Wesley ParkSaturday, Jul 5, 2025 2:53 am ET

2min read

The death of former Deputy President David Mabuza on July 3, 2025, has thrown South Africa's political landscape into a critical inflection point. A towering figure in the ANC, Mabuza was both a unifying force and a lightning rod for controversy. His passing leaves a leadership void that could either galvanize reforms or plunge the party—and the economy—into factional chaos. For investors in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), the stakes are clear: political stability will dictate the trajectory of sectors like infrastructure, anti-corruption initiatives, and public healthcare. Let's dig in.

Mabuza's 40-year career was defined by contradictions. As Mpumalanga's Premier, he built a power base that made his province the ANC's second-largest stronghold—but his tenure was also mired in corruption scandals, including the infamous Mbombela Stadium fraud and school construction kickbacks. As Deputy President, he helped Ramaphosa marginalize Jacob Zuma's radical faction, but his later years were overshadowed by health crises and unresolved graft allegations.

Today, his death amplifies intra-party tensions between reformists (led by Paul Mashatile) and traditionalists (backed by Fikile Mbalula). This factional battle could delay critical policies, from infrastructure approvals to anti-corruption reforms. Investors must ask: Will the ANC's new leadership prioritize growth or get bogged down in infighting?

Mabuza's influence loomed large over South Africa's infrastructure projects. His era saw centralized control but rampant corruption, epitomized by the Beitbridge Border Post scandal and delayed school construction. With his departure, the question is: Can the ANC pivot toward transparency?

Current reforms, like the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) auditing construction contracts, suggest hope. Companies with strong governance and ties to anti-corruption initiatives—such as those using blockchain for contract tracking—could thrive. However, investors should avoid state-linked firms with opaque bidding processes until leadership stabilizes.

Mabuza's legacy includes both the “Premier League” patronage networks and his role in founding the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. Now, the SIU's audits are exposing systemic rot, creating risks and opportunities.

Sectors like mining and energy, which rely on government permits, face delays if factional spats disrupt approvals. Yet, firms with clean audits—such as those in renewable energy or digital compliance—could see demand surge.

A stronger rand (ZAR) would attract foreign capital, but only if policy continuity is assured.

Mabuza's tenure saw underfunded hospitals and botched flood-relief projects, but his AIDS advocacy and anti-poverty initiatives left a mixed legacy. Today, the focus is on transparency in healthcare infrastructure spending.

Privately run hospitals like Life Healthcare (LHC) could benefit from public-private partnerships as the state offloads underfunded facilities. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical firms with ties to the National Health Insurance plan—such as Aspen Pharmacare—might see demand rise, provided supply chains avoid political interference.

Final Verdict: A High-Reward, High-Risk Opportunity

South Africa's JSE is a rollercoaster right now. Mabuza's death has created a leadership vacuum, but it also opens a window for reform. Investors who bet on governance-focused firms and sectors with clear policy tailwinds could profit handsomely. However, a prolonged ANC split could send the JSE reeling.

The bottom line: South Africa is at a crossroads. For the bold and the analytical, this is a time to act—but only with a keen eye on political headlines.

Action Alert: Consider a small position in LHC and a long-term hold on JSE tech stocks. Keep an eye on the SIU's next audit report—success there could be the catalyst the market needs.