African National Congress veteran, Andrew Mlangeni, received the
prestigious Freedom of the City of London in person on Friday, 20 July 2018.
In January 2016, the 93-year-old was unable to join the late Ahmed Kathrada
and Denis Goldberg alongside their Rivonia Trial legal representatives,
George Bizos and Joel Joffe, to receive the award.
According to then Lord Mayor Jeffrey Mountevans, the honour was a "tribute
to the noble and fearless fortitude" of the men in recognition of their
fight for freedom and racial equality.
The ceremony was held at Guildhall, the civic and ceremonial centre of the
city. The historic venue has hosted many important ceremonies, including
Queen Elizabeth II¡¦s 90th birthday celebrations.
The late statesman Nelson Mandela received the Freedom of the City at the
same venue on 10 July 1996.
Mlangeni was hosted by the South African High Commissioner to the United
Kingdom, Nomatemba Tambo.
He had a busy week during his visit. Accompanied by his granddaughter Mpumi
and nurse Mashoto, he put his sightseeing cap on and posed at the Nelson
Mandela bust next to the Royal Festival Hall. The bust was unveiled by the
late ANC president, Oliver Tambo, in 1985.
He also attended the opening of the Mandela Centenary Exhibit at the
Southbank Centre on Tuesday, rubbing shoulders with the Duke and Duchess of
Sussex.
On Thursday, during celebrations for what would have been Mandela's 100th
birthday, he was part of the official launch of the Robert Kennedy Human
Rights Centre UK.
The June and Andrew Mlangeni Foundation said it was delighted that Mlangeni
was receiving the Freedom of the City.
"For over 27 years, Dr Mlangeni has been separated from his family and
imprisoned as a result of his role in the struggle for freedom. The
foundation is truly grateful," said spokesperson and founding trustee of the
foundation, Sello Rasethaba.
¡V Source: www.news24.co.za |