IN PHOTOS | Family and friends bid farewell to DD Mabuza
The state funeral service was attended by thousands, including international visitors and government officials.
Guests and mourners gathered for the state funeral of the former deputy president, David Dabede Mabuza, at Hoërskool Bergvlam on Saturday, July 12. The state funeral service was attended by thousands.
The president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, delivered the eulogy during the funeral service.
He described Mabuza as a revered leader, not only in his home province of Mpumalanga, but throughout the country as well.
“He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism and quiet resolve. To some, he was the ‘cat with nine livesְ’, resilient in the face of political storms.
“But to many in his home province and beyond he was a source of support, a provider of opportunities, and a champion for rural development and education,” he explained.
He said Mabuza will be remembered as a unifier.
“As premier he was committed to unifying the different people of the Land of the Rising Sun. In death, he has once again brought us all together, across many nations and continents, to mourn, to pay homage, to remember and to fondly reminisce.
“In his eternal sleep, he is demonstrating that our many differences along political party and racial lines, and the numerous disputes we may have, are eclipsed by our shared desire to follow his lead in building a just, equitable and caring society,” said Ramaphosa.
In a message from his wife, Nonhlanhla Mabuza, which was read by Nomsa Mnisi, she said she could still remember the day that they met.
She said their honey-moon phase was short lived, as she soon realised that she was sharing him with a greater calling. “Serving the people of South Africa was your first love. Like any young wife, I struggled with that at first. But when I saw the joy and impact you brought to the people of Mpumalanga, I had to embrace my place beside you as your partner, with love and pride. The love you had for your children was tough but empowering.”
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She said he touched so many lives profoundly.
She said when he left for his regular medical checkups, she didn’t worry because he always came back home to them. She said she remembered their last call, and that an hour later they called her informing her that they were taking him to hospital.
She said she will carry the rest of the journey with the strength he left behind.
After the state funeral, the family held a private funeral service in Barberton.
