National Mourning period for the passing of David Mabuza begins
A National Mourning Period is typically declared after the death of prominent figures in society to remember and show respect for them.
With national flags ordered to fly at half-mast countrywide, these days are meant to be marked by solemnity and reflection.
Some residents in Mabuza's home province in Mpumalanga believe this period offers an opportunity to reflect on his legacy.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the mourning period to end on Saturday night.
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eNCA
11 hours ago
- eNCA
National Mourning period for the passing of David Mabuza begins
MPUMALANGA - Monday, marked the first day of the national mourning period for the late former deputy president David Mabuza. A National Mourning Period is typically declared after the death of prominent figures in society to remember and show respect for them. With national flags ordered to fly at half-mast countrywide, these days are meant to be marked by solemnity and reflection. Some residents in Mabuza's home province in Mpumalanga believe this period offers an opportunity to reflect on his legacy. President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the mourning period to end on Saturday night.
The Herald
11 hours ago
- The Herald
'I'm the ANC boss at Luthuli House': Mbalula defends premature announcement of Mabuza's death
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has defended his decision to announce the death of former deputy president David Mabuza before the government. Mabuza died in hospital on Thursday. He will be honoured with a state funeral. Mbalula was criticised for sharing the news on social media two hours before President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC released a statement on the matter. His actions are said to have irritated the ANC's top brass and the office of the president, the Sunday Times reported. In an interview with eNCA, Mbalula said he has the authority to speak on behalf of the ANC as the secretary-general and saw nothing wrong with his actions. 'I'm the boss of the ANC at Luthuli House,' he said. 'I communicate with families, and families communicate with me. That must be respected. The criticism is unfortunate and unfair. 'Veterans of the ANC pass away; I get informed, and I communicate with the leadership I lead.' He said he was informed about Mabuza's death by his family while he was visiting a doctor. 'I did not pick up the news of Mabuza from the street; I was informed by the family as the SG of the ANC. I gave instructions to the head office ... not to announce the death but to express condolences through my platform. Then we released a statement.' Mbalula criticised journalists who questioned his actions. 'Mabuza was the deputy president of the ANC. As the SG, I have a cordial, good and strong bond and relationship with my president. Why do people want to draw a wedge over a non-issue? I'm the SG, not an ordinary member of the ANC or the NEC. I convey messages on behalf of the ANC. 'Let people attack me about many other things but let them not deface what I was elected for and reduce me to a street man who doesn't have responsibility at Luthuli House. If I were to give attention to this, I would never function.' TimesLIVE
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- The Citizen
Mabuza remembered as humble leader who resisted capture
David Mabuza is celebrated for his integrity, refusal to support the Guptas, and service to South Africa and Mpumalanga. Tributes continue to pour in for former deputy president David Mabuza, whom many see as the man who stopped a second takeover by Jacob Zuma through his proxies. Although he was initially on the Zuma faction slate before the ANC national conference election in 2017, Mabuza's last-minute withdrawal from supporting then presidential candidate Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was regarded as a betrayal by Zuma supporters. He joined the Ramaphosa camp, helping it to secure victory as he brought all of his massive Mpumalanga support base to back him against Dlamini-Zuma. Mabuza's switch from Dlamini-Zuma to Ramaphosa seen as turning point This was regarded as a wise move by many who believed Dlamini-Zuma's presidency would have ensured the continuation of the Zuma status quo, which was unpopular with voters. Dlamini-Zuma was loyal to the former president and the Gupta brothers, who were fingered for the corporate capture of the state, adored her. They selected Dlamini-Zuma as The New Age Newsmaker of the Year and she was one of the movers and shakers they believed in, along with Zuma himself. ALSO READ: David Mabuza's funeral date confirmed as Mokonyane dismisses ANC criticism claims The Guptas captured some provinces and offered their premiers extra publicity on the pages of The New Age and ANN7 TV channel. Gauteng under Nomvula Mokonyane, Ace Magashule's Free State, Northern Cape which was then led by Sylvia Lucas and North West under Supra Mahumapelo received special treatments on the Gupta publication and channel. While other premiers were eating from the Guptas' hand and, in turn, dishing out state advertisements to The New Age to keep it afloat after commercial advertisers boycotted it, Mabuza refused to cooperate or be captured by the Guptas. Blacklisted by Guptas He pulled out adverts from the Mpumalanga administration at the last moment after learning that the ads were earmarked to be published in The New Age. This caused Mabuza and then Western Cape premier, Helen Zille to be blacklisted by the Guptas. Zille's sin was to stop participating in the business breakfast shows organised by New Age, after discovering that it was a conduit to syphon off state funds. Zille called for transparency and accountability from the stateowned enterprises that were funding The New Age. ALSO READ: Remembering Mabuza: The man who 'dashed' the potential Zuma dynasty In its tribute to Mabuza, Cosatu said Mabuza, at 64 years of age, had led a full life: 'Comrade DD dedicated his time on earth in service of the people, not only in his home communities and the broader Mpumalanga province, but the entire nation.' The federation's parliamentary coordinator, Matthew Parks, praised Mabuza for the role he played as a student during the darkest days of apartheid in the 1970s and 1980s and as a teacher activist. Cosatu said Mabuza's experience as a teacher and principal made him a fitting choice as the first MEC for education in Mpumalanga after the democratic breakthrough of 1994. Raised profile of Mpumalanga Mabuza, alongside stalwarts Mathews Phosa, Thabang Makwetla and January 'Che' Masilela, raised the profile of Mpumalanga from the quiet Eastern Transvaal, to the land of the rising sun. It is a sign of how far South Africa has come that a young man born in poverty-stricken Phola, eMalahleni, can rise to be an MEC, a premier and a deputy president. History will remember 'DD', as he is affectionately known, as a humble leader, one who was not afraid to lead. NOW READ: Ramaphosa pays tribute to former deputy David Mabuza
