Picture: The former Deputy President, David Mabuza
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 July 2025- The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the passing of the former Deputy President, David Dabede Mabuza at the age of 65. Mabuza, who was born at Phola Trust, in Mpumalanga Province died today.
The ANC secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter), said it is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that they learned of the passing of the former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and stalwart of the movement.
Mbalula said DD as David Mabuza is affectionately known said he dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. He further said from his days in the struggle against apartheid to his leadership as the Premier of Mpumalanga and later as Deputy President, he was a committed cadre who carried the values of unity, discipline, and transformation.
“On behalf of the ANC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa. We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served with humility and conviction. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his legacy by continuing the work of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa,” said Mbalula.
Meanwhile, Mabuza obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa in 1989, following his achievement of a National Teacher’s Certificate from Mgwenya College of Education in 1985. He was first sworn in as Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa on 27 February 2018 and again on 30 May 2019 for the 6th democratic administration following his appointment to this role by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mabuza has been tasked by President Ramaphosa with new Delegated Responsibilities in the 2019-2024 term of Government. He was tasked to Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Leading Government efforts to fast-track Land Reform and the coordination of Government programmes to accelerate Land Reform and agricultural support, assist the President to stimulate and support Rural and Township economies through implementing empowerment models and assisted the President in the implementation of Rapid Response interventions on Service Delivery and Trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots.
This includes coordinating anti-poverty initiatives through, amongst others, Public Employment Programmes, Integrated Service Delivery and Enterprise Development, leading the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the country’s integrated response to the challenges of HIV and AIDS. Mabuza also assisted the President in efforts towards building a better Africa, support in Investment Facilitation and Trade Promotion and leading the National Human Resource Development Council and fostering collaboration between government and social partners towards addressing the shortage of skills in critical sectors of the economy amongst others.
In addition, Mabuza chaired the Cabinet Committees of Governance, State Capacity and Institutional Development (GSCID) as well as the Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security (JCPS). Previously, he held a number of positions in government including as Premier of the Mpumalanga Province from 2009 to 2018, Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Agriculture and Land Administration from 2008 to 2009 in Mpumalanga Province, MEC for Roads and Transport from 2007 to 2008, a Member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature from 2004 to 2007, Member of Parliament (MP) of the Republic of South Africa from 2001 to 2004, Mpumalanga MEC for Housing from 1999 to 2001, and as MEC for Education between 1994 and 1998.
Mabuza has also risen through the ranks of the ANC, where he served as Deputy President of the ANC since December 2017, having also been elected previously as the Chairperson of the ANC in Mpumalanga from 2008 to 2017, Ex Officio Member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC since 2007, Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Mpumalanga in 2005, Chairperson of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) from 1988 to 1991, Coordinator of National Education Crisis Committee from 1987 to 1989, Chairperson of National Education Union of South Africa from 1986 to 1988, Treasurer of Foundation for Education with Production from 1986 to 1990, and Secretary of the Azanian Student Organisation (AZASO) from 1984 to 1985.
Mabuza was a trained Mathematics teacher by profession and became a School Principal before moving to politics. His passion remained in education and he established the DD Mabuza Foundation in 2014, focusing on education and the social upliftment of the vulnerable groups such as children, child-headed households, the aged and persons with disability.
The Guardian 