Last standing Rivonia trialist Mlangeni dies
Andrew Mlangeni (95) was one of the liberation icons that were arrested and sentenced to life in 1964 in the Rivonia suburb of Johannesburg, alongside Nelson Mandela, and others, in what has come to be known as the Rivonia trial.
The last remaining Rivonia trialist and struggle icon Andrew Mlangeni has died.
This was confirmed by the office of the president on Wednesday morning.
Mlangeni, who turned 95 more than a month ago, was admitted to 1 Military hospital in Thaba Tshwane on Tuesday, following an abdominal complaint.
President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the Mlangeni Family as well as the friends, comrades and associates of the Struggle hero countrywide and internationally.
“The passing of Andrew Mekete Mlangeni signifies the end of a generational history and places our future squarely in our hands,” he said.
“Until recently, we were able to sit at Bab’ Mlangeni’s feet and draw on his wealth of wisdom and his unfailing commitment, even at his very advanced age, to a better life for all South Africans.”
Ramaphosa participated in Bab’ Mlangeni’s birthday celebration last month, in the company of, among other notable guests, former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe as well as Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Mlangeni was awarded Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe, the highest honour by the ANC for those who have made an outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle in 1992, and received the presidential order for meritorious service in class 1: gold from president Nelson Mandela in 1999.
Mlangeni was one of the liberation icons who were arrested and sentenced to life in 1964, in the Rivonia suburb of Johannesburg, alongside Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Elias Motsoaledi to name a few.
The trial has come to be known as the Rivonia Trial.
Ramaphosa described Mlangeni as a champion and exemplar of the values needed to build a South Africa that provided dignity and opportunity for all.
“Bab’ Mlangeni’s dramatic life was a unique example of heroism and humility inhabiting the same person and throughout his long life he remained a beacon of ethical leadership and care for humanity in our own country and around the globe,” Ramaphosa said.
“With his passing as the last remaining Rivonia trialist, Bab’ Mlangeni has indeed passed the baton to his compatriots to build the South Africa he fought to liberate and to reconstruct during our democratic dispensation.
“My thoughts are with the Mlangeni family today and with all who have had the blessing of meeting and being touched by Bab’ Mlangeni’s passion for achieving a better society as well as his passion for a life that is well-rounded, adventurous, healthy and embracing of people from all walks of life.”
READ MORE: Ahmed Kathrada, one of the last three Rivonia Trialists, has died
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