Africa-Press – Eswatini. The late former Deputy President of South Africa, David Dabede Mabuza, was a proud Liswati who deeply identified with his Eswatini heritage.
This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla during a press briefing held on July 14, 2025 at the Ngwenya/Oshoek Border Gate, following her return from the Republic of South Africa. The DPM had been officially dispatched by Their Majesties to represent Eswatini at Mabuza’s funeral, which took place this past Saturday in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
According to the DPM, Mabuza’s connection to Eswatini was evident through his past participation in national cultural events, notably when he joined Emaswati in dancing during the Incwala ceremony at Buhleni Royal Residence approximately two years ago. She emphasised that Mabuza had embraced his Liswati roots with pride and did not recognise the colonial border that now separates Eswatini from parts of South Africa.
Dladla highlighted the historical significance of this border, which was established by the Afrikaners in 1881, resulting in Eswatini losing significant territory — including areas now part of Mpumalanga — to South Africa.
She reported that upon arriving at Mabuza’s homestead in Barberton, the Eswatini delegation received a warm welcome from the Mabuza family. The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Their Majesties for sending a high-level delegation and asked that their appreciation be formally conveyed.
Dladla stated that the Mabuza family had acknowledged Mabuza’s participation in the Incwala ceremony, noting that they had hoped he would deepen his involvement in Eswatini’s cultural practices.
The DPM also reported that they were graciously received by the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party in South Africa. She noted that this reception reflected the strong neighbourly ties between Eswatini and South Africa and the mutual respect between the two nations.
The Eswatini delegation took part in both the memorial service in Mpumalanga and the official funeral service, where they were in attendance with South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Former President Thabo Mbeki was also present and was seen seated alongside members of the Eswatini delegation.
Dladla expressed her admiration for the recognition shown by the ANC, saying it underscored the importance of regional solidarity. She added that the funeral reflected Mabuza’s legacy as a bridge between the two nations.
The Eswatini delegation included Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo, Shiselweni Regional Administrator Themba Masuku, Prince Phuhlaphi, Prince Makhosonkhe and Prince Tikhontele (both based in South Africa), as well as Chief Ndzabankhulu.
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