High Commissioner to Kenya Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu dies / HANDOUTPrime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has led tributes following the death of South Africa’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu.
Ambassador Mahlangu, who also served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Somalia and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), passed away after a short illness.
In his condolence message, Mudavadi described Mahlangu as a seasoned diplomat and a bridge-builder whose work left a deep imprint on Kenya–South Africa relations.
“Under his tenure, ties between our two nations grew stronger, culminating in landmark achievements such as the removal of visa requirements for Kenyan citizens travelling to South Africa for up to 90 days per calendar year, a policy that took effect on January 1, 2023,” Mudavadi noted.
He said the policy change not only deepened people-to-people exchanges but also boosted trade, culture, and cooperation between the two nations.
“His passing is a painful loss, not only for the people of South Africa but equally for Kenya, where his dedication and vision enriched the partnership between our countries. His legacy will endure as we continue building on the foundation he so diligently laid,” he added.
Life of service
Mahlangu, 72, was a prominent diplomat and politician who devoted decades to public service. He began his activism as a student, later joining the struggle to dismantle apartheid.
He played a key role in drafting South Africa’s democratic Constitution and in 1994 became a member of the country’s first post-apartheid Parliament.
He rose to serve as Deputy Chairperson and later Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, earning recognition as a steady and unifying leader during South Africa’s early democratic years.
Mahlangu transitioned into diplomacy in 2015, serving as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States until 2020. He was later appointed High Commissioner to Kenya, with additional accreditation to Somalia and the UN Office in Nairobi.
Ties with Kenya
In Kenya, Mahlangu worked to deepen cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries. He led a South African delegation to Embu County to retrace ancestral links with the Dlamini community and frequently engaged with Kenyan writers and artists.
His efforts, colleagues say, reflected his belief in people-to-people connections as the foundation for stronger bilateral relations.
Mahlangu’s passing marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned activism, legislation, and diplomacy—leaving behind a legacy of service, unity, and bridge-building across nations.
