South African Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, has paid tribute to the late anti-apartheid activist, Andrew Mlangeni, also known as Cholo, for his unwavering courage, commitment and service to freedom. Mlangeni, who passed away on July 21st at the age of 95, was the last surviving Rivonia trialist and a true hero of the struggle against apartheid.
In a heartfelt statement, Mbalula described Mlangeni as a symbol of bravery and resilience, who dedicated his life to the fight for a free and democratic South Africa. He stated that Cholo’s life represents a century of courage, commitment and service to freedom, and that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Mlangeni was born in 1925 in the Eastern Cape and joined the African National Congress (ANC) in the 1950s. He was a member of the ANC’s military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), and played a crucial role in the armed struggle against the apartheid regime. In 1963, he was arrested along with other prominent anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, and was charged with sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government.
Mlangeni’s trial, known as the Rivonia Trial, lasted for eight months and resulted in life sentences for him and his co-accused. They were sent to Robben Island prison, where Mlangeni spent 26 years of his life. Despite the harsh conditions and constant harassment, he remained steadfast in his beliefs and continued to fight for a free and democratic South Africa.
After his release from prison in 1989, Mlangeni continued to be actively involved in the struggle for democracy. He played a key role in the negotiations for a new democratic South Africa and was a member of the Constitutional Assembly that drafted the country’s new constitution.
Mbalula praised Mlangeni for his selfless dedication to the struggle, stating that he never wavered in his commitment to the liberation of his people. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Mlangeni and his fellow Rivonia trialists, who endured imprisonment and separation from their families for the sake of a better future for all South Africans.
Mlangeni’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from all corners of society. President Cyril Ramaphosa described him as a “beacon of ethical leadership and moral fortitude,” while former president Thabo Mbeki hailed him as a “towering giant of our liberation struggle.” The ANC also paid tribute to Mlangeni, stating that his life was a shining example of courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the struggle for freedom.
Mbalula urged South Africans to honor Mlangeni’s memory by continuing to work towards building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous society. He emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of struggle heroes like Mlangeni, stating that their sacrifices should never be forgotten.
Cholo’s life serves as a reminder that the fight for freedom and justice is a continuous one, and that it requires unwavering courage and commitment. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to stand up against injustice and work towards a better South Africa for all.
In conclusion, Minister Mbalula’s tribute to Andrew Mlangeni highlights the immense contribution he made to the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa. Cholo’s life represents a century of courage, commitment and service to freedom, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His passing is a great loss to the nation, but his memory will live on as a symbol of bravery and resilience in the face of oppression. Let us honor his memory by continuing to work towards a better and more just society for all.
