President Ramaphosa pays tribute to former Deputy President David Mabuza
Image: GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to his former deputy president David Mabuza.
In a statement from the presidency, Ramaphosa said Mabuza passed away on Thursday at a hospital following a short illness. He was 64 years of age.
Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences to Mabuza's family.
"On behalf of government and the nation, I offer my profound condolences to the late deputy president's wife, Mrs Mabuza, and their children. I extend my condolences to deputy president Mabuza's friends and the people of Mpumalanga whom he served as Premier from 2009 to 2018, and previously as a Member of the Executive Council of Mpumalanga across a range of portfolios."
He said Mabuza had a deep commitment to the liberation struggle and to the nation's development as an inclusive, prosperous, democratic state.
"We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism at the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation and shape South Africa's engagement with our continental compatriots and the international community in his role as deputy president."
He said Mabuza applied his leadership and mobilisation abilities to his role as the Leader of Government Business in Parliament; leading the South African National Aids Council; coordinating anti-poverty initiatives in the form of Public Employment Programmes, Integrated Service Delivery and Enterprise Development.
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
Ramaphosa added that further announcements will be made in due course on memorial arrangements and the honours with which the country will pay its final respects to Mabuza.
IFP president, Velenkosini Hlabisa also conveyed condolences to the Mabuza family and the ANC. "On behalf of the IFP, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Mabuza family, his comrades in the African National Congress (ANC), his friends and colleagues, and to the people of South Africa who mourn the loss of our former deputy president.
"Mr Mabuza was a leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of others. From humble beginnings, he rose to occupy one of the highest offices in the land, carrying with him the hopes of many and a profound sense of duty to his country.
"He served with quiet resolve and a deep commitment to the people of South Africa. In this time of sorrow, we honour his contribution to our democratic journey and to the cause of justice, dignity, and development for all South Africans," Hlabisa said.
THE MERCURY
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Mabuza's final farewell: Memorial arrangements underway
Memorial arrangements are yet to be announced following the death of former Deputy President David Mabuza. Condolences have poured in for the former Premier and Member of the Executive Council (MEC) of Mpumalanga. Mabuza passed away after a short illness at a Johannesburg hospital on Thursday, 3 July. President Cyril Ramaphosa is among those who have expressed sadness at the news. He extended his condolences to Mabuza's family, friends, and the people of Mpumalanga. Ramaphosa said Mabuza deserves recognition for his deep commitment to the liberation struggle. 'We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism at the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation and shape South Africa's engagement with our continental compatriots and the international community,' said the president. Ramaphosa said that details regarding the official honours with which the country will pay its final respects to Mabuza are still to be announced. According to the Presidency's Official Funeral Policy Manual, a State Funeral Category 2 is designated for former Deputy Presidents. The manual also states that the National Flag shall fly at half-mast throughout the country until the evening of the burial or cremation. Mabuza's political journey began at an early age. He served as secretary of the Azanian Students' Organisation and was later elected chairperson of the National Education Union of South Africa. He also served as co-ordinator of the National Education Crisis Committee and chairperson of the South African Democratic Teachers' Union. Mabuza's political home remained the African National Congress (ANC). During his tenure as the country's deputy president, he chaired the cabinet committees on governance, state capacity and institutional development, as well as justice, crime prevention and security. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
DA's grandstanding an 'insult' to the nation
Reneva Fourie Life is hard for the vast majority of South Africans. Given the high unemployment rate, most are in survival mode. We are doing whatever is required to ensure that our loved ones are fed and safe while contending with rampant crime and rising drug and human trafficking. In this context, the least we expect from our politicians is integrity. We need service delivery and a stable political environment. Above all, we need a president who leads with strength and clarity. That is why it was refreshing to see President Ramaphosa take decisive action for once. The removal of Andrew Whitfield from his position as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition for travelling abroad without permission was long overdue. He had participated in a political party delegation to the United States (US), where they met with top American officials and reinforced lies propagated about South Africa's transformation policies, especially land reform. Their conduct not only smears our reputation abroad. It damaged diplomatic relations with one of our key trade partners, jeopardising domestic development. It posed a threat to our sovereignty and security. It also compromised the smooth handover of the G20 chairpersonship from South Africa to the US. The impact of their actions was severe. The dismissal of Whitfield is a very light punishment for the Democratic Alliance's (DA) disgraceful act of political sabotage. Instead of showing remorse, the DA used the moment as an opportunity to grandstand. The party's arrogance, its blatant disregard for governance processes and inability to recognise the seriousness of the offence are exhausting. They fail to demonstrate the humility and respect required of members of a Government of National Unity (GNU). The DA has repeatedly chosen to undermine the president. Their representatives refer to him by his first name in official communications. They challenge his authority at every turn and show little concern for the dignity of his office. This distorted sense of self-importance demonstrates disdain towards the president. It is also an insult to all South Africans. What is most disturbing is the DA's willingness to harm the country in its pursuit of power. Instead of strengthening democracy, they run to foreign governments and institutions whenever they fail to get their way at home. Their cosy relationship with the US and Israel has become a convenient route to bypass the democratic process and cast South Africa in a negative light. This behaviour is not new. It has been prevalent since the establishment of the GNU. The DA has consistently demonstrated that it believes the law applies only to others. When their actions are questioned, they cry foul. When their members are held accountable, they complain about political persecution. This is not in compliance with the rule of law. It is a double standard. Steenhuisen's reaction to Whitfield's dismissal is a concrete example of the DA's duplicity. He was informed well in advance that this decision was on the table. Yet when it was implemented, he acted as if it were a surprise. He accused the president of undermining the coalition agreement. He dared to say that he feels disrespected and issued ultimatums. When the president refused to cower to their demands, the DA backtracked. Their desire for power was greater than their honour. Instead, they decided to withdraw from the National Dialogue. While there is disagreement on the cost and format, there is general acceptance that public engagement and ownership are essential for the collective acceleration of the country's socio-economic advancement. Having committed to the dialogue in writing, the DA is now dismissing it as a waste of time. This is a betrayal of the public and of the agreements that brought the unity government into being. Furthermore, the DA threatened to initiate a vote of no confidence in the president. It once again sought to create chaos, weaken public trust in leadership, and destabilise the country for narrow party gain. Having suddenly realised just how irresponsible that threat is, it has now also been withdrawn, trapping the government in endless court battles instead. South Africans are tired of leaders who place their egos ahead of the nation. Tired of the noise. Tired of the never-ending circus of threats, ultimatums and name-calling. We face daily struggles that do not allow for political drama. Food insecurity, the high cost of living, crime and joblessness are real and persistent problems. These cannot be solved while elected politicians behave like squabbling children. The government is not a playground. It is a place for responsible leadership and mature decision-making. We do not expect miracles. We know the problems are complex. However, we expect those who have been given the responsibility to govern to take it seriously. That includes respecting democratic processes and the offices of the state. It means engaging in dialogue even when it is uncomfortable. It means disagreeing without tearing the house down. And above all, it means remembering that governance is not about promoting party-political power. It is about improving the quality of life of citizens. The DA must make a choice. It can be part of building a better South Africa, or it can continue on its current path of obstruction, grandstanding and political sabotage. If it chooses the latter, then it should not be surprised when South Africans stop listening. We are looking for solutions, not tantrums. We are looking for accountability, not arrogance. President Ramaphosa has taken a small but meaningful step in the right direction. He must now go further. He must act swiftly and consistently in holding all members of government accountable. He must reinforce the principle that no one is above the collective goals of unity, service and integrity. If he does, the country will follow. The time has come for calm, for order and for leadership that puts the people first. Let those who are unwilling to contribute step aside. Let those who are ready to serve do so with humility and focus. South Africa deserves nothing less. * Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
If it ain't broke, break it anyway
Pretoria Girls' High saga reveals how political agendas undermine dedicated educators and functioning schools. If only the Gauteng education department's racism SWAT team – the fastest scrambling unit anywhere in government – was as good at hunting out weapons and drugs in our schools as it is chasing the ghosts of victimisation, then perhaps our institutions of learning would be a whole lot better off. We have just witnessed the sick spectacle of the department conducting an expensive and ultimately unsuccessful witch-hunt against the principal of Pretoria High School for Girls, Phillipa Erasmus, over trumped up allegations of racism among her pupils. The details of the alleged case are not worth going into, save to say that no less a personage than former president Thabo Mbeki and a team of similar luminaries could find no evidence of racism. Yet, despite that, education MEC Matome Chiloane and his henchmen pursued the unfortunate Erasmus. In the end, a disciplinary hearing – questionable in and of it itself – found her guilty of two breaches… failing to do her duty when appointing a new finance manager for the school and allowing her husband, Mike, to help tend the school's gardens – for free, nogal! Quite what the motive for the crusade against Erasmus is, is not clear, although there is probably an element of jealousy in the fact that this white-run school is excellent by any educational standards. ALSO READ: Payment delays for school assistants caused by DBE verification issues Maybe there is a black school head waiting in the wings – possibly a well-connected ANC apparatchik – to take over to push the claim of black excellence… who knows? Meanwhile, in the schools in poorer areas, there are principals who have bought their positions, who dip their fingers into the school funds, fire teachers on a whim and generally show that, for them, teaching is just another way to acquire wealth. In these schools, unionist teachers don't give a damn, pitching up late and then sexually harassing the youngsters they are meant to mentor and protect. Sure, that is a generalisation, but it is not an exaggeration of what is going on in the lower quintile schools, where the ANC hierarchy would never send their kids. Also, while there are undoubtedly dedicated and professional teachers and heads in some of these schools, the jewels in the crown of education in Gauteng are those former model C ones which often have whites at the helm. ALSO READ: Two schoolboys face court over fatal stabbing of Pretoria pupil I know – my wife taught at one of them. I marvelled at how they nurtured girls who were not only knowledgeable but confident. Some have gone on to become leaders themselves in the private sector. My wife and her colleagues lived to teach. At the school my son and daughter attended, the much-reviled 'standards' are still high both in academic and sporting terms. The same is true of many Afrikaans schools: just down the road from us, Laerskool Fairland produced Olympic champion and world record holder Tatjana Smith. Because they are perceived by the ANC as enclaves of Afrikaner privilege, these schools are now also in the sights of the ANC through the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill. ALSO READ: Waterkloof principal transferred amid witness interference claims However, the ANC, in its headlong pursuit of the chimera of transformation, apparently does not believe in the truism that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it…' On the contrary, in most places in society it has taken functioning systems – from Eskom, to the defence force, to municipalities, to virtually every single state-owned enterprise – and broken them. And, all the while, as we pursue the ghosts of the past and our victimisation, the rest of Africa is queuing up to eat our lunch. By the time we wake up, we'll be a 'has-been' nation…
