Memorial arrangements are yet to be announced following the death of former Deputy President David Mabuza.
Condolences have poured in for the former Premier and Member of the Executive Council (MEC) of Mpumalanga. Mabuza passed away after a short illness at a Johannesburg hospital on Thursday, 3 July.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is among those who have expressed sadness at the news. He extended his condolences to Mabuza’s family, friends, and the people of Mpumalanga. Ramaphosa said Mabuza deserves recognition for his deep commitment to the liberation struggle.
“We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism at the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation and shape South Africa’s engagement with our continental compatriots and the international community,” said the president.
STATE FUNERAL EXPECTED
Ramaphosa said that details regarding the official honours with which the country will pay its final respects to Mabuza are still to be announced.
According to the Presidency’s Official Funeral Policy Manual, a State Funeral Category 2 is designated for former Deputy Presidents. The manual also states that the National Flag shall fly at half-mast throughout the country until the evening of the burial or cremation.
MABUZA WORE SEVERAL CAPS
Mabuza’s political journey began at an early age. He served as secretary of the Azanian Students’ Organisation and was later elected chairperson of the National Education Union of South Africa. He also served as co-ordinator of the National Education Crisis Committee and chairperson of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union.
Mabuza’s political home remained the African National Congress (ANC). During his tenure as the country’s deputy president, he chaired the cabinet committees on governance, state capacity and institutional development, as well as justice, crime prevention and security.
HOW DO YOU REMEMBER DAVID MABUZA’S IMPACT ON SOUTH AFRICA?
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