AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
SOUTH Africa has conferred its highest honor for Andrew Mlangeni, the 95-year-old political hero who passed away this week.
The South African government has declared the highest class of an official funeral for the stalwart, who was a co-accused with the iconic Nelson Mandela in the Rivonia Treason Trial during which they were convicted and sentenced to life. He was the last remaining Rivonia trialist.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the declaration of a special funeral: category 1 for Mlangeni, who turned 95 in last month, was a mark of respect.
“Bab’ Mlangeni was awarded Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe – the highest honour by the African National Congress for those who have made an outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle in 1992 – and received the Presidential Order for Meritorious Service: Class 1: Gold from President Nelson Mandela in 1999,” a statement from Ramaphosa’s office said.
In terms of the presidential declaration, the national flag will fly at half-mast from July 24 until July 29, the day on which Mlangeni will be laid to rest.
The details of the Special Official Funeral will be communicated in due course.
President Ramaphosa has once again offered his sincere condolences to the Mlangeni Family as well as the friends, comrades and associates of the Struggle hero countrywide and internationally, the statement said.
Tributes from South Africans from all walks of life have flooded to the Mlangeni home as well as his political home, the ANC, which announced special memorial services to celebrate his life and legacy.
