Many have converged to his hometown of Barberton, in the Mpumalanga province, nearly a week after he died from a short illness.
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a mourning period and accorded Mabuza the state funeral category two. 

The 64-year-old’s funeral service will be held at the local Hoerskool Bergvlam, following which, the politician will be laid to rest in Barberton on Saturday.

The official mourning period is underway with flags flown at half-mast and among the mourners who have sent their condolences is African National Congress member and Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlabo. He says many are still reeling from the loss.

“We never believed that this time will arise at the time. All of us hoped that Mabuza was feeling much better and the loss was all of a sudden. We have come to terms with his death now. He played his part and we must allow him to rest,” Mahlabo said.

--SABC---