South Africa’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, has died in hospital after a brief illness.
The diplomat, who had recently travelled back to South Africa from Nairobi, passed away while being taken to hospital, officials confirmed.
In a tribute, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola described him as a “true patriot” whose life was devoted to public service. “Ambassador Mahlangu’s love for our country shone through in the way he represented South Africa abroad,” he said.
Mahlangu was also accredited as Ambassador to Somalia and represented Pretoria at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. A career diplomat, he was seen as a key figure in strengthening relations between South Africa and East African nations.
His service extended well beyond the region. He previously held the post of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States and was widely respected for decades of political and diplomatic work.
Born on 8 October 1952 in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, Mahlangu entered public life as a student activist during the anti-apartheid struggle. After the transition to democracy, he became a member of the Constitutional Assembly, helping to draft South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution.
He went on to serve in Parliament, including as Chairperson of Committees, before being elected Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in 2002. Following the 2004 elections, he was re-elected and in 2005 became Chairperson of the NCOP.
The South African government said his contribution went beyond diplomacy, highlighting his role in shaping the country’s democratic foundations.
