Honoring a Legacy: President Ramaphosa's Eulogy for David Mabuza

Commander in Chief SA President Cyril Ramaphosa honouring former Deputy President David Mabuza during his funeral at Mpumalanga province.

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a heartfelt eulogy at the state funeral of former Deputy President David Mabuza, held at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, family, and friends who gathered to pay their respects to a man described as a unifier of the nation.

David Mabuza's life was marked by dedication to public service and a commitment to improving the lives of ordinary South Africans. Born on August 25, 1960, in Mpumalanga, Mabuza rose to prominence as a teacher and unionist before entering politics.

He served as an MEC for Education in Mpumalanga from 1994 to 1998 and later became the province's premier, a position he held from 2009 to 2018.

Ramaphosa praised Mabuza for his ability to bring people together across party lines and racial divides. As premier of Mpumalanga, Mabuza worked tirelessly to restore the dignity of traditional leaders and promote unity among different communities.

His commitment to unity was evident in his work as South Africa's Special Envoy to South Sudan, where he facilitated peace initiatives and unity agreements.

Mabuza's passion for education was a defining characteristic of his career. He believed that education was a tool for success and a foundation for freedom. As a teacher and later as a politician, he worked to improve access to education for rural communities and establish rural boarding schools.

Ramaphosa noted that Mabuza's legacy includes these efforts, which helped eradicate barriers to education for farm children.

The SA President reflected on the lessons that can be learned from Mabuza's life and legacy. He emphasized the importance of selflessness and commitment to public service, urging leaders to prioritize the greater good over personal ambition. "Do we seek public office because of the rewards we think we can reap, or do we take on the mantle of leadership so that we may improve the lives of our people?" Ramaphosa asked.

Mabuza's family remembered him as a stern but caring father who instilled values of humility, resilience, and excellence in his children.

His son, Mxolisi Mabuza, described him as a present and purposeful father who encouraged his children to excel while remaining humble.

Angela, his daughter, said that her father was never casual about parenting and molded them to become valuable members of society.

The state funeral was held in accordance with Category 2 protocols, which include full military honors. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including President Ramaphosa, who delivered the eulogy.

The ANC also paid tribute to Mabuza, with Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula defending the party's decision to announce Mabuza's death through social media.

As the nation bid farewell to David Mabuza, Ramaphosa described him as a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism, and quiet resolve. "He was a unifier of the nation, who worked tirelessly to bring people together across party lines and racial divides," Ramaphosa said.

Mabuza was a South African politician who served as Deputy President from February 2018 to February 2023 under President Ramaphosa's first term. Born on August 25, 1960, Mabuza rose to prominence in the African National Congress (ANC) ranks through his work in Mpumalanga province, where he served as premier from 2009 to 2018.

Mabuza's early life and career were marked by a strong commitment to public service and a passion for politics. He became involved in the ANC's youth league and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a skilled politician and strategist.

Mabuza's rise to prominence in the ANC was swift and decisive. He served as premier of Mpumalanga province from 2009 to 2018, implementing key initiatives and strengthening provincial governance. His leadership skills and strategic thinking earned him recognition within the party and beyond.

Mabuza's appointment as Deputy President in 2018 was seen as a key moment in the ANC's internal politics. He played a crucial role in the party's internal machinations, using his strategic brilliance to build alliances and negotiate complex political deals.

Mabuza's legacy is complex and multifaceted, with some praising his contributions to the ANC and the country, while others criticize his involvement in various scandals and controversies. He was known for his calm and collected demeanor, earning him the nickname "The Cat" in South African politics.

David Mabuza passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 64, in a Johannesburg hospital after experiencing respiratory problems. His death sparked an outpouring of condolences from across the country, with ANC leaders and members paying tribute to his contributions to the party and the nation.

Mabuza was honored with a Category 2 State Funeral, which was held on July 12, 2025, in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, with full military honors. President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy, describing Mabuza as a "unifier" and recalling his last conversation with him, in which Mabuza expressed support for the National Dialogue.

The news of Mabuza's passing sparked an outpouring of condolences from across the country. ANC leaders and members paid tribute to his contributions to the party and the nation, describing him as a dedicated servant of the people.

As the nation bid farewell to David Mabuza, President Ramaphosa described him as a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism, and quiet resolve. "He was a unifier of the nation, who worked tirelessly to bring people together across party lines and racial divides," Ramaphosa said. Mabuza's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of selfless leadership and commitment to the greater good.

Mabuza's legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both the triumphs and challenges of his career. While some praise his contributions to the ANC and the country, others criticize his involvement in various scandals and controversies.

Mabuza's passing has left a void in South African politics, and his legacy will likely be debated for years to come. As the country mourns the loss of this influential politician, the ANC has announced that funeral details will be released in due course.

David Mabuza's life and legacy serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of politics. While his contributions to the ANC and the country are undeniable, his involvement in various scandals and controversies has sparked debate and criticism. As the nation remembers this complex figure, it is clear that his impact on South African politics will be felt for years to come.

Mabuza's legacy in the ANC is complex and multifaceted. While some praise his contributions to the party, others criticize his involvement in various scandals and controversies. His ability to navigate the complexities of politics and build alliances has been widely admired.