Master tactician who navigated SA’s political terrain

DAVID Dabede “DD” Mabuza, 64, died in Johannesburg on Thursday. Quiet yet formidable, his journey from rural Mpumalanga to national power was as improbable as it was compelling.

- DR RENEVA FOURIE

His political career was one of resilience, calculated manoeuvring, and a reputation for feline-like cunning that earned him the nickname “The Cat”. Through shrewd calculations, alliance-building and opportunistic shifts, he not only secured provincial supremacy but also played a decisive role in the national political realignment that led to Cyril Ramaphosa’s rise to the presidency in 2017.

Mabuza’s political life began in earnest after his years as a teacher and school principal. Having served in the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, he joined the ANC after its unbanning in 1990. By skilfully navigating factional terrain, he climbed the ranks of the ANC and provincial government through a mixture of administrative competence and careful alliance-building.

When the opportunity arose to challenge Thabang Makwetla for the ANC provincial chairpersonship in Mpumalanga in 2008, his victory opened the door to the premiership.