Former Deputy President David Mabuza leaves behind a complex legacy

JOHANNESBURG - Former Deputy President David Mabuza has left behind what some have described as a complicated legacy.

Mabuza was laid to rest at a category two state funeral on Saturday, following his passing earlier in July.

He was 64.

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While he’s been widely hailed as a political strategist and unifier, Mabuza also had a checkered past.

In 2023, Mabuza won a defamation case after a whistleblower accused him of masterminding political killings in Mpumalanga while he served as the premier.

At the time, the death of former Mbombela Speaker Jimmy Mohlala in 2009 was on what some say was Mabuza’s hit list.

For those who dared to ask Mabuza about the allegations, including members of Parliament, he warned against casting aspersions without any due process.

Over the years, he was also accused of tender fraud and orchestrating land scams in Mpumalanga, claims that never quite stuck.

Despite the controversy and complex legacy, his family described him as honourable and quiet, but formidable.

His daughter, Angela Mabuza: "Papa, it’s now your time to rest. Finally, you get your rest and get the peace you deserve."

Mabuza was interred at his farm in Barberton.