David Mabuza

David Mabuza is a South African politician who served as the Deputy President of South Africa from 2018 to 2023, under the presidency of Cyril Ramaphosa. He was a key figure in the African National Congress (ANC) and played a crucial role in the party's leadership. Mabuza's political career has been marked by his involvement in various organizations, including the United Democratic Front and the South African Communist Party. He has also been associated with prominent figures such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Walter Sisulu.

● Early Life and Education

Mabuza was born in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and grew up in a rural area near Nelspruit. He attended Mthombotholo Primary School and later went to Kaalvoet High School in Mbombela. Mabuza's early life was influenced by the Soweto Uprising and the Sharpeville massacre, which shaped his political views and led him to join the African National Congress Youth League. He was also inspired by the leadership of Albert Luthuli and the Pan Africanist Congress. Mabuza pursued higher education at the University of the North, where he studied teaching and later became involved in student politics, interacting with figures like Steve Biko and Mamphela Ramphele.

● Career

Mabuza's career in politics began in the 1980s, when he joined the United Democratic Front and became involved in the anti-apartheid movement. He worked closely with Desmond Tutu, Allan Boesak, and Beyers Naude to oppose the National Party's policies. Mabuza later became a member of the African National Congress and served in various roles, including as the Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018. During his tenure, he interacted with other provincial leaders, such as Zweli Mkhize and Ace Magashule. Mabuza has also been a member of the South African Communist Party and has worked with Blade Nzimande and Jeremy Cronin.

● Deputy Presidency

As Deputy President of South Africa, Mabuza played a key role in the Cyril Ramaphosa administration, working closely with ministers like Tito Mboweni, Pravin Gordhan, and Naledi Pandor. He was responsible for overseeing the implementation of the National Development Plan and worked with organizations like the National Planning Commission and the South African National AIDS Council. Mabuza also represented South Africa at international events, such as the African Union summit and the BRICS meeting, interacting with leaders like Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Jair Bolsonaro.

● Personal Life

Mabuza is married to Nonhlanhla Patience Mnisi, and the couple has several children. He is a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa and has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation. Mabuza has also been recognized for his contributions to South African society, receiving awards like the Order of Luthuli and the Order of the Baobab.

● Controversies

Mabuza has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement during his tenure as Premier of Mpumalanga. He has also faced criticism for his handling of the Mpumalanga health crisis and the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, which involved figures like Danny Msiza and Floyd Shivambu. Mabuza has denied any wrongdoing and has cooperated with investigations by the Hawks and the Public Protector.

● Political Positions

Mabuza has held various political positions throughout his career, including Chairperson of the African National Congress in Mpumalanga and Member of the Executive Council for Education in the Mpumalanga Provincial Government. He has been a strong supporter of land reform and radical economic transformation, working with figures like Julius Malema and Mmusi Maimane. Mabuza has also been a proponent of social cohesion and nation-building, interacting with organizations like the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation and the South African Institute of International Affairs.