State Funeral For Former Deputy Mabuza

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the late former Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza will be honoured with a State Funeral Category 2 on 12 July 2025.

Mabuza, who served as South Africa’s Deputy President from 2018 to 2023, passed away on 03 July at the age of 64 following a short illness.

In a statement released on 06 July, the Presidency confirmed that the State Funeral Category 2 is in accordance with the State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual, which grants this level of honour to serving or former Deputy Presidents, Acting Presidents, and select high-ranking officials. The funeral will be conducted with military ceremonial honours and will take place in Mpumalanga, with full details to be announced in the coming days.

President Ramaphosa has also declared a period of national mourning, to be observed from 07 July until the evening of 12 July 2025. During this time, all national flags will be flown at half-mast at government buildings and official sites across the country.

“The President wishes the family strength as they and the nation reflect on the life of a family member, activist, educator, intellectual and leader in government who contributed greatly to the attainment of freedom and development in our society,” the statement read.

President Ramaphosa extended his deep condolences to the Mabuza family and urged the nation to remember the legacy of a man who served both his province and his country during a critical time in South Africa’s democracy.