Remembering David Mabuza: 100 Facts About the Late Deputy President of South Africa


In Memory of David Dabede Mabuza (1960–2025)

David Mabuza, affectionately known as “The Cat” for his political survival instincts, passed away on 3 July 2025 at the age of 64. From a humble rural background to the Deputy Presidency of South Africa, Mabuza’s life was a tapestry of influence, controversy, resilience, and philanthropy. Here’s a tribute in 100 compelling facts to honour and remember his legacy:

Humble Beginnings

  1. David Dabede Mabuza was born on 25 August 1960 in Phola, Mpumalanga.
  2. He was raised in a farming family in rural South Africa.
  3. Mabuza matriculated at Khumbula High School in Mpumalanga.
  4. He earned a teaching diploma from Mgwenya College of Education in 1985.
  5. He specialised in mathematics education.
  6. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UNISA in 1989.
  7. As a student, he was active in Black Consciousness politics.
  8. He served as secretary of AZASO (Azania Student Organisation) from 1984–85.
  9. He started teaching in 1986 in KaNgwane.
  10. He became the principal of Lungisani Secondary School from 1989–1993.
  11. Mabuza chaired the National Education Union of South Africa (1986–88).
  12. He was treasurer of the Foundation for Education with Production (1986–1990).
  13. He co-ordinated the National Education Crisis Committee (1987–1989).
  14. Mathews Phosa recruited him into the United Democratic Front in 1986.
  15. He chaired the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) from 1988–1991.

Political Rise in Mpumalanga

  1. Mabuza joined the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature in 1994.
  2. He served as MEC for Education under Premier Mathews Phosa.
  3. He was fired in 1998 due to a matric result inflation scandal.
  4. Later served as MEC for Housing (1999–2001) and Agriculture (2008–2009).
  5. Briefly served in National Parliament from 2001–2004.
  6. Nicknamed “The Hurricane” for his temper and energy in government.
  7. Chaired the ANC Nelspruit region from 1994–1998.
  8. Became ANC Mpumalanga Deputy Chair in 1999 and again in 2005.
  9. In 2007, elected to the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC).
  10. Backed Jacob Zuma’s rise at the ANC’s Polokwane Conference.
  11. Became ANC Provincial Chairperson in Mpumalanga in 2008.
  12. His “Mpumalanga First” campaign had a populist and regionalist tone.
  13. Was elected Premier of Mpumalanga on 6 May 2009.
  14. Held the premiership until 26 February 2018.
  15. Known for centralising power through a “Rapid Implementation Unit”.

The Premier League and Political Power

  1. Mabuza aligned with Ace Magashule and Supra Mahumapelo to form the Premier League.
  2. The Premier League was an informal power bloc within the ANC.
  3. He grew ANC membership in Mpumalanga drastically from 2012 to 2017.
  4. Mpumalanga became the second-largest ANC province by branch delegates.
  5. This increased his leverage at national ANC conferences.
  6. Allegedly used state resources to grow ANC support, including food parcels.
  7. Survived a suspected poisoning in 2015 — spent time recovering in Russia.
  8. Travelled to Moscow in a Gupta family private jet for treatment.
  9. His recovery earned him the nickname “The Cat”.
  10. In December 2017, he was elected ANC Deputy President at the party’s 54th National Conference.
  11. Received more votes than any other Top Six candidate at the 2017 conference.
  12. His “Unity” campaign disrupted clear factional lines between Ramaphosa and Dlamini-Zuma.
  13. He reportedly “outsmarted” Dlamini-Zuma supporters by switching sides.
  14. He played a kingmaker role at Nasrec, securing his national influence.
  15. His campaign strategy included alliances with Paul Mashatile.

Deputy President of South Africa

  1. Appointed Deputy President of South Africa on 26 February 2018.
  2. Served under President Cyril Ramaphosa.
  3. Held the post until 28 February 2023.
  4. Was also Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
  5. Oversaw land reform, poverty eradication, and township economic upliftment.
  6. Chaired the South African National AIDS Council.
  7. Chaired the National Human Resource Development Council.
  8. Patron of the Moral Regeneration Movement.
  9. Re-appointed Deputy President after 2019 elections, albeit with delay.
  10. Delay was due to ANC Integrity Commission report on corruption allegations.
  11. Spent time in 2021 in Russia for medical treatment, reportedly related to past poisoning.
  12. His return was low-key, but shrouded in speculation.
  13. He addressed Parliament on Human Rights Day in Sharpeville in 2018.
  14. Survived two motorcade crashes in 2022.
  15. In one crash, a protection officer was killed, though Mabuza was unharmed.

Resignation and Final Years

  1. Did not receive enough support to contest ANC presidency in 2022.
  2. Declined nomination to continue as ANC Deputy President.
  3. Paul Mashatile succeeded him in both ANC and national roles.
  4. Announced intent to resign as Deputy President in February 2023.
  5. Officially resigned from Parliament on 28 February 2023.
  6. Retreated from public life after leaving national office.
  7. Died on 3 July 2025 in Sandton, Johannesburg.
  8. He was 64 years old at the time of his death.
  9. His death was met with mixed public response — reverence and controversy.
  10. President Ramaphosa called him a “resilient leader who left an indelible mark”.

Personal Life & Philanthropy

  1. Married to Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi, a real estate agent.
  2. Formerly married to Ruth Funi Silinda (or fiancée, depending on sources).
  3. Had children, including one with Silinda.
  4. Known to be private about his personal life.
  5. Founded the DD Mabuza Foundation in 2014.
  6. The foundation focused on education, youth development, and vulnerable groups.
  7. Sponsored bursaries and school infrastructure in rural areas.
  8. Known to support township entrepreneurs through localised funding.
  9. Donated to children’s homes and disability centres in Mpumalanga.
  10. Loved traditional South African cuisine and rural farming.
  11. Advocated for unity over factionalism in ANC politics.
  12. Was called “a cat with nine lives” for his political comebacks.
  13. Some viewed him as a master strategist, others as a shadow operator.
  14. He rarely gave media interviews, keeping a mystique about him.
  15. Maintained close ties with grassroots structures even during his time in national office.

Controversy & Legacy

  1. Accused of involvement in tender corruption in Mpumalanga.
  2. Linked to kickbacks related to Mbombela Stadium construction.
  3. Survived allegations of being an apartheid spy, which he denied.
  4. Sued Mathews Phosa for defamation, but lost the case.
  5. Central figure in the “Premier League” state capture narrative.
  6. Opponents linked him to political killings in Mpumalanga — all unproven.
  7. Allegedly used a private security unit to silence critics.
  8. Accused of intimidating whistleblowers and journalists.
  9. Survived a political and literal attempt on his life.
  10. Left behind a divided legacy — loved by some, feared by others.
  11. His death reignited debate on accountability in provincial politics.
  12. Remembered as one of post-apartheid South Africa’s most complex figures.
  13. Never held the presidency, but arguably influenced who did.
  14. His life symbolised both the promise and peril of ANC internal politics.
  15. Even in death, David Mabuza remains a central figure in the story of South African democracy.

Final Thoughts:
David Mabuza’s life was a political odyssey — from a maths teacher to the second most powerful man in South Africa. His legacy is as much about the classrooms he taught in and the schools he built as it is about the smoke-filled rooms of ANC politics. Whether remembered as a kingmaker, a survivor, a populist, or a reformer — his story will not be forgotten.

May his soul rest in peace. 🕊️