South Africa High Commissioner to Kenya Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu passed away on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness.

The 72-years-old passed away on Sunday, 24 August on his way to a hospital in Mzansi after a short illness.

He served as a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) chairman before his appointment as ambassador.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola announces the untimely passing of a dedicated family man and public servant, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, who passed away on 24 August on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness.”

Born on 8 October 1952 in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, Mahlangu was one of the first generation of members of the democratic Parliament.

He was involved in the historic multi-party negotiations that paved the way for South Africa’s transition to democracy, where he contributed meaningfully to shaping the democratic order and laying the foundations for the democratic Constitution.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament also paid tribute to Mahlangu, fondly known to many as “MJ”, and said he leaves behind a towering legacy of political activism, exemplary parliamentary leadership and diplomatic service to the nation.

They described him as a leader who exemplified dedication, integrity and patriotism.

Mahlangu was the SA High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).

His distinguished career also included a post as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America.

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.

Ambassador Mahlangu’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication and love for his country.

According to South African media, Parliament spokesman, Moloto Mothapo said Mahlangu provided steady guidance in all these roles and strengthened the constitutional mandate of the NCOP.

“Beyond his service in Parliament, Mahlangu continued to represent South Africa with distinction on the global stage. He served as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, later as High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia and permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON),” he said.

Mothapo said Mahlangu always carried forward the values and principles that guided his service in Parliament, embodying the highest ideals of South Africa’s democracy.