Seven things you must know about David ‘the cat’ Mabuza
Described by many as a kingmaker and politically shrewd, newly elected ANC deputy president David Mabuza is an enigmatic figure to many South Africans.
Deputy President David Mabuza. Picture: Gallo Images
Here are the seven things to know about the Mpumalanga strongman, known as ‘the cat’, who ran for the governing party’s deputy presidency under the “unity” vote:
- Mabuza supported President Jacob Zuma at the ANC’s national elective conference in Polokwane in 2007.
- Zuma appointed him Mpumalanga premier in 2009.
- Mabuza has been the ANC Mpumalanga chairperson since 2008.
- In 2010, R14 million in cash was allegedly stolen from his farmhouse, Sunday Times reported at the time. However, SAPS’ organised crime unit in Mpumalanga said only R1 200 was stolen.
- In 2015, City Press reported Mabuza was allegedly poisoned, and was forced to take two months’ leave from his roles.
- In 2014, he started the David Mabuza Foundation, which offers educational funding and builds houses for the poor.
- In 2016, Mabuza lost a R10-million defamation lawsuit against ANC veteran Mathews Phosa. He claimed Phosa had distributed an intelligence report that alleged he was an apartheid spy.
The newly elected National Chair Gwede Mantashe, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President David Mabuza stand and celebrate together at the ANC’s 54th National Elective Conference at Nasrec, Johannesburg on 18 December 2017. The conference saw new leadership elected including a new president of the ANC. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia
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