Mahlangu: South African envoy abroad, freedom fighter at home

He died on August 24, 2025, aged 72.

That closed an extraordinary life—one that spanned the arc of South Africa’s liberation, from student activism under the apartheid regime to distinguished service as a global diplomat. He was a freedom fighter at home but became an envoy, seeking better relations abroad.

When he died, Nairobi said he had been an influential diplomat. When he came to Kenya, visas were an issue for Kenyans who had to apply via a third party and wait for a week or so. South Africa’s reluctance to allow many Africans visa free entry was premised on fears of longerstays.

But after back-and-forth between Nairobi and Pretoria, visa were removed, for Kenyans to stay in South Africa for up to 90 days in a calendar year. The same privilege was granted to Uganda. This visa free stays were also conditioned on the fact that home countries had to foot bills for their nationals who overstay. But it was a better deal than struggling to catch a visa via a third party.

Kenya thanked him for this legacy.

Born on 8 October 1952 in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, Mr Mahlangu’s early years were shaped by the harsh realities of apartheid. A teacher by profession, he was drawn to activism from a young age, serving as President of the Student Christian Movement and Assistant Secretary of the Transvaal United African Teachers’ Association. These formative roles laid the foundation for a lifetime of principled public service.

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, remembered him as “a dedicated family man and public servant.” He added, “Ambassador Mahlangu was a true patriot whose love for our country shone through in the way he executed our foreign policy.”

Mr Mahlangu played a pivotal role in South Africa’s transition to democracy. As a key negotiator at the Congress for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa) and the Multiparty Negotiation Forum, he helped shape the processes that led to the dismantling of apartheid. His contributions culminated in his appointment to the Transitional Executive Council, the body that oversaw the country’s governance ahead of the historic 1994 elections.

Following the democratic breakthrough, Mr Mahlangu was elected to South Africa’s first democratic Parliament. He became a vital member of the Constitutional Assembly, helping to draft the country’s internationally acclaimed constitution. His commitment to cooperative governance and democratic values was especially evident during his tenure as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) from 2005 to 2014, where he championed provincial voices in national decision-making.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza paid tribute to his legacy, describing him as “a champion of cooperative governance, intergovernmental relations, and participatory democracy.” She added, “His ability to build consensus, his humility in leadership, and his deep belief in democratic principles left an indelible mark on Parliament.”

Beyond South Africa’s borders, Mr Mahlangu served with distinction on the international stage. He represented the country at the United Nations, the Pan-African Parliament, and other global forums. His diplomatic career included serving as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, and at the time of his passing, he held the roles of High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador to Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi.

Political analyst Mandla Mzimela described ‘MJ’ as “a true patriot whose love for his country was evident in every role he undertook.” He also highlighted the Mninwa Mahlangu Foundation, which Mr Mahlangu founded to empower and educate young people—a cause close to his heart since childhood.