PIONEER
Mangaqa Albert Mncwango
Politician | Negotiator | Constitution drafter
Born: 19 August 1953
“Our Constitution is our guide. It points towards peace and prosperity for all South Africans, if its tenets are only followed. In this respect our political leaders have a solemn duty, obligation and non-negotiable, non-derogable mandate to act as leaders, to take the high road, to promote social cohesion, non-violence, tolerance and peaceful protest action … "
Who is
Mangaqa Albert Mncwango?
Long-standing Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) member and politician.
Professions
and Roles
National Deputy Chairperson of the IFP; politician; Member of Parliament.
Best Known For
Represented the IFP at CODESA I and II to negotiate the new Constitution, as well as on Theme Committee 4 where he dealt with the right to unarmed and peaceful demonstrations.
Life highlights
- Mncwango joined the IFP at its inception in 1975. He served as a member of the IFP Youth Brigade in 1978 and Regional Chairperson in Nongoma from 1978 to 1980.
- Mncwango was elected as a member of the Central Committee of the IFP in 1980, and served on the IFP National Council from 1990, as well as the National Organiser for 14 years.
- Mncwango represented the IFP to negotiate the new Constitution and Bill of Rights.
- Has served as an MP since 1994, representing the IFP.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“Our Constitution is our guide. It points towards peace and prosperity for all South Africans, if its tenets are only followed. In this respect our political leaders have a solemn duty, obligation and non-negotiable, non-derogable mandate to act as leaders, to take the high road, to promote social cohesion, non-violence, tolerance and peaceful protest action … Twenty years into democracy we as South Africans have a duty to the country and to one another to bridge the divide and forge a strong, unified nation in which everyone is respectful of the rights of others. Our Bill of Rights clearly illustrates the path for us all to follow. We dare not fail in this task.”
– Mangaqa Mncwango
In 2017, Mncwango was deployed as the mayor of his hometown, Nongoma.
References
