ANDREW MLANGENI DIES

Andrew Mlangeni, the anti-Apartheid struggle icon and last remaining member of the Rivonia Trial, died on Tuesday.

According to News24, the 95-year-old Mkhulu, as he was fondly known , was admitted to 1 Millitary Hospital in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria on Tuesday following an abdominal complaint.

In a statement released by President Cyril Ramaphosa, he praised the icon’s life.

“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.”

In 1964, Andrew Mlangeni was, along with former President Nelson Mandela and struggle icons Walter Sisulu and Ahmed Kathrada, sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island.

After spending 26 years on the island, he was released in 1989. He served as a member of Parliament from 1994 to 1999, followed by him serving in the National Assembly from 2009 until his retirement in 2014.

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

His wife June Mlangeni passed away in 2001. They had four children.

Image credit: TheSouthAfrican.com