Parliament, Thursday, 16 September 2021 – The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has learnt with shock and sadness of the sudden passing of Deputy Minister for Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize.
Committee Chairperson Ms Nonhlanhla Ncube Ndaba said: “Prof Mkhize has made a remarkable contribution to the country in the various portfolios she has held within government, as a former Minister and various Deputy Minister positions, Ambassador to the Netherlands and as a former Commissioner at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to name but a few.”
As the Deputy Minister for the department, Prof Mkhize worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of women, youth and persons with disabilities. The committee worked very closely with the late Prof Mkhize to give effect to the department’s mandate.
Her calm demeanour, wisdom and reconciliatory manner was exemplary. At the height of the pandemic, the late Prof Mkhize worked closely with the committee and was instrumental in advocating for the recognition and awareness of the plight of women, youth and persons with disabilities. She ensured that these groups were mainstreamed so that their interests found expression in the highest decision-making bodies and government planning.
Prof Mkhize’s wealth of knowledge and experience was invaluable to the department in which she served. Her passing is indeed a significant loss, not only for the department but for the country as a whole.
The committee extends its deep felt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of a phenomenal woman who has left a long-lasting legacy.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, MS NONHLANHLA NCUBE-NDABA
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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