South Africa is mourning the death of its High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, who passed away on Sunday, August 24, after a short illness.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 25, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, confirmed the passing of the diplomat while en route to a South African hospital.
"It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Ronald Lamola, announces the untimely passing of a dedicated family man and public servant, Mr Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, who passed away on 24 August 2025, on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness," the statement read.
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.
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"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 statement added.
Lamola also extended his condolences to Mahlangu's friends and family, and those who worked alongside him.
"The Minister extends his heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Mahlangu’s family, friends, and colleagues who worked alongside him. May his memory be a source of comfort during this difficult time. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him and by the nation he served so faithfully," the statement concluded.
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.
Mahlangu 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.
After the first democratic elections, he became a member of the Constitutional Assembly, chairing both the Core Group and the Theme Committee on Structures of Government.
Mahlangu 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.
Mahlangu 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).
