On 7 September, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the Deputy Minister of Transport, penned a heartfelt tribute to his late mother on Facebook.
The 39-year-old politician joined the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) at a young age and steadily moved up the ranks, now serving as the party’s national spokesperson.
MKHULEKO HLENGWA REMEMBERS LATE MOTHER
It’s been 19 years since Mkhuleko’s mother, Phakamile MaKhawula Hlengwa, passed, yet the pain of losing her still lingers. He described her as a staunch woman of faith and believes her “prayers endure” even in her absence.
Mkhuleko expressed his deep gratitude for his beloved mother, admitting that he misses her every single day.
“19 years later the pain remains as it was on that fateful Friday night in 2007. The death of a parent never gets old, it is new every day,” he began.
He continued, “I remain eternally grateful for the Mother I had; she was simply the best! I miss her love, her prayers, her kindness, her discipline and her compassion. I don’t miss the hidings though.”
“What I know for sure is that her love and prayers endure in her absence. Her prayers echo in eternity. My dearest MaKhawula continue resting in peace with God. I love you always, and I miss you everyday,” he added.
FANS RESONATE WITH MKHULEKO’S POST
In a Facebook post that garnered over 600 comments and 8K likes, Mkhuleko’s followers offered words of comfort, while others opened up about their own experiences of losing a mother.
Mandy Lala: Rest in peace, my precious friend. Blessed to have known such a beautiful soul. Sending lots of love to you Mkhuleko and family.
Sunnies Mzimba: I can relate to the way you are feeling. That is the kind of pain that never disappears. May her soul rest in perfect peace umama.
Andile Magasela: Mashasha may she continues to rest in peace. I can relate; it’s been 35 years now, but the pain is still the same.
Thandi Moraka: She is your guardian angel my dear brother and she is truly proud of the person you have become in society. Continue making her proud.
Xolani Lubuzo: Always. [I] still remember, 18 May 2013 as [if it was] yesterday!! That Saturday.