Andrew Mokete Mlangeni, a stalwart of the South African liberation struggle and one of the last surviving Rivonia Trialists, passed away on July 21, 2020, at the age of 95.

Born on June 6, 1925, on a farm in Bethlehem, Mlangeni's life embodied the challenges and triumphs of the fight against apartheid. He began working at a young age to support his family after his father's passing. Despite financial hardships, he completed his schooling and even found work as a caddy at the Johannesburg Golf Course, a sport that would remain a lifelong passion.

Mlangeni's political activism blossomed in Johannesburg, where he joined the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League. His dedication to the struggle against racial segregation led to his arrest alongside Nelson Mandela and other prominent figures in the Rivonia Trial of 1964. Sentenced to life imprisonment, Mlangeni spent 26 years behind bars, enduring the harsh realities of incarceration on Robben Island.

Undeterred, Mlangeni's spirit remained unbroken. Upon his release in 1989, he rejoined the ANC's internal structures and played a key role in the party's resurgence. Following South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, Mlangeni served as a Member of Parliament until his retirement in 2014. His unwavering commitment to ethical conduct led him to become the Chairperson of the ANC's Integrity Commission in 2012.

Mlangeni's legacy extends beyond his political contributions. He was a devoted family man and established the June and Andrew Mlangeni Foundation to continue his wife's charitable work in the community. He was also recognized for his outstanding contributions, receiving the Isithwalandwe Seaparankwe from the ANC and the Presidential Order for Meritorious Service: Class 1: Gold from former President Nelson Mandela.

Andrew Mokete Mlangeni's life serves as a powerful testament to the unwavering courage and sacrifice required to dismantle a system of oppression. His passing marks the end of an era, yet his unwavering dedication to justice and equality continues to inspire generations.