In brief
David Mabuza, a key political figure in South Africa's history, died after a brief illness. Known for his shift of support that helped elevate President Cyril Ramaphosa, his legacy is one entwined with significant achievements and corruption allegations.
David Mabuza, the former deputy president of South Africa, passed away in Mpumalanga Province on Thursday at the age of 64. His death was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, under whom Mabuza served until his resignation two years prior. Mabuza succumbed after a brief illness, although details of the ailment were not disclosed. “Today we mourn a leader whose roots are in activism and who rose to lead our nation,” said Ramaphosa, crediting Mabuza for significantly shaping the country’s interactions both continentally and globally.Mabuza's political journey began as a union activist, ultimately finding himself in a pivotal position within the African National Congress (ANC). His maneuvering at the 2017 ANC election conference saw him initially back an opponent of Ramaphosa, only to switch allegiance at a critical moment, leading to Ramaphosa's narrow election victory. This shift was considered by some to have played a crucial role in steering South Africa away from the tumultuous reign of Jacob Zuma, whose presidency was marred by allegations of corruption.Political experts regarded Mabuza as a strategic player within the political landscape, with Nelson Mandela University’s Bheki Mngomezulu describing him as a person adept at navigating complex political waters. Despite his contributions, Mabuza's legacy is overshadowed by several allegations of graft that arose during his career, culminating in his resignation in 2023. His passing has reignited discussions about his complex legacy in South African politics.
