From Classroom to Cabinet: David Mabuza's journey from teacher to Deputy President
Born on August 25, 1960, in the rural heartlands of Phola, Mpumalanga, David Dabede Mabuza began his journey as a schoolteacher and activist in the Black Consciousness movement.
Fondly known as 'The Cat', Mabuza climbed the ranks to chair the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (1988-1991), paving his way into provincial politics after 1994.
Mabuza was a dedicated activist, seasoned educator, and astute political strategist whose journey through South African politics reflected both steady advancement and notable influence.
He began his career in education, first as a teacher and later as a principal.
Early on, Mabuza became a prominent organiser within the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU), where he emerged as a key figure in the late 1980s, advocating for teachers' rights during a turbulent political era.
Following the end of apartheid, Mabuza deepened his involvement with the African National Congress (ANC), assuming a series of leadership roles in the Mpumalanga province.
He served as MEC for Education and Housing before being appointed Premier of Mpumalanga in 2009, a position he held until 2018.
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'It is clear as day that the Government of South Africa is unfairly targeting the State of Israel and inciting hostility towards the United States and our allies,' Steube said in a statement dated June 17. 'America has no business engaging with a corrupt government that weaponises its political system against the Jewish people while jeopardising our national security interests by indulging terrorist organisations and their sponsors.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Steube said the bill is a direct response to South Africa's 'genocide' case against Israel at the ICJ, its hosting of Hamas delegations following the October 7 attacks, and the signing of an economic cooperation deal with Iran involving oil refinery projects. Under the bill, the US would suspend all direct assistance to South Africa, excluding humanitarian and public health aid, unless the government ceases all formal support for international legal actions 'that unfairly target the State of Israel', implements institutional reforms to combat corruption, and improves diplomatic cooperation with the United States. It also authorises the US president to impose sanctions, under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, on any South African official deemed to have promoted antisemitic policies or misused international courts to attack Israel. Political analyst Siseko Maposa, director at Surgetower Associates, said while the bill's passage is uncertain, its symbolic and diplomatic weight should not be underestimated. 'This bill exemplifies President Trump and the Republican faction's continued efforts to punish South Africa for its principled positions on international justice – particularly regarding Israel,' said Maposa. 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David Mabuza Made Modern South Africa, His Choice Changed Everything
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