Cyril Ramaphosa thanks Mabuza for his service… says his resignation is ‘being attended to’

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa took time to pay tribute to outgoing Deputy President David Mabuza, as he responded to the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday.

He emphasised how Mabuza spearheaded initiatives for land reform, supported peace-building efforts in South Sudan and praised his skillful management of the South Africa National AIDS Council, reported Kaya959.

Responding to the pending matter of Mabuza’s resignation, Ramaphosa said that the presidency was attending to it.

“I wish to extend my appreciation to Deputy President David Mabuza for his unwavering support over the last five years. Deputy President Mabuza has indicated his wish to step down from his position, a request that we are attending to.”

Earlier this month, the Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed Mabuza’s resignation following the outcome of the ANC’s leadership elections in December, reports TimesLIVE.

President Ramaphosa extends his appreciation to Deputy President David Mabuza for his unwavering support over the last five years. #SONA2023

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 16, 2023

“However, President Ramaphosa has requested the deputy president to remain in his role until such time the modalities of his departure and transition have been finalised.” the report quoted Magwenya as saying.

African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Paul Mashatile who was sworn in as a Member of Parliament earlier this month refused to answer any questions about his future.

“I have been deployed to Parliament. I am the deputy president of the ANC, and the deputy president of the country is the prerogative of the president. He should decide that. For now, I am happy to serve here as MP. It’s good to be back here,” Mashatile was quoted as saying.

However, Mashatile had previously indicated that was ready to become deputy president of the country should if called to do so.

“For now I have been elected as the deputy president of the ANC and work at Luthuli House. If I get invited to government at some point, I will join them,” Mashatile said at the time.