The province is in mourning following the death of renowned soccer administrator and former politician Veli Mahlangu on Thursday, July 3. Mahlangu passed away at the age of 72.
He was influential in both football and politics. As the owner of Witbank Black Aces, a team that played in the country’s premier league, he produced talented footballers such as Junior Ngobe.
Mahlangu’s influence extended beyond football. He served as a member of the South African Football Association (Safa) and played a crucial role in the country’s 2010 Soccer World Cup bid as part of the FIFA World Cup organising committee.
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In politics, Mahlangu once held the portfolio of minister of finance and economic affairs during the transition from the KwaNdebele government to the democratically elected provincial council. After 1994, he was elected to the provincial legislature and served as chairperson of the portfolio committee for economic development and finance.
Mpumalanga premier Mandla Ndlovu visited the Mahlangu family to convey his condolences on Monday, July 7. Ndlovu described him as a patriotic citizen whose active participation in the country’s development had left a lasting legacy.
He urged communities in the province to emulate Mahlangu’s example, highlighting his dedication to the province and its people.
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“Mahlangu is among the two leading figures who passed away last week. The death of the former deputy president of the Republic of South Africa, David Mabuza, was confirmed by the president, Cyril Ramaphosa. Mabuza also served as the fourth premier of the province, and in many other positions which he occupied previously,” said Ndlovu.
“Mahlangu’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our province’s sporting and political history. We mourn his loss, but we also honour the remarkable life that he lived,” Ndlovu said.
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emanuelmajola
www.citizen.co.za
