We will remember her for her humanism – President Ramaphosa
FOURWAYS – There was praise all around for the late Deputy Minister Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize for the leader she was, and the various roles she played in addressing issues concerning disabled people, women and children.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize was laid to rest in Fourways Memorial Cemetery on September 25.
She passed away from lung cancer at age 69 on September 16. The funeral service of Mkhize was held at Fourways Memorial Park Chapel. Her memorial service was held on September 23 in Randburg.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the speakers to give their final tributes at the funeral. Other tributes came from Malose Kekana of the June and Andrew Mlangeni Foundation, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and Zingiwsa Losi of the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa.
The speakers described her as someone who stood up for women’s rights and as privileged to have witnessed her leadership.
“She [Mkhize] once said, ‘Let us be brave. We have heard of men shaking in their trousers, but who ever heard of a woman shaking in her skirt?” Losi quoted Mkhize during her tribute.
Mkize’ daughter, Dr Zinzi Mkhize-Vabasa, on behalf of her siblings described her mother as a ‘brave, dedicated and selfless woman’.
She said the diagnosis of her cancer came not long after former President Jacob Zuma had appointed her as Minister of Home Affairs in March 2017. “Ever the dedicated and servant leader, mom had asked us to represent her at the doctor’s offices,” she said in regards to her mother unable to make the hospital appointment due to meetings with government.
“My dad and I stood in the hospital parking lot in shock, thinking, what now. We are grateful we got to walk this journey with you.”
She and her father, Pat Mkhize were told by doctors that her mother had 19 months to live.
