Lesufi says he feels ‘orphaned’ by Mabuza’s passing – SABC Information

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says he feels orphaned by former Deputy President David Mabuza’s death.

Mabuza passed away yesterday at age 64 and served as deputy president from 2018 to 2024 under President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Lesufi was one of many state officials who paid respect to Mabuza’s family at their home in Bryanston, Johannesburg, earlier today.

Lesufi remembers Mabuza as a guiding figure.

“He sees things that we can’t see. He provides guidance where sometimes you don’t even ask for that guidance. He will voluntarily provide that guidance. I’m an orphan. He is a leader of impeccable credentials. And naturally, a leader of that magnitude will attract the opposite. It’s normal, but to us he remains a hero,” adds Lesufi.

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Meanwhile, as tributes continue pouring in for Mabuza, his former colleagues remember him as a man of his word, who afforded people opportunities to serve communities.

The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in Mpumalanga, has described the late struggle stalwart, as a good politician.

Vusi Shongwe served under Mabuza, during his tenure as Mpumalanga Premier, and is also Sanco’s provincial chairperson in Mpumalanga.

“This was a very good man, a very good politician, a man of his word. A man who was very strict in government. I served under his administration, on his two terms. He must be judged as a man of his word, and a man of action, a man who wanted the ANC to be united at all cost. A man who was preaching unity from branches, up to the national level.”

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