South African politicians have expressed sadness on the passing of former Deputy President David Mabuza, with many remembering his leadership.

Mabuza passed away in hospital on Thursday, following a short illness. He was 65 years of age.

President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to Mabuza’s wife, and his children.

“I extend my condolences to Deputy President Mabuza’s friends and the people of Mpumalanga whom he served as Premier from 2009 to 2018, and previously as a Member of the Executive Council of Mpumalanga across a range of portfolios.

“My thoughts are also with Deputy President Mabuza’s comrades in his political home, the African National Congress, where he was elected as the organisation’s Deputy President in December 2017,” he said.

Ramaphosa noted that during Mabuza’s service as Deputy President, he used his leadership and mobilisation skills in his role as the leader of Government Business in Parliament. Mabuza led the South African National Aids Council and coordinated anti-poverty initiatives in the form of public employment programmes, and integrated service delivery and enterprise development.

Mabuza also represented South Africa on global platforms and consolidated relations between South Africa and its closest partners.

As Deputy President, he also chaired the governance, state capacity and institutional development as well as justice, crime prevention and security Cabinet committees.

“We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism at the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation and shape South Africa’s engagement with our continental compatriots and the international community in his role as Deputy President,” Ramaphosa stated.

He said Mabuza deserved the country’s appreciation for his deep commitment to the liberation struggle and to the nation’s development as an inclusive, prosperous, democratic State.

GOOD Party leader Patricia de Lille remembered Mabuza an exemplary chair of intergovernmental forums, noting that his meetings were marked by “punctuality, clarity of purpose, and firm outcomes”.

“I personally admired his respect for time and process, and it is a discipline we can all learn from in public service,” she said.

De Lille served alongside Mabuza between 2018 and 2023, during the sixth administration.

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said Mabuza was a leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of others.

“…from humble beginnings, he rose to occupy one of the highest offices in the land, carrying with him the hopes of many and a profound sense of duty to his country. He served with quiet resolve and a deep commitment to the people of South Africa,” he eulogised.

Hlabisa said South Africa had lost a leader who was both pragmatic and driven by purpose.

“In this time of sorrow, we honour his contribution to our democratic journey and to the cause of justice, dignity, and development for all South Africans. His legacy will live on in the lives he impacted, and, in the work, he undertook with humility and purpose,” Hlabisa said.

While he acknowledged that he and Mabuza had differed politically, he said the IFP acknowledged and honoured Mabuza’s contribution to the country’s democratic cause.

ActionSA president Herman Mashaba described Mabuza as a significant figure in South African politics, noting his contributions and influence, which spanned decades, saying they will leave a lasting mark on the country’s democratic journey.

“While varying reflections on his legacy will no doubt unfold in the days to come, ActionSA simply wishes to extend compassion to his family as they begin this difficult mourning journey. We pray for their strength, peace and comfort during this time of loss,” said Mashaba.

Ramaphosa said further announcements would be made on memorial arrangements and the honours which the country would pay in its final respects to Mabuza.

In memory of Mabuza, the South African Communist Party urged worker unity across union and federation affiliations in building a "true socialist movement", as part of the work done started by liberation stalwarts.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza, and the chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, also expressed condolences to Mabuza's family, noting the critical role he played in fostering better coordination between Parliament and the Executive.

“He remained committed to parliamentary accountability, consistently availing himself to answer questions in the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, and engaging in oversight processes with diligence and respect,” the Presiding Officers said.

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu said Mabuza’s death was a blow to the country and the province, as he noted Mabuza’s passion for education.

He said Mabuza left behind a rich legacy for learners in Mpumalanga, through the eradication of farm schools and replacing them with State-of-the-art boarding schools.

Ndlovu said Mabuza's visionary leadership was characterised by massive infrastructure development and human capital in the province.