President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the eulogy at the funeral of former Deputy President David Mabuza at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Image: Supplied/GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described David Mabuza as “dependable, reliable and an excellent deputy,” during the heartfelt eulogy he delivered at his State funeral in Mpumalanga.
“We are gathered here today in solemn remembrance to honor the life of a man who, in many ways, made a huge contribution to our journey toward a democratic South Africa,” Ramaphosa said.
“But we are also here to celebrate the life of a fine son of Mpumalanga and a man of the people.”
Mabuza, 64, died on July 3 at a hospital in Johannesburg due to breathing complications.
He is being laid to rest with a State Funeral Category 2 at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, on Saturday, as declared by Ramaphosa.
Mabuza, who was also known as “DD,” served in multiple high-ranking positions, including deputy president of South Africa from 2018 to 2023, premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018, and the province’s first MEC for education in 1994.
He was also the deputy president of the African National Congress (ANC).
“David Dabede Mabuza will be best remembered as a servant of the people,” Ramaphosa said. “He was a revered leader not only in Mpumalanga but throughout the country.”
Ramaphosa described Mabuza as a “renowned political strategist,” who demonstrated his skills both in Parliament and as Leader of Government Business.
“In all his roles, he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity,” Ramaphosa said.
“Yet despite his stature, he was forever humble. His own humble beginnings infused him with a mission to uplift our people.”
Mabuza, he added, was happiest among ordinary citizens.
“He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch,” Ramaphosa said.
“Since the news of his passing, we have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and politicians from across the spectrum flocking to DD’s home in Barberton to pay their respects.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the eulogy at the funeral of former Deputy President David Mabuza at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Image: Supplied/GCIS
Ramaphosa praised Mabuza’s ability to unite people and said he was not one for “the pomp and ceremony of high office.”
“He was not a man for podiums or long speeches. He preferred to be on the ground with the people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives,” Ramaphosa said.
He said over the past week, several young people in Mpumalanga have spoken of Mabuza as a father figure and advocate for rural development.
“To some, he was ‘The Cat’ - resilient in the face of political storms,” Ramaphosa said.
“But to many, he was a source of support, a provider of opportunities, and a champion for rural development and education.”
Ramaphosa said Mabuza’s political activism began while he was still in primary school, first through the Black Consciousness Movement and later as a unionist.
Mabuza, who was a qualified teacher by profession, entered politics through education and retained a deep commitment to learning and youth empowerment.
“There are probably some of his former high school learners among us today - people who still called him ‘Sir’ or ‘Meneer’ long after he left the classroom,” Ramaphosa said.
“Mpumalanga now has more boarding schools in rural areas because DD wanted to remove barriers to education for farm children.”
Ramaphosa said Mabuza often responded swiftly to service delivery needs.
“Today in this province, there are families who now live in decent homes because, during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot …even digging into his own pockets at times to meet their needs,” he said.
“Those houses weren’t built after years of meetings. They were erected within months.”
Ramaphosa said he worked closely with Mabuza during his five-year term as deputy president.
“I came to know him as a person who understood the responsibility he had been given,” he said.
“As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, he ensured that the will of the people was reflected in our laws and programs. From land reform to HIV and AIDS, anti-poverty efforts to veterans' support - David Mabuza could always be relied on.”
He described Mabuza as a unifier, one who embraced all the cultures of Mpumalanga, including emaSwati, amaNdebele, baPedi, maPulana, Indian, coloured and white communities.
“In death, he once again brings us all together - across nations and political lines - to mourn, pay homage and remember,” Ramaphosa said.
Mabuza also had a close relationship with traditional leaders, Ramaphosa added, often working to restore their dignity and standing in society.
“He remained rooted in his culture and amongst his kindred. The allure of high office failed to change him,” Ramaphosa said.
“In his eternal sleep, he demonstrates that our many differences - political, racial or otherwise - are eclipsed by our shared desire to build a just, equitable and caring society.”
Ramaphosa emphasised Mabuza’s deep commitment to the ANC, calling it his lifelong mission to see a strong, united movement.
Former deputy President David Mabuza is being laid to his final resting place in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
Image: Supplied/GCIS
“David Mabuza leaves behind a legacy as someone who worked tirelessly to ensure that the center held, even during deeply divided political times,” he said.
He said the country had hoped Mabuza would be with them longer, particularly during a period marked by immense challenges.
The country is facing challenges such as high unemployment, crime, corruption, nepotism, poor infrastructure, and service delivery issues.
“As we work together to overcome these challenges, we draw strength, encouragement and comfort from the richness and profound meaning of his life,” Ramaphosa said.
“His passing is a time for the leaders of this country to reflect. Do we seek public office for rewards, or to improve the lives of our people? Are we builders and unifiers, or do we divide and break?”
He added, “Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
“To the Mabuza and Mnisi families, to his friends, comrades and the broader ANC family - we offer our heartfelt condolences,” Ramaphosa said.
“May you find comfort in knowing that he gave his all to his country, to his movement and to his people.”
Ramaphosa added, “You walked the path not always lit, through the dust of doubt, you did commit. Your voice was not loud, but it was firm and still, You shaped the course with quiet will.”
“I saw you bear the weight of province and land, with measured steps and steady hands.Though storms did gather and winds did sway, you held the center night and day.
“Now rest, my brother, brave son of the African soil. Your work is done and complete. The country remembers you. Rest in eternal peace.”
The funeral is believed to have been attended by more than 3,000 mourners, including former President Thabo Mbeki, Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF) leader Julius Malema, United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa, ANC members, former comrades, business leaders, and citizens from across the nation.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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