President Ramaphosa to preside over repatriation of remains of liberation stalwarts

The repatriation process, led by an Inter-Departmental Team, will return the remains of struggle icons who died in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will preside over the repatriation of the remains of liberation stalwarts who perished in exile while fighting for South Africa's freedom. The repatriation process, led by an Inter-Departmental Team, will return the remains of struggle icons who died in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The ceremony is scheduled for 28 September 2024, at the close of Heritage Month.

Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that the remains will be welcomed at Waterkloof Airforce Base, followed by a formal launch of the Repatriation and Restitution Program at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum.

The initiative is in line with a commitment made by President Ramaphosa in his January 8, 2020 address, and reiterated in his State of the Nation Address. The repatriation focuses on key figures like Dumalisile Nokwe, Florence Maphosho from Zambia, and Basil February from Zimbabwe, marking a significant step on South Africa’s Road to Freedom and Democracy.

This year's Heritage Month, themed “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom,” pays tribute to the many liberation figures who sacrificed their lives for the nation's freedom.