Tributes for former Deputy President Mabuza
7 July 2025
- Parliament offers condolences following the death of former Deputy President
- United Nations Mourns the Passing of Former Deputy President David Mabuza
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the former Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza will be honoured with a State Funeral Category 2 on Saturday, 12 July 2025.
Parliament offers condolences following the death of former Deputy President
Parliament’s Presiding Officers -- National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane -- have expressed their condolences to former Deputy President David Mabuza’s family following his death on Thursday.
The former Deputy President passed away in hospital following a short illness.
He served as Deputy President between 2018 and 2023.
“We pay homage to former Deputy President Mabuza, an exemplary leader and patriot, who dedicated his life to the service of our people. His passing is a profound loss not only to his family and comrades, but to the nation as a whole,” the Presiding Officers said in a statement.
Demonstrating leadership
Parliament hailed Mabuza’s role in “fostering better coordination between Parliament and the Executive” while he was Deputy President.
“He remained committed to parliamentary accountability, consistently availing himself to answer questions in the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, and engaging in oversight processes with diligence and respect.
“In his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land and Agriculture, he oversaw the implementation of key recommendations made by the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture, appointed in 2018.
“His leadership contributed to the development of crucial policy instruments, such as the Land Court Act, which provided for the appointment of full-time judges to adjudicate land-related matters, as well as the Land Beneficiary and Allocation Policy and the Land Donation Policy,” Parliament said.
Before joining Parliament, the former Deputy President served as Mpumalanga Premier and also as a Member of the Executive Council in that province.
“Parliament honours his legacy of humility, service and commitment to the ideals of our constitutional democracy. May his life’s work continue to inspire future generations. Parliament extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, the African National Congress, and all those whose lives he touched.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the Presiding Officers said.
SAnews.gov.za
United Nations Mourns the Passing of Former Deputy President David Mabuza
The United Nations in South Africa joins the nation in mourning the passing of the Honourable David Dabede Mabuza, former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa.
In his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Mr. Mabuza provided important leadership in the national response to HIV, TB, and sexually transmitted infections. His commitment to strengthening multi-sectoral coordination, promoting inclusive health responses, and upholding the rights and dignity of people living with HIV resonated deeply with the core values and mission of the United Nations.
“Beyond the health sector, the Honourable Mabuza championed critical national priorities such as rural development, land reform, and gender-based violence prevention,” said Nelson Muffuh, the head of the UN in South Africa and Resident Coordinator, adding, “His engagements consistently reflected a profound belief that no community, no matter how remote or underserved, should be left behind.”
The United Nations Country Team in South Africa valued his openness to multilateral cooperation and the impactful work he spearheaded in advancing policies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. His contribution to the public good has left a meaningful and enduring legacy that will be remembered for many years to come.
We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the people of South Africa during this time of immense grief. May his soul rest in peace and his memory serve as a reminder of the enduring power of compassionate leadership in service of others.
UN Information Centre – Pretoria
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the former Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza will be honoured with a State Funeral Category 2 on Saturday, 12 July 2025.
Deputy President Mabuza, 64, who served as Deputy President between 2018 and 2023 passed away on Thursday following a short illness.
In a statement on Sunday, the Presidency said in terms of the State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual of The Presidency, the State Funeral Category 2 is reserved for the Deputy President of the Republic, an Acting President and Former Deputy Presidents.
The State Funeral Category 2 is conducted with prescribed military ceremonial honours.
“The funeral of Former Deputy President Mabuza will take place in Mpumalanga. Closer details will be announced in the coming days.
“While preparations unfold, President Ramaphosa has declared that days of national mourning be observed from Monday, 07 July 2025, until the evening of Saturday, 12 July.
“During this period, the National Flag must be flown at half mast at all flag stations around the country,” the Presidency said.
President Ramaphosa reiterated his deep condolences to the Mabuza family.
“The President wishes the family strength as they and the nation reflect on the life of a family member, activist, educator, intellectual and leader in government who contributed greatly to the attainment of freedom and development in our society,” the statement read.
SAnews.gov.za