Late ANCWL's Mnganga-Gcabashe hailed for principled leadership, lifelong service
An anti-apartheid activist, Mnganga-Gcabashe also served as the chairperson of the portfolio committee on tourism and was a member of the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC).
A screengrab of ANC MP Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe during an interview. Picture: @ParliamentofRSA/X
JOHANNESBURG - Tributes continue to pour in for African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) deputy president, Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, following her passing on Saturday.
She died at her KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) home at the age of 64, after undergoing an undisclosed medical procedure.
Mnganga-Gcabashe’s last public appearance was more than a week ago at the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban.
An anti-apartheid activist, Mnganga-Gcabashe also served as the chairperson of the portfolio committee on tourism and was a member of the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC).
She’s been hailed for her principled leadership and lifelong community service.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile both believe her contributions to the struggles for gender equality and non-racialism will be part of her legacy.
ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, said Mnganga-Gcabashe’s passing leaves a deep void.
“She was a beacon of calm in turbulent times, a voice of reason when the noise was loud, and a steady hand in the rebuilding of our country’s democracy. She did not enter politics for position or prestige. She was called by her community, elected by residents to represent them in peace committees during some of the darkest years of political violence in KwaZulu-Natal.”
‘PROFOUND VOID’
Parliament and political parties have joined in the tributes pouring in for Mnganga-Gcabashe.
Parliament’s presiding officers said she has left a “profound void” in the parliamentary community and the nation.
Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said parliament’s presiding officers learnt with shock of Mnganga-Gcabashe’s passing.
“They said that honourable Mnganga-Gcabashe was the embodiment of dignified public service. She served in parliament with humility and unwavering dedication. In every committee she led, she was firm yet fair, and she led with compassion and strong principle.”
The MK Party also sent its condolences to her family and colleagues in the ANC.