Remains of ex-liberation fighters who died in exile returned to South Africa

The airplane transporting the remains of former liberation fighters who died in exile in southern African countries has landed at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion.

The airplane was carrying the remains of 49 struggle heroes who were buried in Zimbabwe and Zambia between 1967 and 1990.

The freedom fighters will be re-buried on home soil more than four decades since they lost their lives in their respective countries of exile.

As an SANDF flight carrying the remains of 49 former freedom fighters lands at the Waterkloof Air Force Base, their families broke down in tears of joy.

Nomazibulo Khalushi, whose brother’s remains also landed on home soil on Wednesday, said that she’d been waiting for this moment for decades.

“This is important for us because it will allow us to visit our loved ones’ graves. We’ve prayed for this moment for years.”

The government is expected to hold a homecoming ceremony on Friday to honour the lives of the 49 freedom fighters whose remains landed on home soil on Wednesday.

Government has confirmed that this was only phase one of its exile repatriation programme.

Meanwhile, the remains of the former freedom fighters will be stored at the 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said that the government was now in the process of repatriating the remains of freedom fighters who died in Angola and Tanzania.

“It’s very significant. You know this has been in the making. Most families who had their children perish have always wanted to reconnect with them. The governing party has always been calling for the repatriation of the remains.”

-EWN

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