David Mabuza, the former Deputy President of South Africa, has passed away at the age of 64. His death was reported by the country's public broadcaster, SABC, and occurred in a Johannesburg hospital. Mabuza served as Deputy President from 2018 to 2023, a period during which he played a pivotal role in the nation's political landscape.

A former schoolteacher and premier of the Mpumalanga province, Mabuza was instrumental in President Cyril Ramaphosa's victory in the tight 2017 contest to lead the African National Congress (ANC) at the critical Nasrec conference. This triumph paved the way for Ramaphosa to become head of state in 2018, succeeding the scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma. Analysts and political figures have highlighted Mabuza's crucial contribution during this turning point for both the ANC and South Africa, as the country sought to move away from the damage caused by state capture.

Throughout his career, Mabuza faced allegations, which he denied, of irregular tenders related to a 2010 World Cup stadium and purported links to political killings. In recent times, he had not been seen much in public and was reportedly unwell, though the specific illness was not disclosed by SABC.

Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum following his death. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri described him as