Andrew Mlangeni: Saffas & politicians mourn the last Rivonia Trialist

Andrew Mlangeni: Saffas & politicians mourn the last Rivonia Trialist

- South Africans woke up to the devastating news on Wednesday about Andrew Mlangeni's death

- #RIPAndrewMlangeni started trending on social media as Saffas paid their final respects

- Many politicians from different parties also paid tribute to the last Rivonia Trialist

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Struggle heroes dedicated their entire lives to fight for the freedom of their people in South Africa. Sadly, they can't be with us forever but their legacies serve as a reminder of the past and an inspiration for the future.

Andrew Mlangeni passed away at the age of 95 after he was admitted to hospital following abdominal complaints on Tuesday. However, on Wednesday morning the ANC announced that the last Rivonia Trialist had taken his final breath.

News of Mlangeni's passing started trending on social media and South Africans flooded Twitter with messages as they mourned the iconic man.

Andrew Mlangeni: Saffas & politicians mourn the last Rivonia Trialist
South Africans, including politicians from different parties, united to pay tribute to the last Rivonia Trialist. Photo: The Andrew Mlangeni Foundation.
Source: Facebook

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Politicians shared messages on the social media platform to pay their respects to Mlangeni.

Mbuyiseni Ndlozi shared several tweets about the struggle icon. He said:

"Picking up the spear: We vow that we shall continue the struggle. We too shall fight for economic freedom in our lifetime."

Mmusi Maimane, Panyaza Lesufi and President Cyril Ramaphosa also shared their messages of condolences online.

The head of state wrote:

"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 to a better life for all."

Prof Thuli Madonsela and Tumi Sole joined thousands of South Africans who mourned the last Rivonia Trialist online.

Meanwhile, in honour of the struggle hero, Briefly.co.za took a look at the life and career of Mlangeni.

We gathered five facts about Mlangeni, who walked among the greats, including late former president Nelson Mandela. He also served time on Robben Island and was a formative member of South Africa's democracy.

From his childhood to the part he played in fighting the previous regime, we looked at everything you need to know about the last Rivonia Trialist.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Maryn Blignaut avatar

Maryn Blignaut (Human-Interest HOD) Maryn Blignaut is the Human Interest manager and feature writer. She holds a BA degree in Communication Science, which she obtained from the University of South Africa in 2016. She joined the Briefly - South African News team shortly after graduating and has over six years of experience in the journalism field. Maryn passed the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course (Google News Initiative), as well as a set of trainings for journalists by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at: maryn.blignaut@briefly.co.za