David Mabuza: A Political Journey Ending in Tragedy

Fri Jul 04 2025 14:03:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
David Mabuza: A Political Journey Ending in Tragedy

David Mabuza’s death marks the end of a complex chapter in South African politics; from grassroots activism to high office, his legacy is mired in controversy.


David Mabuza, the former deputy president of South Africa, passed away on Thursday at the age of 64 after battling an undisclosed illness in Mpumalanga Province. His death was confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, under whom Mabuza served until his resignation two years ago. Mabuza began his political journey as a union activist, ultimately helping to steer the African National Congress (ANC) through turbulent times. His tactics were pivotal during the 2017 ANC election conference, where he unexpectedly shifted his support to Ramaphosa, aiding in a narrow win that helped oust his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, from power. Despite Mabuza's political acumen and early achievements in shaping South Africa’s global relations, his career was overshadowed by persistent corruption allegations. While some credited him as a key player in South Africa’s political landscape, others viewed him as emblematic of the challenges faced by the ANC in combating internal corruption. As the nation mourns the loss of a controversial figure, reflections on Mabuza’s dual legacy of leadership and scandal will likely dominate discussions in the coming days.

David Mabuza: A Political Journey Ending in Tragedy

David Mabuza’s death marks the end of a complex chapter in South African politics; from grassroots activism to high office, his legacy is mired in controversy.

David Mabuza, the former deputy president of South Africa, passed away on Thursday at the age of 64 after battling an undisclosed illness in Mpumalanga Province. His death was confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, under whom Mabuza served until his resignation two years ago. Mabuza began his political journey as a union activist, ultimately helping to steer the African National Congress (ANC) through turbulent times. His tactics were pivotal during the 2017 ANC election conference, where he unexpectedly shifted his support to Ramaphosa, aiding in a narrow win that helped oust his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, from power. Despite Mabuza's political acumen and early achievements in shaping South Africa’s global relations, his career was overshadowed by persistent corruption allegations. While some credited him as a key player in South Africa’s political landscape, others viewed him as emblematic of the challenges faced by the ANC in combating internal corruption. As the nation mourns the loss of a controversial figure, reflections on Mabuza’s dual legacy of leadership and scandal will likely dominate discussions in the coming days.

MORE ON THEME

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:39:18 GMT

South Africa's Coalition Government Faces Turmoil Amidst Discontent

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:39:18 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:12:14 GMT

Rivalry Over Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu's Burial Sparks Legal Battle

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:12:14 GMT
Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:37:14 GMT

South African Engineers Granted Pardon After Over Two Years in Equatorial Guinea Prison

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:37:14 GMT
Sat, 21 Jun 2025 08:04:03 GMT

Controversy Surrounds Burial of Zambia's Ex-President as Family Opts for South Africa

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 08:04:03 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:18:00 GMT

**Julius Malema's UK Entry Ban Sparks Controversy Over Free Speech and Political Rhetoric**

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:18:00 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:40:12 GMT

Julius Malema's UK Entry Banned Amid Controversy Over Radical Views

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:40:12 GMT
Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:04:44 GMT

South Africa’s Medical Research Decline Amid Trump Era Budget Cuts

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:04:44 GMT
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:53:10 GMT

U.S. Officials Advocate for Endangered Species Act Protection for Pangolins

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:53:10 GMT
Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:47:43 GMT

South Africa Faces Tragedy as Floods Claim Lives of Students and Displace Thousands

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:47:43 GMT
Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:07:27 GMT

Tragic Floods Claim Lives in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:07:27 GMT
Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:30:54 GMT

Search Efforts Intensify for Missing Schoolchildren Amidst South Africa Floods

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:30:54 GMT
Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:35:36 GMT

Former Zambian Leader Edgar Lungu Passes Away at 68

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:35:36 GMT
Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:29:33 GMT

The Elusive 'Tiger': Inside South Africa's Manhunt for an Alleged Illegal Mining Leader

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:29:33 GMT
Mon, 02 Jun 2025 01:11:52 GMT

South Africa's Controversial Expropriation Law Sparks Political Tension and International Outcry

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 01:11:52 GMT
Fri, 30 May 2025 09:08:51 GMT

White South Africans Fleeing to the U.S. Amid Claims of Attacks and Land Seizures

Fri, 30 May 2025 09:08:51 GMT
Fri, 30 May 2025 08:35:05 GMT

Police Shootout Claims Life of Key Suspect in South African Student's Murder

Fri, 30 May 2025 08:35:05 GMT
Thu, 29 May 2025 22:44:26 GMT

Mother Sentenced to Life for Selling 6-Year-Old Daughter, Who Remains Missing

Thu, 29 May 2025 22:44:26 GMT
Thu, 29 May 2025 09:50:47 GMT

Mother Sentenced to Life for Trafficking Daughter Amid Ongoing Search

Thu, 29 May 2025 09:50:47 GMT
Thu, 29 May 2025 04:12:45 GMT

Heart-Wrenching Trial Reflects On South African Girl's Unsolved Disappearance

Thu, 29 May 2025 04:12:45 GMT
Wed, 28 May 2025 10:45:27 GMT

Tributes Pour in for Beloved South African Actor Presley Chweneyagae

Wed, 28 May 2025 10:45:27 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.