Mpumalanga mourns ‘the Cat': Tributes continue to pour in for DD Mabuza
Mabuza passed away in hospital on July 3 at the age of 64, following a short illness.
'He was affectionately known as 'the Cat' after he referred to himself as such during a public address in front of the Legislature building. He jokingly said 'ngizwile ukuthi amagundane bekazenzela ngo-cheese (the rats were doing as they please with cheese) while the cat was away; now the cat is back',' Masina said.
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga ANC mourns DD Mabuza's passing: 'A great tree has fallen'
She described his death as a great loss. 'During his tenure as premier, Mabuza put important systems in place, ensuring Mpumalanga truly became the Place of the Rising Sun and that it works hard for its people. Mabuza will be sorely missed by every person who enjoys the privilege of shared experiences with and fond memories of him.
'His noble contribution will inspire the current and future generations of activists and leaders in governance and other aspects of life to pick up this baton and march forward,' said Masina.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 12. There will be three memorial services for Mabuza that will take place in the three regions of the province on Thursday, July 10.
The family spokesperson, Desmond Moela, said other details about the funeral are still being discussed. According to him, the South African government will communicate its decision on how these proceedings will be run.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Eyewitness News
an hour ago
- Eyewitness News
What Trump's 30% tariffs could mean for South Africans: 'Reduced salaries, maybe job losses'
After much back and forth, US President Donald Trump on Monday (7 July) announced that imports from South Africa would be subject to a new 30% tariff as of 1 August. In a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, he cited that it was due to his strained relationship with the Trump government, which, Trump says, has been 'far from reciprocal'. RELATED: Trump set to impose 30% tariff on all SA goods So, what does this mean for South Africans? Our biggest exports to the US are citrus, grapes, wine and nuts. Tariffs on these products are putting thousands of South African jobs at risk.
eNCA
14 hours ago
- eNCA
First black South African travels to space
JOHANNESBURG - Sir Stuart Ntlathi has over 20 years of experience in science, invention and technology education. And now he's poised to stretch his innovative spirit high into the sky. Ntlathi is set to become the first black South African in space. But his joy may be dampened by the government seemingly shifting its funding priorities related to science, technology, and innovation - to the detriment of astronomy programmes. Ntlathi says the country is at the epicenter of the fourth industrial revolution but the latest budget vote by the department somehow is a slap in the face of those in the science and technology sector. "This slight budget cut means that South Africa's ability to compete on global markets is going to be delayed yet again." he said. Ntlathi argued that it is important for the government to increase spending on research development and innovation in order for the country to have a competitive GDP.
The South African
14 hours ago
- The South African
Gayton McKenzie welcomes Caster Semenya ruling
Gayton McKenzie has expressed his support for this week's ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) involving Caster Semenya. Image: SASCOC Home » Gayton McKenzie welcomes Caster Semenya ruling Gayton McKenzie has expressed his support for this week's ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) involving Caster Semenya. Image: SASCOC Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has expressed his support for the recent ruling by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) involving Caster Semenya. This ruling upheld a 2023 decision by the ECHR's lower chamber, which found that Semenya was denied a fair and effective hearing by the Swiss Federal Tribunal. This was part of the two-time Olympic champion's seven-year legal battle against the eligibility rules in track and field. On Thursday, the court's 17-judge panel ruled in a 15-2 vote that Semenya's rights to a fair hearing were violated at Switzerland's Supreme Court, where she had appealed a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favour of World Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) believes that the decision marks a critical moment in the long-standing battle for the dignity and human rights of female athletes with differences of sexual development.'Caster, we as South Africa have always stood by you, and we will continue to do so as the fight for your bodily rights continues,' the Minister said. From the outset, the department said the South African government stood firmly behind Semenya. 'Through the current DSAC and the former Department of Sport and Recreation, a coordinated and multi-sectoral response was established that included expert panels in the legal, medical, and advocacy spheres. 'The department also launched the #NaturallySuperior campaign to mobilise public awareness and international solidarity, highlighting that Semenya's natural talents should be celebrated rather than policed.' DSAC committed financially in support of Athletics South Africa's legal efforts with Semenya and further engaged with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to elevate the matter internationally, leading to a strong resolution on the matter at the United Nations Human Rights Council.'This resolution condemned the current regulations against her as a violation of bodily integrity, equality, and freedom from cruel or degrading treatment.'While the recent ruling has not overturned these discriminatory regulations, it is an important legal and moral victory, which opens new legal avenues and affirms the right of athletes such as Semenya to be heard on just and equal terms. DSAC said it will continue working with Athletics South Africa, legal experts, and other African governments and federations to pursue justice through all available channels, including within the structures of World Athletics.'Caster Semenya has become the face of defiance against injustice in global sport, and this court victory is a victory for every African child. South Africa is proud of her, and we will walk every step of this journey with you, Caster, until justice is not only seen, but felt,' said McKenzie. 'We can't wait to see you running again,' he added. Meanwhile, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) said they have noted the judgment handed down by the ECHR. 'The Commission is still studying the judgment. A formal statement on our position will be released in due course,' the statement read. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
