Post Office stamp tribute to struggle icon

The South African Post Office has released a maxi card – a stamp within a larger sheet of paper – commemorating the freedom struggle martyr Solomon Mahlangu 30 years after his death, writes Derrick Spies.South African Post Office spokesperson, Cheryl Kemp said the miniature sheet shows an unsigned portrait of Mahlangu, which had been donated to his family after his death by an unknown artist.

Born on 10 July 1956, Mahlangu left South Africa in 1976 after the students uprising when the school he attended was closed. He joined Umkonto We Sizwe, the then military wing of the ANC.

He returned to South Africa in June 1977, but was accosted by police on patrol.

Two civilians were killed in the ensuing gun battle and Solomon Mahlangu was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by hanging.

For two years the international democratic community campaigned against his execution and called for the recognition of all South African freedom fighters as prisoners of war, but on 6 April 1979 Mahlangu was executed, despite appeals by the United Nations Security Council, United States president Jimmy Carter, the Organisation for African Unity and the Anti-Apartheid Movement.

Kemp said his last words were reported to be: “My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom.  Tell my people that I love them and that they must continue the struggle. Amandla!”

“These words are symbolised in the portrait donated to his family, where the artist transformed Mahlangu’s neck into the tree he spoke about in his last words,” she said.

Kemp said the maxi cards would be available from selected Post Offices and can be used as postage on domestic postcards.

A sheet of stamps costs R46.

Related Articles

• No Related Post