President Jacob Zuma sends condolences on the passing of Solomon Mahlangu's mother
President Jacob Zuma has learned with sadness of the passing of Mrs Martha Mahlangu, mother of the late Umkhonto WeSizwe (MK) soldier, Solomon Mahlangu, today at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria.
The President had visited Mama Mahlangu on Monday, 10 March 2014.
Her son, Solomon Mahlangu was a popular freedom fighter and one of the youngest MK soldiers who, at the age of 23, was executed under the apartheid laws after being wrongfully accused of murder and terrorism.
Together with her grand-daughter, Mama Mahlangu attended the State of the Nation Address in February as special guests of President Zuma.
On Friday, 14 March 2014, the President will launch the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund whose aim is to avail financial support to deserving South African youth especially from rural areas.
The scholarship fund was established by National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in the Presidency, in honour of Solomon Mahlangu. It is intended to assist the young people to increase their chances of accessing quality higher education, compete favourably in the labour market and contribute to skills development.
The Presidency has announced that on the day of the launch, President Zuma will bestow scholarship awards to well deserving South African youth who would pursue full time studies that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas as outlined in the labour planning frameworks of the country.
"I am very saddened that Mama Mahlangu did not live to see the launch of this Scholarship Fund in honour of her son but we will continue to preserve the legacy of Solomon Mahlangu and all those who laid down their lives for our freedom and democracy. On behalf of government and the people of South Africa, we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences on her passing and may her soul rest in peace,” said President Zuma.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com
