“I have fought the good fight” – A hero’s send off for Ambassador Mahlangu
Late High Ambassador MJ Mahlangu now rests in Heroes Acre.
The special official funeral service category 2 for late High Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu was held today at the Sidney Choma Banquet Hall in Middelburg.
The funeral service started at 08:30 following an intimate family valedictory service at the home of the Mahlangu family.
MEC for the combined portfolio of Human Settlement, and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Speedy Mashilo, spoke on behalf of Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, in doing the welcoming remarks.
Speakers at Ambassador Mahlangu’s service included heartfelt tributes by the late Mahlangu’s relatives: Adv Siyabonga Mahlangu, Adam and Elizabeth Mahlangu, his two daughters, Nonjabulo Khuluse and Vuyelwa Mahlangu, as well as a touching final farewell from his wife, which was delivered by Ms Nomonde Maseko.
The occasion was also attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who delivered Ambassador Mahlangu’s eulogy before SAPS Chaplain Brig. Sthembiso Shobede-Nkosi led the sermon.
The service was concluded with a Ceremonial Guard of Honour by the SAPS, after which the cortège departed for the Middelburg Heroes Acre Cemetery.
According to Ambassador Mahlangu’s obituary, he was born in Middelburg on October 8, 1952.
His education began at Mabamba Primary School, where he then proceeded to Sozama Secondary School, later matriculating at the Botshabelo Training College.
After a brief stint in the private sector, Ambassador Mahlangu’s career in parliamentary, political and diplomatic roles spanned over five decades.
He played a key role in South Africa’s transition to democracy as a member of the Constitutional Assembly.
He co-chaired the Core Group of Theme Committee on Structures of Parliament.
In 1993 he became a member of the Transitional Executive Council, and undertook responsibilities including Member of Parliament representing the ANC after the transition to democracy.
Other distinct roles held by the late High Ambassador includes:
Deputy Chair of the NCOP; former Chair and President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association; he also led South Africa’s delegation in the Pan African Parliament from 2004.
Between 2005 to 2014 Ambassador Mahlangu caaried out his role as Chairperson of the NCOP, initiating programs such as “Taking Parliament to the People”.
He also served as the Executive Authority of Parliament.
Ambassador Mahlangu joined the diplomatic services in 2014, and represented South Africa as Ambassador to the United States if America until 2019.
From 2020 until his passing at 72, he served as South Africa’s Ambassador to Kenya; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia; and the Permanent Representative of the country to the United Nations Office in Nairobi.
@middelburgobserver Special Official Funeral Service for late High Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu: the SAPS leads the funeral procession to the Middelburg Heroes Acre Cemetery.
@middelburgobserver Special Official Funeral Service for late High Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu: the SAPS Ceremonial Guard of Honour.
