President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Membathisi Mphumzi Shepherd Mdladlana, a former Minister of Labour and High Commissioner to Canada, who died at the age of 72. Ramaphosa extended his heartfelt condolences to Mdladlana’s family and friends, acknowledging the significant loss to the nation
Mdladlana’s remarkable career spanned multiple roles, including teacher, school principal, and member of South Africa’s first democratic Parliament in 1994. He was appointed Minister of Labour by Nelson Mandela in 1998 and retained this position under Presidents Mbeki, Motlanthe, and Zuma. Notably, Mdladlana’s predecessor was Dr. Tito Mboweni, who passed away just a week ago and will be honored with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on October 19, 2024.
Ramaphosa reflected on Mdladlana’s legacy, highlighting his pioneering role in the liberation struggle and democracy. As a first-generation Member of Parliament, Mdladlana’s leadership in the education sector, particularly in the South African Democratic Teachers Union, was instrumental during a time of great repression and growing resistance.
“In this year, as we mark 30 years of freedom and democracy, Mdladlana’s passing, along with that of other leaders, reminds us of our past struggles, the hope we embarked on building a new society, and the hard work it has taken to secure our gains,” Ramaphosa said. “Shepherd Mdladlana will live on in our hearts and our history. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa has issued a statement confirming Mdladlana’s passing and Ramaphosa’s condolences.
