SA High Commissioner to Kenya Mninwa Mahlangu dies after short illness
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed the devastating news in a statement issued by Minister Ronald Lamola.
South Africa has been plunged into mourning following the death of its High Commissioner to Kenya, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, who passed away on August 24, 2025 while being transported to a hospital in South Africa after a short illness.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed the devastating news in a statement issued by Minister Ronald Lamola.
“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,” read the department’s statement.
Lamola further extended his sympathies to Mahlangu’s loved ones, saying, “His legacy was one of unwavering dedication and love for this country. Heartfelt condolences to the family of Ambassador Mahlangu.”
Mahlangu held multiple key roles in South Africa’s diplomatic mission. At the time of his death, he was serving as the South African High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).
His passing marks the end of a lifelong career dedicated to South Africa’s political and diplomatic landscape.
Mahlangu’s involvement in public service began in the late 1960s, when he served as President of the Student Christian Movement in the then Eastern Transvaal.
From there, he became deeply involved in the country's transition to democracy.
Between 1991 and 1994, Mahlangu played a vital role as a negotiator at the Congress for Democratic South Africa (CODESA) and the Multiparty Negotiation Forum, both of which laid the foundation for South Africa's democratic Constitution.
Following the historic 1994 elections, he joined the National Assembly as a member of the African National Congress.
He played an instrumental role in the Constitutional Assembly, where he chaired both the Core Group of the Theme Committee and the Theme Committee on Structures of Government, which contributed to shaping the nation’s foundational laws.
During his time in Parliament, Mahlangu served as Chairperson of Committees and in 2002, he was elected as the permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
His leadership was reaffirmed when, after the 2004 elections, he was re-elected to the same position. In January 2005, he was elevated to the role of Chairperson of the NCOP.
Over the years, Mahlangu represented South Africa on various international platforms.
These included the Study of the Role of the Senate in Germany (1995), Study of Intergovernmental Relations in India (1999), and key engagements through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Inter-Parliamentary Union (2003), the Speakers’ Conference in New York (2005), and the 18th Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers’ Conference.
The sudden death of Mninwa Mahlangu has left a void in both the diplomatic and political arenas of South Africa.
