By Nkosana Khumalo
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all South Africans to recognise and honour the sacrifices of the liberation heroes and heroines who have been repatriated from Zambia and Zimbabwe. Speaking at the homecoming ceremony of 42 South African freedom fighters who lost their lives in exile during the apartheid era, the President emphasised their crucial role in securing the nation’s freedom. The solemn event took place on Friday at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Tshwane, Pretoria, and was attended by the families of the fallen heroes, as well as prominent figures like former President Thabo Mbeki, Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga, and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton Mckenzie.
“South Africans need to know the names and appreciate the contributions of these returned freedom fighters. I ask that we read out the names of these patriots for all our people to know them. Their names will forever be inscribed here at the Wall of Names in Freedom Park so that we may never forget. Any nation that values its freedom holds its liberation heroes and heroines in high regard,” the President said, highlighting the importance of preserving the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom South Africans now enjoy.
Honouring the Heroes and Heroines of Liberation
The repatriation of the freedom fighters’ remains from Zambia and Zimbabwe forms part of the Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route Project (RLHR), a national memory initiative aimed at commemorating, celebrating, and preserving the history of South Africa’s struggle for freedom. This project, spearheaded by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, seeks to educate and inspire future generations by immortalising the sacrifices made by those who fought against apartheid.
The return of the freedom fighters’ remains is part of a broader effort to bring home the exiled freedom fighters who lost their lives in foreign lands. Through this act of repatriation, the President noted, their citizenship has been symbolically reinstated.
“We return them to the land of their birth. We restore them to their families and their people. Decades ago, these freedom fighters left a country that was at war with itself. They left a country in which the fundamental rights of its people were brutally and cruelly suppressed by apartheid, which was declared a crime against humanity. Today, their remains return to a free and democratic South Africa,” Ramaphosa said, expressing deep regret that these patriots did not live to witness the freedom they fought so valiantly for.
A Day of Reflection and Remembrance
The President reflected on the gravity of the occasion, acknowledging that it was only fitting that the country gathered at Freedom Park to pay tribute to the fallen heroes and heroines. The site, which stands as a national symbol of remembrance, honours those who gave their lives in the pursuit of freedom and equality.
“It is here at Freedom Park that we remember our struggle for liberation and the many men and women who fought so that we may be free. It is here that we celebrate the achievement of our democracy. And it is here that we pledge to strive together, sparing neither strength nor courage, until the fundamental freedoms of every person are realised,” Ramaphosa remarked. He called upon the nation to unite in safeguarding the values and principles these freedom fighters stood for, ensuring their legacy continues to guide the country forward.
The ceremony was marked by moments of deep reflection, as the President spoke of the role these freedom fighters played in building the foundations of the country’s democracy. He urged South Africans to draw inspiration from their sacrifices and remain committed to building a more just and equal society.
The Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route Project (RLHR)
The RLHR is a national initiative aimed at preserving South Africa’s rich liberation heritage. The project documents the country’s road to freedom, celebrating those who fought for justice while also providing a lasting testament to future generations. The RLHR spans several key sites across South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and other countries that played a significant role in the liberation struggle.
At the heart of the RLHR is the belief that remembering and honouring the past is essential to building a better future. The project aims to educate and inspire by showcasing the bravery, resilience, and sacrifices of those who took part in the struggle against apartheid.
Ramaphosa’s speech underscored the importance of this initiative, stating that the repatriation of the remains of the freedom fighters gives further effect to the preamble of South Africa’s Constitution. He stressed that the project not only honours the freedom fighters but also contributes to national healing and unity.
Remembering Prominent Liberation Heroes
In his address, President Ramaphosa paid tribute to several notable freedom fighters whose remains were repatriated. Among them was Duma Nokwe, the former Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC). Nokwe was a prominent voice in the fight for South Africa’s liberation, both on the continent and globally. “It is perhaps a sign of his esteemed place in the history of the liberation movement that his remains were exhumed still wearing the ANC scarf in which he was buried in Lusaka in 1978,” Ramaphosa said.
Another significant figure was John Nyathi Pokela, Chairman of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). Pokela spent over a decade on Robben Island due to his involvement in the Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA), known then as Poqo. He was remembered for his vital role in uniting the PAC and passed away in Harare in 1985.
Edwin Letsholo Makoti, another prominent PAC leader, was also honoured during the ceremony. Makoti, a founding member of the PAC, served as Secretary for Publicity and Information in the PAC’s Central Committee before his death in Harare in 1989.
Ramaphosa also spoke of Florence Mophosho, a stalwart in the struggle for women’s rights. Mophosho was known for her fiery spirit and commitment to the cause of liberation. “She was a great leader of our movement and a pioneer in the struggle for women’s rights. She helped us understand that no society can be free until its women are free,” Ramaphosa said.
Another heroic name mentioned was Basil February, a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe’s Luthuli Detachment. He lost his life in then-Rhodesia during the Wankie Campaign. February’s contribution to the armed struggle remains an essential chapter in South Africa’s history.
“There are other freedom fighters we honour here today whose names are not as familiar. And yet their sacrifice and their contribution to our freedom is no less profound and is no less valued,” the President added, underscoring that every fighter’s role in the liberation movement is cherished.
Acknowledging Zambia and Zimbabwe
Ramaphosa expressed the country’s heartfelt gratitude to Zambia and Zimbabwe for sheltering and caring for the South African freedom fighters during their years in exile. “We are grateful in this instance to the governments and peoples of Zambia and Zimbabwe for having taken great care of our compatriots and for enabling their remains to be repatriated,” he said.
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe played pivotal roles in supporting South Africa’s liberation struggle. They offered sanctuary to freedom fighters, allowing them to continue their fight against apartheid from outside South Africa’s borders. The support from these nations helped sustain the anti-apartheid movement and contributed to the eventual downfall of the oppressive regime.
Preserving South Africa’s Liberation Heritage
President Ramaphosa reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving the nation’s liberation heritage. He emphasised that honouring the men and women who took part in the struggle for freedom remains a priority, especially as the country continues to build its democratic foundations.
“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. We must continue to honour those men and women whose love for their country and its people motivated them to sacrifice their lives for freedom,” Ramaphosa urged.
He added that while the freedom fighters hailed from different political traditions, they were united by a common vision of a free and democratic South Africa. Their values and activism continue to inspire the nation’s efforts to build a better future for all its citizens.
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