Farewell to activist, businesswoman, mentor and mom
Prominent Eastern Cape community builder, human rights activist and black business pioneer Dr Laura Mpahlwa has died, aged 90.
She died on June 1 at the Nelson Mandela Central Hospital in Mthatha. Mpahlwa, affectionately known as aunt Laura, was not only the mother of Luyanda, ambassador to Mozambique, former trade and industry minister Mandisi, first black sound engineer the late Kentse Mpahlwa and Mandlakazi, but was a loving mother to hundreds of others, including well-known political and business leaders, musicians and church leaders.
She grew up in Soweto and qualified as a healthcare professional and nursing sister.
For her role in primary care, Mpahlwa was awarded an honorary doctorate by Walter Sisulu University.
Aunt Laura became a businesswoman in Mthatha and together with her husband, helped found the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc).
She was also a founding member of Vukani Women’s Organisation (Vuwo), an underground structure of the ANC, focusing on women empowerment and providing support to political detainees.
She also served two terms as an ANC councillor in King Sabata Dalindyebo, and was chair and president of the Eluxolweni Street Children Organisation and the Retired Nurses Association. She also served as the National Children’s Rights Committee board chairperson.
WSU will host a memorial service for her on Thursday at 4pm in Mthatha. Her funeral is at St John’s Cathedral in York Road, Mthatha, on Saturday.