File picture: The late ANC stalwart Andrew Mlangeni is seen in high spirits as he casts his vote in the 2019 general elections. Picture: Ian Landsberg/African News Agency
The special official funeral of struggle stalwart Andrew Mlangeni takes place on Wednesday morning.
Mlangeni died at the age of 95 last week after he was admitted to 1 Military Hospital in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria, following an abdominal complaint.
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a special official funeral category 1 for Mlangeni which means that the national flag will fly at half-mast until Mlangeni is buried today.
The funeral service will be held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus from 9am. It will be followed by a burial at Roodeport Cemetery. The full programme follows below the live feed.
Watch the proceedings below live, courtesy of the SABC:
Special Official Funeral Service at Imbizo Hall, UJ, Soweto Campus
Programme Director: Minister Thoko Didiza
09:00 National Anthem
09:05 Opening Prayer
09:10 Welcoming remarks on behalf of the Premier of Gauteng:
MEC Panyaza Lesufi
09:20 Reading of obituary: Mr Tshepo Lebepe
09:25 Musical tribute
09:30 Tribute by a family friend: Mr Malose Kekana
09:35 Tribute on behalf of the June and Andrew Mlangeni Foundation:
Deputy Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize
09:40 Tribute by veteran and family friend:
Former President Thabo Mbeki
09:45 Tribute by Ledwaba Family representative: Mr Lucas Ledwaba
09:50 Tribute by Mlangeni Family representative:
Ms Matefu Mlangeni
09:55 Musical item
10:00 Tribute by the Grandchildren: Memory and Mpumi Mlangeni
10:10 Tribute by the Children: Ms Sylvia and Mr Sello Mlangeni
10:20 Musical item
10:25 Eulogy by His Excellency President of the Republic of
South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa
10:45 Sermon: Chaplain-General Monwabisi Jamangile
10:55 SANDF Ceremonial
11:00 Cortège departs for Roodepoort Cemetery
At the cemetery
11:30 Family and President Ramaphosa seated
11:45 Removal of the National Flag from the coffin by the SANDF and
handing over to the family
Last Post and Reveille sounded
SANDF bearers and Ceremonial Guard of Honour withdraw
According to South African History Online, on his return in 1963, Mlangeni was arrested after state witnesses told the court that he was one of the people responsible for recruiting and training an armed force.
He was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island along with former president Nelson Mandela, Denis Goldberg, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada and several other struggle icons.
After his release from prison, Mlangeni served as a member of parliament for the ANC from 1994 to 1999. He served in the National Assembly from 2009 until 2014, when he retired.
Mlangeni was awarded Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe – the highest honour by the ANC for those who made an outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle – in 1992 and he received the Presidential Order for Meritorious Service, Class 1: Gold from Mandela in 1999.
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