In brief
David Mabuza, the former deputy president of South Africa, has passed away at the age of 64 in Mpumalanga Province. His death was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, under whom Mabuza served until his resignation two years prior. Mabuza was admitted to a hospital, succumbing to an undisclosed illness. Ramaphosa expressed sorrow over the loss of a leader dedicated to activism and pivotal in shaping South Africa's international relations.
Mabuza's career trajectory saw him rise from a union activist to the deputy presidency, where he played a vital role in Ramaphosa's election as party leader in 2017. Initially supporting Ramaphosa’s opponent, he switched allegiance at a critical moment, influencing the course of the African National Congress elections. His political acumen was recognized by many, although his legacy was tainted by ongoing corruption allegations that plagued his later years in office.
