President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was saddened by the news of the passing of former deputy president, David Mabuza.
In a statement on Thursday, the Presidency said Mabuza passed away after a short illness at the age of 64.
“On behalf of the Government and the nation, I offer my profound condolences to the late Deputy President’s wife, Mrs Mabuza, and the 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,” he said.
Ramaphosa said that during his service as deputy president, Mabuza applied his leadership and mobilisation abilities to his role as the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, leading the National Aids Council and coordinating anti-poverty initiatives like the Public Employment Programme.
The Presidency said further announcements will be made in due course on memorial arrangements, and the honours with which the country will pay its final respects to the former Deputy President.
Meanwhile, the presiding officers of Parliament also offered a message of condolence, saying the late former deputy president Mabuza played a critical role in fostering better coordination between Parliament and the Executive.
"We pay homage to former Deputy President Mabuza, an exemplary leader and patriot who dedicated his life to the service of our people. His passing is a profound loss not only to his family and comrades but to the nation as a whole," the statement said.
