The National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) mourns the passing of the 81-year-old, struggle stalwart, liberation history mobile library, heritage activist of ordinary people, Mr Mfengu Makhalima.
 
Mfengu was affectionately known for his kindness, humanity and his bravery for fighting against apartheid. He is one of the unsung heroes that played his role during the apartheid era and post democracy not for personal gain but for liberating an improving the lives of the people of South Africa. This is why the NHC saw it fitting to bestow him during the 2017 Golden Shield Heritage Awards, with a prestigious Ubuntu Honour Award.
 
He is a Robben Island ex-prisoner, a trade-unionist and communist that has played the role of unifying political leaders for the good of all South Africans.
 
Adv. Sonwabile Mancotywa, Chief Executive of the Council describes Mfengu as a baobab tree that stood the test of time and proud that the NHC honoured him whilst he was still alive. “It’s very important that the undocumented rich heritage of Tata uMfengu is preserved for the future generations of our country” added Mancotywa.
 
The Council sends its sincere condolences to the family, fellow comrades and South Africa as a whole for the loss of Mr Mfengu Makhalima.
 

Main Pic: Adv. Sonwabile Mancotywa, CEO of the NHC handing over the Ubuntu Honour Award to Mr Makhalima at the 2017 SACP conference in the Eastern Cape.
 
Issued by: National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC)
Contact: Danny Goulkan (Communications Manager), +27 12 348 1663/ +27 72 952 2260/ danny@nhc.org.za