In the spirit of commemorating South Africa’ struggle heroes this Heritage month – SABC 1 will broadcast the award-winning, KALUSHI: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu this Sunday, 17 September 2017, at 21h30.
Kalushi is a true story about a 19-year-old hawker, Solomon Mahlangu, from the streets of Mamelodi. Kalushi goes into exile following the 1976 Soweto uprising to join the liberation movement. After returning from military training in Angola en route to their mission, his friend and comrade, Mondi (played by Thabo Malema), loses control and shoots two innocent people on Goch Street in Johannesburg.
Mondi is severely beaten & tortured and Kalushi is forced to stand trial under the common purpose doctrine. The state seeks the highest punishment from the court, Death by Hanging. Kalushi has his back against the wall and uses the courtroom as a final battlefield. His sacrifice immortalizes him into a hero of the struggle and an international icon of June 16, 1976.
To date, Mahlangu’s commitment to South Africa’s freedom remains iconic and the words uttered on his last day are etched in the memory of the country’s history: “My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruit of freedom, tell my people that I love them and they must continue the fight. “
The cast of the kalushi full movie includes well-known personalities such as Pearl Thusi, Dr. Gcina Mhlophe and seasoned actors Jafta Mamabolo and Welile Nzunza amongst others.