Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu is born

Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, a soldier of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), who was executed by hanging in Pretoria Central Prison, was born on 10 July 1956 in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria. Mahlangu left the country to join the ANC's military wing in exile in October 1976 after the student demonstrations of 1976. He received his military training in Angola and Mozambique. He returned to South Africa in 1977 on a mission to help students commemorate the 1976 demonstrations. On route to Soweto, his group was accosted by the police and a gunfight ensued. Two civilians were killed and Mahlangu was captured along with Monty Motloung who was beaten to the point of severe brain damage. The third member of the group, George Mahlangu, managed to escape.  His final words are reported to be, “Tell my people that I love them and that they must continue the fight, my blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom, Aluta continua." His statue was unveiled in Mamelodi by the minister of defence and ANC chairperson, Mosiuoa Lekota, and Tshwane Executive Mayor, Father S'mangaliso Mkhatshwa.