlement of Phola near Hazyview in what is now Mpumalanga Province, Mabuza rose from modest beginnings to become one of South Africa’s most influential—and at times controversial—political figures in the post-apartheid era.

A Teacher Turned Politician

Mabuza began his career as an educator. After matriculating from Khumbula High School, he earned a teaching diploma in mathematics education from Mgwenya College of Education in 1985. While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of South Africa, he worked as a teacher and later served as Principal of Lungisani Secondary School between 1989 and 1993.

His early political consciousness was shaped by the Black Consciousness Movement and student activism. He served as secretary of the Azania Student Organisation (AZASO) and later led the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) from 1988 to 1991—an affiliate of the powerful Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). These formative years laid the groundwork for a life in political service.

Climbing the Political Ladder

Following South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, Mabuza was appointed MEC for Education in Mpumalanga by then-Premier Mathews Phosa. Though dismissed in 1998 after a scandal involving inflated matric results, Mabuza’s political career remained resilient. He returned to serve in various roles, including MEC for Housing (1999–2001) and later MEC for Agriculture and Land Administration (2008–2009).

Mabuza’s rise within the African National Congress (ANC) was equally strategic. He served as ANC Chairperson in Nelspruit (1994–1998) and became Provincial Chairperson from 2008 to 2017. In 2007, he was elected to the ANC’s National Executive Committee during the landmark Polokwane Conference, where he backed Jacob Zuma in the internal leadership battle against Thabo Mbeki.

His political influence grew steadily, particularly through the formation of the so-called “Premier League”, a bloc within the ANC that included Ace Magashule and Supra Mahumapelo. This alliance played a pivotal role in the 2017 ANC elective conference, helping Cyril Ramaphosa secure the party presidency. Mabuza himself was elected Deputy President of the ANC at that conference.

Deputy President of South Africa

In February 2018, following Jacob Zuma’s resignation, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mabuza as Deputy President of South Africa, a position he held until February 2023. His time in office was characterized by efforts to stabilize the ANC, navigate internal party dynamics, and support Ramaphosa’s reform agenda, though he was often seen as a behind-the-scenes power broker rather than a public-facing leader.

Mabuza’s leadership style was described as populist, and he was known for expanding the ANC’s support base in Mpumalanga through aggressive membership drives and grassroots mobilization.

Exit from Politics

In early 2023, Mabuza voluntarily offered to step down as Deputy President of the country, making way for Paul Mashatile, who had succeeded him as ANC Deputy President. His resignation was formally acknowledged in March 2023, marking the end of a significant chapter in South African politics.

Personal Life and Legacy

David Mabuza was married to Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi, a real estate agent at Pam Golding. He previously had a relationship with Ruthi Funi Silinda, often referred to as his former fiancée or customary ex-wife, with whom he had a child.

Despite controversies throughout his career, including allegations of political manipulation and questions about corruption, Mabuza remained a significant figure in South African politics for over three decades. Supporters hailed him as a skilled political strategist and an advocate for rural communities, while critics accused him of enabling factionalism within the ANC.

Final Days

David Mabuza passed away on 3 July 2025 in Sandton. The cause of death has not yet been officially disclosed. His death marks the end of a complex and storied political journey that mirrored the evolving challenges of South Africa’s democratic experiment.