Africa-Press – Eswatini. Former South African Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza has been remembered as a man devoted to peace and unity.
This was the recurring theme during a memorial service held in his honour on July 10, 2025, at Phola Sports Ground in Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla was among the dignitaries who attended the event, leading a delegation sent by Their Majesties to represent the Kingdom of Eswatini. Her delegation included Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo and Shiselweni Regional Administrator Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku.
According to Eswatini TV, prior to attending the memorial service, the delegation visited the Mabuza homestead in Barberton to personally deliver condolences on behalf of Their Majesties and the nation of Eswatini.
During the service, Mabuza was celebrated as a unifier who worked tirelessly to promote harmony within Mpumalanga, across South Africa, and in his political home, the African National Congress (ANC).
South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile praised Mabuza as a disciplined and committed party member who prioritized the implementation of ANC policies. He called on South Africans, especially ANC members, to uphold peace — a value Mabuza consistently advocated.
In a deeply emotional address, Mabuza’s sister, Zandile Mabuza, lamented the manner in which the family learned of his passing — via social media. She described society as “cruel,” noting that people even called the family to confirm the devastating news. Zandile expressed heartbreak over the little time Mabuza had for his family due to his public service and urged other politicians to strike a better balance between family and national duty.
Mabuza’s children also shared moving tributes. His daughter, Angela Mabuza, acknowledged the pain of imagining life without her father, but expressed admiration for his unique way of showing love.
“Dad wasn’t overly expressive, but he showed love through belief. He believed in us. He prepared us for life not by shielding us, but by sharpening us,” she said.
Mxolisi Mabuza, his son, recalled his father’s emphasis on perseverance.
“He reminded us often of his difficult upbringing. It wasn’t to shame us, but to show how much further we could go.”
Mabuza is set to be laid to rest on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Barberton, following a State Funeral Category 2 ceremony at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela.
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