logo
National mourning declared as David Mabuza to receive state funeral

National mourning declared as David Mabuza to receive state funeral

The Citizen6 days ago
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that a category 2 state funeral will be held for the late former deputy president Dabede David Mabuza.
Mpumalanga News reports Mabuza (64) died in a Gauteng hospital on Thursday, after falling ill.
While the venue had not been announced at the time of publication, the funeral is scheduled to take place in Mpumalanga on Saturday, with a memorial service on Thursday.
According to the State and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual of The Presidency, a state funeral category 2 is reserved for a deputy president of the republic, an acting president, and a former deputy president.
While preparations unfold, Ramaphosa has declared that a period of national mourning will be observed from today until Saturday evening.
'During this period, the national flag must be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country,' a statement from The Presidency read.
The statement added that a category 2 state funeral is conducted with prescribed military ceremonial honour.
Ramaphosa extended his deep condolences to the Mabuza family.
He wished them strength as they, along with the nation, reflect on the life of a family member, activist, educator, intellectual and government leader who made a significant contribution to South Africa's freedom and development.
Mabuza, a former Mpumalanga premier, held several executive portfolios in the province, including that of MEC for public works, education and agriculture. He also served as provincial chairperson of the ANC in Mpumalanga and later as national deputy president of the party under Ramaphosa.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu on Saturday led a delegation of the executive to the home of Mabuza in Barberton to extend their condolences to the bereaved family.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ramaphosa ‘satisfied' with Mcebisi Jonas's work despite being snubbed by Trump
Ramaphosa ‘satisfied' with Mcebisi Jonas's work despite being snubbed by Trump

The Citizen

time2 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Ramaphosa ‘satisfied' with Mcebisi Jonas's work despite being snubbed by Trump

There are reports that Mcebisi Jonas is unable to be effective in his role as US envoy. Mcebisi Jonas speaks at Semafor's The Next 3 Billion Summit at The Pierre Hotel on 24 September 2024 in New York. Picture:Despite reports that Mcebisi Jonas has received the cold shoulder from US President Donald Trump's administration, President Cyril Ramaphosa is 'satisfied' with the work of his special envoy. In April, Ramaphosa appointed Jonas to improve South Africa's relations with the US. Some questioned this appointment when comments made by Jonas during an Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Annual Lecture in 2020 resurfaced. The former deputy finance minister said Trump was a racist and narcissistic. Jonas gets cold shoulder from Trump City Press reports there are growing concerns that Jonas is struggling to gain access to Trump's administration. 'Government has been without authoritative representation in the US since March, even though America is SA's second-largest trading partner,' a source told the publication. Jonas's lack of progress in the US has led to calls for Ramaphosa to quickly find a new ambassador to the US. The previous South African ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled for criticising Trump's administration. This came after he said the US president was leading a white supremacist movement. Absent from Ramaphosa's delegation Claims that Jonas was being snubbed by Trump grew after he was not included in Ramaphosa's delegation that visited the Oval Office in May. Some also said Jonas was not given a US visa. At the time, the Presidency dismissed those allegations. 'Initial interpretations of procedural matters, communicated in good faith, have been amended following confirmation that Mr Jonas holds a valid visa for travel to the United States of America,' it said. ALSO READ: Presidency clarifies Mcebisi Jonas' absence from Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump It said Jonas helped Ramaphosa prepare for the meeting with Trump. 'Mr. Jonas contributed to preparatory engagements ahead of the meeting between President Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump, including consultations abroad. His absence from Washington, at his own request, has no bearing on the President's official programme.' US tariffs The struggles of Jonas to make inroads in the US have come into sharper focus since Trump announced he would impose 30% import tariffs on South Africa from 1 August. Ramaphosa has since accused the US government of reaching the 30% figure through a flawed interpretation of trade data. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa disputes Trump's 30% tariff claim as 'not accurate' Jonas's achievements? When asked by City Press what Jonas has achieved since he took on the role of US envoy, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya refused to divulge any details. 'The work of envoys is not a public affair, they are not ministers or publicly elected officers. His work and how he carries it out is not a matter of collective responsibility with anyone. It's solely to support the president,' said Magwenya.

Watch: Ramaphosa hails Mabuza as ‘unifier' at state funeral service
Watch: Ramaphosa hails Mabuza as ‘unifier' at state funeral service

The Citizen

time4 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Watch: Ramaphosa hails Mabuza as ‘unifier' at state funeral service

Guests and mourners gathered for the state funeral of former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza at Hoërskool Bergvlam yesterday. Thousands attended the service. According to Mpumalanga News, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy, describing Mabuza as a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but across the country. 'He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism and quiet resolve. To some, he was the 'cat with nine lives', resilient in the face of political storms. 'But to many in his home province and beyond, he was a source of support, a provider of opportunities, and a champion for rural development and education,' said Ramaphosa, adding that Mabuza would be remembered as a unifier. 'As premier he was committed to unifying the different people of the Land of the Rising Sun. In death, he has once again brought us all together, across many nations and continents, to mourn, pay homage, remember and fondly reminisce. 'In his eternal sleep, he is demonstrating that our many differences along political party and racial lines, and the numerous disputes we may have, are eclipsed by our shared desire to follow his lead in building a just, equitable and caring society,' he added. In a message from Mabuza's wife, Nonhlanhla Mabuza, read by Nomsa Mnisi, she reflected on their first meeting and how she came to terms with his dedication to public service. 'Serving the people of South Africa was your first love. Like any young wife, I struggled with that at first. But when I saw the joy and impact you brought to the people of Mpumalanga, I embraced my place beside you as your partner, with love and pride. The love you had for your children was tough but empowering.' She said Mabuza touched many lives profoundly and recalled how she never worried when he left for his regular medical check-ups because he always returned home. She remembered their last phone call and being informed an hour later that he was being taken to hospital. She vowed to carry the rest of her journey with the strength he left behind. After the state funeral, the family held a private service in Barberton. Watch the funeral service here: Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

SAPS turmoil another test for a dithering Commander-in-Chief
SAPS turmoil another test for a dithering Commander-in-Chief

IOL News

time7 hours ago

  • IOL News

SAPS turmoil another test for a dithering Commander-in-Chief

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi (left), President Cyril Ramaphosa and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu at the inaugural Policing Summit held at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Gauteng April 08, 2025. Recent revelations made by General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi are damning. While these allegations are yet to be tested, verified and authenticated, they paint a dark picture about the top brass at SAPS, says the writer. Image: GCIS Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu When President Ramaphosa ascended to power in 2018, he punched above his weight by making huge promises that would propel South Africa to stardom. He promised to correct what he called 'nine wasted years' under President Jacob Zuma, whom he deputised in the ANC and government. He also promised to deliver 'The New Dawn.' Once the wheels started rolling, they quickly fell off and sent the car in all directions. One of the areas where challenges have been witnessed is the security cluster, which was accused of dropping the ball in the Nkandla matter. The expectation was that the security cluster would install security features at Zuma's private home in line with its mandate. Later, it was discovered that many things went wrong. Zuma was accused of squandering public funds instead of blaming the security cluster for failing to execute its mandate. Under Ramaphosa, in July 2021, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng went ablaze as public protests engulfed these provinces following Justice Sisi Khampepe's emotional ruling that Zuma must be incarcerated for 15 months at the Estcourt prison. The security cluster could have prevented the riots, which had devastating effects from which people have not fully recovered. Many lives were lost, people lost jobs, and several businesses closed. This led to a trust deficit between the public and the security cluster. Worried about potential public backlash and determined to redeem the image of the cluster, Ramaphosa made some changes in the security cluster. Among them was the removal of Minister Ayanda Dlodlo from her position, while others were left untouched. Ramaphosa was indeed hailed by some for taking action to address the embarrassment. But others blamed him for not being decisive and doing enough to curtail future occurrences of something similar. Continuing challenges in the South African Police Service (SAPS) have been a cause for concern. Some police members are arrested for criminal activities, accused of contaminating crime scenes, not treating complainants properly, raping some of the complainants, opting to ridicule those who come to open cases, accused of making dockets disappear and either protecting or working with criminals. Such stories have been in the public domain. While the incidents do not involve all SAPS members since others are honest and professional, they do tarnish the image of the service. The country's defence force has also been in the media for the wrong reasons. Reports of defence force members killing their colleagues or being implicated in other wrongdoings, either individually or collectively, are concerning. 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 ✕ Immigration is another sector where problems have occurred. Apart from complaints about long queues, which could be avoided, there are other serious matters. Reports about bribery have been in the media. The miraculous exit of Shepherd Bushiri back to Malawi while he was facing charges, together with his wife, raised eyebrows. The increasing number of illegal immigrants raises concerns. This has in the past triggered Afrophobia, which was wrongly dubbed xenophobia. In a nutshell, the security cluster has been receiving bad publicity. This is not to say that there are no honest and professional South Africans in these units. Sadly, their good work is overshadowed by the wrongs of their colleagues. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the president (whoever it may be) is inevitably drawn in. Ramaphosa is the incumbent. Therefore, the buck stops with him. What has he done to protect the image of the security cluster? If he has not done enough, why is that the case? Importantly, how does his inaction breathe life into the 'New Dawn' promise? Recent revelations made by General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi are damning. While these allegations are yet to be tested, verified and authenticated, they paint a dark picture about the top brass at SAPS. What makes these allegations plausible is that they speak to some of the concerns the public has expressed in the past. Since assuming his current position, Mkhwanazi has been accused of leading gun crazy police officers. Some human rights groups even confronted him, arguing that the suspects have rights. Interestingly, they were silent about the police officers who were assassinated while on duty defending innocent South Africans. Putting SAPS protocol aside, Mkhwanazi has given the nation a taste of what could be happening behind the scenes. Given the seriousness of the allegations he made during the media briefing, the onus is on Ramaphosa to show astute and decisive leadership. The call is not for him to summarily dismiss those implicated in Mkhwanazi's public statements. What is expected from the president is to suspend those individuals pending the investigations. If it is true that people who are not members of SAPS have a say in what happens there, this would make a mockery of the accusations levelled against the Gupta family. What happened to the recommendations of the Sydney Mufamadi Report? Did Ramaphosa implement those? If nothing was done, what difference would it make to set up another investigation to verify the statements made by Mkhwanazi? In other words, has Ramaphosa demonstrated astute and decisive leadership in the past? If not, is this not an opportune moment for him to do so to regain public trust, both for his political image and that of the country? To what extent does his action and/or inaction impact the ANC's performance in the polls? These are very critical questions. Considering the above, if the security cluster is not performing at the expected level, where does that leave the DA's proposal about the devolution of powers to provincial governments? More importantly, what does that say about South Africa's status of being a unitary state as opposed to being a federal state? Should the country embark on a constitutional amendment to address weaknesses in the security cluster? In a nutshell, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's revelations have tacitly invoked important discussions about the state of our country's security. Implicitly, it implores the president to self-reflect on how he has performed his function as Commander-in-Chief. * Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu is Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at Nelson Mandela University. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store