logo
David Dabede Mabuza: A shrewd leader, political strategist

David Dabede Mabuza: A shrewd leader, political strategist

IOL News2 days ago
THE African National Congress (ANC) top six elected at the party's 54th national conference held at the NASREC Expo Centre on December 18, 2017 (from left) deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte, secretary-general Ace Magashule, national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, president Cyril Ramaphosa, deputy president David Mabuza and treasurer-general Paul Mashatile.
Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu
THE sad news about the passing of David Dabede Mabuza, affectionately known as 'DD', took many South Africans by surprise. Surely, those who are close to him would have known about his disappearance from the public eye. However, many South Africans thought that his disappearance was part of what he had been known for – being out of the limelight.
Mabuza was not nicknamed 'The cat' for nothing. He was a difficult person to understand. He seldom talked and was literally 'an absentee Deputy President' during his two terms after he was first appointed on 27 February 2018, and again on 30 May 2019.
The big question we must pose as we pen his obituary is: What legacy is Mabuza bequeathing to the nation and the world? Importantly, what will the ANC, as his political home, indeed remember him for?
These questions are not as simple as they appear at first glance. Part of the reason is that Mabuza knew how to manoeuvre politics, when to act and how. To understand his politics, we must trace his historical background, albeit briefly.
Mabuza was born on 24 August 1960 in present-day Mpumalanga province and passed away on 3 July 2025. After completing his high school education, he obtained his National Teachers Certificate at Mgwenya College in Mpumalanga in 1985 before obtaining his BA degree at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 1989. What is noticeable is that Mabuza majored in psychology. This explains some of his political acumen.
His political leadership includes inter alia being elected MEC of Education in Mpumalanga from 1994 to 1998, being elected to serve in the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) for the first time in 2007, being elected as the ANC's Provincial Chairperson in Mpumalanga from 2008 until 2017, being Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 until 2018 when he resigned to ascend to the position of Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa from 2018 until he resigned in March 2023 to allow Paul Mashatile to occupy that position after being elected Deputy President of the party (ANC).
As we mourn Mabuza's passing, we also reflect on his politics and the legacy he is leaving behind.
To the ANC, Mabuza was a hero. Following his passing, Fikile Mbalula spoke on behalf of the ANC in his capacity as the party's Secretary-General. He described Mabuza as someone who liked unity, discipline, and transformation.
Some people in Mpumalanga will remember him as a strategist who knew how to deal with his political opponents and neutralise them. Others will remember him as a shrewd leader who did not want to be opposed. More will remember him as someone who brought political stability where there was none. Some of those who were close to him will remember him as someone who tried his level best not to make his hands 'dirty' even when he was alleged to have been involved in wrongdoing.
Linked to the above is what happened before Mabuza was sworn in as Deputy President after the 2019 general election. He was expected to appear before the ANC's National Disciplinary Committee (NDC). Mabuza delayed being sworn in until he had been cleared. This decision distinguished him from his political colleagues, who could not wait to be cleared before taking their positions in parliament. Many will forever admire him for that.
The youth of Mpumalanga will remember Mabuza for his emphasis on the role of education while being MEC of Education in that province. The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) benefited from Mabuza's advice.
On that score, Mabuza was smarter than many of his political contemporaries, both in the ANC and outside.
Many South Africans will remember Mabuza for handing Ramaphosa the Presidency. When the race between Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Ramaphosa reached a boiling point, there were clear signs that the former was on the verge of making history by becoming the ANC and South Africa's first female president.
It was Mabuza who saved Ramaphosa through what he called a 'Unity vote' from Mpumalanga. As soon as he announced that Mpumalanga would support Ramaphosa, Dr Dlamini-Zuma's hope of winning the race was dashed. Indeed, when the official results were announced, Ramaphosa won the day.
To prove that DD saved Ramaphosa, the latter only won the election with a mere 179 votes. This was unheard of in the history of the ANC. Had DD not done what he did, Ramaphosa would have lost the ANC election.
Secondly, many South Africans will remember DD as the 'absent Deputy President' during his term in office. There were many instances when DD was nowhere to be seen. To be fair to him, his ill health also contributed to this, as he would at times be reported to have flown to Russia to seek medical attention.
What has been said above should not be misconstrued to mean that Mabuza had nothing to do as Deputy President of the country. Among his responsibilities was being the leader of government business, leading land reforms, assisting in the promotion of rural development, assisting in the mechanisms meant to accelerate service delivery, coordinating plans to address poverty, leading programmes on HIV Aids, COVID-19 and many others.
Unlike many ANC leaders, Mabuza was groomed by the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) during his youth. Whether this is what made him different from his colleagues remains debatable.
May his soul rest in peace!
* 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.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'I will die for this badge': Who is Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi?
'I will die for this badge': Who is Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi?

The Star

time33 minutes ago

  • The Star

'I will die for this badge': Who is Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi?

Hope Ntanzi | Published 9 hours ago KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's vow to defend the SAPS badge, even with his life, has sparked national debate, making him a fearless symbol of resistance against political interference in policing. Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO/INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS Step on the wrong side of the law, and he will deal with you. KwaZulu-Natal's Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is no stranger to headlines, dropping bombs left, right and centre. Mkhwanazi has long been regarded as a no-nonsense law enforcer with an unflinching stance on corruption. His latest public outburst has taken his profile to new heights. Once known mainly within policing circles, his name and face have now captured the public imagination, with many South Africans using his image as their display picture and hailing him as a fearless symbol of integrity. This comes after an explosive press briefing where he declared he was 'combat ready' to defend the integrity of the badge, even if it cost him his life. According to the SAPS, Mkhwanazi joined the South African Police Service as a student constable in 1993. He rose through the ranks to Lieutenant General in 2011. ''Before being appointed acting provincial commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal, Mkhwanazi occupied several positions within the Service, including head of the Special Task Force (STF), Divisional Commissioner of Human Resource Development, and acting National Commissioner of Police.'' He holds a B-Tech degree in Policing as well as a National Diploma in Police Administration. His words, directed at Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, ignited a national conversation about political interference in law enforcement, sparking intense debate. 'I am combat ready. I will die for this badge. I will not back down,' Mkhwanazi told the media during a press conference in Durban on Sunday. This statement has since gone viral and turned him into a symbol of bravery and resistance for many on social media. At the centre of the storm is a deepening rift between Mkhwanazi and Mchunu, following the controversial disbandment of the KZN political killings task team, a unit that had been investigating high-profile assassinations in the province. Mkhwanazi, who was clad in the brown uniform of the STF and heavily armed with security, claims the task team was disbanded without his consultation and hinted at political interference from individuals close to Mchunu. 'Someone whispered to the minister to remove the team,he didn't consult me or the National Commissioner,' said Mkhwanazi. The fallout is the latest chapter in what observers now describe as a 'dangerous power play' within South Africa's law enforcement hierarchy. Mkhwanazi, who has been wearing his police boots for over 30 years and once held a top position of the acting National Commissioner, has earned a reputation for internal discipline and for publicly confronting institutional rot. His previous decision to suspend crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli in 2012 for alleged misconduct showcased his willingness to challenge powerful figures. In March this year, Mchunu lodged a formal complaint with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), accusing Mkhwanazi of interfering in the arrest of a correctional services official with alleged links to a drug cartel. However, Mkhwanazi dismissed the probe as a smear campaign designed to undermine his efforts to tackle politically connected crime networks. 'Every time I touch someone powerful, there is a backlash. This is not the first time they've tried to silence me,' he said. The investigation sparked outrage from police unions and political parties alike. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party, the EFF, and several civic organisations rallied behind Mkhwanazi, with some demanding Mchunu's resignation and the reinstatement of the task team. Mchunu has maintained a cautious tone throughout, recently telling the media. 'The decision on the renewal of Lt Gen Mkhwanazi's contract lies with the National Commissioner, not me.' However, that hasn't stopped speculation that Mchunu and others in senior government circles are lobbying for Mkhwanazi's removal ahead of the end of his term. In a 2024 interview, Mkhwanazi made it clear he believes provincial police commissioners should have more authority to act independently, especially in politically volatile regions like KZN. 'We are not politicians. We are law enforcement. If crime has a political connection, that doesn't mean we stop doing our jobs,' he told the newspaper, Mail & Guardian. Public sentiment is sharply divided. While some civil society leaders have called for calm and institutional accountability, others have rallied behind him as a symbol of resistance against political interference in the SAPS. Forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan, however, criticised Mkhwanazi's approach. 'I want that man to fall, and the sooner, the better,' citing what he called dangerous grandstanding and factional loyalties.' Mchunu has however denied allegations of political interference made by Mkhwanazi, calling them 'wild' and 'baseless.' Responding to claims that he disbanded the political killings task team and interfered in SAPS operations, Mchunu said: 'I will never allow my integrity, that of the Ministry or SAPS, to be undermined by insinuations made without evidence.' He confirmed that the commissioner's remarks would be reviewed and that appropriate action would be considered: 'All these public statements require an urgent, transparent investigation on a proper platform.' Mchunu reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and tackling serious crimes, especially in high-crime provinces like KZN, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape. [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel IOL Politics

