‘Prof Mkhize’s passing constitutes a national loss’ – Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of Prof Hlengiwe Buhle Mkhize, Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

Mkhize died on Thursday, 16 September 2021, at the age of 69.

The President extended his condolences to Mkhize’s family, friends, colleagues, comrades and associates across the country and internationally. Mkhize was appointed to The Presidency in May 2019.

Ramaphosa described the death of Mkhize as a “national loss”.

“Prof 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,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.

“She availed herself for service at the international level, including her representation of Transparency International South Africa in global institutions. Prof Mkhize played a crucial role in conflict resolution during our transition to democracy,” he said.

“We owe Prof 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,” he said.

Ramaphosa said Mkhize had set a “profound example” by immersing herself in building a better South Africa, while pursuing a multifaceted path as an academic, that took her from the universities of Zululand, Natal and South Africa, to Mississippi and Illinois in the United States.

“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,” Ramaphosa said.

“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,” Ramaphosa said.

Before her appointment to The Presidency, Mkhize served as Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Higher Education and Training. She was also a former Ambassador to the Netherlands.