29 July 2020
The Young Communist League of South Africa [uFasimba] has learnt with great disappointment of the events surrounding the funeral of Isitwalandwe/Seaparankwe Andrew Mlangeni which characterize defiance and lack of adherence to the regulations announced by the government in line with the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002.
It is disappointing that such acts were allowed at a dignified proceeding led by the government and the movement that Tata Andrew Mlangeni served selflessly with honesty and discipline. Isitwalandwe/Seaparankwe Andrew Mlangeni was a man of integrity and he is too innocent to be associated with such actions.
Tata Andrew Mlangeni holds the same status and recognition in our society as the likes of Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Chris Hani, Mama Winnie Mandela and others. His dedication and outstanding service to the liberation of South Africa has made South Africans to share him with the Mlageni Family. The state should have known and understood that he belonged to ordinary South Africans, and as such, it was obvious that many citizens would want to tender him a befitting farewell. It was supposed to be the role of the state to ensure compliance and adherence to the regulations.
History serves a lesson that South Africans value their struggle heroes and citizens which have contributed greatly to the development of our beautiful nation. During the funeral of the late General Secretary of the SACP, Chris Hani, people were informed that weapons were prohibited during the proceeding of the funeral, however, they proceeded in offering their struggle icon a befitting farewell against the announced regulations.
Moreover, the events at the funeral and memorial service of the late Isitwalandwe/Seaparankwe Andrew Mlangeni are equally a reflection of the lockdown fatigue in our society fuelled by social insecurities such as job losses, PPE for workers, a Covid-19 gravy train where senior government officers and politicians are allegedly looting state resources aimed at fighting the pandemic; and a wide range of other issues such as mental health issues.
The former and the latter, of which the state should take full responsibility, are against the principles of our movement and the moral objectives of the South African constitution as they seem to create a picture of those in power being more equal than others.
We call on government to amend the regulations for gatherings such as the befitting farewell given to Ntate Andrew Mlangeni. Much as state funerals are different from all other funerals in society, regulations should equally allow a space for such gatherings to be treated differently which will ensure greater compliance to the regulations, health and safety standards, and not deter the moral objective.
Issued by the Young Communist League of South Africa [ufasimba]
For Inquiries contact:
Dloze Matooane
National Spokesperson
066 570 3902
Whatsapp: 0826920127
Email: dmdmatooane@gmail.com
Dineo Mokoena
Media and Liaison
073 969 8532
