Obituary: Architect Mthembeni Mkhize (02/09/1955 – 24/07/2021)

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that we share with you, the tragic news of the untimely passing of our friend, colleague and CEO of SAIA, Mthembeni Lawrence Mkhize, in the early hours of this past Saturday morning due to complications of Covid-19.

Mthembeni was a warm, gentle person who calmed many a rough sea. In August last year, Mthembeni started at SAIA as our newly appointed CEO, I as President and Ruben Reddy as Vice-President. Mthembeni again played an important role in SAIA’s journey of transformation, embracing our theme of ‘many voices’ as his own. MM & RR (as I called them) and I shared a well-used chat group where we could quickly get an opinion, some help or debate some matter in greater detail. Mthembeni was never flustered and guided and supported us with his incredible grace, extensive knowledge and considered diplomacy. I know we all, SAIA leadership, National and Regional offices and membership could not have done it without him.

We will miss him deeply.

May he rest in peace.

Love and light,

SAIA President Kate Otten

Obituary Mthembeni Lawrence Mkhize

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