Former Deputy President David Mabuza, who passed away recently, is being remembered as a shrewd and tactful politician, despite spending much of his later years out of the public eye. Political leaders and citizens alike are reflecting on his complex legacy and his influence on South African politics.
Mabuza, often described as elusive and enigmatic, was a key player in shaping the African National Congress (ANC), particularly in his home province of Mpumalanga, where he solidified the region as a crucial voting bloc. His strategic maneuvering earned him the nickname “The Cat,” a reference to his ability to “always land on his feet,” even in turbulent political climates.
A Master Strategist
Political analyst Khanya Vilakazi, speaking in an interview, highlighted Mabuza’s calculated approach to politics. “He was a Mavelian prince—a true politician who only moved when necessary and acted swiftly,” Vilakazi said. Mabuza’s most notable political move came during the ANC’s 2017 elective conference, where he played a pivotal role in Cyril Ramaphosa’s ascension to the presidency, despite initial allegiances to other factions.
However, Vilakazi noted that Mabuza’s influence waned after that moment. “The 2017 conference was his last major political play. Beyond that, he had reached his ceiling,” he explained.
Controversies and Unanswered Questions
Mabuza’s career was not without controversy. Over the years, he faced numerous allegations, though none resulted in formal convictions. His decision to delay his swearing-in as an MP in 2019—pending clearance from the ANC’s integrity commission—was seen as both a defiant and strategic move to distance himself from lingering rumors.
“Nothing ever stuck to him,” Vilakazi remarked. “He operated in the shadows, and that was his strength.”
A Fading Legacy in Mpumalanga
Since Mabuza’s departure from provincial politics, Mpumalanga’s ANC has struggled to regain its former cohesion. Vilakazi suggested that his absence left a power vacuum, contributing to the party’s declining support in the region. “The province has never been the same,” he said. “Rebuilding will be a difficult and messy process.”
As South Africa reflects on Mabuza’s legacy, opinions remain divided. To some, he was a master tactician who shaped critical moments in the ANC’s history. To others, he was a symbol of the party’s internal contradictions—a leader whose silence in high office contrasted sharply with his earlier dominance in provincial politics.
His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy as complex as the man himself.