Mashatile on visit to late David Mabuza's family: 'We'll build on what he started'
Paul Mashatile
FILE: South Africa's Deputy President David Mabuza speaks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (not in picture) during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 29 October 2019. Picture: Naohiko Hatta/POOL/AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Deputy President Paul Mashatile is visiting the family of his predecessor, David Mabuza, to pay his condolences.
The former deputy president died on Thursday after a short illness.
Mabuza's family released a statement on Friday morning, saying the former deputy president dedicated his entire life to improving the socio-economic conditions of many South Africans.
The late Mabuza's home, located in a quiet suburban neighbourhood, was busy on Friday as family and friends arrived to pay their respects.
Meeting with Mabuza's family, Mashatile reflected on Mabuza's life and legacy as a dedicated struggle veteran.
READ: Ramaphosa remembers late former Deputy President Mabuza as a leader grounded in activism
Mashatile said that when he took over as deputy president, Mabuza ensured a smooth and peaceful transition.
'We will continue to build on what he started. The project in Mpumalanga, too. There was a lot of work he did when he was the deputy president. I think it's important that in whatever we do, there must be a commitment to serve the people. That's how we should honour him.'
He said they were inseparable and spent some of his final years discussing ways to revive the African National Congress (ANC).
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