Heartfelt Tributes Pour In for Deputy Minister in the Presidency Hlengiwe Mkhize
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In for Deputy Minister in the Presidency Hlengiwe Mkhize. The Presidency continues to lose some of the most prominent political figures in SA. At the beginning of the year, the ministry suffered a heavy blow when Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu passed away from Covid-19 related complications.
They have just lost yet another leader, Professor, Hlengiwe Mkhize. She passed away in the early hours of Thursday after a short illness, according to communications director in her office, Shalen Gajadhar. At the moment the illness has not been revealed yet.
The 69 year old was Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities. Mkhize was also an ANC NEC member and chairperson of the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa. She previously served as Minister of Higher Education and Training and as deputy minister in the Correctional Services and Telecommunications ministries. Mkhize was also ambassador to the Netherlands from 2005 to 2008.
Tributes are pouring in as many are getting to know of her untimely death. Mkhize is described as a hardworking woman, who was kindhearted among other beautiful qualities. Among those who sent tributes is President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said Mkhize’s passing constitutes a national loss.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the late Mkhize’s family, loved ones as well as colleagues.
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Professor Hlengiwe Buhle Mkhize, Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. Prof Mkhize passed away today, Thursday, 16 September 2021, at the age of 69.#RIPHlengiweMkhize pic.twitter.com/bkiVWapY7W
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 16, 2021
Shocked beyond words💔Heartfelt condolences to loved ones and colleagues of the late Deputy Minister Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize #RIPHlengiweMkhize 💔💐 pic.twitter.com/PvpOeb3hto
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) September 16, 2021
Condolences to the family of Mama Hlengiwe Mkhize. May her soul rest in peace. #RIPHlengiweMkhize
— djsbu (@djsbu) September 16, 2021
It's hard to accept that @ProfMkhize is no more. Such a kindhearted soul. Always consistent and calm. May she rest peacefully. 💔 #RIPHlengiweMkhize pic.twitter.com/5XmZJ3iDFq
— Kananelo (@kaysexwale) September 16, 2021