WATCH: Ramaphosa to deliver eulogy at former deputy president David Mabuza's funeral

The remains of former deputy President David Mabuza will be laid to rest in a State Funeral Category 2 in Mbombela on Saturday morning, where President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver eulogy and pay tribute to Mabuza’s legacy in South African politics.

Mabuza, 64, died on July 3, at a hospital in Johannesburg due to breathing difficulties.

Ramaphosa declared that Mabuza’s funeral would be conducted in accordance with the protocols of a State Funeral Category 2.

“The late former deputy president David Mabuza, who was a leader in government, contributed greatly to the attainment of freedom and development in society,” said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

Mabuza, who was a qualified teacher, rose to political prominence as Mpumalanga’s first education MEC in 1994. 

He was appointed premier of the province in 2009 and served in that role until 2018. 

It was during this time, he became known as “The Cat” for his strategic political maneuvers and behind-the-scenes negotiation style.

He went on to serve as South Africa’s deputy president from 2018 to 2023.

Mabuza, according to the Presidency, also played a significant role as leader of government business in Parliament and as chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council.

He served as South Africa’s special envoy to South Sudan, where he was instrumental in peace and unity negotiations. 

“A respected unifier, Mabuza dedicated his leadership to improving the lives of those in the most remote and disadvantaged communities,” Magwenya said. 

“He also played a key role in mobilising the private sector in the national response to HIV and TB.”

The state funeral service will take place Saturday, July 12, at 9am at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, in the province.

On Friday afternoon, Mabuza’s body was received in his hometown in Barberton by a crowd of African National Congress (ANC) supporters dressed in party regalia. 

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) provided a guard of honour as his remains were returned home from the mortuary ahead of the funeral.

Meanwhile, addressing the media outside Mabuza’s home, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula told the media that the party would hand over the ANC flag to the family before the funeral service.

“The proceedings will start in the morning with a private ceremony, which will include the handover of the African National Congress flag to the family,” Mbalula said. 

“The government and the State will then take over, as the funeral has been declared by the president as a Category 2 funeral with military honors.”

Mbalula said the handover ritual would begin at 7am on Saturday before the funeral procession moves to Mbombela.

The ANC faced criticism from Mabuza’s family over the manner in which his death was announced. 

Some relatives expressed disappointment, saying they learned of his passing through social media.

Mbalula, however, defended his actions, saying protocol was followed when he announced Mabuza’s death through his personal X account.

“From our side as the ANC, we have followed all protocol. I think the entire nation was engulfed by the news of his passing, which landed in media houses,” he said. 

“Some members of the family learned of his passing through the media network, but protocol was followed.”

Family spokesperson Desmond Moel said the family has accepted the ANC’s apology.

“The family has actually accepted the apology from the chairperson of the ANC in Mpumalanga. He indicated that he apologises for having conveyed the message through social media,” Moel said

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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