South African political parties have adopted a proposal to rename the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport after the late former Deputy President David Mabuza.
Mabuza, who was born and bred in Mpumalanga, passed away in July this year at a Johannesburg hospital.
The 64-year-old served as the Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC) from December 2017 to December 2022, and also served as a member of Parliament from 2018 until his resignation in 2023.
Earlier this week, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Mpumalanga tabled the motion to rename the airport in honour of Mabuza. Parties, including the ANC and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, in the provincial legislature accepted this.
The EFF said the proposed renaming is not only an inspiring tribute to a son of the soil but also a recognition of the immense role that Mabuza played in reshaping the political, social, and economic landscape of Mpumalanga and South Africa as a whole.
“Throughout his years of activism, he dedicated his life to the struggle for liberation, provincial development and the upliftment of people across the province.
“By carrying his name, the Mpumalanga International Airport will serve as a constant reminder to future generations of the sacrifices and contributions of DD Mabuza,” EFF chairperson in Mpumalanga Collen Sedibe said.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SET TO BE RENAMED
The EFF also proposed that the popular tourist destination Kruger National Park be renamed to Skukuza National Park.
The EFF said the renaming was part of a broader initiative to eliminate colonial-era names and symbols throughout Mpumalanga and the rest of South Africa.
