Pretoria – Hundreds of people from all walks of life, including government officials and politicians, today converged at Moretele Park in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, to pay tribute to struggle stalwart Martha Mahlangu.
Mahlangu, who was the mother of freedom fighter Solomon Mahlangu, passed away last week at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria.
For her active role in the struggle against the apartheid regime, the City of Tshwane announced on Monday that it will accord her a Provincial Official Funeral.
To many, Mama Mahlangu, as she was affectionately known, was regarded as a heroine.
Struggle songs reverberated in the area during the memorial service organised by the City of Tshwane.
Even after her son, Solomon Mahlangu, was executed by the then apartheid regime, Mama Mahlangu remained defiant and continued to fight.
Solomon Mahlangu was a popular freedom fighter and one of the youngest uMkhonto we Sizwe soldiers who, at the age of 23, was executed under the apartheid laws after being wrongfully accused of murder and terrorism.
Mahlangu’s granddaughter, Bathabile Mahlangu, described her as a strong woman who was always willing to assist.
“Grandma was always prepared to listen to anyone, whether young or old.
“She was very special to me. We spent a lot of time together,” she said.
A neighbour, Maria Mabena, described the late Mahlangu as someone who was always willing to help others.
“She taught her children well, she taught them discipline,” she said.
Mahlangu and Mabena were neighbours since 1959 in Mamelodi C1.
Mahlangu became involved in politics in the 1970s and suffered brutality under the apartheid regime.
Defence and Military Veterans Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla praised Mahlangu for her bravery during the struggle period.
“She remained strong even after the execution of her son and reminded us of the difficult past,” he said.
Also present at the memorial service was the Health Deputy Minister Gwen Ramokgopa, the Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane and representatives of various political structures. – SAnews.gov.za
