Andrew Mlangeni

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 17: One of the Rivonia Trial defendants, Andrew Mlangeni during the handing over of the digital audio recordings from the Rivonia Trial on March 17, 2016 in Pretoria, South Africa. According to reports, the Department of Arts and Culture reached an agreement with France’s National Audiovisual Institute to digitise the court proceedings of the 1963-1964 Rivonia trial. (Gallo Images / Beeld / Theana Breugem)

Breaking: Andrew Mlangeni, last remaining Rivonia Trialist, dies at age 95

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to Mlangeni, saying his passing signifies the end of a generational history and places our future squarely in our hands

Andrew Mlangeni

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 17: One of the Rivonia Trial defendants, Andrew Mlangeni during the handing over of the digital audio recordings from the Rivonia Trial on March 17, 2016 in Pretoria, South Africa. According to reports, the Department of Arts and Culture reached an agreement with France’s National Audiovisual Institute to digitise the court proceedings of the 1963-1964 Rivonia trial. (Gallo Images / Beeld / Theana Breugem)

Andrew Mlangeni, the last remaining Rivonia Trialist, has died at age 95.

Mlangeni was admitted to 1 Military Hospital in Thaba Tshwane on Tuesday, 21 July 2020, after an abdominal complaint.

His death comes a month after he had celebrated his birthday back in June.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who confirmed his passing, has expressed his condolences to Mlangeni’s family.

“The passing of Andrew Mekete Mlangeni signifies the end of a generational history and places our future squarely in our hands. 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”, he said.

Mlangeni spent more than 20 years on Robben Island after his conviction at the Rivonia Treason Trial alongside Denis Goldberg and Nelson Mandela in 1964.

‘Example of heroism and humility’

“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, said the president.

“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”, he further said.

Ramaphosa said he was a champion and exemplar of the values we need to build a South Africa that provides dignity and opportunity for all and which takes its rightful place in the global community of nations.

“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”, the president said.

At the time of his hospitalisation, the ANC said it continued to draw inspiration from the veteran.

“This stalwart and veteran of our liberation struggle continues to play an important role in the renewal and rebuilding of our movement. He serves as our conscience and fountain of wisdom as we continue to navigate the many challenges that confront our movement and nation”, said spokesperson Pule Mabe.