LAST WEEK, we witnessed a profound and symbolic act — the repatriation of the remains of 42 South African freedom fighters who died exiled in Zimbabwe and Zambia during the struggle against the apartheid regime.
The remains of sixteen and 26 freedom fighters were repatriated from Zimbabwe and Zambia, respectively.
The move not only honours the significant contributions by these fighters to the struggle against apartheid, but also shows the deep bonds that we share as a region.
During a recent repatriation and restitution homecoming ceremony in Pretoria, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation of Zimbabwe and Zambia for their significant contributions to the liberation struggle.
His recognition of the vital support and refuge offered to freedom fighters by the two countries during their time of need is a significant acknowledgement of solidarity.
“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,” President Ramaphosa said.
His remarks emphasise the instrumental role played by Zimbabwe and Zambia in South Africa’s liberation, underscoring the necessity of regional collaboration in the quest for freedom and justice.
By honouring this legacy, President Ramaphosa underscored the interconnectedness of the struggles for independence and the collective responsibility of neighbouring countries to support one another in times of adversity.
This commendation serves as a reminder of the power of unity and cooperation in overcoming oppression and achieving shared goals for a better future.
The decision by Zimbabwe and Zambia to transfer the remains to South Africa is a significant step towards fostering regional unity and strengthening relationships within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Among those honoured through this initiative were influential figures such as Advocate Duma Nokwe, Florence Mophosho, Basil February and Todd Matshikiza, all of whom were pivotal in advancing the anti-colonial agenda across the region.
Nokwe stands out as a significant figure.
He served as the secretary-general of the African National Congress during a critical period in South Africa’s liberation struggle.
In exile, Nokwe emerged as a powerful advocate not only on the continent but also globally, championing the rights and causes of the South African people.
Another key figure worthy of mention is John Nyathi Pokela, the chairperson of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).
He dedicated over a decade of his life on Robben Island due to his involvement with the Azanian People’s Liberation Army, formerly known as Poqo. Pokela is remembered by South Africans for his crucial contribution to fostering unity within the PAC before his death in Harare in 1985.
Additionally, Edwin Letsholo Makoti was a notable leader within the PAC, recognised as a founding member.
At the time of his death in Harare in 1989, he held the position of secretary for publicity and information in the PAC Central Committee.
Acknowledging the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and justice is crucial.
This recognition not only demonstrates the respect and appreciation these individuals deserve from their homeland, but also strengthens their legacy within the historical narrative of Southern Africa.
Additionally, these repatriations offer a valuable opportunity to educate younger generations about the shared history of resistance in the region.
This initiative further contributes to the preservation of legacies of these heroes, fostering a sense of pride and shared memory within the communities involved.
Such efforts also promote unity and collaboration among SADC member states, highlighting the interconnectedness of liberation struggles that go beyond national borders and fostering mutual respect among neighbouring countries.
The initiative further embodies a spirit of goodwill and a commitment to acknowledging shared histories, among Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa, which may facilitate improved collaborations across various sectors.
As we reflect on their lives and the principles that fuelled their struggle, let us honour these courageous individuals who rose up against oppression, inspired by a steadfast conviction in the fundamental rights of every person to live with dignity and peace.
Their legacy evokes a profound sense of hope for a brighter future in Africa, particularly in contrast to the current divisive and hostile forces that seek to undermine the continent’s humanity through xenophobia.
The people of this region lived and died in the same trenches fighting a common enemy; we, therefore, have a common past and a shared future.
Our brothers and sisters even continue to stand with us as we continue our fight for the lifting of illegal sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
This is why they reiterated the same call at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, US, last week.
So, let us work towards cultivating a Southern Africa that truly embodies the values these repatriated heroes fought for — a region where every voice is heard, every life is valued and where diversity is embraced as our greatest asset.
May this act inspire us to unite and face the challenges confronting SADC today. Together, we possess the opportunity to create a Southern Africa that honours the aspirations of our ancestors, while fostering a lasting legacy of unity for generations to come.
