President David Mabuza remembered for peace, edu

As tributes poured in at the memorial service of former deputy president David Dembele Mabuza, family and friends described him as a disciplined leader with strict punctuality rules. Mabuza’s memorial service was held this afternoon at Phola Sport Ground in Masoyi near Hazyview, Mpumalanga.

He passed away last week, Thursday, 3 July, at a hospital in Sandton due to what his family says were “breathing difficulties”. Meanwhile, Mpumalanga premier Mandla Ndlovu says the country and the province have lost a giant.

The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) in Mpumalanga has expressed how thankful they are for the benefits they received during the Mabuza tenure as the premier of the province. CONTRALESA president Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena says Mabuza was a leader who was a provider for the community and the house of traditional leaders.

“When DD got into office as a deputy president, he started a programme where he visited offices of traditional leaders and addressed Amakhosi. He had asked traditional leaders what the government can do for them,” says Koshi Mokoena.
Provincial convener of the uMkonto Wesizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV), Mara Molley Kgomo, says Mabuza was a leader who acknowledged the concerns of the MKLWV. “Comrade Mabuza assisted the MKLWV when he got into power. He is the only premier in Mpumalanga who had assisted us. He understood our concerns,” says Kgomo.

Delivering a eulogy, Deputy President Paul Mashatile praised Mabuza, describing him as a tireless facilitator of peace, fostering harmony among individuals. “He noted that Mabuza was deeply committed to education. He emphasised the importance of education and the fight for liberation and transformation,” says Mashatile.

ANC Youth League NEC member Bethuel Zunguza described Mabuza as someone who was considerate of the youth. Zunguza says Mabuza assisted in the development of young people. “The list of young people who got help from DD Mabuza is endless. This is why we have quite a number of graduates in the province. He played a huge role in changing the lives of young people,” says Zunguza. He says Mabuza considered education a priority.

Mabuza will be lied to reset in a state funeral category 2 on Saturday, 12 July in Mpumalanga.