Member-only story

The True Story Of The Young South African Martyr And His Struggle To Raise

Rob Foster

·13.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Biko Cry Freedom: The True Story Of The Young South African Martyr And His Struggle To Raise Black Consciousness

4 min read · 2 weeks before

608 View Claps

100 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of South African history, the name Solomon Mahlangu stands as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination in the face of oppression. As a young man, Mahlangu became a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement, fighting for a just and equal society for all South Africans. His tragic death at the hands of the apartheid regime made him a martyr, inspiring generations to come.

Early Life and Education

Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu was born on September 17, 1956, in the impoverished township of Atteridgeville, near Pretoria. His parents were tenant farmers who struggled to make ends meet. Despite the hardships he faced, Mahlangu excelled in school, showing a keen interest in politics and history.

Biko - Cry Freedom: The True Story of the Young South African Martyr and his Struggle to Raise Black Consciousness

by Donald Woods

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1216 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	498 pages

At the age of 15, Mahlangu joined the African National Congress (ANC),the leading anti-apartheid organization. He quickly became involved in student protests and demonstrations against the oppressive apartheid laws.

Anti-Apartheid Activism

As Mahlangu grew older, he became increasingly disillusioned with the apartheid regime. He witnessed firsthand the brutality and injustice inflicted upon his people. In 1976, the Soweto uprising, sparked by student protests against the use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction, became a turning point in his life.

Mahlangu played a key role in organizing and mobilizing students in support of the uprising. He became a target of the security forces, who raided his home and harassed his family.

Exile and Armed Struggle

In 1977, Mahlangu fled South Africa to Swaziland to escape persecution. There, he joined the ANC's military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He received training in guerrilla warfare and was assigned to carry out sabotage operations inside South Africa.

Mahlangu and his comrades launched a series of attacks on apartheid targets, including police stations and government buildings. These actions were met with swift and brutal retaliation from the security forces.

Betrayal and Capture

In 1979, Mahlangu was betrayed by an informant and arrested by the South African Police. He was charged with treason, murder, and terrorism. The trial that followed was a sham, with Mahlangu being denied basic legal rights.

Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Mahlangu refused to compromise his beliefs. He used the trial as a platform to denounce apartheid and call for a free and democratic South Africa.

On April 6, 1980, Mahlangu was sentenced to death by hanging. He was executed on June 6, 1980, at the age of 23.

Legacy

Solomon Mahlangu's death sparked widespread outrage both within South Africa and internationally. He became a symbol of the brutality of apartheid and the unwavering determination of those who resisted it.

Mahlangu's legacy lives on through the countless memorials, schools, and streets that bear his name. He is celebrated as a hero and a martyr, inspiring generations of South Africans to fight for justice and equality.

The story of Solomon Mahlangu is a testament to the power of one young man's courage and sacrifice. His unwavering determination to fight against injustice made him a symbol of hope and inspiration for all who yearn for a better world.

Mahlangu's legacy continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in, even in the face of adversity. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his spirit will continue to inspire those who strive for a just and equitable society for all.