Former South African Deputy President David Mabuza has died at the age of 64. His family confirmed that he passed away earlier today at a private hospital in Johannesburg after suffering complications related to a long-term illness.
Mabuza, who served as South Africa’s deputy president from 2018 to 2022 under President Cyril Ramaphosa, had been battling health issues for several years. In 2021, he traveled to Russia for medical treatment, though the exact nature of his illness was never publicly disclosed. Sources close to the family indicated that his health had been deteriorating in recent months.
Often referred to as “The Cat” for his political survival skills, Mabuza also served as deputy president of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) from 2017 until 2022. He stepped down from his government position in 2023 after resigning as a member of Parliament, saying he wanted to allow others to serve and citing his health as a reason.
Throughout his political career, Mabuza was known as a controversial yet influential figure, with deep political roots in Mpumalanga, where he served as premier before ascending to national office. His tenure was marked by both praise for his political strategy and criticism over alleged links to corruption, although he repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the political spectrum, with ANC leaders expressing sadness over his passing and hailing his contributions to the party and the country.Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon by his family.
