SADTU KWAZULU-NATAL STATEMENT ON THE DEMISE OF CDE DAVID ‘Mdavu’ MAZIBUKO
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in KwaZulu-Natal is shocked following the death of the Secretary of Magwaza Maphalala Branch (former Bergville Branch) in Phiwo kaMjula Gwamanda Region, David Mazibuko affectionately known as Comrade Mdavu.
Comrade Mdavu passed away on the 26th of October 2025. At the time of his demise, he was the principal of Mafu High School in Uthukela District. He also taught in other schools before becoming a principal where he was Departmental Head and Deputy Principal. It is at Thintwa Secondary where Comrade Mdavu started to lead as a SADTU Site Steward until he moved to the Branch.
The Union and membership find it difficult to accept that comrade Mdavu is no more. In Phiwo kaMjula Gwamanda Region, he was the longest serving branch secretary having been elected to the position in 2017. Out of 89 branch secretaries in the Province, Comrade Mdavu was one of the two branch secretaries who have served at a branch for this long. Before this position he served as the Deputy Branch Secretary from 2014. 2025 was his twelfth year in the Branch Executive Committee of Magwaza Maphalala Branch.
It is this experience that helped him to always guide and develop other leaders and members he served. He was supportive and instrumental in the development of new leaders. Comrade Mdavu believed in unity of the organisation and its structures. He remained loyal and dedicated to SADTU, his union of choice which he served with distinction. As a result of his belief in unity,
he would do everything possible to facilitate unity among members and structures of the Union.
As members of SADTU in the province of Kwazulu Natal and Phiwo kaMjula Region in particular, we lower our banner in remembrance of our leader. We are mindful of the reality that ours now is to continue with his good teachings for us to build and grow our Union.
Comrade Mdavu was also a loyal member of the African National Congress and served in its structures. At the time of his death, he had been appointed to lead in the current Task Teams of the movement. Furthermore, he was elected as the COSATU Local Chair in 2022 and was actively involved in the SACP as the coordinator of a branch.
A true leader, always leading from the front, Comrade Mdavu understood and practically acted on the decisions and campaigns of the Union. A firm believer of Walking on Two legs, he was the Branch Secretary, a school principal, and also taught English and History in Grade 12. The society has been robbed of a great leader and true servant of the people.
We send our sincerest condolences to the family, the school learners, his colleagues, and the community he served.
A memorial service will take place on the 30th of October at the Bergville Sports Complex at 11am.
May his revolutionary soul rest in eternal peace.
ISSUED BY KZN SADTU SECRETARIAT