Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, a senior figure in the African National Congress (ANC), passed away at her home in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, 17 May 2025. She was 64 years old.
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The ANC confirmed her death but did not provide specific details regarding the cause.
Mnganga-Gcabashe had recently taken part in the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban, demonstrating her ongoing active role in Parliament and national affairs.
In a statement, the ANC described her as a “lifelong activist and servant of the people,” noting her leadership style as one of dignity and humility.
Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe biography
Born on 27 October 1960 in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe was deeply involved in politics and activism from an early age. During apartheid, she was active in the United Democratic Front and the Natal Organisation of Women, both of which opposed the apartheid regime.
She formally joined the ANC’s leadership in the early 1990s and later worked in political organising. After a stint in local government, she was elected to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in 1999 and later became Deputy Provincial Chairperson, and then Chairperson, of the ANC Women’s League in the province.
Her influence extended to national structures. In 2014, she entered the National Assembly, where she served in multiple portfolio committees, including Human Settlements and Public Enterprises.
She chaired the inquiry into mismanagement at Eskom in 2017. After a break from Parliament between 2019 and 2024, she returned and was appointed Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism.
In 2023, she was elected Deputy President of the ANC Women’s League, and at the time of her death, she was serving her second term on the ANC’s National Executive Committee.
Reactions to Mnganga-Gcabashe’s death
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum and government institutions.
Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza and NCOP Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said, “She served in Parliament with humility and unwavering dedication… firm yet fair, compassionate yet principled.”
The Inkatha Freedom Party Women’s Brigade, in a message delivered by National Chairperson Phumzile Buthelezi, offered condolences across party lines:
“The pain of losing someone who played such a vital role in her community is one that resonates across political lines.”
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille reflected on her recent interactions with Mnganga-Gcabashe, praising her mentorship and commitment to community-focused tourism:
“Her passing leaves a void in Parliament, the tourism sector, and the many lives she touched.”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile also released a statement, calling her “a principled and disciplined Member of Parliament” who was committed to “a non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous society.”
The ANC, Parliament, and various political parties continue to mourn a leader remembered for her deep commitment to public service and gender equality.
