Cape Town — The bodies of 49 former liberations who passed away while in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia are set to be repatriated to South Africa on Wednesday.
“Following their arrival, the government will host an official homecoming ceremony on the 27th of September 2024 at Freedom Park, also in Pretoria, to mark the return of these liberation fighters to the country of their birth. Thereafter, reburial ceremonies will be held in the provinces of their origin, ensuring they are laid to rest with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Defence and Military Veterans spokesperson, Onicca Kwakwa, said.
The repatriation process is conducted in collaboration with regional governments, historical experts and local communities, to guarantee a respectful and well-coordinated return.
The remains will be received at Waterkloof Airforce Base and will take place between 16h00 and 18h00 on the 25th of September 2024, whilst the homecoming ceremony will start at 10h00 on the 27th of September 2024.
South Africa remains forever indebted to the heroes of its liberation struggle, and this initiative represents a significant milestone in honouring their legacy and contribution to the 30 years of freedom and democracy milestone.
The remains of 49 anti-apartheid activists exiled in Zambia and Zimbabwe will return home today. Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans spokesperson Onicca Kwakwa says the repatriation was delayed due to some countries ‘not understanding’ the process, basing it on… pic.twitter.com/Syuom1v6cx
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 25, 2024
According to EWN, the former liberation fighters died while in exile in Zambia and Zimbabwe between 1967 and 1990 and the event is part of the government’s new exile repatriation programme, which honours those who sacrificed their lives for South Africa’s freedom.
Among those to be repatriated is the former chairman of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), John Nyathi-Pokela, are among those to be repatriated. Many of the remains belong to former PAC members and members of the ANC’s former military wing, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK).
As reported by IOL, Deputy President Paul Mashatile paid tribute to the countries that opened their doors to South African activists and freedom fighters who fled during Apartheid.
“During Heritage Month, we remember those who fought for our freedom. Many of our freedom fighters died in Zimbabwe and Zambia and others were killed in this country. Some of them, their families have never been able to identify their graves. They just disappeared, so we need to celebrate all these heroes,” Mashatile said.
“As our heroes come back for re-burial at home, let me take this opportunity to thank more sincerely the people of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana and many other countries that welcomed our brothers and sisters. They looked after them, they even looked after our fallen heroes.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
