“HE was a disciplinarian and time conscious” says the minister of Human-Settlement, Thembi Simelane.
Simelane attributed her remarks to a colleague and former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza, who passed-on last week due to health complications.
‘He was never late for meetings or any gathering, especially when you have arranged that meeting and as you step out of your vehicle, he will be staring at you and would chastise you for being late,’ says Simelane outside Mabuza’s home in Barberton, Mpumalanga, who came to send messages of condolences to the family.
The “cat” as he was known too many, was the 10th deputy president of the ANC and the eighth deputy president of South Africa. He went quite after the DP post with some alluding he’s busy plotting behind the scenes.
He was the former ANC national executive committee member also served as the premier of Mpumalanga between 2009 and 2018, during the presidency of his former political ally, former president Jacob Zuma.
Born on 25 August 1960, Mabuza was a former maths teacher and school principal before moving to politics.
He cut his political teeth as a student leader and teacher unionist in the 1980s, rising through the ranks of the Azanian Students Organisation (AZASO) and later the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu).
The family has confirmed his funeral service will be held next week Saturday.
The African National Congress (ANC) in Mpumalanga also revealed that memorial services for Mabuza will take place in the three regions of the province on Thursday next week.
Family spokesperson, Desmond Moela says other details regarding the funeral are still being discussed and will be made available to the public after finalisation.
“The family has agreed that the funeral of the late deputy president of the Republic of South Africa will take place this coming Saturday on the 12th of July.”
The ANC’s first deputy secretary general, Nomvula Mokonyane says the ANC is satisfied with the plans put in place by the party’s provincial structure together with the Mabuza’s family.
Mokonyane spoke to the media outside the home of Mabuza in Barberton after visiting the family.
She says national government will also communicate other logistical issues regarding Mabuza’s funeral arrangements at an appropriate time.
“What the family has agreed upon is that DD was an ANC person, he served and belonged to the ANC up to the last hour and therefore, they would want to see the party being part of this broader family and celebrating his life.
The ANC in Mpumalanga will be organising various memorial services across the province in the three regions.
The chairperson leading the PEC will work with all alliance partners and all other peace-loving South Africans and political parties who would wish to come here and pay their respects.”
A national mourning period will be held.
Mabuza was (64) at the time of his death.
Image (Disciplinarian. Former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza, died due to health complications).
