The business tycoon told mourners at Mabuza’s funeral on Saturday that the decision to abandon Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma’s slate was not taken at the 11th hour.
Contrary to popular belief that former Deputy President David Mabuza had a last-minute change of heart to support Cyril Ramaphosa in his 2017 bid to lead the African National Congress, his long-time friend and associate, Robert Gumede, said this was not true.
The business tycoon told mourners at Mabuza’s funeral on Saturday that the decision to abandon Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma’s slate was not taken at the 11th hour.
Mabuza was largely hailed for this decision, which some claim brought the country back from the brink.
The former deputy president has been laid to rest at a family burial site.
Mabuza was described as a brother by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The president, who delivered the eulogy in honour of Mabuza, reflected on their time working together.
“Your voice was not always loud, but it was firm and still. You were able to shape the course with quiet will. I saw you bear the weight of the province and the land with dignity and with fortitude,” Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, Gumede sought to demystify Mabuza’s role at the 2017 conference.
“No one changed him because by then, he had decided the course for a better South Africa. That is the guy that worked with you as your deputy.”
He said this was a view that Mabuza held as far back as Easter in 2017, which he shared with the likes of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)’s Julius Malema, the United Democratic Movement (UDM)’s Bantu Holomisa and the SA Communist Party (SACP)’s Solly Mapaila.
For the rest of the country, though, Mabuza leaves behind a complex legacy.
PRIVATE BURIAL
The family, meanwhile, requested complete privacy for the burial and asked the media and other attendees to allow them to proceed with the ceremony in private.
Family spokesperson, Desmond Moela, thanked the government for organising the state funeral.
“The ANC and the state consulted the family throughout the week. They were in touch with the family, so we are comfortable with the contributions they’ve made together with the family.”
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