Parliament pays tribute to Prof Mkhize

The

Deputy

Minister of

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize, passed away recently. In paying tribute to her, Parliament’s Presiding Officers, the Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Amos Masondo, said her passing has robbed South Africa of a devoted public representative, a champion for social justice and equality, and a long-standing campaigner for women's rights.

Prof Mkhize became a Member of the National Assembly (NA) in 2009, after the general elections held in that year. She went on to serve on various portfolio committees where she made a remarkable contribution. These included the Portfolio Committee on Communications, of which she was Chairperson for a short while, the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education and the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation.

Ms Mapisa-Nqakula and Mr Masondo said the Deputy Minister devoted her life to the service of the people of South Africa. She served the people with excellence, unwavering commitment and selflessness, and was a life-long advocate for social justice and equality.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons living with Disabilities, Ms Nonhlanhla Ncube Ndaba said: “Prof Mkhize has made a remarkable contribution to the country in the various portfolios she has held within government, as a former Minister and various Deputy Minister positions,

Ambassador to the Netherlands and as a former Commissioner at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to name but a few.”

As Deputy Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Prof Mkhize worked tirelessly to advocate for their rights and the portfolio committee worked closely with her to give effect to the department’s mandate. Ms Ncube-Ndaba said Prof Mkhize’s calm demeanour, wisdom and reconciliatory manner was exemplary.

Furthermore, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Prof Mkhize advocated for women, youth and persons with disabilities who suffered during lockdowns in their homes and struggled to make a living, as the economy took a beating. She ensured that the needs of these groups were mainstreamed, so that their interests found expression in the highest decision-making bodies and government planning.