JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
Thirty years after the end of apartheid, South Africa has begun exhuming the remains of its freedom fighters and activists from a number of countries in the region for reburial at home.
South Africa gained its
freedom in 1994 after the African National Congress (ANC), the main liberation
movement, adopted a two-pronged liberation strategy that included armed
struggle and internal resistance.
The ANC's military wing,
uMkhonto WeSizwe (Spear of the Nation), operated from neighbouring countries
such as Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
On Wednesday, the remains of
47 fighters who died in Zambia and Zimbabwe arrived in Pretoria ahead of a
homecoming ceremony on Friday.
“Burial ceremonies will be
held in the provinces of their origin, ensuring they are laid to rest with the
dignity and respect they deserve,” Pretoria said in a statement.
“South Africa remains forever
indebted to the heroes of its liberation struggle, and this initiative
represents a significant milestone in honouring their legacy and contribution
to 30 years of freedom and democracy.”
For years, the South African
government has been under pressure from families to repatriate the bodies of
the freedom fighters so that they can be given decent burials.
“The repatriation
process is being conducted in close collaboration with regional governments,
historical experts and local communities to guarantee a respectful and
well-coordinated return.”
The government said it was
introducing an inclusive repatriation model that would see the return of the
remains of fallen freedom fighters.
In the past, repatriations
were carried out on an ad hoc or individual basis, often at the request of
families.
“This (new) model aims to
accelerate the repatriation process, beginning with countries that have high
numbers of liberation fighter remains – Zimbabwe and Zambia,” the statement
added.
“The initiative underscores
South Africa’s continued dedication to recognising the sacrifices made during
the liberation struggle.”
Some families of the fallen
liberation war fighters and anti-apartheid activists have been travelling to
Zimbabwe and Zambia to conduct rituals on their relatives’ graves before the
exhumations.
Catherine Zikalala, whose
relative was buried in Zambia, said the family had waited for 30 years to have
the late Edna Mgabaza’s remains returned home. Edna died in 1987.
“She was a nurse who was
recruited to come and work in Zambia, so she came in the mid-60s. She was based
in Zambia,” Ms Zikalala told South Africa’s national broadcaster SABC.
“While there, she was also
helping with the logistics for the African National Congress because we had to
fight the war from all fronts.
“The war for freedom was not
just soldiers with their AK-40s. She passed away here on October 16, 1987.”
She added: “People left and
went to fight for freedom for South Africa and they went to different parts of
the world. Once we bring their remains back home, we will have closure. We are
grateful to the government for taking this step; it has been in the pipeline
for the past five years.”
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