Mapaballo Borotho

The children of the late former Deputy President David Mabuza have vowed to live by their father’s teachings for the rest of their lives.
They were speaking at Mabuza’s funeral in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Saturday, 12 July 2025.
Affectionately known as The Cat, Mabuza passed away last week at the age of 64 following a short illness.
He will be laid to rest at his family homestead on Saturday afternoon after a Category 2 funeral service with military honours.
Following a detailed obituary that highlighted Mabuza’s educational journey, political career, and humanitarian contributions, his children took to the podium and spoke candidly about life with the late statesman.
OBITUARY | A life of struggle, service and leadership: The legacy of of the late former Deputy President David “DD” Mabuza (1960 – 2025) 🕊️🇿🇦#RIPDavidMabuza #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/8vkdTPE7Ka
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 12, 2025
His son, Mxolisi Mabuza, said:
Our father was a national figure, a statesman, a leader of profound conviction. The nation called him Honourable, and we called him Dad. He belonged to a wider world, and we shared him willingly—though not easily—because we understood that he didn’t just serve his country; he truly belonged to it.
His daughter, Angela Mabuza, added:
“He supported every wild dream that we brought to the table—sometimes with enthusiasm, sometimes with silence and a nod. He would let us try, and always told us to go for it.”
Dignitaries in attendance included Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, EFF leader Julius Malema, and UDM leader and Deputy Minister of Defence Bantu Holomisa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy at the funeral.
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