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: 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: 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’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.