All eyes on MaMkhize: Construction mafia, SARS officer 'hit', and more
All eyes on MaMkhize: Construction mafia, SARS officer 'hit', and more

The South African

timean hour ago

  • The South African

All eyes on MaMkhize: Construction mafia, SARS officer 'hit', and more

Controversial businesswoman Shauwn Mhize – also known as MaMkhize – has been thrust into the spotlight once again following a damning report by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. And many South Africans are 'connecting the dots' about the flamboyant woman's sketchy past, which includes bribery, corruption, and tax evasion. Some are even calling out the reality TV star and former PSL club boss for being allegedly linked to the assassination attempt of a SARS official, who had been investigating her case. On Monday, 7 July, MaMkhize topped the X trends list after KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkwanazi and Police Portfolio Committee chairperson linked her relations to alleged corrupt businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, who has been accused of having ties to the underworld. Here's a look behind the headlines… 'Construction mafia' In August last year, MaMkhize – the CEO of the Zikhulise Group, which deals in the construction, cleaning, maintenance, and transport sectors – confessed to 'collaborating with construction mafia'. Speaking to the SABC from a Women in Construction event in Durban, she said: 'As much as there are construction mafias, it is very important to collaborate. I've been in the industry for more than 20 years, with the construction mafia involved. 'But what I do is I sit down [with them]. It's a cry for help. You need to understand what they need, and you collaborate. I've done it. I've built quite a lot of people that are coming from construction mafias, which I call business forums'. She continued: 'They've never given me problems. We must look at them as enemies. We must listen, hear them out, and meet each other halfway. That's how I've done it'. Hit on SARS official? A year ago, MaMkhize's name trended in relation to an assassination attempt on a SARS advocate assigned to a R37 million investigation into her companies. In a statement, SARS revealed that Coreth Naudé was shot three times in her car after she arrived at her hotel in Umhlanga, Durban. Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said the shooting was a deliberate assassination attempt on their official, who had been investigating high-profile cases. According to EWN, this included MaMkhize's unpaid taxes saga. THAT Carte Blanche interview A few months earlier, MaMhize appeared in an interview with Carte Blanche , which she later stormed out of. The businesswoman was questioned about benefiting from over R1 billion in government tenders over a period of 20 years. However, MaMkhize denied that any of her business had materialised from her political connections, particularly from her late mom, Florence Mkhize, an ANC stalwart. She said, 'Why can't people look at me as a young black woman who has worked very hard, who has pushed boundaries and opened doors?' She added: 'I will never entertain the noise of the world. I live in my own world with my own rules'. When asked why she had evaded tax amid a luxurious lifestyle, the 49-year-old seemingly became defensive. 'Tax matters are personal. I don't have to divulge what my problems were'. Last year, MaMkhize was slapped with a R37 million tax bill relating to her business empire. As a result, SARS filed a court application to seize 13 high-end vehicles owned by Shandi Trust and Royal AM football club, of which the reality TV star holds a majority stake. The cars have since been auctioned off. The publication added that MaMkhize was also ordered to pay R12 million in her personal capacity to SARS. MaMkhize has been linked to alleged ties with criminally accused Vusimusi Cat Matlala and Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu. Images via X During a police raid of her La Lucia home last year, law enforcement uncovered a cache of licensed firearms and ammunition, allegedly belonging to tenderpreneur Vusi 'Cat' Matlala. In 2012, IOL reported that MaMkhize faced 119 counts of tax fraud, amounting to up to R5 million, for submitting fake invoices. She later blamed the oversight on her bookkeeper, Kishal Reddy, who pleaded guilty while she pleaded not guilty. According to Mail & Guardian , she was also charged with corruption for allegedly trying to persuade a state witness in one of her tax fraud cases to tamper with evidence. All charges were later withdrawn, and Shauwn walked out of the court as a free woman. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

