The Mpumalanga Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu will pay a courtesy visit to the family of the late ex-soccer boss, Mr. Veli Mahlangu on Monday, to convey condolences. Mr. Mahlangu passed away last week on Thursday.
Premier Ndlovu says Mr. Mahlangu was a towering figure with a rich history both in the football and political fraternities. Apart from owning one of Mpumalanga’s formidable teams, Witbank Black Aces, he was influential in the country’s soccer body, the South African Football Association (SAFA). Aces played in the country’s elite league before relegation, and has produced a galaxy of football stars, among them, Junior Ngobe.
Mahlangu also played an instrumental role during the country’s 2010 Soccer World Cup bid, as a member of the FIFA World cup Organizing Committee.
In politics, Mahlangu was among the leading figures during the transition from the erstwhile KwaNdebele Government, where he served as Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, to the democratically-elected state in Mpumalanga. In the post-1994 era, he was elected as a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL), and served as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee for Economic and Finance.
Premier Ndlovu says Mahlangu’s life exemplifies a patriotic citizen of South Africa whose active participation in the development of the country, has left a rich legacy. He urged communities in Mpumalanga to emulate his example.
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, Mr. David Mabuza, was confirmed by the President, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday. Mabuza also served as the fourth Premier of the Mpumalanga Province, among the various positions which he occupied previously.
Details of the Premier’s visit to the Mahlangu family are as follows:
Date: Monday, 7 July 2025
Venue: Kwamhlanga, in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
Time: 10h00
Members of the media are invited to join the Premier’s visit. For confirmation, contact Ms. Phumla Mokoena (Office of the Premier) on 060 998 8781.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr. George Mthethwa (Spokesperson - Provincial Government)
Contact: 083 302 2774.