South African Anti-apartheid Icon Andrew Mlangeni Dies
Muhammad Irfan Published July 22, 2020 | 10:50 PM
Johannesburg, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jul, 2020 ) :South African anti-apartheid figure Andrew Mlangeni, who stood trial alongside Nelson Mandela in the 1963-64 Rivonia Trial, has died at the age of 95, the presidency announced on Wednesday.
Mlangeni, 95, was the last surviving Rivonia trialist, spending more than quarter of a century imprisoned on Cape Town's notorious Robben island before his release in 1989.
"President Cyril Ramaphosa has learnt with deep sadness of the passing away overnight of the last remaining Rivonia Trialist," the presidency said in a tweet.
His death "signifies the end of a generational history and places our future squarely in our hands," he declared.
Mlangeni was admitted to a military hospital in the capital Pretoria on Tuesday with an abdominal complaint, the presidency said.
Hailing Mlangeni as a "principled and modest" man, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation said his passing "sounds the last post on a courageous generation of South Africans." "He is deeply mourned," the foundation said in a statement.
Born in the Johannesburg township of Soweto, he joined the youth wing of the African National Congress (ANC) in the early 1950s.
In the early 1960s, he was among the first groups of liberation fighters to be sent outside of South Africa for military training.
When he returned two years later, he was arrested.
The eight-month Rivonia Trial, named after the Johannesburg suburb where the ANC leaders were arrested, brought the struggle against apartheid to world attention.
Expecting to be sentenced to death, Mandela declared in a three-hour speech from the dock that freedom was "an ideal for which I am prepared to die." Instead, he, Mlangeni and fellow leaders Ahmed Kathrada and Dennis Goldberg were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Mlangeni served 26 years behind bars before his release.
With the advent of democracy in 1994, Mlangeni served two decades in parliament under the now-ruling ANC until he retired in 2014.
He was awarded the Isithwalandwe Seaparankwe, the ANC's highest honour, in 1992.
Seven years later, he received the Presidential Order for meritorious service from Mandela himself.
Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, said in a statement that Mlangeni's fearlessness and dry, self-deprecating sense of humour would be sorely missed.
"He was what Madiba called a great patriot," Hatang said, referring to Mandela by his clan name.
Among recognition abroad, Mlangeni was honoured with the freedom of the City of London in 2018.
The liberation icon lost his wife June, with whom he had four children, in 2001.
The ANC described him as one of the most outstanding fighters and humble servants in the fight for freedom.
"Death has robbed the people of South Africa of one of its finest sons, who valued the freedom of his people more than his own life and personal comfort," the ANC said.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pak Vs NZ T20I: Orphaned children extended special invitation to watch match
Finance Minister lauds UNDP’s unwavering support during floods
President Raisi leaves for Iran from Karachi
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 24 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 24 April 2024
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
Rizwan’s batting order may be changed: Sources
Nawaz Sharif to visit Guangzhou exhibition in China
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
17 hours ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
2 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
3 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
3 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
3 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
3 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
5 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
9 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
10 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
10 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
13 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
15 days ago