Hlengiwe Mkhize’s death ‘is a loss to the nation’

TRIBUTES continue to pour in following the death of Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Professor Hlengiwe Buhle Mkhize.

Mkhize has been hailed for the “shining legacy” she left. The 69-yearold died on Thursday last week following a short illness. She had served in the Presidency since May 2019.

In a tribute, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Mkhize’s death was a national loss.

“Professor Mkhize’s legacy is indelible across so many dimensions and sectors of our national life. She distinguished herself as a tireless and passionate anti-apartheid and human rights activist, and campaigner for an end to gender inequality,” he said.

“She availed herself for service at the international level, including her representation of Transparency International South Africa in global institutions.

“Professor Mkhize played a crucial role in conflict resolution during our transition to democracy.”

Ramaphosa added: “We owe Professor Mkhize our gratitude and deep respect for the commitment she displayed as a commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chairperson of the Reparations and Rehabilitation Committee, and trustee of the National Peace Accord Trust.

“She set a profound example for all of us by immersing herself in building a better South Africa while pursuing a multifaceted path as an academic …

“She applied her extraordinary personal achievements to the upliftment of traumatised children, to asserting the equality of oppressed women, to upholding the human rights of victimised and persecuted people around the world, and ensuring the doors of learning would open wide to new generations of South Africans.

“She played her part unselfishly and with great love for humanity. Our task is to keep her legacy intact and build on it. May her soul rest in peace.”

National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces chairperson Amos Masondo commended Mkhize’s passion to serve the country.

The presiding officers said: “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 were 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 long-standing 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,” they said.

The governing party’s spokesperson, Pule Mabe, said Mkhize embodied the qualities and attributes of Charlotte Maxeke: servant leadership, selfless leadership and total dedication to women’s emancipation and gender equality.

“The ANC dips its revolutionary banner in honour of Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize, a tried and trusted cadre of our movement and member of the National Executive Committee. We have lost a dedicated servant of the nation,” Mabe said.