22 July 2022

The ANC Parliamentary Caucus has learnt with great sadness of the passing of former ANC MP, the last Rivonia Trialist that was remaining, Isithwalandwe Comrade Andrew Mlangeni.

Tata Mlangeni celebrated his 95th birthday last month, 6 June 2020, through a virtual celebration with President Cyril Ramaphosa, former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as some of his honoured guests.

A struggle stalwart of note, Tata Mlangeni joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in 1951 and, in 1954, the African National Congress (ANC). He went for military training outside the country in 1961 and upon his return, he was arrested in 1963 and spent almost 27 years in Robben Island.

Comrade Mlangeni became a Member of Parliament from 1994 – 2004. In his speech on 13 February 2008 during a debate on the President’s State of the Nation Address in the National Assembly, Comrade Mlangeni said “Our country is faced with many challenges ranging from health, education, poverty, unemployment and so on. To meet these challenges and remain true to our ideal of building a caring society, everybody must come on board”. Even after retiring from Parliament, Comrade Mlangeni continued to relentlessly call for the liberation of South African people from all chains of oppression.

He was awarded Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe, which is the highest honour by ANC for those who have made an outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle in 1992. A leader, a veteran, a well of knowledge and relentless activism has fallen. 

As the ANC, we have lost a great leader, utata, a revolutionary who dedicated his life in the struggle towards the liberation of our people. His sentiments are still befitting as we are also faced with the Covid-19 pandemic, which has added on to the challenges we continuously strive to alleviate in our country.

It is incumbent upon us to take the baton forward, embrace the fighting spirit of Tata Mlangeni and work tirelessly in improving the lives of South Africans.

We offer our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, comrades and loved ones of the legendary Andrew Mlangeni.

Uwile umthi omkhulu. May your revolutionary spirit rest in peace Qabane.

Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip.

Enquiries:

Nomfanelo Kota
Acting Caucus Spokesperson
067 415 1089
nkota@parliament.gov.za
Nomfanelok17@yahoo.com