South Africa's former Deputy President David Mabuza dies

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – Former Deputy President David Mabuza on Thursday died at a Mpumulanga hospital after a long illness. 

His death was confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa who said Mabuza “deserves our appreciation for his deep commitment to the liberation struggle and to the nation’s development as an inclusive, prosperous, democratic state”.

Mabuza was first sworn in as deputy president in February 2018 and again in May 2019 as part of the sixth democratic administration, led by President Ramaphosa. He was also a Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2004.

Ramaphosa praised Mabuza’s contribution to South Africa, saying: “We are saddened 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 in his role as Deputy President”.

-0- PANA CU/MA 4July2025