By BAKANG MOKOTO
8 July 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) Caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on Tuesday joined the people of South Africa in mourning the passing of former Deputy President of the Republic and a loyal servant of the liberation movement, David Debede Mabuza.
The ANC Chief Whip in North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho, declared that the passing of Mabuza on 3 July 2025 marks the end of a remarkable chapter of principled leadership in the story of South Africa’s democratic transition and people-centered governance.
“DD also affectionately known as “The Cat” for his political resilience and ability to navigate complex terrains. He was a bridge-builder, a reconciler and a steady hand in turbulent times. His leadership in Mpumalanga saw significant rural development and poverty alleviation, while his national role was marked by discipline, humility, and a deep commitment to the people.
“We salute Mabuza for his unwavering dedication to the ideals of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa. His selfless life that was characterised by relentless activism in pursuit of Freedom and democracy was a testament to the values of the Freedom Charter and the enduring spirit of the liberation movement,” she stressed.
Rosho further said they dip their revolutionary banners and convey their deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi, his children, comrades, and the people of Mpumalanga and the entire South Africa. She added that Mabuza’s proud legacy and courageous spirit continue to guide them as they carry forward the struggle for a better life for all.
Meanwhile, SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said: “Mabuza’s untimely death has robbed South Africa of a selfless and courageous leader who had served the country with dedication, loyalty and distinction.
“Though his term as Deputy President of the country and the ANC was disrupted by ill-health, his commitment to serving our people was never in doubt.”
Shole recalled how Mabuza ascended to the position of Deputy President at the ANC 54th National Congress held in NASREC, pointing out that he was a strategist, a transformation agent as well as a revolutionary cadre whose political conscientiousness never betrayed the course of unity. He said when political opportunism weighed heavily on him, demanding that he put self-interest above principle, he opted for the latter, defining himself as a principled visionary leader, a unifier as well as a true patriot.
“He drew a line in the sand against State Capture at a crucial moment in the history of our revolutionary movement risking a backlash including the possibility of being ostracised, earning respect across the political divide, within the revolutionary alliance as well as the Mass Democratic Movement, NEDLAC, SANAC, Faith based organisations including civil society constituencies that he had worked with great wisdom and humility.
“We convey our condolences to the Mabuza family, the African National Congress as well as all South Africans, different constituencies and communities that the former Deputy President had served including the people of Mpumalanga,” he said.
The Guardian 