By Akani Nkuna
Flags were still flying at half-mast on Saturday as the late South African High Commissioner to Kenya, Mninwa Mahlangu, was laid to rest at the Middelburg Heroes Arch cemetery in Mpumalanga.
Speaking at the solemn funeral service, Deputy President Paul Mashatile described the late diplomat as a leader and patriot who embodied the spirit of democracy in post-1994 South Africa.
“Ambassador Mahlangu’s journey was one of resilience, dedication, and service. He rose from humble beginnings in Mpumalanga to play an instrumental role in shaping the destiny of our nation,” Mashatile told mourners, who included senior government officials, various political leaders, and international representatives.
Mahlangu, 72, passed away two weeks ago while being taken to a South African hospital after a short illness.
President Cyril Ramaphosa accorded him a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
Mahlangu played a significant role in the drafting of the 1996 Constitution and served in the first democratic Parliament.
“He later served as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, where he worked tirelessly to strengthen the voice of provinces and local government, ensuring that democracy was not only a matter of laws and policies but a living reality in the lives of our people,” Mashatile added.
He further was commended for playing a critical role in facilitating the decision by the multi-party negotiation forum which he co-chaired. He has also received multiple accolades and recognition for his dedication, commitment and excellence.
The deputy president further sang praises for Mahlangu’s international legacy playing an important role in guiding the government’s negotiations with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
Mashatile said Mahlangu’s work with UN Habitat compelled government to recommit to localising global urban policies, embodying the critical pillars of the New Urban Agenda and pursuing targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals which sought to ensure that cities were inclusive, safe and sustainable.
“The Habitat Country Office will be among the living testaments to the diplomatic legacy of Ambassador Mahlangu. This great legacy is one where informal settlements are transformed into dignified homes, a legacy where climate resilience is integrated into our city planning and policies, and most significantly, a legacy of a future that is safe, socially inclusive, where innovation thrives, indeed a future that leaves no one behind,” Mashatile said.
Mashatile said the country is still relishing the strong relationships which Mahlangu forged and that his influence permeated to mentorship relationships to some in countries and organisation in which he served including, Somalia.
“Wherever Ambassador Mahlangu served, he forged strong relationships, promoted our national interests, and advanced the cause of African unity and solidarity,” Mashatile reiterated.
“Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu’s impact went beyond the realm of politics and diplomacy. He was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to many. His generosity, his humility, and his kindness touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on our collective memory,” Mashatile said.
Mashatile further called on government officials and political leaders to put their differences aside and honour Mahlangu through a spirit of collective effort in progressing South Africa’s economic endeavours and strengthen democratic institutions which the former ambassador helped establish.
“Honouring Ambassador Mahlangu’s legacy is to continue the work he had started. It is to recommit ourselves to the spirit of unity and renewal that he represented – putting aside political differences and placing the needs of South Africans at the centre of our work,” he said.
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