'David Mabuza could always be relied on' - Ramaphosa

MBOMBELA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the late former Deputy President David Mabuza as a reliable and dignified leader.

Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at Mabuza’s funeral service at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Saturday.

The former deputy president passed away in hospital last week after battling a short illness.

He was laid to rest at his home in Barberton.

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President Ramaphosa said that Mabuza was not someone who sought the limelight, but rather chose to work diligently behind the scenes.

Ramaphosa believes that if there was one lesson that African National Congress (ANC) members could draw from Mabuza's life, it was his honesty, commitment to unity, and unwavering dedication to his responsibilities.

He further added that Mabuza was selfless, rarely pursuing personal gain and always acted in the best interests of the people he served.

"In all his responsibilities as deputy president, from land reform to dealing with the HIV/AIDS pandemic, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of our military veterans, David Mabuza could always be relied on."

He said that in honouring Mabuza’s legacy, the ANC must heed to calls of internal unity.