The recent death of former South African Deputy President David Mabuza, at the age of 64, has brought renewed attention to a claim he made years ago: that he was poisoned. Mabuza, a significant figure in South African politics, passed away in a JOHANNESBURG hospital on Thursday, leaving behind a career marked by both influence and controversy. While tributes pour in, the circumstances surrounding his death have reignited speculation about the alleged poisoning and its potential long-term effects on his health.
Mabuza's journey from a teacher to a prominent political leader saw him serve as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s deputy from February 2018 to February 2023. However, his career was also punctuated by periods of illness, which he attributed to a deliberate act of poisoning during his birthday celebration in August 2015. This claim, made public in an interview in January 2016, has now resurfaced as people try to understand the events leading to his death.
According to Mabuza, the incident occurred during his birthday celebration in Bushbuckridge, in Mpumalanga Province where he was the Premier. He recalled accepting food and drinks, after which he experienced a rapid decline in his health. "I had tea and later had lunch. After eating, my energy levels were down. My body was extra hot," he stated in the 2016 interview. This marked the beginning of a long and difficult period, with multiple hospitalizations and trips to Russia for medical treatment.
The effects of the alleged poisoning were severe. Mabuza reported that he was unable to eat or move properly, and his weight plummeted from 78kg to 44kg. The ongoing treatment he received, including daily medication, was aimed at managing the pain and other symptoms. "Even now, I still have a problem; I cannot stand for a long time. I am still on heavy treatment that I do every day after work. The medication makes me free of pain," he explained.
In the weeks leading up to his death, Mabuza reportedly initiated a fundraising effort to secure funds for further medical treatment in Russia. He contacted various individuals, explaining that he needed to travel to Moscow, where he had previously received care. According to sources, the cost of treatment in Russia was relatively lower compared to South Africa, partly due to the exchange rate between the ruble and the rand and the fact that the facility was partly publicly funded.
In a desperate attempt to seek further treatment, Mabuza reportedly tried to raise funds to charter a plane to Moscow for medical care. Sources indicate that he contacted high-profile individuals directly, explaining that he was suffering from cancer induced by the poison and that only the Russians could treat him. The amount he requested was substantial, and he was ultimately unable to secure the necessary funds. It's also believed that Mabuza wanted to avoid flying on a commercial plane from O.R. Tambo International Airport, because he wanted to keep his trip to Russia a secret.
The fact that Mabuza sought medical treatment in Russia for years has fueled speculation about the origin of the poison. Some believe that the poison may have originated from Russia, as it is widely believed that some politicians in Africa who are poisoned to death, usually the poison comes from Russia. It is alleged that some poisons used in political assassinations take years to manifest their deadly effects, sometimes up to a decade.
Several other high-profile politicians in Southern Africa have also been reportedly poisoned, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who collapsed while giving a speech last year. Former President Jacob Zuma and former Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who died in February 2018, were also among those who claimed to have been victims of poisoning. These incidents highlight the dangerous nature of politics and the lengths to which some individuals may go to eliminate their rivals.
On the day of his death, Mabuza was reportedly in good spirits but fell ill around lunchtime, experiencing breathing difficulties. He was admitted to the Sandton Medi Clinic in JOHANNESBURG, where he passed away. His family, through spokesperson Desmond Moela, has refrained from commenting on his financial situation and medical trips to Russia, citing privacy and sensitivity.
The Mabuza family shared that he passed away while doctors were trying to stabilise him in the emergency room after he experienced breathing difficulties. They acknowledged the outpouring of condolences and support from people across the country and beyond.
However, what is public secret is that on Thursday 4 July 2025, Mabuza's health took a turn for the worst. He woke up feeling well at his home in JOHANNESBURG, but around lunchtime, he began experiencing breathing difficulties. He was rushed to Sandton Medi Clinic, where he passed away while doctors were trying to stabilize him. His death was attributed to the long-term effects of the cancer that he believed was caused by the poisoning.
Mabuza is set to be buried in his home province of Mpumalanga on Saturday 13 July 2025, and he will be honored with a Category 2 Official Funeral, a state-sponsored service reserved for individuals of high standing.
David Mabuza's life was marked by political achievements, personal challenges, and lingering questions about the circumstances surrounding his health. His death has not only prompted reflection on his contributions to South Africa but also renewed interest in the unresolved mystery of the alleged poisoning.
The claims surrounding David Mabuza's poisoning have brought to light a disturbing trend in African politics, where allegations of poisoning are not uncommon. The use of poison as a tool for political elimination, if true, represents a grave threat to democracy and the rule of law. It creates an environment of fear and distrust, undermining the integrity of political processes.
Adding to the intrigue, it is rumored that some of these poisons are designed to have a delayed effect, taking as long as eight to ten years to ultimately cause the victim's death. This timeline aligns with Mabuza's experience, as his health gradually declined over the years following the 2015 incident.
David Mabuza's life was a complex tapestry of political ambition, alleged betrayal, and a relentless battle against a mysterious illness. While the full truth behind his poisoning may never be known, his story confirms that politics is indeed a dirty game. What are your thoughts on the circumstances surrounding David Mabuza's death, and what lessons can be learned from his story?
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