Middelburg – Over 5,000 people hailing from various municipalities in Nkangala District Municipality and the province at large attended former Deputy President David Mabuza’s memorial service at the Sydney Choma Banquet hall, Middelburg, on 10 July.
The ANC Nkangala chairperson and Nkangala District Municipality mayor, Thomas Ngwenya, characterised the late Mabuza as a dauntless leader and a unifier whose legacy is intricately woven into the political, professional and social fabric of South Africa.
“As we lower our revolutionary banner in honour of our fallen hero, we do so not to lament a life extinguished, but to commemorate a life imbued with purpose, influence, and steadfast dedication,” Ngwenya said. “We remember a son of the soil whose contributions reverberated across diverse spheres of leadership. He was not motivated by titles, but by the imperative needs of the populace.”
Tinyiko Ntini of the SACP called for the unification of workers across unions and federation affiliations in the pursuit of establishing a genuine socialist movement for the working class and the impoverished.
“The SACP reiterates the call for the unity of progressive forces, in addition to working-class cohesion, particularly to advance the efforts undertaken by all our liberation stalwarts in championing the struggle for the total liberation of the oppressed,” he said.
Lucas Mkhwebane of the ANC Veterans League (ANCVL) urged current leaders to resist the inclination to cling to power indefinitely. “Your accomplishments should speak for you. If you perform admirably, we will ensure your return to your position,” Mkhwebane said. “If you fail, step aside and allow others to lead. That was the principle Comrade Mabuza upheld, and it is how we will remember him.”
The leader of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), Vusi Shongwe, echoed similar sentiments of unity, adding that Mabuza demonstrated profound respect for and recognition of SANCO.
“This exemplifies the manner in which Comrade DD honoured the alliance. Consequently, he also accorded the South African Communist Party the respect it rightfully merits within the alliance,” Shongwe said. “He made significant strides toward fostering unity and tranquility among the alliance partners amidst discord. Such was the calibre of leadership that Comrade DD exemplified.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Mabuza occupied various pivotal roles, including Secretary of AZASO, a trade unionist in the South African Democratic Teachers Union, ANC Mpumalanga Provincial Chairperson, Premier of Mpumalanga, Member of the Executive Council across multiple portfolios, Member of Parliament and ultimately as the Deputy President of South Africa.
The Secretary of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), Simphiwe Sibanyoni, remarked that Mabuza’s contributions were instrumental in transforming the province’s transportation network.
“He altered our egos of wielding cellphones instead of guns,” he stated. “His resilience brings to mind our collaborative efforts to reshape scholar transport within the province.”
Marry Mthombeni, a community activist and devoted ANC member, expressed that Mabuza played a pivotal role in her career. “His intervention facilitated my employment at the Steve Tshwete municipality after enduring a prolonged period of unemployment,” she recounted. “Today I can provide for my family because of DD Mabuza. I am deeply saddened by his passing.”
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the ANC National Executive Committee, the party’s Second Deputy Secretary General, Maropene Ramokgopa, described Mabuza as “a man who was loyal to the cause of freedom and justice. His passing is a profound loss to the ANC, to Mpumalanga, and to the broader liberation movement”.
Ramokgopa said, “Comrade Mabuza carried himself with humility and grace. He understood the immense responsibility that came with leadership. Even in difficult times, he remained committed to unity, consistency, and service to the people. As we bid farewell to one of our own, let us reflect on the principles he lived by and ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders.”
Ramokgopa urged mourners to live by the values Mabuza embodied, particularly as the ANC recently marked the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter— a defining document that has guided the movement’s ideals since its adoption in 1955.
