FREEDOM fighter Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu was remembered by the ANC, Military Veterans, and his family.
It was the 45th anniversary of the late struggle icon's death.
Each speaker described Kalushi as a giant of the struggle. Kalushi was hanged at the gallows at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Tshwane on 6 April 1979.
The commemoration started in the morning at the gallows at the same prison and ended at the Mamelodi West Cemetery, where there was a wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, 6 April.
The deputy minister of defence and military veterans, Thabang Makwetla, said that professionals and other people believe that "by hanging around with ANC people, you are increasing your chances of making your life better".
He further said people gave their lives for this country and that people could only change the country if they became as selfless as Kalushi.
"When we fought for the struggle, the slogans were saying, 'an injury to one is an injury to all'. Kalushi was not a university student but a high school learner. That's why he was involved in the uprising of 1976. He was inspirational. He got arrested, got a life sentence but didn't veer off the line," said Makwetla.
He said Kalushi rejuvenated the spirit of no surrender. "His bravery, his loyalty to the ANC, his commitment to our struggle, it's imaginable. He has set the standard," he said.
Ezra Letsoalo, ANC provincial council member, said: "Kalushi was also part of those who constituted the revolutionary cohort of young people."
ALSO READ: Land dispute ends in fist fight
Prince George Mahlangu said: "We are moving forward with ANC. We must be strong and remember the struggles we are coming from. Let's give our organisation the opportunity to continue governing the country."
He said that Kalushi was an inspiration.
South African Communist Party central committee and poliburo member, Dr Reneva Fourie, said: "Some opportunists are attempting to distort or to present our history as their own. These opportunists are shamelessly appropriating the names of our organs and leaders."
Dan Hatto, the national convener of uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV), said: "Comrade Kalushi was a gem. He was passionate about his people. Are we following in his footsteps when we are elected to positions, or we get those positions only to represent ourselves?"
ANC Women's League representative, Dorris Maja, said: "We must celebrate this day. Kalushi made a mark in South Africa."
ANC Youth League representative, Onkgopotse Thompson-Peete, said they'd commemorate Kalushi in the region by reclaiming their streets from criminals.
