By Thabo Mosia
On the evening of Wednesday, 25 September 2024, South Africa witnessed an emotional moment at the Waterkloof Airforce Base as the remains of 49 liberation fighters, who perished in exile during the country’s fight against apartheid, were returned home from Zimbabwe and Zambia. This momentous event, long-awaited by the families of the fallen, marks the beginning of closure for many and serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for South Africa’s freedom.
In attendance was Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, who spoke passionately about the significance of the repatriation, underscoring the tremendous cost of the country’s freedom. “The message is of gratitude to the families who have daughters, sons, fathers, and mothers who gave the ultimate price for our freedom. We are able to be here because they gave the final sacrifice. It is also for us as a people, to remember where we came from because this didn’t come easy. There are people who died, and we should not be casual about how we use that power because it is a power that came from people who gave their lives,” Motshekga said.
The return of the remains has been a critical moment for South Africa, not only for the families directly affected but also for the broader public, as it reignites reflections on the country’s tumultuous history. The process is part of the Exile Repatriation Programme, which aims to return the remains of liberation fighters who perished in exile, ensuring that they are brought home and buried with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Repatriation of Heroes: A Continued Effort
Minister Motshekga highlighted that this event is part of a broader plan to repatriate the remains of many more fallen heroes. The process of repatriation began several years ago and is expected to continue for years to come, with plans to conduct mass repatriations in two-year intervals.
“The plan is to now do mass repatriations, and that’s what has been in the works for the past two years. But because it takes time, we’ll see if we can do it in gaps of two years. This has been a good lesson in terms of mass repatriations, and when we move to other countries, we will have learned the lessons on how to deal with most of the issues,” Motshekga added.
The repatriation process involves collaboration between the South African government, regional governments in Zimbabwe and Zambia, historical experts, and local communities to ensure a respectful and well-coordinated return. This collaborative effort seeks to guarantee that these fallen freedom fighters receive the honors they are due after decades of being away from home.
Families Remember Their Heroes
For the families of these fighters, the return of the remains has been a deeply personal and emotional experience. Among those returned was the body of freedom fighter Basil February, who died in Zimbabwe. His brother, Terry February, described the repatriation as the beginning of healing for his family.
“My mother died 11 years ago, and I would have liked for this occasion to have happened 12 or 15 years ago so that she could have been here. My mother died when she was 92 years old. She asked me to make her a promise that I would bring Basil’s remains home, and I said I would. Today is such a historic day for our family,” February remarked.
He added, “It does not yet bring closure. It will take a little while. This whole process has opened some old, deep wounds, and it will take a while for those wounds to heal. But I can feel that the process has already started. That closure is starting to kick in. I feel relief and genuine excitement because Basil is finally coming home.”
The long journey to bring their loved ones home has been marked with grief, but the sense of relief and closure has begun to set in for many families. For them, this return represents not only the fulfillment of promises made but also a chance to honor their loved ones properly.
Onica Mahlangu, whose brother Bennet Sibanyoni died in Zambia nearly 40 years ago, expressed mixed emotions, saying, “I feel like this is the first time I have been informed of his death. That’s how much it still hurts. Unfortunately, my mother died with a broken heart, crying for her son. She pleaded with us not to stop searching for his remains. I feel happy that the government has not forgotten us and has helped us.”
Mahlangu continued, “The repatriation will bring peace to our spirits. Our family was tortured. We didn’t even have a photo of him because the Apartheid government took everything that belonged to him and left us with nothing that we could look at and remember him by.”
Similarly, Makabelo Msiza spoke of her relief in finally being able to bring her brother home after decades of trying. “I am filled with joy because we finally have my sibling back. I know where I will bury him, and even when I miss him, I will now know where to go to visit him at his gravesite. I will bury him near my parents’ graves. President [Cyril] Ramaphosa has done such a big thing for us. I have been on this road since Mandela was alive. I have knocked on many doors with no help, but today, because of President Ramaphosa, everything has now been resolved, and we can bury our loved ones in peace,” Msiza said.
A Symbolic Ceremony at Freedom Park
In addition to the emotional homecoming at Waterkloof, the government has planned a repatriation and restitution ceremony led by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Tshwane. The ceremony is expected to serve as a national tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of these liberation fighters.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) confirmed in a statement that following the arrival of the remains, an official homecoming ceremony would mark the return of the fighters to their homeland. “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,” said the GCIS.
The Freedom Park ceremony will be a symbolic moment for the country, not only for the families but also for a nation that continues to grapple with the legacies of its struggle for freedom. These freedom fighters, whose remains have now been brought home, represent a generation that fought tirelessly for liberation, and their repatriation is a poignant reminder of their immense sacrifice.
A Continuing Commitment: The Exile Repatriation Programme
The Exile Repatriation Programme, which began under the guidance of the National Policy of Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects of 2021, seeks to honor the memory of the many South Africans who died in exile during the apartheid era. The policy represents the government’s broader commitment to ensuring that former liberation fighters who died abroad are returned home and buried with dignity.
The repatriation of human remains has been a significant aspect of reconciliation and national healing, as South Africa continues to address the painful wounds of its apartheid past. The government has worked closely with regional governments, particularly Zimbabwe and Zambia, to ensure that the remains of these fighters are properly handled, preserved, and returned.
“This is a deeply important process for our country,” said a government spokesperson. “The Exile Repatriation Programme is more than just a way of bringing our heroes home. It is a step toward national healing, reconciliation, and paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”
The programme has received broad support from South Africans across the country, with many expressing their appreciation for the government’s efforts to repatriate the remains of these liberation fighters. Local communities, historical experts, and cultural groups have also played a crucial role in ensuring that the repatriation process is carried out with respect and dignity.
Looking Ahead: Future Repatriations
The repatriation of the 49 liberation fighters is not the end of the Exile Repatriation Programme. According to government officials, there are still many freedom fighters who perished abroad whose remains have yet to be returned to South Africa.
The government has committed to continuing the programme, with future repatriations already planned. “This is not the end. We will continue to work with the families of those who are still abroad, and we will bring them home,” said Minister Motshekga.
Families who have yet to receive their loved ones’ remains have been reassured that the government will do everything in its power to ensure that these heroes are returned home. The lessons learned from this most recent repatriation will be invaluable as the government moves forward with its plans for future mass repatriations.
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