South African politician and stalwart of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Johnson Phillip Mlambo, passed away on the morning of January 9, 2021, after a battle with COVID-19. He was 80 years old.

Mlambo, a Johannesburg native born on February 22, 1940, dedicated his life to the fight against apartheid. He was a founding member of the PAC and held various leadership positions throughout his decades-long service to the movement. Notably, he served as the PAC's Secretary for Foreign Affairs in exile, Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA), and Deputy President of the PAC.

Mlambo's resilience was evident in his time as a political prisoner on Robben Island, where he endured harsh conditions at a young age. After his release in 1983, he continued his fight for liberation, strategically strengthening the PAC's international relations to garner support for the anti-apartheid movement.

Described as a "steadfast Africanist" by his son, Mlambo was a firm believer in Pan-African unity. He advocated for peace and collaboration among African nations, stressing its importance for progress.

Mlambo's passing was a significant loss for the PAC and the fight for a just South Africa. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, unwavering commitment, and Pan-African ideals.