Families gathered for prayers and rituals as the bodies of 42 freedom fighters who died in exile during apartheid in Zambia and Zimbabwe were brought home on Wednesday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the official ceremony at Freedom Park in Tshwane on Friday.
“This ceremony isn’t just about the past – it’s about bridging generations and healing old wounds,” Vincent Magwenya, the President’s spokesperson, wrote in a statement.
“By bringing these heroes home, we’re not only honouring their sacrifice but also strengthening our bonds with countries that stood by us in our darkest hours.”
The ceremony will take place at the Wall of Names, a monument listing those who fought for South Africa’s freedom. President Ramaphosa will lay a wreath at the wall in their honour.
The event is part of Heritage Month, themed Celebrating the Lives of Our Heroes and Heroines Who Laid Down Their Lives for Our Freedom.
“In bringing these freedom fighters home, we’re not just repatriating the remains,” Magwenya said.
“We’re repatriating memories, honouring sacrifices, and most importantly, we’re saying to their families: Your loved ones are not forgotten. They are, and always will be, a crucial part of our nation’s story.”
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Cyril Ramaphosa at the event.
Source: Presidency/X
