Assertion by the Presiding Officers of Parliament on the Passing of Former NCOP Chairperson Mr Mninwa “MJ” Mahlangu

Soundbite by Parliament Spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo,
https://iono.fm/e/1590368

Parliament, Monday, 25 August 2025 – The Presiding Officers of Parliament have realized with disappointment the passing of the previous Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and one of many first era of Members of the democratic Parliament, Mr Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu.

Mr Mahlangu, fondly recognized to many as “MJ”, leaves behind a towering legacy of political activism, exemplary parliamentary management, and diplomatic service to the nation.
Born on 8 October 1952 in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, Mr Mahlangu was a part of a era of leaders whose political activism and braveness helped lay the foundations of South Africa’s democratic breakthrough. He was concerned within the historic multiparty negotiations that paved the best way for South Africa’s transition to democracy, the place he contributed meaningfully to shaping the democratic order and laying the foundations for the democratic Constitution.

Following the historic 1994 elections, Mr Mahlangu was elected to the primary democratic Parliament within the National Assembly. He served as a member of the Constitutional Assembly, the place he fashioned a part of the collective that drafted South Africa’s internationally acclaimed Constitution, which stays the bedrock of our democracy.

Mr Mahlangu later transitioned to the National Council of Provinces, the place he was elected as its Permanent Deputy Chairperson and subsequently rose to function Chairperson of the NCOP. In these roles, he supplied regular steering and strengthened the constitutional mandate of the NCOP because the chamber, making certain that the voice of provinces is heard throughout the nationwide sphere of governance.

Said the Presiding Officers: “Throughout his tenure, ‘MJ’ distinguished himself as a champion of cooperative governance, intergovernmental relations, and the representation of provinces in national decision-making. His ability to build consensus, his humility in leadership, and his deep belief in participatory democracy left an indelible mark on the institution of Parliament.”

Beyond his service in Parliament, Mr Mahlangu continued to characterize South Africa with distinction on the worldwide stage. He served as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, later as High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). In these roles, he carried ahead the values and rules that guided his service in Parliament, embodying the very best beliefs of South Africa’s democracy. With dignity, knowledge, and patriotism, he projected the nation’s voice overseas and stood as a real consultant of the South African folks locally of countries.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament pay tribute to Mr Mahlangu as a pacesetter who exemplified dedication, integrity, and patriotism. His life’s work embodies the ethos of servant management and devotion to the democratic mission.

Parliament extends deepest condolences to his household, pals, comrades, and colleagues.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Enquiries: 
Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson