CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA- JUNE 12: Andrew Mlangeni, an ANC MP, in his office at Parliament on June 12, 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. Mlangeni was a tried in the Rivonia Trials with Nelson Mandela and spent 26 years on Robben Island. He has stern words for corrupt politicians who take advantage of their position in government. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Anton Scholtz)
Andrew Mlangeni: The life and times of South Africa’s freedom fighter
Andrew Mlangeni, the last remaining Rivonia trialist, has died at the age of 95. Today we look back on the great life of an icon.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA- JUNE 12: Andrew Mlangeni, an ANC MP, in his office at Parliament on June 12, 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. Mlangeni was a tried in the Rivonia Trials with Nelson Mandela and spent 26 years on Robben Island. He has stern words for corrupt politicians who take advantage of their position in government. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Anton Scholtz)
On Wednesday 22 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that Andrew Mlangeni had passed on at the age of 95. Known as the last remaining Rivonia trialist, Mlangeni was a respected struggle stalwart in South Africa among others like former president Nelson Mandela, Denis Goldberg, Walter Sisulu and Ahmed Kathrada.
Mlangeni celebrated his 95th birthday just over one month ago on 6 June.
On the day of his passing, we remember the legend he was and the life he lived, leaving a lasting impact on all around him.
ANDREW MLANGENI: 1925 – 2020
Andrew Mlangeni was born on 6 June 1925 at Prospect township in Soweto. According to SA History Online, he was the ninth child in a family of 14.
Mlangeni, at the age of 12, had to seek work due to financial restraints so after school, he worked as a caddy at the Johannesburg Golf Course. In 1946, he obtained his junior certificate at St. Peters Secondary School.
After 1946 he worked in several industries and factories where he experienced worker exploitation. When working as a bus driver for Putco, he was active in the strike for better working conditions and a living wage. In 1951 he joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and later in 1954, he joined the ANC.
During the Congress of the People, he was a branch delegate at Kliptown. From 1958 to 1960 he was an ANC stalwart and in 1961 he was among the first to be sent for military training outside the country. On his return in 1963, he was arrested after state witnesses told the court that he was one of the people responsible for recruiting and training an armed force.
Mlangeni was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island. He was, however, released when negotiations between the ANC and the government began.
TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR THE STRUGGLE HERO
On Wednesday, tributes have been pouring in for the late Andrew Mlangeni. The presidency said:
“A giant tree has fallen. Andrew Mlangeni, the last surviving Rivonia trialist, is no more. A selfless struggle veteran, he dedicated his life to fighting injustice and spent more than 20 years on Robben Island. Isithwalandwe Andrew Mlangeni, your legacy lives on.”
The ANC also released a statement saying it would dip its revolutionary banner in honour of one of its most outstanding freedom fighters and humble servants of the revolution.
“The death of Ntate Mlangeni marks the end of a revolutionary life that was dedicated to the struggle for justice and the defence of our freedom. Tata Mlangeni spent over two decades on Robben Island after his conviction at Rivonia Treason Trial in 1964. The ANC will continue to draw inspiration from him and his generation for their unwavering and steadfast commitment to the liberation of the country,” it said.
