NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has joined South Africa in mourning the death of Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Kenya, who passed away after a brief illness. He was 72.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi led tributes, describing Mahlangu as a seasoned diplomat and bridge-builder whose work left a lasting 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 said. “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.”
My deepest condolences to the family, relatives, friends, and the government of South Africa on the passing of Mr. Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia, and Permanent
A Life of Service
Mahlangu’s career spanned activism, legislation, and diplomacy. He began as a student activist and later joined the struggle to dismantle apartheid.
He contributed to drafting South Africa’s democratic Constitution and, in 1994, became a member of the country’s first post-apartheid Parliament.
He later served as Deputy Chairperson and then Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, earning recognition as a steady and unifying leader during South Africa’s early democratic years.
In 2015, Mahlangu transitioned to diplomacy, serving as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States until 2020, before taking up his post in Kenya, with additional accreditation to Somalia and the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).
Strengthening Kenya–South Africa Ties
In Kenya, Mahlangu worked to deepen cultural and diplomatic connections. 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.
Colleagues noted that his efforts reflected a strong belief in people-to-people connections as the foundation for stronger bilateral relations.
Mahlangu’s passing marks the end of a distinguished career dedicated to service, unity, and bridge-building across nations. He leaves behind a legacy celebrated by both South Africa and Kenya.
