By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Paul Mashatile hailed the late David Dabede Mabuza as a dedicated servant of the people and a seasoned leader of our movement.
Mabuza succumbed to what his family described as breathing difficulties in a hospital in Sandton last week.
A sombre mood consumed the entire village, with many leaving their homes to hear reflections on the legacy of the former deputy president.
Three memorial services were held across Mpumalanga on Thursday to honour Mabuza.
They took place at the Sydney Choma Banquet Hall in the Nkangala region, the Mayflower Community Hall in the Gert Sibande region, and the Phola Sport Field in Hazyview, Ehlanzeni region.A
At the Phola Sport Field in Hazyview, Ehlanzeni region, Mashatile delivered a keynote address.
“While we are here to celebrate his life, we also acknowledge that his untimely passing has left us scarred and deeply grieved,” he said.
Mashatile defended his predecessor amid mixed reactions surrounding Mabuza’s legacy, stating that his “good deeds and character” far outweighed what some may have perceived as his “bad side”.
“There is no human being without a flaw. Human beings are not angels, and we must acknowledge their weaknesses.”
He described Mabuza as a key figure in South Africa’s post-apartheid rebuilding and a central player in unifying the ANC.
“Many can attest that within the African National Congress, he fostered a sense of unity, recognising that such cohesion is vital not just for the party but for all South Africans.”
“He was committed to fighting for unity and defeating the demon of factionalism in the movement. This is a commitment he lived up to until the end,” the deputy president said.
“Even in the conference that elected him as chairperson of the [Mpumalanga] province in a contest that had cut the conference into two irreconcilable groups, comrade DD had the courage to talk about [the] phenomenon and bravely called for this ceasing of hostilities and focusing on building unity in the organisation,” Mashatile added.
Mabuza’s children described him as a “pillar of strength” who instilled confidence in them, even before they believed in themselves.
“Despite his busy schedule, he made sure that he supported us. He pushed us to work hard in achieving our dreams. He ensured that we had a safe environment and always made sure we had what we needed. He supported us even if we made mistakes,” they said.
Mabuza will be buried on Saturday, 12 July, in Barberton, Mpumalanga, according to his family.
A teacher by profession, Mabuza perfected the art of power politics once the ANC came to power and when provinces became fiefdoms for regional politicians.
He served as South Africa’s deputy president from February 2018 until his resignation in February 2023.
Mabuza contested and won the deputy presidency by throwing in his lot with the reformist Cyril Ramaphosa in 2017, who, with The Cat’s support, then trounced Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, an RET (radical economic transformation) candidate.
Mabuza was born in Phola, Mpumalanga, on 25 August 1960 — is survived by his wife Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi and his children.