Ramaphosa Urges South Africans to Honor Repatriated Freedom Fighters

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to honour the legacy of the nation’s former liberation heroes and heroines, who played a pivotal role in securing freedom for the country. The President’s remarks came during the homecoming ceremony of 42 South African freedom fighters, whose remains were repatriated from Zambia and Zimbabwe. The event, held at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Tshwane, was attended by the families of the fighters and dignitaries, including former President Thabo Mbeki.

“South Africans need to know the names and appreciate the contributions of these returned freedom fighters,” President Ramaphosa said. He emphasized that the names of these patriots will be permanently inscribed on the Wall of Names in Freedom Park, ensuring their legacy endures for future generations.

The repatriation of the freedom fighters’ remains is part of the Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route Project (RLHR), a national initiative dedicated to commemorating and preserving South Africa’s history of resistance against apartheid. The project seeks to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s freedom.

During his speech, President Ramaphosa reflected on the importance of the repatriation initiative, which restores the citizenship of these fighters, symbolically returning them to their homeland. “We return them to the land of their birth, and we restore them to their families and their people,” Ramaphosa said.

He acknowledged that while these freedom fighters left a South Africa in turmoil, they are now returning to a free and democratic nation—a freedom they sadly never witnessed. The President also highlighted notable figures such as Duma Nokwe, John Nyathi Pokela, Edwin Letsholo Makoti, and Florence Mophosho, who made significant contributions to the liberation struggle.

Nokwe, the former Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), was celebrated for his leadership and international advocacy for South Africa’s liberation. His remains were exhumed still wearing the ANC scarf he was buried in, symbolizing his unwavering commitment to the cause. Similarly, Pokela, a leader of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) and a former Robben Island prisoner, was remembered for his role in uniting the PAC.

President Ramaphosa also extended his gratitude to the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe for providing sanctuary to these freedom fighters and ensuring their dignified return to South Africa. He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving the nation’s liberation heritage, stating that the freedom achieved must never be taken for granted.

“Their activism and their sacrifices continue to inspire our efforts to build a better life for all,” Ramaphosa said, urging South Africans to honour these heroes and heroines by upholding the values for which they fought.