Johannesburg – DD Mabuza dies at age 64, the former Deputy President of South Africa and powerful ANC leader, passed away at the age of 64, leaving behind a complex legacy of political influence and unresolved scandals.
Born on 25 August 1960 in Brondal, a farming community near Mbombela (Nelspruit), Mabuza began his career as a teacher at Mbhulwana High School before rising through ANC ranks during the anti-apartheid struggle. After 1994, he quickly climbed Mpumalanga’s political ladder, serving as MEC for Education (1994–1999) and MEC for Agriculture (1999–2009) before becoming the province’s Premier in 2009—a position he used to build a formidable political machine.
Early Career: Teacher to Power Broker
His early political awakening came in Black Consciousness and SADTU. From teacher and principal to provincial MEC, Mabuza amassed influence through grassroots organizing and union power, building alliances that would define his trajectory
When: Key Dates in a Tumultuous Career
- 1988–1991: Chair, SADTU (Solidarity era)
- 1994–2009: Mpumalanga ANC roles and regional MECs
- 2009–2018: Premier of Mpumalanga
- 2017: Elected ANC Deputy President (Dec)
- Feb 2018: Appointed South African Deputy President
- 2018–2023: National Deputy President
- Dec 2022: Declined ANC Deputy nomination, succeeded by Paul Mashatile
- 1 Mar 2023: Resigned from Parliament and deputy president position
- 3 Jul 2025: Died in Sandton hospital, cause undisclosed
Political Career: Rise in the ANC
- Joined the ANC during the anti-apartheid struggle.
- After 1994, he held various positions in Mpumalanga’s provincial government.
- Served as MEC for Education (1994–1999) and MEC for Agriculture (1999–2009).
Premier of Mpumalanga (2009–2018)
- Became Premier in 2009, consolidating power in the province.
- Known for infrastructure projects, but faced allegations of corruption and governance issues.
- Critics accused him of running a “shadow state” with political intimidation.
Deputy President of South Africa (2018–2023)
- Played a kingmaker role in the 2017 ANC leadership election, backing Cyril Ramaphosa.
- Appointed Deputy President in 2018 but faced health issues and criticism for inefficiency.
- Resigned in 2023 ahead of a cabinet reshuffle.
Education:
- National Teacher’s Certificate – Mgwenya College of Education, 1985
- BA in Psychology – University of South Africa (UNISA), 1989
From Phola to Sandton
Mabuza’s journey took him from Phola, a rural Mpumalanga birthplace, to the corridors of power in Pretoria and Johannesburg. His final moments were allegedly spent in a Sandton hospital.
