The passing of Andrew Mlangeni, affectionately known as “Uncle Kathy”, has left a void in the hearts of South Africans. He was the last surviving signatory of the Freedom Charter and one of the Accused 4 in the 1956 Treason Trial. His life was a true testament to the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa.
Born on June 6, 1925, in Soweto, Mlangeni was raised by his grandmother after his parents passed away when he was just 9 years old. Despite facing financial struggles, he excelled in his studies and went on to become a teacher. However, his passion for justice and equality led him to join the African National Congress (ANC) in 1951, where he quickly rose through the ranks.
In 1956, Mlangeni was one of the 156 activists who were arrested and charged with treason for their involvement in the drafting and adoption of the Freedom Charter. The document, which called for a non-racial, democratic South Africa, was seen as a threat to the apartheid government. Mlangeni, along with Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and 153 others, faced the possibility of the death penalty if found guilty.
The Treason Trial lasted for four years, with the accused appearing in court 156 times. Despite the intense pressure and harassment from the government, Mlangeni and his fellow accused remained resolute in their fight for freedom. In 1961, all charges were dropped, and the accused were acquitted.
Mlangeni continued his activism and played a crucial role in the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC. In 1963, he was arrested again and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island, alongside his comrades Mandela, Sisulu, and Ahmed Kathrada. He spent 26 years in prison, enduring harsh conditions, but never once wavering in his belief in a free and democratic South Africa.
After his release in 1989, Mlangeni continued to serve the ANC and the country, playing a critical role in the negotiations for the end of apartheid. He was elected as a member of parliament in the first democratic elections in 1994 and served as an advisor to President Nelson Mandela.
Mlangeni’s unwavering commitment to the struggle for freedom and equality earned him many accolades, including the Order of Luthuli in Silver and the Isitwalandwe/Seaparankoe, the highest honor awarded by the ANC. He also received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Johannesburg for his contribution to the struggle.
On July 21, 2020, at the age of 95, Mlangeni passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. His life was a testament to the sacrifices made by countless activists in the fight against apartheid. He remained humble and dedicated to the cause, even in the face of personal struggles and adversity.
Mlangeni’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to live on through the values he stood for. As South Africans, we must honor his memory by continuing to work towards achieving the ideals of the Freedom Charter and building a truly united and prosperous nation.
In his own words, Mlangeni once said, “There is no easy road to freedom. We have to fight for it and earn it”. His life and actions remind us that the fight for freedom and equality is ongoing and that we must never take it for granted. We owe it to him and the countless others who sacrificed their lives for our freedom to continue the struggle for a better South Africa.
Rest in peace, Uncle Kathy. Your legacy will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. As we mourn your passing, we also celebrate your life and the impact you have had on our nation. You will be dearly missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all South Africans. Hamba kahle, Tata.
