Ambassador Mahlangu to be laid to rest on Saturday

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is scheduled to deliver the eulogy at the Special Official Funeral for the late Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu on Saturday, 6 September 2025. 

The funeral service will be held at the Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, from 9am. 

Mahlangu served as the High Commissioner of South Africa to Kenya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).

The former Chairperson of the National Council of

Provinces (NCOP) and a long-serving diplomat, Mahlangu, passed away at the age of 72 on 24 August 2025, while en route to a South African hospital after a brief illness.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that Mahlangu be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2, which will entail ceremonial honours performed by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from Saturday, 30 August 2025, until the evening of the funeral.

Deputy President Mashatile said: “The late Ambassador Mahlangu played a number of significant roles both in the struggle for liberation and the birth and nurturing of South Africa’s democracy, as he participated in the drafting of South Africa’s democratic Constitution and later served in the first Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. Government will, therefore, honour the late Mahlangu for his contribution as he is laid to rest.” 

Mahlangu, affectionately known as “MJ”, was born on 8 October 1952 in Middleburg.

His journey began as a student activist, and he went on to play a pivotal role in shaping a new, democratic South Africa. 

Mahlangu was a part of the group that drafted the country’s post-apartheid constitution and was elected to the first democratic Parliament in 1994.

As tributes have been pouring in since his passing, Mahlangu was described as a leader who exemplified dedication, integrity, and patriotism. 

Meanwhile, this evening, Deputy President will attend the Inaugural Charity Gala Dinner organised by the Phawu Lethu Skills Development Training organisation in Kleinmond, Western Cape. 

According to the Presidency, today’s engagement further underscores government’s commitment to supporting the positive and important role played by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and their contribution to socio-economic development. 

“Deputy President Mashatile as champion of social cohesion and moral regeneration initiatives in South Africa, has accepted Phawu Lethu’s invitation, in view of their commitment to support vulnerable communities affected by hunger, natural disasters, and poverty, thus restoring hope and dignity to those impacted by hardship.” – SAnews.gov.za