Latest news with #DavidMabuza
The Star
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Why funerals should remain family affairs, not political stages
The passing of former Deputy President David Mabuza presented South Africa with a solemn opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of a man who served the nation in various capacities, from Premier of Mpumalanga to Deputy President of the Republic. Yet, as has become disturbingly common in our country, what should have been a moment of unity and mourning quickly turned into a stage for political posturing and veiled jabs cloaked in memorial tributes. This is not a new trend. In fact, the politicization of funerals and memorial services has become routine, particularly when the deceased is a prominent political figure or struggle veteran. Whether it was the funeral of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the memorial of Jackson Mthembu, or even the final send-off of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, many of these events have veered off into political theatre, with the bereaved families often sidelined in the process. Let us be clear: funerals are sacred. They are deeply personal, spiritual, and cultural spaces where families gather to mourn, to honour, and to begin the difficult process of healing. They are not political rallies. They are not campaign events. They are certainly not battlegrounds for factionalism. Yet, time and time again, we see public figures hijacking these occasions to make political statements, settle scores, and position themselves in the eyes of the media and the public. At Mabuza's funeral, while some tributes were sincere and reflective, others quickly turned into political narratives — about what he was not allowed to complete, or how he was treated in his final years by his political allies. These comments may have had merit in another setting, but a funeral was not the appropriate venue for them. One must ask: what does it say about us as a nation when we cannot set aside our political ambitions for even a day, to honour the dead with dignity? The family of the deceased often becomes the unintended victims in all of this. While dealing with unimaginable grief, they are forced to share space - and sometimes the entire narrative — with politicians who are more focused on the headlines they will make than the person who has passed. Their grief becomes sidelined in favour of grandstanding. This is not to suggest that political figures should not speak at the funerals of their comrades. On the contrary, many of these individuals have shared decades of struggle, camaraderie, and sacrifice. Their voices are valuable, even necessary. But the tone, intent, and content of those tributes must be respectful, non-partisan, and focused on the deceased, not on the politics of the day. We observed this imbalance at the funeral of ANC stalwart Jessie Duarte, where certain speeches devolved into critiques of the party's internal dynamics. Even at the memorial of struggle icon Andrew Mlangeni, what should have been a celebration of a remarkable life was overshadowed by undercurrents of political messaging aimed at rivals within the ruling party. These events speak to a broader issue within our political culture — a culture in which no space is off-limits to political messaging. Not even a funeral. This is not unique to the ANC or the governing party, although they are the most visible. Across the political spectrum, we see a failure to understand the sanctity of these moments and the emotional needs of the families involved. We need a national conversation about the dignity of funerals and how we approach them, particularly for public figures. One suggestion could be the creation of standard protocols — led by families, with input from government and religious leaders — to ensure that these events centre on the person being laid to rest, not those left behind jockeying for political space. Furthermore, we should encourage political parties and movements to hold separate political memorials for public tributes and reflections, allowing funerals to remain intimate, family-led affairs. Let the politics be discussed where it belongs — in conferences, in parliament, in the media — not at the graveside. The culture of grandstanding at funerals does a disservice not only to the families but to the legacies of those who have passed. When a life is reduced to a backdrop for political drama, we risk forgetting the very person we came to honour. Let Mabuza's funeral be a wake-up call. Let us recommit to restoring dignity and respect to these final rites. Let us learn to put humanity before politics, even if just for a day. After all, in death, we all deserve peace - and so do our families.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Why funerals should remain family affairs, not political stages
The funeral of former deputy president David Mabuza was held at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela on Saturday. Image: GCIS The passing of former Deputy President David Mabuza presented South Africa with a solemn opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of a man who served the nation in various capacities, from Premier of Mpumalanga to Deputy President of the Republic. Yet, as has become disturbingly common in our country, what should have been a moment of unity and mourning quickly turned into a stage for political posturing and veiled jabs cloaked in memorial tributes. This is not a new trend. In fact, the politicization of funerals and memorial services has become routine, particularly when the deceased is a prominent political figure or struggle veteran. Whether it was the funeral of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the memorial of Jackson Mthembu, or even the final send-off of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, many of these events have veered off into political theatre, with the bereaved families often sidelined in the process. Let us be clear: funerals are sacred. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ They are deeply personal, spiritual, and cultural spaces where families gather to mourn, to honour, and to begin the difficult process of healing. They are not political rallies. They are not campaign events. They are certainly not battlegrounds for factionalism. Yet, time and time again, we see public figures hijacking these occasions to make political statements, settle scores, and position themselves in the eyes of the media and the public. At Mabuza's funeral, while some tributes were sincere and reflective, others quickly turned into political narratives — about what he was not allowed to complete, or how he was treated in his final years by his political allies. These comments may have had merit in another setting, but a funeral was not the appropriate venue for them. One must ask: what does it say about us as a nation when we cannot set aside our political ambitions for even a day, to honour the dead with dignity? The family of the deceased often becomes the unintended victims in all of this. While dealing with unimaginable grief, they are forced to share space - and sometimes the entire narrative — with politicians who are more focused on the headlines they will make than the person who has passed. Their grief becomes sidelined in favour of grandstanding. This is not to suggest that political figures should not speak at the funerals of their comrades. On the contrary, many of these individuals have shared decades of struggle, camaraderie, and sacrifice. Their voices are valuable, even necessary. But the tone, intent, and content of those tributes must be respectful, non-partisan, and focused on the deceased, not on the politics of the day. We observed this imbalance at the funeral of ANC stalwart Jessie Duarte, where certain speeches devolved into critiques of the party's internal dynamics. Even at the memorial of struggle icon Andrew Mlangeni, what should have been a celebration of a remarkable life was overshadowed by undercurrents of political messaging aimed at rivals within the ruling party. These events speak to a broader issue within our political culture — a culture in which no space is off-limits to political messaging. Not even a funeral. This is not unique to the ANC or the governing party, although they are the most visible. Across the political spectrum, we see a failure to understand the sanctity of these moments and the emotional needs of the families involved. We need a national conversation about the dignity of funerals and how we approach them, particularly for public figures. One suggestion could be the creation of standard protocols — led by families, with input from government and religious leaders — to ensure that these events centre on the person being laid to rest, not those left behind jockeying for political space. Furthermore, we should encourage political parties and movements to hold separate political memorials for public tributes and reflections, allowing funerals to remain intimate, family-led affairs. Let the politics be discussed where it belongs — in conferences, in parliament, in the media — not at the graveside. The culture of grandstanding at funerals does a disservice not only to the families but to the legacies of those who have passed. When a life is reduced to a backdrop for political drama, we risk forgetting the very person we came to honour. Let Mabuza's funeral be a wake-up call. Let us recommit to restoring dignity and respect to these final rites. Let us learn to put humanity before politics, even if just for a day. After all, in death, we all deserve peace - and so do our families.
