Beneath an unseasonably warm winter sun, the rolling hills of Mpumalanga stood as silent witness as South Africa bid a final farewell to former Deputy President David ‘DD’ Mabuza.
The former Deputy President passed away recently at the age of 64, following a short illness. He was laid to rest at a family burial site in Barberton, Mpumalanga.
Delivering the eulogy at Mabuza’s funeral service, President Cyril Ramaphosa described the occasion as a moment of sombre reflection. 
“We are gathered here today in solemn remembrance to honour the life of a man who, in many ways, made a huge contribution to our journey to a democratic South Africa. We are also here to celebrate the life of a fine son of Mpumalanga and a man of the people.
“It is as a servant of the people that our departed leader and comrade, David Dabede Mabuza, will be best known and for which he will be forever remembered. David Mabuza—DD, as he was fondly known—was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but across the country,” he said.
The Mpumalanga-born politician—affectionately referred to as “DD” or “The Cat”—was a teacher by training. However, he was soon drawn into political activism and, eventually, public service.
Mabuza’s journey in public service began in 1994 in Mpumalanga, where he served as a Member of the Executive Council across several portfolios. He later became Premier of Mpumalanga in 2009, before being elected to Parliament and appointed Deputy President in 2018.
“He served as our country’s Deputy President, as Premier of Mpumalanga, and as Deputy President of his movement, the African National Congress (ANC).
“When he served as a Member of Parliament and as Leader of Government Business, he proved to be a renowned political strategist, always deftly navigating the difficult balance between parliamentary parties.
“In all his roles, he was often described as strategic, enigmatic, and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity,” President Ramaphosa said.
As the President delivered the eulogy, a multitude of citizens lined the streets of Mbombela, forming a guard of honour for the former Deputy President as he was taken to his final resting place among the people of Mpumalanga.
“He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch.
“Since news of his passing broke, we have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders, and political figures from across the spectrum flock to DD’s home in Barberton to pay their respects. Such was his popularity. Such was his ability to unite the people of this province.
“He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives,” President Ramaphosa noted.
He highlighted that Mabuza leaves a legacy of “being quick to respond to matters of service delivery”.
Working side by side
President Ramaphosa reflected on the five years he and Mabuza spent as President and Deputy President of South Africa.
“During this time, I came to know him as someone who understood the responsibility he had been given. He was dependable, reliable, and an excellent deputy.
“As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, he worked to ensure that the will of the people was reflected in the laws of the land and in the programmes of the state.
“In all his responsibilities as Deputy President—from land reform to HIV and AIDS, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans—David Mabuza could always be relied on. We will always remember him as a unifier,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
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