Andrew Mlangeni: Last Rivonia Trialist passes away at age 95

- On Wednesday, South Africans woke up to the devastating news of Andrew Mlangeni's death

- The 95-year-old passed away after being admitted to the 1 Military Hospital in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria, on Tuesday

- Mlangeni was the last remaining Rivonia Trialist and news of his death broke South Africans' hearts

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On Wednesday, the Presidency confirmed the devastating news of Andrew Mlangeni. The struggle icon passed at the age of 95 after being admitted to the 1 Military Hospital in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria, on Tuesday.

Taking to social media, the Presidency announced the heartbreaking news:

"President Cyril Ramaphosa has learnt with deep sadness of the passing away overnight of the last remaining Rivonia Trialist and Isithwalandwe Seaparankwe, Andrew Mekete Mlangeni."

Take a look at the post below:

The SA head of state said:

“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."

According to The Citizen, Mlangeni was taken to the hospital to receive medical care after he experienced abdominal pain.

READ ALSO: Covid-19 update: Mantashe in hospital, 300 staff cases at KZN hospital

Mlangeni celebrated his 95th birthday last month in the company of President Ramaphosa, former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

News of his death spread like wildfire on social media and more politicians expressed their sadness online.

The EFF's Mbuyiseni Ndlozi wrote:

"The news of Baba Andrew Mlangeni's passing this morning has brought the end to the Rivonia Trialists. They are now all gone. May his soul rest in perfect and eternal peace. Seaparankwe, Isitwalandwe. #RIPAndrewMlangeni."

The People's Bae added:

"Andrew Mlangeni’s passing is the end of a very long era. They are all gone now. A generation. All gone! We remain, and like them, we too shall complete our own generational mission: economic freedom in our lifetime!"

Panyaza Lesufi also paid tribute to the fallen Freedom Fighter:

Mlangeni's death follows the passing of another struggle hero. Last week, Briefly.co.za reported Zindziswa 'Zindzi' Mandela has passed away suddenly at the age of 59.

The daughter of struggle veterans Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela had served as an SA ambassador to Denmark. Zindzi leaves behind four children and her husband. Zindzi was a political activist and helped fight the oppressive apartheid regime.

It has since been revealed Zindzi had tested positive for the coronavirus before her death. Her son, Zondwa, said that tests were being carried out to determine if this was the cause of her passing.

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Source: Briefly News