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South African envoy to Kenya dies
South Africa High Commissioner to Kenya, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu pays a courtesy call to Kalonzo Musyoka, Wiper Democratic Movement leader at a past event.
South Africa’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, has passed away after a short illness. Mr Mahlangu, who was 72, passed away on Sunday on his way to the hospital in South Africa, according to an official dispatch.
Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, paid tribute to Mr Mahlangu, who also served as ambassador to Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).
“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 August 24, 2025, on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness,” the Ministry said in a statement, citing the Minister.
Known affectionately as ‘MJ’, Mr Mahlangu was born on October 8, 1952, in Middleburg, Mpumalanga province. The Department of International Relations described him as a dedicated patriot whose journey began as a student activist and who played a significant role in creating a new, democratic South Africa.
Mr Mahlangu contributed to drafting South Africa’s post-apartheid Constitution and was elected to the first fully democratic parliament in 1994.
He previously held positions as Deputy Chairperson and later Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. “Ambassador Mahlangu was a genuine patriot whose passion for our nation was evident in his approach to implementing our foreign policy,” Mr Lamola said.
