Beneath an unseasonably warm winter sun, the rolling hills of Mpumalanga stood as silent witness as South Africa bid a final farewell to former Deputy President David ‘DD’ Mabuza on Saturday.
Mabuza passed away last week at the age of 64, following a short illness. He was buried at a family burial site in Barberton, Mpumalanga.
Delivering the eulogy at Mabuza’s funeral service, President Cyril Ramaphosa described the day as a moment of sombre reflection.
‘Solemn remembrance’
“We are gathered here today in solemn remembrance to honour the life of a man who, in many ways, made a huge contribution to our journey to a democratic South Africa. We are also here to celebrate the life of a fine son of Mpumalanga and a man of the people.
“It is as a servant of the people for which our departed leader and comrade David Dabede Mabuza will be best known and for which he will be forever remembered. David Mabuza, DD, as he was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but throughout the country as well,” he said.
The Mpumalanga-born politician – affectionately referred to as “DD” or “The Cat” – was a teacher by training. However, he was drawn into political activism and, subsequently, the public service.
Mabuza’s journey into the public service began in 1994 in Mpumalanga, where he served as a Member of the Executive Council in several portfolios.
He then served as the Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 until he became a Member of Parliament and then Deputy President in 2018.
“He served as our country’s Deputy President, as Premier of Mpumalanga and as the Deputy President of his movement, the African National Congress (ANC).
“When he served as a Member of Parliament and as the Leader of Government Business, he proved to be a renowned political strategist, always deftly navigating the very difficult balance amongst parliamentary parties.
“In all his roles, he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity,” President Ramaphosa said.
Guard of honour
As President Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy, a multitude of citizens lined the streets of Mbombela – forming a guard of honour for the former Deputy President as he was taken to his final resting place among the people of Mpumalanga.
“He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch.
“Since the news came of his passing, we have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and political leaders from across the spectrum flocking to DD’s home in Barberton to pay their respects. Such was his popularity. Such was his ability to unite the people of this province.
“He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives,” President Ramaphosa noted.
He highlighted that Mabuza leaves a legacy of “being quick to respond to matters of service delivery”.
“Over the past days, we have heard from a number of young citizens of Mpumalanga, who have described him as a father of the community, who helped bring development to many rural parts of Mpumalanga.
“Today in this province, there are families who now live in decent homes because during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot and at some point, dug into his own pockets to meet their needs. Those houses were not built after years of follow-up meetings. They were erected within months because he was not one to make empty promises,” he said.
Working side by side
President Ramaphosa reflected on the five years he and Mabuza spent as President and Deputy President of South Africa.
“[During] this time, I came to know him as a person who understood the responsibility that he had been given. He was dependable, reliable and an excellent deputy.
“As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, he worked to ensure that the will of the people was reflected in the laws of the land and in the programmes of the state.
“In all his responsibilities as Deputy President, from land reform to HIV and AIDS, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans, David Mabuza could always be relied on. We will always remember him as a unifier,” he said.
The President offered words of solace and comfort to the family and gave a final word to the departed man himself.
“You walked the path not always lit, through the dust of doubt, you did commit. I worked with you and saw your commitment. Your voice was not loud, but it was firm and still. You were able to shape the course with quiet will.
“I saw you bear the weight of province and land, with measured step and steady hand. Though storms did gather, and winds did sway, you held the centre night and day. Now rest, my brother, brave son of the African soil. Your work is done and complete. The country remembers you,” President Ramaphosa concluded.
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