South Africa is mourning the loss of one of its seasoned political figures, David Mabuza, who has died at the age of 64. The news of his passing was confirmed by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Thursday, which reported that Mabuza died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Johannesburg. The specific illness that led to his death has not been disclosed, though SABC noted that he had been unwell and absent from the public eye for some time.
David Mabuza served as the country’s Deputy President from 2018 to 2023, under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa. A former schoolteacher by profession, Mabuza carved out a notable political career that spanned decades, including his time as the Premier of Mpumalanga Province, a region he represented with significant influence in national politics.
Mabuza played a pivotal role in South Africa’s political landscape, especially in the internal power dynamics of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Political analysts credit him with being a key ally in Cyril Ramaphosa’s narrow victory in the highly contested 2017 ANC leadership race, a win that paved the way for Ramaphosa to become South Africa’s president in 2018 following the resignation of Jacob Zuma amid corruption scandals. Mabuza’s ability to mobilize support from key provincial factions was widely seen as instrumental in shifting the balance in Ramaphosa’s favor during the ANC elective conference.
Despite his significant contributions, Mabuza’s political career was not without controversy. He faced persistent allegations— which he consistently denied— relating to irregularities in the awarding of tenders, including a controversial contract linked to the construction of a stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He was also mentioned in connection with alleged political violence in Mpumalanga, including links to political killings, though no charges were ever formally brought against him.
In recent years, Mabuza had kept a notably low profile, leading to widespread speculation about his health and his role in the ANC’s evolving political terrain. His absence from major public and political events raised questions about his influence and his personal well-being, which were never fully addressed by official channels.
Mabuza leaves behind a complicated legacy— one marked by political strategy, regional power consolidation, and a significant but sometimes contentious role in shaping the leadership of post-apartheid South Africa.
As the country comes to terms with his passing, tributes are expected from across the political spectrum, recognizing both his service and the impact he had on South Africa’s modern political history. Funeral arrangements and official government statements are expected in the coming days.
