Pretoria – SA Ambassador to Kenya Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu passed away on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness.
“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 24 August 2025, on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement.
Mahlangu was the SA High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).
His distinguished career also included a post as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America.
Affectionately known as “MJ,” Ambassador Mahlangu, born on October 8, 1952, in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, was a true patriot.
His journey began as a student activist, and he went on to play a pivotal role in shaping a new, democratic South Africa.
He was a part of the group that drafted the country’s post-apartheid constitution and was elected to the first democratic parliament in 1994.
His service continued as the Deputy Chairperson and later as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
Ambassador Mahlangu’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication and love for his country.
As Minister Ronald Lamola said: “Ambassador Mahlangu was a true patriot whose love for our country shone through in the manner in which he went about executing our foreign policy.”
