Sergeant Oupa “Sgongo” Mahlangu was born in KwaThema in 1966.
He passed away at One Military Hospital in Tshwane, on May 4.
He grew up in the township and started his schooling at Ntokozweni Primary School, and matriculated from Tsakane Senior Secondary (T-soso).
Oupa played a significant role in the formation of Cosas structures in the township.
He left for exile in 1985, and was trained in Angola as an Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) soldier, specialising in artillery.
He then travelled to East Germany, were he studied political science at a political school.
Sgongo then returned to South Africa after being deployed in different areas in Africa.
He returned to KwaThema from exile in 1991 and dedicated his life to serving and protecting his country.
He served in the Peace Keeping Force, before moving to the South African National Defence Force.
At the time of his death he was part of the Presidential Medical Unit.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters and three sons, parents and his siblings.
The Mahlangu family would like to thank everyone who came to the funeral to show their support.
The funeral was last Sunday at KwaThema Civic Hall before moving to Vlakfontein Cemetery.
