The remains of 42 South African freedom fighters who died in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia during the struggle against apartheid were returned to South Africa on Wednesday. Government officials and family members welcomed the remains at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria after they were exhumed for reburial in their homeland.
This initiative is part of a government program aimed at providing closure to families whose loved ones died abroad while involved with the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). Many activists left South Africa for military training and to escape arrest by the apartheid regime, finding refuge in neighboring countries where anti-apartheid movements were strongest.
Among the remains repatriated were those of notable figures like Duma Nokwe, Florence Mophosho, and Basil February. Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted the significance of this repatriation during a Heritage Day event, emphasizing its role in educating future generations about the fight against apartheid.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to host a homecoming ceremony for the remains on Friday before they are handed over to families for reburial. The government is also working to repatriate remains from other countries, including Lesotho, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Angola, and Russia.
