Sunday, March 16, 2014

ANC Statement on the Death of Martha Mahlangu

Author : Jackson Mthembu

Statement on the death of Martha Mahlangu

12 March 2014

The African National Congress has learnt with deep sadness of the passing away of Mama Martha Mahlangu, the mother of the late Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu today, Wednesday 12 March 2014 at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria. This happens after President Zuma had gone to visit her at the hospital on Monday.

A freedom fighter in her own right, who earned her stripes in the struggle for liberation, mama Martha Mahlangu experienced extreme humiliation at the brutal hands of the apartheid regime, was constantly harassed by the police and security agents throughout the long periods before and after the execution of her son, Solomon at the gallows in April 1979.

A patron of Zakheni Women Organisation, an affiliate of FEDTRAW and United Democratic Front, Mama Mahlangu played a major role in supporting families of those who were facing execution at the gallows and was a tremendous pillar of strength to the community, as someone who has also experienced the trauma of losing a son at the brutal hands of the apartheid regime.

It was therefore indeed befitting that President Jacob Zuma invited Mama Martha Mahlangu as his guest of honour to the recent State of the Nation address in February 2014 and paid tribute to a gallant fighter who not only gave her son to the struggle, but was in her own right an activist who fought for social change so that we may today enjoy the fruits of Freedom.

The ANC dips its revolutionary banner to this great patriot, heroine and titan of our struggle and extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of mama Martha Mahlangu, her surviving sons, Steve and Lucas as well as her grand children.

We, who are the offsprings of Ma-Mahlangu will continue to drink from her deep well of wisdom and in honour of her in the fight for peace, freedom and democracy. Indeed we will in her honour ensure we deliver a decisive ANC victory during the May 7 elections. Her revolutionary spirit will continue to inspire our efforts to ensure that the poor and the working class truly benefit from the tree of freedom that the blood of his son and other heroes and heroines of our struggle continue to nourish. Together we will move South Africa forward to ensure that the ideas mama Martha Mahlangu, cherished, fought, lived and died for, will never die.

Issued by
Jackson Mthembu
National Spokesperson
African National Congress

Enquiries:
Keith Khoza: 082 823 9672
Khusela Sangoni-Khawe : 079 510 5408

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