Deputy President David Mabuza, on Friday, 6 April 2018, led government’s 39th commemoration of the late Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu.

The Deputy President visited the Gallows at the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Pretoria.

The year 2018 marks the 39th anniversary of the execution by hanging of Mahlangu, an African National Congress’ military wing, uMkhonto weSizwe, combatant. He was hanged by the apartheid regime at the Pretoria Central Prison on 6 April 1979. Before he was executed, Mahlangu said: “My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom. Tell my people that I love them. They must continue the struggle”.

The execution provoked international protest and condemnation of South Africa’s apartheid policy. In fear of crowd reaction at the funeral, the police decided to bury Mahlangu in Atteridgeville. On 6 April 1993, he was reinterred at the Mamelodi Cemetery.

In 2005, a statue of Mahlangu was unveiled in Mamelodi. In the same year, Mahlangu was posthumously awarded The Order of Mendi for Bravery in Gold for his bravery and sacrificing his life for freedom and democracy in South Africa.

The Deputy President, together with Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and the Mahlangu family took the 52 steps to the Gallows, as they observed the re-enactment of Solomon Mahlangu's final moments before execution.

Later in the day, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, delivered a memorial lecture in honour of Solomon Mahlangu at the Vista Campus in Mamelodi.