Former Deputy President David Mabuza has died at the age of 64. He passed away in a Sandton hospital on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Mabuza served as Deputy President of South Africa under President Cyril Ramaphosa during Ramaphosa’s first term, from February 2018 to February 2023.[1][3][6]
His death was confirmed by African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who extended condolences to the Mabuza family, calling him a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader dedicated to the service of South Africa. Mbalula’s statement recognized Mabuza’s role in the struggle against apartheid, his tenure as Premier of Mpumalanga, and his leadership qualities, including “unity, discipline, and transformation.”[1][4]
Mabuza was a significant political figure, playing a key part in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s rise to leadership. He was Deputy President of the ANC from December 2017 to December 2022 and Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018. He also served in the Mpumalanga provincial legislature and held various ministerial posts before joining the national parliament in 2018.[2][6]
His political roots trace back to the Black Consciousness movement and teachers’ unions, having chaired the South African Democratic Teachers Union from 1988 to 1991. After resigning in 2023, Mabuza largely withdrew from public life, only briefly resurfacing to campaign for the ANC ahead of elections.[2][4]
The cause of his death was not immediately reported, and tributes have been pouring in from political colleagues and the public, reflecting on his legacy and long service to the nation.[4][5]
References
- [1] Former Deputy President David Mabuza has died – IOL
- [2] David Mabuza – Wikipedia
- [3] Former Deputy President David Mabuza dies at 64 – EWN
- [4] David Mabuza, a former South African deputy president, has died at …
- [5] Former deputy president David “The Cat” Mabuza has died
- [6] Former deputy president David Mabuza dies, aged 64 – eNCA