Former Deputy President David Mabuza has died

Mabuza served as South Africa’s Deputy President from 2018 until 2023. Before this, he served as the Premier of Mpumalanga.

Born to parents who were farmers, Mabuza was a former teacher and highly active in student politics.

In 1994, he joined the Mpumalanga Executive Council and remained a key figure within the ANC’s provincial and national executives before becoming Deputy President.

He kept a relatively low profile in the role, with his duties including heading a so-called war room of cabinet ministers who addressed power shortages, and a panel on land reform.

Mabuza’s health became a talking point during his time as Deputy President, where he visited Russia to receive medical treatment.

He was rarely seen by the public during the COVID-19 crisis and postponed several appearances in parliament due to his ill health.

He stepped down from the Deputy President role in early 2023 following the election of Paul Mashatile to the role at the ANC’s national conference in 2022.

Despite working under President Cyril Ramaphosa, he was one of former President Jacob Zuma’s staunchest allies and initially backed Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma for the party’s presidency in 2017.

“On behalf of the African National Congress, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa,” said ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula

“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 to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa.”

With reporting from Bloomberg

Issued on BusinessTech by Luke Fraser | https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/830442/former-deputy-president-david-mabuza-has-died-at-64/