By Mpho Moloi
In a deeply emotional and historic ceremony, South Africa honoured 42 freedom fighters who perished in exile during the apartheid era. Held at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Tshwane, Pretoria, the event saw the repatriation and restitution of the remains of men and women who sacrificed their lives in Zambia and Zimbabwe while fighting for the nation’s liberation. President Cyril Ramaphosa led the moving ceremony, reiterating the importance of remembering these heroes and heroines, and tasked Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie with the establishment of a Heroes Acre to celebrate the nation’s struggle icons.
An Emotional Homecoming for Fallen Freedom Fighters:
The solemn occasion on Friday marked the return of South Africa’s freedom fighters to their homeland, where they were laid to rest with dignity. These individuals, who gave their lives in the fight against apartheid, have finally come home to the free and democratic South Africa they fought to realise. The remains included prominent figures such as former African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Duma Nokwe, head of the ANC Women’s Section Florence Mophosho, journalist Todd Matshikiza, Wankie Campaigner Basil February, and other lesser-known but equally important heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle.
The event was attended by the families of the fallen, who, despite decades of grief and uncertainty, finally found closure. Former President Thabo Mbeki, Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga, and Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie were also present, lending their support to the families and paying tribute to the freedom fighters.
Paying Tribute to the Sacrifices Made:
President Ramaphosa, who officiated the ceremony, emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions of these returned freedom fighters. “South Africans need to know the names and appreciate the contributions of these patriots. Their names will forever be inscribed here at the Wall of Names in Freedom Park so that we may never forget,” said Ramaphosa, underscoring that any nation valuing its freedom must hold its liberation heroes and heroines in high regard.
The ceremony was filled with emotionally charged moments as speakers honoured the sacrifices made by those who never got to witness the freedom they fought for. Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa Mazuba Monze delivered a heartfelt message, saying: “May the spirits of our heroes and heroines continue to inspire us as we continue to move forward in friendship and collaboration. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, good and faithful servants, come and rest at peace in the land that you have so valiantly fought for.”
Families Finally Find Closure:
For many families, the repatriation ceremony brought long-awaited closure. One of those families was that of Florence Mophosho, a revered stalwart of the ANC Women’s Section. Her niece, Edna Mophosho Tshabalala, 83, travelled from Naturena in Gauteng to receive her aunt’s remains. Overcome with emotion, Tshabalala spoke about the family’s sense of healing: “As a family, we are very happy, and we are finally going to have closure now. Every time we miss her, we will go to Westpark Cemetery to visit her,” she said.
Tshabalala recalled her aunt’s unwavering commitment to the liberation movement, even though her involvement was unknown to the family until after her disappearance. She shared the family’s devastation upon hearing of Mophosho’s death in 1985 but expressed gratitude that they could now give her a proper farewell. “Today, we are here to receive her from Zambia,” she added, recalling her emotional journey to locate her aunt’s grave in Zambia, a trip that eventually led to the successful repatriation of Mophosho’s remains.
Bringing Healing to the Families:
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga acknowledged that while the government had initially planned to repatriate the remains of 49 freedom fighters, delays in the DNA verification process had slowed the repatriation of some remains. However, Motshekga assured other families that their loved ones would also be brought home. “The repatriation of the remains of our struggle stalwarts is not just about laying to rest those who fought for freedom, it is about bringing healing to their families,” Motshekga said. She added that the sacrifices of these freedom fighters are a source of national pride and that their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Motshekga also expressed gratitude to Minister McKenzie and other departments that collaborated on the repatriation project, as well as various political party formations that supported the initiative.
Gayton McKenzie: A Labour of Love:
Minister Gayton McKenzie spoke about the deeply personal nature of the repatriation process. He described it as a “labour of love” that brought him closer to the families of the fallen fighters. McKenzie shared his own experience of loss, explaining how his mother had died heartbroken after her younger brother, who had fought for freedom, was never found. “I saw what my mother went through, and that is why I was rushing the process. I don’t want any other woman, child, or father to go through what she went through,” McKenzie said.
Despite the sombre nature of the repatriation process, McKenzie expressed his belief that the government is on the right path, noting that the patience and understanding of the families reaffirmed his conviction. “The President is resolute, he is intentional that we must bring back all the soldiers that fought for freedom,” McKenzie added.
Establishing a Heroes Acre:
As part of the efforts to honour South Africa’s struggle icons, President Ramaphosa has tasked Minister McKenzie with establishing a Heroes Acre—a dedicated resting place for the nation’s liberation heroes. “As I travel to other countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mozambique, they have created incredible Heroes Acres where the heroes of their struggle are buried, and those memorial sites have, in many ways, become sacred places of the nation,” Ramaphosa said.
He further explained that while South Africa’s heroes are buried across the country, it does not mean that a centralised monument cannot be created. The Heroes Acre will serve as a place where future generations can pay their respects to those who sacrificed everything for the nation’s freedom.
A Journey of Healing:
The repatriation of the freedom fighters’ remains marks not only the end of a long journey for their families but also the beginning of national healing. As President Ramaphosa pointed out, these men and women left South Africa at a time when the country was at war with itself. They fought for a nation that brutally oppressed its people, and now, their remains have returned to a free and democratic South Africa. “Today, their remains return to a free and democratic South Africa,” Ramaphosa said, recognising the bittersweet nature of their homecoming.
Preserving the Nation’s Liberation Heritage:
Ramaphosa’s speech also stressed the importance of preserving South Africa’s liberation heritage. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to honouring the men and women who fought for freedom, noting that their contributions should never be forgotten. “To do so, we must honour all those who authored this history by taking part in the struggle to free our country. This we must continue to do because our freedom can never be taken for granted,” Ramaphosa urged.
He acknowledged that while the freedom fighters hailed from different political traditions, they were united by a common vision for a free and just South Africa. Their values and activism, the President said, continue to inspire efforts to build a better life for all.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate