Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has expressed sadness at the death of Martha Mahlangu, mother of freedom fighter Solomon Mahlangu.
“President Jacob Zuma has learned with sadness of the passing of Mrs Martha Mahlangu, mother of the late Umkhonto WeSizwe (MK) soldier, Solomon Mahlangu, today at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria,” said the Presidency in statement on Wednesday.
The President had visited Mama Mahlangu on Monday.
Mahlangu’s son was a popular freedom fighter and one of the youngest MK soldiers who, at the age of 23, was executed under the apartheid laws after being wrongfully accused of murder and terrorism.
Mama Mahlangu’s death came a few days before the launch of the Mahlangu Scholarship Fund which will be launched on Friday.
President Zuma recently annouced the launch of the Fund, at the inaugural Presidential Youth Indaba on Jobs and Skills. It aims to avail financial support to deserving South African youth, especially from rural areas.
"I am very saddened that Mama Mahlangu did not live to see the launch of this Scholarship Fund in honour of her son but we will continue to preserve the legacy of Solomon Mahlangu and all those who laid down their lives for our freedom and democracy. On behalf of government and the people of South Africa, we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences on her passing and may her soul rest in peace,” said President Zuma.
The scholarship fund was established by National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in the Presidency, in honour of Solomon Mahlangu. It is intended to assist young people to increase their chances of accessing quality higher education, compete favourably in the labour market and contribute to skills development.
On Friday, President Zuma will also bestow scholarship awards to well deserving South African youth who would pursue full time studies that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas as outlined in the labour planning frameworks of the country.
Mama Mahlangu and her grand-daughter had attended the State of the Nation Address in February as special guests of the President. - SAnews.gov.za
