On October 12, 2019, South Africa lost one of its most iconic figures, Andrew Mlangeni Levy. At the age of 95, Levy was the last surviving signatory of the Freedom Charter and one of the Accused 4 in the 1956 Treason Trial. His passing marks the end of an era and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the freedom and democracy we enjoy today.
Born on June 6, 1925, in the small town of Bethlehem in the Free State province, Levy grew up in a time of racial segregation and oppression. Despite the challenges, he excelled in his studies and went on to become a teacher. However, his passion for justice and equality led him to join the African National Congress (ANC) in the 1940s.
Levy’s involvement in the ANC’s struggle against apartheid intensified in the 1950s when he became one of the key leaders of the Congress of Democrats (COD), the white wing of the ANC. He played a crucial role in organizing the Congress of the People in 1955, where the Freedom Charter was adopted. The charter, which called for a non-racial, democratic South Africa, became a cornerstone of the anti-apartheid movement.
In 1956, Levy, along with 155 other activists, was arrested and charged with high treason for their involvement in the drafting and adoption of the Freedom Charter. The infamous Treason Trial lasted for four years, and Levy, along with his co-accused, faced the possibility of the death penalty. Despite the immense pressure and threat to their lives, Levy and his fellow activists remained resolute in their fight for a free and just South Africa.
In 1961, Levy went into exile, where he continued to work for the ANC and its military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He received military training in China and later served as a commander in the armed struggle against the apartheid regime. In 1963, he was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island, alongside Nelson Mandela and other struggle icons.
During his 26 years in prison, Levy continued to fight for the rights of his fellow inmates and played a crucial role in the political education of his fellow prisoners. He was released in 1989, along with other political prisoners, as a result of negotiations between the ANC and the apartheid government.
After his release, Levy remained committed to the struggle for a democratic South Africa. He served as a member of parliament and was also a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee. He continued to be a vocal advocate for social justice and equality, and his contributions were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Luthuli in 2016.
Levy’s passing has left a void in the hearts of many South Africans who remember him as a fearless and dedicated leader. His life and legacy serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the freedom and democracy we enjoy today. He was a true hero, and his unwavering commitment to the struggle will continue to inspire future generations.
As we mourn the loss of Andrew Mlangeni Levy, let us also celebrate his life and the impact he had on our country. Let us honor his memory by continuing to work towards a society that upholds the values of the Freedom Charter and strives for a better future for all. Levy may be gone, but his legacy will live on, and his spirit will continue to guide us in our journey towards a truly free and equal South Africa.
