Former Deputy President David Mabuza died in hospital on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 64. His passing was confirmed by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who praised Mabuza for his lifelong dedication to public service, from his days in the anti-apartheid struggle to his tenures as Premier of Mpumalanga and later as South Africa’s Deputy President under Cyril Ramaphosa during the president’s first term[1].
Mabuza resigned from his position as Deputy President on March 1, 2023, following the ANC National Conference in December 2022. He became Deputy President in February 2018, after serving as the Premier of Mpumalanga province from 2009 to 2018. His political career was marked by his commitment to unity, discipline, and transformation within the party and government[2].
Mbalula described Mabuza as a patriot, freedom fighter, and humble leader, expressing condolences to his family, friends, the ANC, and the people of South Africa. He called on the nation to honor Mabuza’s legacy by continuing the work of building a just and prosperous South Africa[1].
Mabuza died in a Sandton hospital, and tributes have been pouring in from across the political spectrum as the country mourns his loss[5].