‘He has passed the baton to his compatriots’: Ramaphosa pays tribute to Andrew Mlangeni

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described Andrew Mlangeni as a beacon of ethical leadership and care for humanity in our own country and around the globe.

The Anti-apartheid stalwart died at age 95 on Wednesday, 22 July 2020, after being admitted to 1 Military Hospital in Thaba Tshwane in Pretoria following an abdominal complaint.

In 1992, he was awarded Isithwalandwe Seaparankwe – the highest honour by the African National Congress (ANC) for those who have made an outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle.

In 1999, then President Nelson Mandela bestowed upon him the Order for Meritorious Service in Gold, another prestigious accolade.

“The passing of Andrew Mekete Mlangeni signifies the end of a generational history and places our future squarely in our hands”, Ramaphosa said.

“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”, he further said.

“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”

The president also said that with his passing as the last remaining Rivonia Trialist, Mlangeni has 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.”