The South African Students Congress (SASCO) has learnt with deep sadness of the passing away of the liberation struggle stalwart and Rivonia trialist Comrade Andrew Mlangeni. Comrade Andrew Mlangeni was the last remaining Rivonia Trialist and belonged to the special generation of freedom fighters in our country whom each day are passing away having fulfilled their mission of attainment of freedom.
“Some of our political leaders have become absolutely corrupt – they are no longer interested in improving the lives of our people. They are busy lining their pockets with the money that is meant to help the poor people.” Andrew Mlangeni.
These words of uBaba Mlangeni echo in our hearts as poor South African students and young people from working-class backgrounds after as we celebrate the life well lived. These words to us will forever remain a symbol of what our liberation struggle stalwart stood for post the liberation years, in the democratic dispensation. Ntate Andrew gave his life for freedom in the broadest sense of the word; freedom associated not with just political and civil rights but also freedom from abject poverty, unemployment, social deprivation, hunger, disease and the crass individualism and materialism that blights our democracy today; a freedom which must see the progressive realization of the social, economic and human rights that are fundamental to living full, decent, productive, rich and rewarding lives.
The appropriate tribute by our broad liberation movement and the progressive people of our nation must give this Rivonia Trialist must be the renewed fight against rampant corruption and factionalism that is sustained through criminal networks. The fight against corruption is simultaneous to the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Sithi hamba kahle Sidwaba siLuthuli, eseza no Mlandakazi, Linda!!
Issued by SASCO NEC
Bamanye Matiwane (President); Buthanani Ngwane (Secretary-General) at sg@sasco.co.za
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