NATIONAL NEWS - Parliament’s Presiding Officers, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, have expressed their condolences to former Deputy President David Mabuza’s family following his death on Thursday, 3 July.

Mabuza (64), who served as Deputy President between 2018 and 2023, died in hospital following a short illness. 

Mabuza was a controversial figure who nicknamed himself "The Cat" after he survived an illness in 2015 and many political scandals. 

He became Deputy President by supporting Cyril Ramaphosa's Presidency bid in 2017 and left politics in 2022 when he was ousted by Paul Mashatile.   

Paying homage to Mabuza, Parliament ignored the black marks against their former Deputy President's name saying "he was an exemplary leader and patriot, who dedicated his life to the service of our people". 

"His passing is a profound loss not only to his family and comrades, but to the nation as a whole,” the Presiding Officers said in a statement.

In response to praise on X for Mabuza by ANC politicians, many X users posted snide, sarcastic comments.     

Before joining Parliament, Mabuza served as Mpumalanga Premier where he is said to have instilled fear in many an adversary's heart.  

Mabuza will receive a Category 2 State Funeral. 

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