The Bohlokong community, in partnership with the Free State Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, hosted a public meeting to rename the R26 Route after the illustrious anti-apartheid activist Andrew Mokete Mlangeni.
The meeting took place on Monday, May 13, 2025, at the Boiketlong Hall in Bethlehem. Despite efforts to publicize the event through various media platforms, community turnout was lower than expected. However, those who attended expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for Mlangeni’s legacy.
The community members present at the meeting unanimously supported and endorsed the proposal to rename the R26 Route to Andrew Mokete Mlangeni Road. The renaming process is expected to take three months to be approved by the relevant authorities.
It’s worth noting that the renaming will only affect the R26 Route in the Free State province and will not impact the R26 designation in other provinces, such as Gauteng. This change aims to honor Mlangeni’s significant contributions to the fight against apartheid and his commitment to the people of South Africa.
Born on June 6, 1925, on a farm in Bethlehem, Orange Free State, Mlangeni was a stalwart of the African National Congress (ANC) and a key figure in the fight against apartheid. He was one of the Rivonia Trialists, sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island, where he spent 26 years. After his release, Mlangeni continued to serve the nation, becoming a member of parliament and advocating for the rights of the marginalized.
The renaming of the R26 Route is a fitting tribute to Mlangeni’s tireless efforts to bring about freedom and equality to South Africa. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM MLANGENI’S LIFE
- Early Life: Born on a farm in Bethlehem, Mlangeni grew up in Soweto and began working at a young age to support his family.
- Activism: Mlangeni joined the ANC Youth League in 1951 and later became a key figure in the fight against apartheid, working closely with other prominent leaders like Nelson Mandela.
- Imprisonment: Mlangeni spent 26 years on Robben Island, where he continued to advocate for the rights of the oppressed.
- Legacy: After his release, Mlangeni served in parliament and received numerous accolades for his contributions to the liberation struggle, including the Isithwalandwe Seaparankwe award.
The public meeting was an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate Mlangeni’s life and legacy. The renaming of the R26 Route is a testament to his enduring impact on South African history.
