PWMSA Saddened by the Passing of Struggle Stalwart Tata Andrew Mlangeni

The Progressive Movement of South Africa and the National Convenor Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize has learned with great sadness of the passing of the last Revonia trialist and anti-apartheid struggle stalwart Bab’ Andrew Mokete Mlangeni.

A “Backroom Boy” as he referred himself, Ntate Mlangeni, 95, was a selfless struggle icon who dedicated his life and was committed in fighting for freedom and liberation of the people of South Africa. He is known for being a man of integrity who made significant contribution to the freedom that South Africans enjoy today.

Under strict lockdown regulations due to the pandemic coronavirus, Ntate Mlangeni lived to celebrate his 95th birthday on the 06th June 2020. He stood firmly and was vocal against Gender Based Violence and Femicide incidence in our country which has become a second pandemic.

Amongst his many achievements, Ntate Mlangeni was honoured with Isithwalandwe Seaparankwe – the highest honour by the African National Congress for those who have made an outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle in 1992. Former President Nelson Mandela also honoured him with the Presidential Order for Meritorious Service: Class 1: Gold in 1999.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said “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” and described him as “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”.

Indeed, a giant tree that bared the fruits of democracy has fallen. We will continue to draw inspiration from his values and the legacy he has left us with. His memory lives on.

We send our sincere condolences to the Mlangeni family, friends and comrades.

May his soul rest in revolutionary peace.

Issued by:
Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize
PWMSA National Convenor

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