Addressing the congregated mourners at former Deputy President David Mabuza’s funeral, President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to his late second in command as a “unifier”. The President was delivering the eulogy. The funeral took place last week Saturday at Hoërsool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. Prior to his entry into politics where he rose to Deputy President, he was cherished as a school teacher. “in all his responsibilities as deputy president, from land reform to HIV and Aids, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans, David Mabuza could always be relied on,” the president stated in the address. Ramaphosa went on to praise Mabuza for his supportive role in uniting the African National Congress.
The president said it was Mabuza’s dream to see the ANC united. “David Mabuza leaves behind a legacy of someone who sought to ensure that the centre held. He played a key role in maintaining balance in deeply divided political times.” Mabuza was also described as being “strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity”. Despite this, Ramaphosa said he was always humble. “He was most happy when he was among his people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost his common touch.” Ramaphosa said Mabuza didn’t care for the “pomp and ceremony of high office”. “He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives,” the president said.
Mabuza can be considered an engager. Someone who was not only considerate but also an excellent communicator who could compel any one he interacted with to feel part of the team. Mabuza is best remember for his roots in Mpumalanga. He became Premier of the province after his career in teaching. He quickly learned the paths and ways of power and was elected as the Deputy President of the ANC in December 2018. Mabuza had been a key supporter of former State President Jacob Zuma prior to that but changed his loyalties to the opposing challenger Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa praised Mabuza for standing above factionalism and bringing together friends and foes alike. Mabuza can be described as a mediator among the ANC’s various groupings and factions of the ANC. Mabuza sort to act as a peacemaker and diplomat for both the government and the nation.
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.
The late Mabuza certainly left his mark on South African politics. He was in touch with the concerns of ordinary South Africans and did what he could to bridge the gap between the state business and the needs of the people. Mabuza was not always honest about the policies he adopted or the decisions he made. But he was faithful to the ANC even after losing the Deputy Presidency. Whether his removal from the party’s second highest position was a gain or a loss remains a point of contention over the party’s internal decisions. Mabuza was an influential figure in key policy creation at the Union Building. He drove home his values of discipline and excellence into the policies of the South African government. The ANC lost a man who could have shaped the nation along a different path. Whether that path would be good or bad cannot be said.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
