By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, and the entire Kingdom of Eswatini have expressed profound sorrow following the passing of David Dabede Mabuza, former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa.
In an official statement issued by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, the Monarchs, Government and people of Eswatini extended heartfelt condolences to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Government and people of South Africa, and in particular to the Mabuza family.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini has learnt with deep sadness of the demise of the Honourable David Mabuza. On behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, the Government and the people of Eswatini, we extend our sincerest condolences,” the statement read.
Honourable Mabuza was praised for his dedication to public service and his contributions to South Africa and the Southern African region. “His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the leadership he provided,” said Dlamini. “At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with all who mourn his loss. May his soul rest in peace, and may the good Lord strengthen and comfort his family.”
A Political Life of Influence
Mabuza passed away in his home province after a short illness, according to a statement by President Ramaphosa, under whom he served as Deputy President until his resignation two years ago.
“We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism from the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation,” President Ramaphosa said.
Mabuza played a key role in South African politics, notably at the 2017 African National Congress (ANC) conference, where he shifted his support from then-President Jacob Zuma’s preferred candidate to Cyril Ramaphosa. This unexpected move secured Ramaphosa’s narrow victory as party leader, setting the stage for his presidency in 2018. Many credited Mabuza with helping to stabilise the ANC during a period of deep division.
Political analyst Bheki Mngomezulu, from Nelson Mandela University, described Mabuza as “a person who knew how to manoeuvre and play politics.” Although his political journey was marked by both influence and controversy, he remained a central figure in post-apartheid South Africa’s leadership.
Humble Beginnings and Public Service
Born on 25 August 1960 in Phola Trust township, Mpumalanga, Mabuza held a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Before entering politics, he worked as a mathematics teacher and became known for his anti-AIDS activism, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the well-being of his community.
As the region mourns his passing, Mabuza’s life is remembered for its complexity, impact and lasting imprint on the political fabric of South Africa and its neighbours. The legacy of his leadership is set to influence future generations, while his contributions continue to be celebrated both within South Africa and across the broader region.
(Courtesy Pic)