News24
12-07-2025
- Politics
- News24
Friends and family bid David ‘DD' Mabuza farewell
More than 3 000 people gathered on Saturday to honour and celebrate the life and legacy of former deputy president David 'DD' Mabuza. 'DD was a man of action; a man who was dedicated to unity in action,' President Cyril Ramaphosa said when he delivered the eulogy. Rosetta Msimango/News24 The former deputy president was buried in a private ceremony in Barberton, Mpumalanga. He died from breathing-related complications on Thursday, 3 July, at a Johannesburg hospital. Rosetta Msimango/News24 'He made a huge contribution to the development of our democracy and in the preservation of unity within our movement,' Ramaphosa said. He described Mabuza as dependable, intellectual and resilient. A host of political and public figures were in Mpumalanga to pay their respects. Former president Thabo Mbeki, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, EFF leader Julius Malema and Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga attended the funeral. Rosetta Msimango/News24 On Friday, Mabuza's mentor told News24 that as child, the former deputy president was disciplined and a perfectionist. 'Everything that he did, he wanted to be perfect … He was generous. He didn't want to see people suffering,' Dr Gadi Manzini said. Mabuza was 64 at the time of his death.
News24
12-07-2025
- Health
- News24
Family and friends bid farewell to former deputy president David ‘DD' Mabuza
Former deputy president David Mabuza will be buried on Saturday in Mpumalanga. He died on 3 July from breathing complications. Family spokesperson Desmond Moela said the Category 2 state funeral would commence at 08:30. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy.
IOL News
12-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
WATCH: Ramaphosa to deliver eulogy at former deputy president David Mabuza's funeral
Forner deputy president David Mabuza will be laid to his final resting place on Saturday morning, in Barberton, Mpumalanga. Image: X The remains of former deputy President David Mabuza will be laid to rest in a State Funeral Category 2 in Mbombela on Saturday morning, where President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver eulogy and pay tribute to Mabuza's legacy in South African politics. Mabuza, 64, died on July 3, at a hospital in Johannesburg due to breathing difficulties. Ramaphosa declared that Mabuza's funeral would be conducted in accordance with the protocols of a State Funeral Category 2. 'The late former deputy president David Mabuza, who was a leader in government, contributed greatly to the attainment of freedom and development in society,' said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Mabuza, who was a qualified teacher, rose to political prominence as Mpumalanga's first education MEC in 1994. He was appointed premier of the province in 2009 and served in that role until 2018. It was during this time, he became known as 'The Cat' for his strategic political maneuvers and behind-the-scenes negotiation style. He went on to serve as South Africa's deputy president from 2018 to 2023. Mabuza, according to the Presidency, also played a significant role as leader of government business in Parliament and as chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council. He served as South Africa's special envoy to South Sudan, where he was instrumental in peace and unity negotiations. 'A respected unifier, Mabuza dedicated his leadership to improving the lives of those in the most remote and disadvantaged communities,' Magwenya said. 'He also played a key role in mobilising the private sector in the national response to HIV and TB.' The state funeral service will take place Saturday, July 12, at 9am at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, in the province. On Friday afternoon, Mabuza's body was received in his hometown in Barberton by a crowd of African National Congress (ANC) supporters dressed in party regalia. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) provided a guard of honour as his remains were returned home from the mortuary ahead of the funeral. Meanwhile, addressing the media outside Mabuza's home, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula told the media that the party would hand over the ANC flag to the family before the funeral service. 'The proceedings will start in the morning with a private ceremony, which will include the handover of the African National Congress flag to the family,' Mbalula said. 'The government and the State will then take over, as the funeral has been declared by the president as a Category 2 funeral with military honors.' Mbalula said the handover ritual would begin at 7am on Saturday before the funeral procession moves to Mbombela. The ANC faced criticism from Mabuza's family over the manner in which his death was announced. Some relatives expressed disappointment, saying they learned of his passing through social media. Mbalula, however, defended his actions, saying protocol was followed when he announced Mabuza's death through his personal X account. 'From our side as the ANC, we have followed all protocol. I think the entire nation was engulfed by the news of his passing, which landed in media houses,' he said. 'Some members of the family learned of his passing through the media network, but protocol was followed.' Family spokesperson Desmond Moel said the family has accepted the ANC's apology. 'The family has actually accepted the apology from the chairperson of the ANC in Mpumalanga. He indicated that he apologises for having conveyed the message through social media,' Moel said IOL Politics
