SA Receives Remains of 49 Liberation Fighters from Zimbabwe and Zambia

Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, acknowledged the sacrifices made by these heroes, stating that their ultimate price was paid for the freedom of the country.

In a poignant ceremony at the Waterkloof Airforce Base on Wednesday evening, September 25, 2024, the South African government welcomed home the remains of 49 liberation fighters who died in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia. For the families of these fallen freedom fighters, the event marked a deeply emotional moment of reflection and closure.

Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, acknowledged the sacrifices made by these heroes, stating that their ultimate price was paid for the freedom of the country. "We are here because they gave the final sacrifice," she remarked, urging South Africans to never forget the struggles endured to achieve the freedom they now enjoy. Motshekga also confirmed that repatriations of other struggle heroes who died in exile would continue in the future.

Among the remains received was that of Basil February, a freedom fighter who died in Zimbabwe. His brother Terry expressed both relief and sorrow, recalling a promise made to their late mother to bring Basil's remains home. "This process has opened old wounds, but closure has begun," Terry shared.

Similarly, Onica Mahlangu, whose brother Bennet Sibanyoni died in Zambia nearly 40 years ago, described the deep pain the family has carried. She noted that the Apartheid regime had destroyed all belongings associated with him, leaving them with nothing to remember him by. "The repatriation will bring peace to our spirits," she said.

Makabelo Msiza, another family member whose brother's remains were returned, expressed gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the government, highlighting her long struggle to bring her sibling home. "Today, we finally have him back, and I can bury him near my parents’ graves," Msiza said with joy.

President Ramaphosa is expected to lead an official repatriation and restitution ceremony at the Freedom Park Heritage Site in Tshwane on Friday, following the arrival of the remains. This will be followed by reburial ceremonies in the provinces of origin to honor the fighters with the respect and dignity they deserve.

The repatriation is part of South Africa’s Exile Repatriation Programme, guided by the National Policy on Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects, adopted in 2021. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that liberation fighters who died in exile are returned home for burial. The process has been coordinated with regional governments, historical experts, and local communities to ensure a respectful homecoming.

The government's efforts are seen as a step toward healing for the families, recognizing the enduring pain of those who lost loved ones during the liberation struggle.