Mlangeni’s passing an end of era – Ramaphosa

The service took place at the University of Johannesburg campus in Soweto on Wednesday, 29 July.

“We are sad to have lost our father, but we are also grateful as a nation for God’s providence to enable Ntate Mlangeni’s to make old bones.

“He belonged to an era of tireless struggle, of sacrifice, service of honor and integrity. It was a era of leaders who embodied the best of humanity. The freedom that we enjoy today is his legacy to us,” the President said.

He continued to say: “Ntate Mlangeni paced his life in the hands of the people. He was not a person to be silenced.

“If his passing does indeed mark the end of an era we must ask ourselves what now. What shall define this era…our era? Will it be an era of adherence to the values of his glorious movement and era of revolutionary ethics?

“This is a question to all of us gathered here. It is through our actions that we will define this era.”

Ramaphosa said Mlangeni’s passing was a “blow” following the death of veteran South African anti-activist Dennis Goldberg in April at the age of 87.

“They join their comrades, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Oliver Tambo, Raymond Mhlaba, Elias Motsoaledi, Walter Sisulu, Albertina Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and many others,” he said.

The President further paid tribute to the late wife of Mlangeni, June, who was an women’s rights activist.

“It was she who was instrumental in mobilizing women in and around Dube, Soweto to participate the 1954 women’s march in the streets of Johannesburg and the famous 1956 women’s march,” he added.

Continue to watch the burial below: