Tributes for late former deputy president flood social media

Social media users continue to pay tribute to the struggle stalwart and former deputy president, David Mabuza.

Mabuza passed at a Johannesburg hospital, just a little over a month before he turned 65.

The Mpumalanga born politician was first sworn in as deputy president of the country in February of 2018 and is credited with being a game-changer in the ANC’s 2017 presidential race, which saw Cyril Ramaphosa ascending to the party’s presidency, beating former president Jacob Zuma’s former wife, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

The ANC has expressed condolences to his family, friends and fellow comrades and the people of South Africa.

“On behalf of the African National Congress, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa.”

The party described him as a patriot, freedom fighter, and a leader who served South Africa with humility and conviction.

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of former Deputy President of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza.

Comrade Mabuza dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. From his days in the… pic.twitter.com/BZXbdRD2wB

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) July 3, 2025

Social media is abuzz with tributes to the former teacher turned politician.

The 10th Deputy President of the ANC and the 8th Deputy President of South Africa. The 5th Provincial Chairperson of the ANC in Mpumalanga and its 4th Premier. A long standing member of the ANC, comrade David Dabede ‘DD’ Mabuza. Whatever your flaws may be, you remained a true… pic.twitter.com/PQTVqvF9U9

— A Marxist-Leninist ★☭ (@Absolute_Kganki) July 3, 2025

May the former Deputy President David Mabuza soul rest in peace.
His greatest legacy will be him saving SA from the Zuma family. Him crossing fields in that conference & delivering Cyril, despite his faults might’ve been his greatest service to the countrypic.twitter.com/HfWPUahZcd

— Vuyo. 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦. (@OhFlipItsVuyo) July 3, 2025

“See you again” – Former Deputy President David Mabuza 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/J0bjDBaJb2

— Shazi (@NkosinathiShazi) July 3, 2025

Former Deputy President, David Mabuza has passed on.

Condolences to the Mabuza Family, Friends & Loved ones pic.twitter.com/YeU4NmaFBd

— Madisha, Sir (@hobo_group) July 3, 2025

David Mabuza is one government official who never bothered anyone and minded his business, at some point people didn’t even know he was the deputy president😆 May his soul rest in peace🕊️

— 🦄Gugz. (@GuguSeritsane) July 3, 2025

took this video of the former deputy president David Mabuza during a campaign trail in Tshwane last year.

alale ngoxolo u DP! pic.twitter.com/bgG2CeFP9U

— Bongekile Macupe (@BongeMacupe) July 3, 2025

In the theory and practise of strategy, David Mabuza could be a great example for long range forecasting and how to make strategic exits! May he rest in peace.
📸 Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Masi Losi pic.twitter.com/HWcvFMSKpC

— Ongama Mtimka, PhD (@omtimka) July 3, 2025

I’ll never forget how David Mabuza’s office announced that he’s on sick leave, then his spokesperson said “No, the Deputy President is not sick, but he is on sick leave. When asked how that works, he said “Many people take sick leave”. That’s the kind of honesty we need, people🕊️ pic.twitter.com/lqF2B2bX67

— The Lord Of The Wings( Lisa) Arsenal Biggest Fan🏐 (@WhyUfikelate) July 3, 2025

Written by Odirile Rabolao