The origin of pan Africans series

Nationalglint December 26, 2023 in Contemporary, Home Tagged 2023, nationalglint, pdp - 3 Minutes

The story of Solomon Mahlangu reminds the youth of the critical role they hold in sociey

kamukama Rukundo Clinton

Nationalglint

Born on 10 July 1956 in Pretoria, Mahlangu was born in a relatively humble environment, by a domestic worker Martha Mahlangu who single handily raised him after his father ran away from his family responsibilities. Martha made sure his son accesses education up to standard 8 at Mamelodi high school, however Solomon was not able to complete his schoolings after the apartheid government closed schools because of then ongoing riots by students protesting against racist policies of the apartheid regime. Unable to complete school, Mahlangu joined the 1976 Soweto uprisings in his home area Mamelodi after he had been recruited by Thomas Masuku. Black South African high schools students in Soweto protested the Afrikaans Medium Decree of 1974, which forced all black schools to use Afrikaans and English in equal terms as languages of instruction. The youth took their discontent to the streets to overcome the inequality and oppression caused by apartheid, young Mahlangu was one of them.

Aware of the much causality the demonstrators were suffering Mahlangu decided to flee to exile to have more military training as a soldier of the Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) in Angola and Mozambique .after completing training for nearly one year Mahlangu returned to south Africa on 11 June 1977 to engage himself in the struggle to liberate south Africa. on 13 June 1977 Mahlangu and his two companions mondy Motloung and George were accosted by police in Goch street, Jonesburg, during the course of the chase by police, two civilians were killed another was severely injured in the gun battle.
Even though Mahlangu did not fire any bullet and was not responsible for the killings, he was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging on 2 marches 1978 and executed at the Pretoria central prison on 6th April 1979. Before he met his planned death sentence he uttered these infamous words to his mother: my blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom. Tell my people that I love them. They must continue the fight:

What lessons the youth can learn from him

The crime that the 23- year old Mahlangu had allegedly committed was standing and fighting in defiance of a ruthless, brutal apartheid regime, Mahlangu stood up fighting for equal rights and freedom for his people in South Africa. He refused to cower under the tyranny or to a mere bystander or spectator. His memory and determination should be an inspiration to young people all over Africa in creating of Africa that belongs to all of us. His brutal execution became a symbol of resistance among young people as the fight against apartheid gained strength.
Recounting Solomon’s life story is not only important to remember the many sacrifices that were made for freedom and democracy but also very crucial in reminding the youth of the critical role they have to play in taking forward his vision and many other Africans that involved themselves in the struggle to end apartheid in south Africa.mahlangu’s life should embolden our generation of young people to raise up and take their full rightful places in our African societies

His last words are still relevant for young people across the whole African continent who today face different challenges in form of poverty, poor representation in governance and unemployment. His life is a call that young people should step up and change their own destiny. More importantly the youth participation in the affairs of the African continent is critical in development of our continent.