Former South African Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza has died at a Johannesburg hospital after a short illness.
He was 64.
His death was confirmed by the African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday, with Secretary General Fikile Mbalula describing Mabuza as a patriot, freedom fighter, and leader who had served with "humility and conviction."
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of former Deputy President of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza,” Mbalula said in a statement.
“From his days in the struggle against apartheid to his leadership as Premier of Mpumalanga and later as Deputy President, he was a committed cadre who carried the values of unity, discipline, and transformation.”
Nicknamed "The Cat" for his political survival skills, Mabuza was a teacher by profession who rose through the ranks of the ANC during the liberation struggle.
He later became Premier of Mpumalanga Province in 2009, where he consolidated significant influence over party structures.
His strategic backing of Cyril Ramaphosa during the tightly contested 2017 ANC leadership race helped tip the scales in Ramaphosa's favour, leading to his own appointment as Deputy President in 2018.
Mabuza served in that position until 2023, when he resigned amid a cabinet reshuffle that ushered in Paul Mashatile as his successor.
During his tenure, Mabuza chaired the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and played a mediating role in internal party disputes, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
Despite accusations over alleged links to political patronage networks and corruption in Mpumalanga, Mabuza was never formally charged.
He remained a controversial but key figure in South African politics, known for his soft-spoken public demeanour that belied his behind-the-scenes influence.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum on Thursday, hailing Mabuza’s contribution to education, land reform, and national unity.
“May his soul rest in peace,” said Mbalula. “And may we honour his legacy by continuing the work of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa.”
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
