This morning, we woke up to the heart-breaking news of the passing of Tata Andrew Mlangeni. His passing represents indeed a closing of a glorious chapter of our history in our struggle for political freedom, led by an extraordinary generation of leaders.
I got to know him over many years, for he was a brother to Madiba and the other Rivonia trialists.
The legacy of that generation of South African leadership is unique. Young African generations will need to embrace it as a resource if they are to rise successfully to the challenges the world is facing now. I trust that South Africa’s younger generations will dig deep in engaging with that resource and in ensuring that it inspires them. As Madiba so often said, it is in their hands now.
Tata Mlangeni, like so many of that generation, embodied the qualities of dignity, service and integrity. He exemplified the practise of servant-leadership.
We will sorely miss him. We are immensely grateful for his life. My special thoughts and prayers go to his family and I embrace them with deep solidarity at this most difficult time.
ENDS