South African envoy to Kenya Mninwa Mahlangu passes away
Lamola remembered Mahlangu, popularly known as 'MJ,' for his role in shaping a new South Africa, having worked on the country's post-apartheid constitution
South Africa’s envoy to Kenya Mninwa Johannes is dead.
Mninwa is reported to have died over the weekend after a short illness.
His death has been confirmed by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, who announced the untimely passing of the Ambassador, terming him a dedicated family man and public servant.
The minister revealed that the Minister was on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness when he died.
Lamola remembered Mahlangu, popularly known as ‘MJ,’ for his role in shaping a new South Africa, having worked on the country’s post-apartheid constitution.
“Affectionately known as “MJ,” Ambassador Mahlangu, born on October 8, 1952, in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, was a true patriot. His journey began as a student activist, and he went on to play a pivotal role in shaping a new, democratic South Africa. He was a part of the group that drafted the country’s post-apartheid constitution and was elected to the first democratic parliament in 1994. His service continued as the Deputy Chairperson and later as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. His legacy is one of unwavering dedication and love for his country,” the Minister eulogized the envoy.
He also extended his condolences to Mahlangu’s friends and family, and those who worked alongside him.
Mahlangu began his career as a teacher at Zenzeleni High School between 1973 and 1976, and later at St. Paul High School from 1977 to 1978.
He also served as Assistant Secretary of the Transvaal United African Teachers Association from 1973 to 1976.
In politics, Mahlangu entered the Lebowa Parliament in 1982, where he rose to become Deputy Speaker in 1987 and Speaker in 1989.
He later held key ministerial positions in the Lebowa government, serving as Minister of Home Affairs between 1990 and 1991, Minister of Education from 1992 to 1993, and also taking responsibility for Public Services.
He participated in CODESA and the Multi-Party Negotiation Forum between 1991 and 1994, later becoming co-chair of the negotiations in 1993.
He also served on the Transitional Executive Council from 1993 to 1994.
The late ambassador joined the National Assembly in 1994 as a member of the ANC.
In 2002, he was elected Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), before rising to Chairperson in 2005, a position he held until 2014.
He also joined the Pan-African Parliament in 2003, where he participated in the Rules, Privileges and Discipline Committee.
In 2015, he was appointed South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, a position he held until 2020.
Thereafter, Mahlangu continued his diplomatic service as High Commissioner to Kenya, while also being accredited as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Somalia and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).
