Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, born on July 10, 1956, in Pretoria, South Africa, was a young freedom fighter who dedicated his life to the struggle against apartheid.
Raised by his mother, Martha Mahlangu, a domestic worker, Mahlangu was deeply affected by the injustices of the apartheid regime.
His early life was marked by poverty and the harsh realities of segregation in Mamelodi, a township on the outskirts of Pretoria.
Mahlangu attended Mamelodi High School up to Standard 8 (his tenth year of school), but his education was cut short by the closure of schools in 1976. This was a result of the Soweto uprising, where students protested against the introduction of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in black schools.
Mahlangu’s passion for education was overshadowed by the political turmoil, and he joined the African National Congress (ANC) to fight for equal education and freedom.
In 1976, Mahlangu left South Africa to join the ANC and undergo military training. He spent six months in a refugee camp in Xai Xai, Mozambique, before being taken to an ANC training facility called “Engineering” in Angola.
There, he received training in sabotage, military combat, scouting, and politics. He was part of a unit of 10 men led by Julius Mokoena, which included George “Lucky” Mahlangu and Mondy Motloung.
In June 1977, Mahlangu and his comrades, including George “Lucky” Mahlangu and Mondy Motloung, infiltrated South Africa to assist with student protests commemorating the June 16 uprising. They were armed with suitcases containing pamphlets, rifles, and grenades.
On June 13, 1977, they were intercepted by police in Johannesburg, leading to a gun battle in which two civilians were killed.
Mahlangu and Motloung were arrested, while George “Lucky” Mahlangu managed to escape.
Mahlangu’s trial began on November 7, 1977, where he was charged with murder and terrorism-related charges.
Despite his innocence in the shooting, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. His lawyers appealed the decision, but it was denied.
Mahlangu was executed by hanging on April 6, 1979, at the Pretoria Central Prison.
His final words were: “My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom. Tell my people that I love them. They must continue the fight”.
Solomon Mahlangu is remembered as a martyr of the struggle for freedom in South Africa. The Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square in Mamelodi, Pretoria, was dedicated to his memory.
He was posthumously awarded the Order of Mendi for Bravery in Gold in 2005.
The Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu Scholarship Fund was established in 2014 to support young people pursuing higher education.
Mahlangu’s comrades who lost their lives during the struggle include Monty Motloung, who was severely beaten by police during his arrest and was unfit to stand trial, and George “Lucky” Mahlangu, who managed to escape the Goch Street shoot-out but was later arrested and killed by the apartheid police.
Solomon Mahlangu’s story serves as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of young people who fought against the inhumanity of apartheid. His legacy continues to inspire future generations to pursue freedom and equality.