South Africa’s Department of Tourism has expressed its condolences at the passing of the Chairperson of Parliament’s Tourism Portfolio Committee, Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, aged 64.
In a press statement, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said Mnganga-Gcabashe – who passed away on May 17 – dedicated herself to advancing the tourism sector as a driver of economic development and inclusivity.
“Her leadership in Parliament was defined by wisdom, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the growth of South Africa’s tourism industry. She understood what oversight meant and always advised on solutions to grow tourism,” said De Lille.
Born in KwaZulu-Natal, Mnganga-Gcabashe was a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature from 1999 to 2004 and chaired the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League from 2008 to 2012. She represented the ANC in the National Assembly between 2014 and 2019, and chaired the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises from 2017 to 2019 during its inquiry into maladministration at Eskom.
She was elected as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism in May 2024 and was, at the time of her death, also a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee and Deputy President of the ANC Women’s League.
“Her vision was always rooted in uplifting communities and promoting South Africa’s rich tourism offering. She championed transformation in the sector through her dedication, ensuring that tourism benefited all South Africans. Her passing leaves a void in Parliament, the tourism sector and the many lives she touched through her work,” De Lille said.
