Parliament, Thursday 16 September 2021 – The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by National Assembly Speaker Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Mr Amos Masondo, have received with shock and sadness the news of the passing of the Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize, at the age 69.
Ms Mkhize served as a Member of Parliament since 2009, representing the African National Congress. She previously served in various positions, including as the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Minister of Home Affairs, Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services and Deputy Minister of Correctional Services. In October 2018, she served as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications.
Ms Mkhize's life was devoted to the service of the people of South Africa, and she did so with excellence, unwavering commitment and selflessness. A lifelong advocate for social justice and equality, she was instrumental in South Africa's political transition, notably through her roles as Commissioner for the Truth and the Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Chairperson of the Reparations and Rehabilitation Committee and board member of the South African Prisoner's Organisation for Human Rights.
Said the Presiding Officers: "Our liberation and peaceful political transition was not a stroke of luck but a product of great political and intellectual minds of the midwives of our democracy like Ms Mkhize. These are fearless and courageous activists who were prepared to lose their lives for the liberation of the oppressed and the marginalised, for a free, equal, prosperous, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa. Ms Mkhize stood for truth and throughout her life, she was steadfast in her commitment to the vision of a truly free democratic South Africa, free from all social ills and injustices".
"Her passing robs the country of a devoted public representative, a champion for social justice and equality as well as a longstanding campaigner for women's rights. We mourn with the country and celebrate this extraordinary and remarkable woman who devoted her life to the freedom of many" the Presiding Officers added.
Parliament sends its heartfelt condolences to her family, comrades, friends and the country at large.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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