TRIBUTES continue to pour for the Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Professor Hlengiwe Buhle Mkhize, who died on Thursday after a short illness.
She was 69.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities confirmed her passing in a media statement.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the passing of Mkhize was a national loss.
“She distinguished herself as a tireless and passionate anti-apartheid and human rights activist and campaigner for an end to gender inequality. She availed herself for service at the international level, including her representation of Transparency International South Africa in global institutions,” said Mkhize.
“Prof Mkhize played a crucial role in conflict resolution during our transition to democracy. We owe Prof Mkhize our gratitude and deep respect for the commitment she displayed as a Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Chairperson of the Reparations and Rehabilitation Committee, and trustee of the National Peace Accord Trust.”
“She set a profound example for all of us by immersing herself in building a better South Africa while pursuing a multifaceted path as an academic, from the universities of Zululand, Natal and South Africa, to Mississippi and Illinois in the United States. She applied her extraordinary personal achievements to the upliftment of traumatised children, to asserting the equality of oppressed women, to upholding the human rights of victimised and persecuted people around the world, and ensuring the doors of learning would open wide to new generations of South Africans.”
ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina said the ANC caucus lost a formidable leader who served with courage, dignity and respect.
“The African National Congress Parliamentary Caucus has today learnt with shock and sadness of the passing of ANC MP and Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Professor Hlengiwe Buhle Mkhize and extends its heartfelt condolences to her family,” said Majodina.
“In her untimely departure, South Africa has lost a selfless patriot, a well-rounded cadre and experienced global citizen with vast experience in civil society struggles and a passionate defender of human rights with a commitment for improving the quality of lives of women, children and people with disabilities.”
The South African Communist Party (SACP) said that Mkhize was a stalwart of the South African struggle for social emancipation.
“Professor Mkhize leaves a shining legacy in so far as her contribution to the struggle for gender equality is concerned. She dedicated her knowledge and skills to advocate for women’s access to land and the economy at large,” said the party.
“The SACP appreciates Professor Mkhize’s contribution to the Party’s campaign for gender equality. Professor Mkhize made a sterling contribution as a panelist at the SACP’s Josie Mpama Gender Equality Seminar Series on 12 January 2021. The seminar unpacked the type of behaviours that drive gender-based violence in society. In memory of Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize, the SACP calls for the strengthening of the women’s movement to deepen the national democratic revolution.”
United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa has described Mkhize as a person who was passionate about her work.
Holomisa has sent his condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
“She was very passionate about her work. On behalf of the UDM, I would like to pass our condolences to her family and [the ANC] organisation. Hlengiwe Mkhize was a role model, a good listener and a person who doesn’t make a noise when she expressed her view. She was a scholar of note,” said Holomisa.
Mkhize was Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities at the time of her passing.
Mkhize was also an ANC NEC member, chairperson of the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa, and the treasurer general of the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL).
She previously served as Minister of Higher Education and Training and as deputy minister in the Correctional Services and Telecommunications ministries.
Mkhize was also ambassador to the Netherlands from 2005 to 2008.
She was also a founder member and a trustee of the Children and Violence Trust and had been a trustee of the Malibongwe Business Trust from 2005.
Mkhize held a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Social Work and Sociology from the University of Zululand; Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology, and a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Inside Politics
