Former Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Mninwa Mhlangu will be honored with a Special Official Funeral, Category 2. It will take place in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, Saturday next week.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, have described Mahlangu as a humble leader who was able to build consensus.

Mahlangu is one of the first lawmakers to serve in Parliament after the 1994 general elections.

He was born in Mpumalanga and served in various multiparty negotiations that have paved the way for the new democratic dispensation.

After the dawn of democracy, some of the roles he served in include being South Africa’s ambassador to the United States of America, High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, as well as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi.

Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says Mahlangu is leaving behind a towering legacy.

“Mr Mahlangu, who was known fondly as MJ, leaves behind a towering legacy of political activism, exemplary parliamentary leadership and diplomatic service to the nation.”

‘A man of integrity who served with distinction’