Mpumalanga ANC mourns DD Mabuza's passing: ‘A great tree has fallen'
Manzini added that Mabuza's death reminded them of the words of the first president of the ANC Youth League, Cde Anton Lembede, who said: 'No man outside the lunatic asylum can shamelessly maintain that present leaders are immortal. They must, when the hour strikes, inexorably bow down to fate and die, for, there's no armour against fate. Death lays his icy hands on kings.'
ALSO READ: David Mabuza's death a blow to nation, Mpumalanga
'We are struggling, because we are acutely aware that Mabuza did not fear death. He demonstrated this fearlessness when he joined the Azanian Student Organisation in his youth, later serving as its secretary from 1984 to 1985 – during an era when death was often the price that activists paid.
'He was committed to social justice and firmly believed that education is one of the most valuable tools to achieve it. He pursued education as a career, obtaining a National Teachers' Diploma in 1985, after which he became a mathematics teacher and later, a school principal,' Manzini said.
According to Manzini, Mabuza's commitment to improving access to and the quality of education extended far beyond the classroom. He served as:
• Co-ordinator of the National Education Crisis Committee (1987-1989),
• Chairperson of the National Education Union of South Africa (1986-1988),
• Treasurer of the Foundation for Education with Production (1986-1990), and
• Chairperson of the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (1988-1991).
He also served as Mpumalanga's first MEC of education in post-apartheid South Africa, and later formed a foundation that helped many underprivileged learners gain access to higher education.
ALSO READ: Department intensifies measures to address labour unrest in Nkomazi
'The ANC in Mpumalanga says, 'uwile umuthi omkhulu' – another great tree has fallen! We appreciate the immeasurable contribution that Mabuza made in building a better life for all, especially here in Mpumalanga.'
He played an integral role in the machinery of South Africa's democratic government, serving in multiple capacities:
• MEC for housing (1999-2001),
• Member of Parliament (2001-2004),
• Member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature (2004-2007),
• Deputy chairperson of the ANC in Mpumalanga (2005-2008),
• MEC for roads and transport (2007-2008),
• MEC for agriculture and land administration (2008-2009),
• Chairperson of the ANC in Mpumalanga (2008-2017),
• Premier of Mpumalanga (2009-2018),
• Deputy president of the ANC (2017-2022), and
• Member of the ANC's National Executive Committee from 2007 onwards.
'Mabuza earned his seat among the great galaxy of ANC leaders who did all in their power to ensure the party remains a dominant political force in South Africa. He earned this through service,' Manzini concluded.
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