Johannesburg – DD Mabuza’s death: The Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, has described the death of former Deputy President of the Republic, David Dabede Mabuza, as a devastating blow to both the country and the province. Mabuza’s death was confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday.
In a heartfelt tribute, Premier Ndlovu remembered Mabuza as a towering figure who committed his life to serving the people of South Africa.
It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of national loss that we mourn the passing of former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr David Dabede Mabuza. We join the President and the country in conveying our condolences to his family for their loss, said the Premier.
Champion of Education and Infrastructure
Premier Ndlovu praised Mabuza’s unwavering dedication to education, citing his drive to eliminate farm schools and replace them with modern, state-of-the-art boarding institutions across Mpumalanga.
His legacy in education is visible and lasting. It speaks to his visionary leadership, which prioritised infrastructure development and human capital investment.
David Mabuza’s legacy in education remains one of the most impactful contributions to the province of Mpumalanga. Premier Mandla Ndlovu highlighted how Mabuza, during his tenure as MEC for Education and later as Premier, took bold steps to transform the education system, especially in rural and under-resourced communities. One of his most notable achievements was the eradication of farm schools — often poorly resourced and isolated — and replacing them with modern, fully equipped boarding schools that provided learners with dignity, safety, and better access to learning.
These new institutions were not just about brick and mortar; they were centres of hope and opportunity, giving thousands of children from disadvantaged backgrounds a fighting chance to change their futures. Mabuza understood that education was the most powerful weapon to break the cycle of poverty and inequality. His leadership ensured that government investment in education was not limited to textbooks and teaching posts, but extended to building infrastructure that supports holistic learning.
Beyond education, Mabuza also championed massive infrastructure development in the province. His vision led to the construction of roads, clinics, and community centres aimed at uplifting the quality of life in rural areas. These developments not only connected communities but also stimulated local economies and job creation. His leadership was rooted in the belief that investing in people — through education and infrastructure — was key to building a prosperous and united province.
Premier Ndlovu described these efforts as a reflection of Mabuza’s forward-thinking leadership style.
Ndlovu said, Mabuza believed in building not just schools, but futures. His work in transforming the educational landscape of Mpumalanga stands as one of his greatest legacies
Champion For Unity
David Mabuza played a pivotal role in shaping Mpumalanga into a province that embraces its cultural and regional diversity. Premier Mandla Ndlovu reflected on Mabuza’s efforts to unite people across racial, linguistic, and geographic divides, emphasizing how Mabuza worked tirelessly to build a cohesive province anchored in mutual respect and shared progress.
Premier Ndlovu noted that his leadership path was closely intertwined with Mabuza’s. The two shared a significant chapter in Mpumalanga’s political history, having both served as Chairperson of the ANC in the province and later as Premiers.
We shared a seat as Chairperson and Premier at different times, and through that journey, we exchanged ideas, challenges, and aspirations for our people. It was during these times that I witnessed his unwavering commitment to the development of this province, Ndlovu said.
Their shared experience reflects a continuity in leadership and vision for Mpumalanga — one grounded in service, unity, and progress. Mabuza’s influence can still be felt in the province’s policies and programs, many of which continue to carry forward the foundations he laid.
Honouring a Life of Service
As the nation mourns, Premier Ndlovu called on the people of Mpumalanga to honour Mabuza’s legacy by remembering his lifelong service to the province and the country. He also confirmed that he would lead the Members of the Executive Council on a visit to the Mabuza family to pay their respects, with the date to be announced in due course.
Mabuza’s passing marks the end of an era for Mpumalanga, but his legacy of service, especially in education and unity, will continue to inspire generations to come.