We have a shared future as a region
LAST WEEK, we witnessed a profound and symbolic act — the repatriation of the remains of 42 South African freedom fighters who died exiled in Zimbabwe and Zambia during the struggle against the apartheid regime.
The remains of sixteen and 26 freedom fighters were repatriated from Zimbabwe and Zambia, respectively.
The move not only honours the significant contributions by these fighters to the struggle against apartheid, but also shows the deep bonds that we share as a region.
During a recent repatriation and restitution homecoming ceremony in Pretoria, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation of Zimbabwe and Zambia for their significant contributions to the liberation struggle.
His recognition of the vital support and refuge offered to freedom fighters by the two countries during their time of need is a significant acknowledgement of solidarity.
“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,” President Ramaphosa said.
His remarks emphasise the instrumental role played by Zimbabwe and Zambia in South Africa’s liberation, underscoring the necessity of regional collaboration in the quest for freedom and justice.
By honouring this legacy, President Ramaphosa underscored the interconnectedness of the struggles for independence and the collective responsibility of neighbouring countries to support one another in times of adversity.
This commendation serves as a reminder of the power of unity and cooperation in overcoming oppression and achieving shared goals for a better future.
The decision by Zimbabwe and Zambia to transfer the remains to South Africa is a significant step towards fostering regional unity and strengthening relationships within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Among those honoured through this initiative were influential figures such as Advocate Duma Nokwe, Florence Mophosho, Basil February and Todd Matshikiza, all of whom were pivotal in advancing the anti-colonial agenda across the region.
Nokwe stands out as a significant figure.
He served as the secretary-general of the African National Congress during a critical period in South Africa’s liberation struggle.
In exile, Nokwe emerged as a powerful advocate not only on the continent but also globally, championing the rights and causes of the South African people.
Another key figure worthy of mention is John Nyathi Pokela, the chairperson of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).
He dedicated over a decade of his life on Robben Island due to his involvement with the Azanian People’s Liberation Army, formerly known as Poqo. Pokela is remembered by South Africans for his crucial contribution to fostering unity within the PAC before his death in Harare in 1985.
Additionally, Edwin Letsholo Makoti was a notable leader within the PAC, recognised as a founding member.
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At the time of his death in Harare in 1989, he held the position of secretary for publicity and information in the PAC Central Committee.
Acknowledging the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and justice is crucial.
This recognition not only demonstrates the respect and appreciation these individuals deserve from their homeland, but also strengthens their legacy within the historical narrative of Southern Africa.
Additionally, these repatriations offer a valuable opportunity to educate younger generations about the shared history of resistance in the region.
This initiative further contributes to the preservation of legacies of these heroes, fostering a sense of pride and shared memory within the communities involved.
Such efforts also promote unity and collaboration among SADC member states, highlighting the interconnectedness of liberation struggles that go beyond national borders and fostering mutual respect among neighbouring countries.
The initiative further embodies a spirit of goodwill and a commitment to acknowledging shared histories, among Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa, which may facilitate improved collaborations across various sectors.
As we reflect on their lives and the principles that fuelled their struggle, let us honour these courageous individuals who rose up against oppression, inspired by a steadfast conviction in the fundamental rights of every person to live with dignity and peace.
Their legacy evokes a profound sense of hope for a brighter future in Africa, particularly in contrast to the current divisive and hostile forces that seek to undermine the continent’s humanity through xenophobia.
The people of this region lived and died in the same trenches fighting a common enemy; we, therefore, have a common past and a shared future.
Our brothers and sisters even continue to stand with us as we continue our fight for the lifting of illegal sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
This is why they reiterated the same call at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, US, last week.
So, let us work towards cultivating a Southern Africa that truly embodies the values these repatriated heroes fought for — a region where every voice is heard, every life is valued and where diversity is embraced as our greatest asset.
May this act inspire us to unite and face the challenges confronting SADC today. Together, we possess the opportunity to create a Southern Africa that honours the aspirations of our ancestors, while fostering a lasting legacy of unity for generations to come.
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