Andrew Mlangeni tributes

President Cyril Ramaphosa

The passing of Andrew Mekete Mlangeni signifies the end of a generational history and places our future squarely in our hands.
Until recently, we were able to sit at Bab’ Mlangeni’s feet and draw on his wealth of wisdom and his unfailing commitment – even at his very advanced age – to a better life for all South Africans.
Bab’ Mlangeni’s dramatic life was a unique example of heroism and humility inhabiting the same person and throughout his long life he remained a beacon of ethical leadership and care for humanity in our own country and around the globe.
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.
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.
My thoughts are with the Mlangeni Family today and with all who have had the blessing of meeting and being touched by Bab’ Mlangeni’s passion for achieving a better society as well as his passion for a life that is well-rounded, adventurous, healthy and embracing of people from all walks of life.

 

Minister Nathi Mthethwa

Bab’Mlangeni was a true servant of the people. A humble man who preferred to be remembered as one of the ‘backroom boys’. We are honoured to have been granted the opportunity to celebrate and to serve Bab’Mlangeni whilst he was still alive. To give him flowers whilst he could still smell them. On the occasion of his 95th birthday, we were accorded the platform to tell him that he will always be referred to as a stalwart of the struggle for a free South Africa. He will always remain a formidable force and a freedom stalwart.
The 26 years of his life that he spent in incarceration played a tremendous and immeasurable contribution to the end of apartheid which in my opinion, is extremely profound as it cemented his legacy as a true stalwart. After his incarceration, he emerged as one of the respected members of his beloved movement, the African National Congress and he epitomised the values that made a democratic South Africa possible.

 

National Assembly Speaker Ms Thandi Modise and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Mr Amos Masondo

Only last month, we had the honour of celebrating his 95th birthday with him. Little did we know that it was to be the last. We are, indeed, grateful for his selfless life, leadership and for his voice of reason to our Parliament and the nation, in moments of great need. The Big Tree has, indeed fallen.
Even beyond his days with us, we will continue to be inspired by what he stood for, his deep love for his people, his sharp mind and great wisdom.
It is now up to us to advance - with the same fearlessness, courage and resoluteness – his teachings and principles. The greatest honour for his memory is to keep his remarkable and unsurpassed legacy alive,” said Speaker Modise and Chairperson Masondo.

 

MEC Anroux Marais

We have lost another great voice in our country’s history with the passing of Rivonia trialist and anti-apartheid stalwart Andrew Mlangeni.
Mr. Mlangeni is a towering figure in the rich tapestry of our country’s history and he bravely stood against the evils of the apartheid government. He contributed to the fight for the freedoms that all of us now enjoy. He devoted his life to ensuring that freedom was achieved and upheld for all of us.
It is of utmost importance that we never forget the sacrifices of all those, like Mr Mlangeni, who stood up for the rights of all South Africans during this dark time in our country’s history.
We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who knew him. We will continue to honour his legacy for many years to come.

 

Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat

 

Lord Peter Hain, former anti-apartheid campaigner and UK Government Minister

 

Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister

 

Sifiso Mazibuko, South African actor

 

Lord Jonathan Oates, Former Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister of the UK

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