President Cyril Ramaphosa says there are plans to build Heroes Acre in honor of its loyal members.
Ramaphosa addressed the homecoming ceremony at Freedom Park, Pretoria, honoring liberation fighters who died in exile in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
42 remains have been returned to the country.
The President says they will always be grateful to the countries that have offered shelter, support and a suitable resting place to freedom fighters.
It was a special occasion where the country honored its heroes and heroines who died in exile. Their remains were kept at One Military Hospital, the very same facility that once housed Nelson Mandela’s remains.
The first stop was at the sacred point, Isivivane, a rock site where interfaith rituals were performed and which aims to promote unity and preserve heritage.
Ramaphosa then led a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the 42 loyalists.
Caskets were also brought to the amphitheater and this was a long-awaited moment for families.
Countries that hosted the freedom fighters also paid tribute to the anti-apartheid activists.
Zambian High Commissioner Mazuba Monze said: “We would like to commend you wholeheartedly [SA government]…our shared history.”
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, says this has been a painful period in South Africa.
“It reminds us of our… [strength to] overcome future challenges.”
Former President Thabo Mbeki also attended the ceremony and he spoke fondly of former ANC Secretary-General Duma Nokwe whose remains were also returned.
“I was staying with the Nokwe family… it was necessary for us to come back and say welcome,” Mbeki adds.
President Ramaphosa says the country should never forget to pay tribute to its freedom fighters.
“Now, through this repatriation… families who have gone through a lot of fear and pain,” Ramaphosa added.
Now the big task for the families will begin as they will have to rebury their loved ones in their respective areas.
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