President Cyril Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at the State Funeral Category 2 of the late former Deputy President David Mabuza on Saturday, July 12.
The funeral service will commence at 09:00 at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, , following Mabuza’s passing on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
President Ramaphosa has declared that the funeral be conducted as a State Funeral Category 2, which is accorded to Deputy Presidents, Acting Presidents, and former Deputy Presidents of the Republic, and includes prescribed military ceremonial honours.
The State Funeral will serve as an opportunity for the nation to pay its final respects and reflect on the extensive legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to the attainment of freedom and development in South African society.
David Mabuza served as Deputy President of South Africa from 2018 to 2023, and prior to that, as Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018. His extensive career in public service saw him hold various executive roles within the Mpumalanga province.
He made a notable impact as Leader of Government Business in Parliament and as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC).
Beyond his domestic roles, Mabuza played a pivotal role as South Africa’s Special Envoy to South Sudan. In this capacity, he dedicated significant efforts to facilitating peace initiatives and unity agreements in the region, earning him a reputation as a respected unifier.
Throughout his political life, Mabuza was known for his commitment to improving the lives of those in remote and disadvantaged communities.
He also played a key role in mobilizing the private sector to contribute to the national response to HIV and Tuberculosis, demonstrating a deep commitment to public health.
