“A heroic son of our people… of the South African revolutionary struggle” (the African National Congress – ANC), and “a symbol of resistance for the youth” (South Africa’s Daily Vox), the very short life of Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, who was executed by the South African apartheid regime 38 years ago today, is being remembered and commemorated around the country.

Wrongfully charged with two counts of murder (two white people in Johannesburg) and three charges under the Terrorism Act, Mahlangu, who was brutally tortured by the police while in custody, was hanged on this day, April 6, 1979, in Pretoria, South Africa. He was He was 22 years old.

A member of the African National Congress, Mahlangu was executed despite calls from local and international organizations for him to be pardoned – an execution that sparked international protest and condemnation of South Africa’s internal policies.

His sacrifice immortalized him as a hero of the struggle and a national icon of South Africa’s youth.

Before he was hanged, Mahlangu’s famous last words were: “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 fight.”

Currently touring the international film festival circuit is “Kalushi,” which tells the story of Solomon Mahlangu, in a film starring Thabo Rametsi as the young slain revolutionary.

Directed by Mandla Walter Dube from his own screenplay (co-written with Leon Otto), the film co-stars Thabo Malema and Louw Vente, with Soloman Mahlangu’s brother, Lucas Mahlangu, serving as adviser to the production.

Funded by the National Lottery Distribution Fund for Arts, Culture and Heritage, the Department of Trade & Industry’s Film Incentive Scheme, the Department of Arts and Culture, and the National Film & Video Foundation, the film is produced by Walter Ayres and director Dube, and was shot on location in and around Pretoria and Johannesburg for six weeks.

It is Mandla Dube’s feature directorial debut.

The film, which is currently out in theaters in South Africa, is currently touring the international film festival circuit. Just last month, it picked up the best film award at the annual Luxor African Film Festival – under the theme of international freedom. Director Mandla Dube received the prestigious award from the Egyptian minister of arts and culture at the festival. Dube said the award, which is named after ancient Egyptian king Tutankhamun‚ resonated with the spirit of struggle that Mahlangu is synonymous for. He said he was incredibly proud of the cast and crew‚ who were overjoyed at winning the award.

Follow the film’s travels via its Facebook page to find out if/when it’s coming to a theater near you. As of today, in the USA, it’s screened at the Pan African Film Festival. It’ll next screen at the 24th New York African Film Festival, which runs May 3-9. We’ll be covering that festival, so expect a review of the film (and others).

A trailer for “Kalushi” follows (as well as a poster):

Kalushi. Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu

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