O Mathafa

On Friday 27 September 2024 in Pretoria, an emotional and befitting ceremony was held to honour the men and women who died in exile while fighting for the freedom that South Africans enjoy today. The 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.  The handover of the remains was a moment of somber reflection on the sacrifices it took for South Africa to gain its freedom. While these freedom fighters belonged to different political traditions, they were united by a common vision of a free South Africa. South Africa remains forever indebted to the heroes of its liberation struggle, and this initiative by the government represents a significant milestone in honoring their legacy and contribution to the 30 Years of Freedom and democracy milestone