South Africa mourns the loss of a great leader, as former Deputy President David Mabuza passed away on Thursday last week at the age of 64. The news of his passing has left the nation in shock and sadness, as he was a highly respected and influential figure in politics.

Mabuza, fondly known as “DD” or “The Cat”, was a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC) and served as the Deputy President of South Africa from 2018 until his untimely death. He was also the Premier of Mpumalanga province for two consecutive terms, from 2009 to 2018.

Born in Johannesburg in 1959, Mabuza grew up in humble beginnings and worked his way up the political ladder through hard work and determination. He was known for his grassroots approach to politics and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of ordinary South Africans.

During his time as Deputy President, Mabuza played a crucial role in the country’s economic and social development. He was a strong advocate for youth empowerment and education, believing that the youth are the future of our nation. He also championed initiatives to address poverty and inequality, and his contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS will always be remembered.

Mabuza was a unifying figure in the ANC and played a pivotal role in the party’s efforts to maintain unity and cohesion. He was known for his ability to bridge the gap between different factions within the party and find common ground for the greater good.

His passing has left a huge void in the political landscape of South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa described Mabuza as a “patriot and a servant of the people” and extended his condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. He also declared a period of mourning in honour of Mabuza and ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast.

Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the country, with many praising Mabuza’s leadership, humility, and dedication to the service of the nation. His colleagues in the ANC have described him as a “fearless leader” and a “true son of the soil”.

Mabuza’s legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and the impact he made during his time in office. He will be remembered as a selfless leader who always put the needs of the people first. His passing is a great loss to the nation, but his contributions will never be forgotten.

As we mourn the loss of this great leader, let us also celebrate his life and the positive impact he had on our country. Let us be inspired by his dedication and commitment to serving the people and strive to continue his legacy of unity, peace, and progress.

In his own words, Mabuza once said, “Leadership is not about being in a position of authority, but about serving the people with humility and selflessness”. He lived by these words and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.

Rest in peace, Mabuza. Your memory will always be cherished and your legacy will continue to guide us towards a better South Africa.