The Order of Luthuli in Gold

Mosell Molaoa (1925 – 1968) Awarded for:

Exceptional leadership in the struggle of the youth against apartheid and for laying down his life to attain freedom and democracy for all in South Africa.

Born in Johannesburg in 1925, Patrick Mosell Molaoa grew up in Alexandra Township and attended schools in Basutoland (Lesotho), Johannesburg, and matriculated in Kimberley.

In his early adulthood, Molaoa ran a gymnasium in the Western Native Township in Johannesburg and worked as a clerk for the Public Utility Transport Company (PUTCO). Molaoa became active in the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) and served as its Transvaal treasurer and assistant secretary in the mid-1950s. He was elected National President of the ANCYL in July 1959 and consequently, was amongst the first accused in the Treason Trial.

After his acquittal in 1961 he joined Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) and underwent military training outside of the country. He was killed in action in 1968 while involved in a guerrilla skirmish in southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).

Patrick Mosell Molaoa was among the first MK cadre to die in combat.