Mashatile remembers Mabuza as an advocate for unity

[File photo] Late former deputy president David Mabuza and current Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says he will remember his late predecessor, David Mabuza, as a leader who consistently advocated for unity.

Mashatile spoke to the media after visiting Mabuza’s home in Bryanston, Johannesburg, on Friday.

Mashatile says he hopes that African National Congress (ANC) members will continue to build on Mabuza’s legacy of peace.

“That’s what I want to remember him about. He always wanted unity, and I want to say to members of the ANC in particular that we need to build a legacy. The legacy of unity, the legacy of putting people first, and that was David Mabuza for us. A man who, once he agrees to do something, will never betray you,” says Mashatile.

Mabuza died yesterday at the age of 64.

He served as deputy president from 2018 to 2023 under President Cyril Ramaphosa.

David Mabuza | Deputy President Paul Mashatile visits family

[WATCH]
Deputy President Paul Mashatile visits the family of late former deputy president David Mabuza. He encourages emerging leaders in the ANC to follow Mabuza’s example of leadership. pic.twitter.com/9088RRcv9Y

— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 4, 2025

Mabuza also served as Mpumalanga premier from 2009 to 2018.

He resigned as a member of Parliament in 2023.

This paved the way for Ramaphosa to appoint Mashatile to succeed Mabuza.

Meanwhile, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) has described Mabuza as a leader who valued unity.

The organisation’s Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana says there was tension between them as councilors at the local level and there have also been concerns about them in the provincial and national houses not being granted what they thought was due to them to be able to participate at all those levels.

“But DD was one of the people who was actually saying no, there must be really powers and functions for traditional leaders in this country, let us work hand in gloves,” says Nonkonyana.

I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of the former deputy president of the country and the ANC, comrade David Dabede Mabuza. Comrade Mabuza and I served the ANC for decades from the period of the anti-apartheid struggle. Having to fill in his shoes both in the ANC and… pic.twitter.com/STROwy9hcd

— Paul Mashatile🇿🇦 (@PMashatile) July 3, 2025