Cyril Ramaphosa pays tribute to David Mabuza at state funeral

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a heartfelt eulogy at the state funeral of former deputy president David Mabuza, describing him as a unifier of the nation. 

The funeral was held at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Saturday.

Ramaphosa praised Mabuza for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary South Africans. "He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism, and quiet resolve," said Ramaphosa.

"To some, he was the 'cat with nine lives' — resilient in the face of political storms." 

Mabuza's passion for education was evident in his work as a teacher and his efforts to improve access to education for rural communities.

Ramaphosa noted that Mabuza's legacy includes establishing many rural boarding schools, which helped eradicate the barrier to education for farm children.

He described Mabuza as a unifier of the nation, who worked tirelessly to bring people together across party lines and racial divides.

"He stood firm for the unity of his movement, the ANC, and it was his lifelong dream to see a strong, united ANC."

Mabuza's ability to unite people was evident in his work as premier of Mpumalanga, where he brought together different communities and worked to restore the dignity of traditional leaders, he said.

He praised Mabuza for his commitment to unity and his ability to work with people from all walks of life.

Ramaphosa reflected on the lessons that can be learned from Mabuza's life and legacy. "Do we seek public office because of the rewards we think we can reap, or do we take on the mantle of leadership so that we may improve the lives of our people?" asked Ramaphosa.

Mabuza's selflessness and commitment to public service were evident in his work, and Ramaphosa praised him for being a true servant of the people. 

"He was not a man for standing on podiums and giving long speeches," said Ramaphosa. "He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives."

Mabuza’s family remembered the late statesman as a man of high stature and honour.

His son, Mxolisi Mabuza, said his father was a stern and disciplined man who always pushed for excellence.

He described him as stern and disciplined, always striving for excellence.

"He made it clear that we are standing on the shoulders of sacrifice, and because of that, we never take our lives for granted. Education was one of our dad’s greatest passions; he spoke about it constantly as a tool for success and a foundation for freedom."

Angela, his daughter, said that as stern as he was, he was still supportive and encouraging, adding that he embraced all the ideas they brought to the table but with a critical eye.

"Dad didn’t walk, he moved with purpose, with direction. He was a man who lived as though he had a calling because he did, and that purpose carried him through every room, every role, and every day."

Mabuza died at a hospital in Sandton last Thursday, following a short illness at the age of 64.

He was born at Phola Trust, in Mpumalanga, on August 25, 1960. Mabuza earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa in 1989.

He served as an MEC for Education in Mpumalanga from 1994 to 1998, and as a regional chairperson of the ANC during the same period.

He became a member of the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC from 1998 to 2006.

While he served in other government roles, including Mpumalanga premier, he became the deputy president of the ANC from December 2017 to December 2022.