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Ramaphosa to Deliver Eulogy at Former Deputy President David Mabuza’s Funeral

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2 months ago

July 12, 2025

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President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the official eulogy at the State Funeral Category 2 of former deputy president David Mabuza, taking place Saturday, July 12 at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

Mabuza, who died on July 3, 2025, due to breathing complications at a Johannesburg hospital, will be honoured with military rites and full state protocol, in recognition of his long-standing contribution to South African governance and national unity.

A Political Legacy Remembered

At the time of his death, Mabuza was 64 years old and remembered by many as a master political strategist and a unifying force within the African National Congress (ANC). His nickname, “The Cat,” reflected his behind-the-scenes influence and survival instincts in volatile political landscapes.

He began his career as a teacher and entered politics as Mpumalanga’s first MEC for Education in 1994. He later became Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018, before ascending to the role of Deputy President of South Africa from 2018 to 2023 under President Ramaphosa.

National and Global Contributions

Mabuza also served as:

Leader of Government Business in Parliament,
Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council, and
Special Envoy to South Sudan, where he contributed to peace-building and unity efforts.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described Mabuza as a “respected unifier” who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in disadvantaged communities and helped mobilise the private sector to combat HIV and TB.

Funeral Details and Proceedings

The State Funeral Category 2, which includes military honours, will begin with a private ceremony at 7am, where the ANC flag will be officially handed over to the family, according to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. The official funeral programme will start at 9am.

On Friday afternoon, Mabuza’s body was received in Barberton, his hometown, by ANC supporters in party regalia and an SANDF guard of honour, in a symbolic gesture of his national service.

Controversy Over the Announcement of His Death

Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the ANC faced backlash from the Mabuza family for the way the news of his passing was made public. Some relatives say they only learned of Mabuza’s death through social media.

Mbalula defended the announcement, saying all necessary protocols were followed and that the party was transparent during a sensitive time. The family has since accepted the apology from the ANC’s Mpumalanga chairperson, who acknowledged the communication breakdown.

“The family has actually accepted the apology… [He] indicated that he apologises for having conveyed the message through social media,” said family spokesperson Desmond Moel.

A Nation Pays Tribute

President Ramaphosa’s eulogy is expected to reflect on Mabuza’s political journey, his role in helping unify ANC factions during the party’s turbulent leadership battles, and his legacy as a leader who operated both on the frontlines and behind the scenes.

As the nation bids farewell, David Mabuza is remembered not only for his political skill but for his dedication to social upliftment, peace efforts abroad, and the fight against HIV and TB at home.