South Africa has lost a struggle stalwart with the passing of former deputy president David Mabuza.

Details surrounding his death, including the cause and location, have not officially been made public. He had been battling ill health for some time.

“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of former deputy president of the republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza,” said ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula in an X post this afternoon.

“Comrade Mabuza dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. From his days in the struggle against apartheid to his leadership as premier of Mpumalanga and later as deputy president, he was a committed cadre who carried the values of unity, discipline and transformation.

“On behalf of the ANC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades and the people of South Africa. We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter and a leader who served with humility and conviction.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his legacy by continuing the work of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.”

According to The Presidency’s website, Mabuza was born at Phola Trust, in Mpumalanga, on August 25, 1960. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa in 1989, following his achievement of a National Teacher’s Certificate from Mgwenya College of Education in 1985.

He was first sworn in as deputy president of South Africa on February 27, 2018, and again on Thursday, May 30, 2019, for the sixth democratic administration following his appointment to this role by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He previously held several positions in government, including as premier of Mpumalanga (2009 to 2018), Mpumalanga MEC for Agriculture and Land Administration (2008 to 2009), MEC for Roads and Transport (2007 to 2008), a member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature (2004 to 2007), MP (2001 to 2004), Mpumalanga MEC for Housing (1999 to 2001), and MEC for Education (1994 to 1998).

He was a trained mathematics teacher by profession and became a school principal before moving to politics. He established the DD Mabuza Foundation in 2014, focusing on education and the social upliftment of vulnerable groups, such as children, child-headed households, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of former Deputy President of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, Comrade David Dabede Mabuza.

Comrade Mabuza dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. From his days in the… pic.twitter.com/BZXbdRD2wB

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) July 3, 2025

Former deputy president David Mabuza has died pic.twitter.com/7Mab2P0JQz

— PHUTI SEMENYA®🇿🇦 ⚖️ (@PhutiSemenya14) July 3, 2025

#dandaroupdates
Former South African deputy president David Mabuza has died at the age of 64, the presidency announced. pic.twitter.com/2KfiSePaCT

— Dandaro Online (@DandaroOnline) July 3, 2025

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