An emotional and befitting ceremony to honour the men and women who died in exile while fighting for the freedom that South Africans enjoy today was recently held in Pretoria, Phrases such as “you have fought a good fight and “you have finished the race,” were the order of the day at the ceremony held for those who lost their lives in the fight for South Africa’s liberation.
This as government hosted the repatriation and restitution homecoming ceremony of 42 South African freedom fighters who perished in Zambia and Zimbabwe during the apartheid era.
The remains included that of former African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Duma Nokwe, head of the ANC Women’s Section, Florence Mophoshe, journalist Todd Matshikiza, Wankie Campaigner, Basil February and other unsung liberation fighters.
President Cyril Ramaphosa led and officiated the historic homecoming ceremony where the remains of the freedom fighters were returned to their families for a final, dignified farewell on home soil.
Speaking during the ceremony, Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa Mazube Monze said: "May the spirits of our heroes and heroines continue to inspire us as we continue to move forward in friendship and collaboration. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, good and faithful servants, come and rest at peace in the land that you have so valiantly fought for.”
Edna Mophosho Tshabalala, 83, travelled from Naturena in Gauteng to receive the remains of her aunt, Florence Mophosho.
Overcome with emotion, Tshabalala expressed the family’s sense of closure.
“As a family, we are very happy, and we are finally going to have closure. Every time we miss her, we will go to Westpark Cemetery to visit her,” Tshabalala said.
She recalled how her aunt was her mother’s bridesmaid and co-worker at the old Johannesburg Hospital. The family did not know of Mophosho’s involvement in the liberation struggle until the day she vanished.
Years later, the family was devastated to learn of her passing.
"In 1985, I heard the news that she had passed on. Otherwise, we really missed her a lot because she was a loving person, and we all didn't expect that there would be a day that we hear about her death. Fortunately, because God is great, the day has come.”
Bringing healing
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga explained that while the government initially announced that it was repatriating the remains of 49 people, there had been delays in the deoxyribonucleic (DNA) verification process.
"The repatriation of the remains of our struggle stalwarts is not just about laying to rest those who fought for freedom, it is about bringing healing to their families, and I hope it does that because these are not just names in history. They are our families; they gave their lives so that we might live in freedom," Motshekga said.
She also extended her gratitude to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mckenzie, for giving the project "the necessary energy."
Minister McKenzie said the repatriation process was a collective effort and that it has been a joy to work with the families of the struggle heroes.
He acknowledged that while the process has been a sombre one, the patience and understanding shown by the families reaffirm his belief that the government is on the right path.
President Ramaphosa added that the repatriation and restitution marks not just the end of a long journey, but the beginning of healing for the families they left behind.
The President also stressed the importance of South Africans recognising and honouring the former liberation heroes and heroines who have returned to their home country, acknowledging their vital role in securing the nation's freedom.
¥ – SAnews.gov.za
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