Tshwane city manager faces ANC push for removal, three years on
Tshwane city manager faces ANC push for removal, three years on

Daily Maverick

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Maverick

Tshwane city manager faces ANC push for removal, three years on

The ANC wants to remove highly regarded Tshwane city manager Johann Mettler, three years after his appointment. Gauteng MEC for Local Government Jacob Mamabolo has weighed in with a letter about Mettler's appointment, showing that threats by the city's governing coalition to get rid of Mettler are becoming more serious. The three issues now raised by the provincial leader – who has oversight powers over the metro – were not flagged at the time of the appointment. Mettler is regarded as one of South Africa's most qualified and technocratic city managers: he has an LLM from Lund University in Sweden, an LLB and BProc from the University of the Western Cape, and has worked in local government since 1995. He has served as an administrator brought in to stabilise dysfunctional municipalities and was city manager of the Drakenstein and Nelson Mandela Bay councils. 'Whatever legal pretext the ANC coalition devises, the point is that the party would prefer one of their own deployed cadres – not an independent professional – in the job of municipal manager,' said Cilliers Brink, the DA Tshwane caucus leader and former mayor. He said Mettler had come under attack in council several times. 'The most notable of these attacks happened when it became clear that the city would not drop the case against the Rooiwaal Five, city officials implicated in the irregular tender award to a consortium of ANC funder Edwin Sodi.' Sodi won the tender for repairs to the Rooiwaal Waste-Water Treatment Plant, which were botched and caused severe downstream water contamination, most notably affecting the Hammanskraal community. Brink has written to Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya of ActionSA about the growing attacks on the city manager. 'ActionSA's position is clear and consistent: we will not support the removal of any senior manager unless there is a clear, lawful and governance-based reason for doing so. [We] will not compromise the integrity of governance in Tshwane for the sake of political expediency. We remain committed to a principled, lawful and stable administration that serves the best interests of residents,' the party said. Mamabolo has now raised concerns – three years after the fact – about the interview panel for Mettler's appointment and his qualifications under the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). Brink, who was mayor at the time of Mettler's appointment, said the panel that made the appointment complied with regulations for senior managers. Mettler had also completed the MFMA qualifications he needed. '…The legal implications of asking council to reverse an appointment at this stage remain uncertain and require careful consideration,' ActionSA said. The ANC holds 75 of 214 seats in the Tshwane council and governs with support from the EFF (23) and ActionSA (19), along with smaller parties. The DA has 69 seats. The attempt to axe Mettler could destabilise governance in South Africa's capital.

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