Watch:Tears and emotions as SA receives the remains of 16 freedom fighters
By Staff Reporter
South Africa on Wednesday repatriated the remains of 16 freedom fighters who died between 1960 and 1990 while exiled in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwean government handed over the remains to South African authorities at an emotional event held at the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Science on Wednesday.
Among the late 16, two were women and belonged to former Pan African Congress (PAC) members and members of Umkhonto Wesizwe, which was the African National Congress (ANC) armed wing.
Speaking at the occasion, Sibongile Besani, ANC Head of Presidency thanked the Zimbabwean government for its support stating that “the ceremony is historic and more than a handover of remains”.
“This moment invites us to thank the people of Zimbabwe for demonstrating their love for humanity.
“Many South Africans are appreciating this act of love,” he said.
Home Affairs permanent secretary Raphael Faranisi said Zimbabwe will continue supporting South Africa in its efforts.
“We are hopeful there will be closure to the pain and suffering you endured during the past years,” he said.
The remains included those of the late Pan African Congress president, John Pokela.
Pokela died at Parirenyatwa Hospital in 1985 and was given a state funeral in Zimbabwe.
He was one of the freedom fighters who left the ANC Youth League to help establish the PAC in 1959.
Pokela led PAC while exiled in Tanzania before he came to Zimbabwe.
South Africa Land Reform Minister, Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso said Pokela equally remains a Zimbabwean hero.
“We are here today to repatriate the mortal remains of our sons and daughters not because we want to savour the bond with our Zimbabwean compatriots but because as a responsive and caring government, we have had to listen to the appeals of the families, of the fallen liberation stewards to mourn and find closure while they are still alive,” he said.
Four graves are remaining in Zimbabwe.
Troy Phili, repatriation and restitution manager of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) said they will be engaging families of the remaining freedom fighters to map the way forward.
“We are repatriating 16 mortal remains of South African heroes and heroines who died here in Zimbabwe and were associated with our liberation party ANC and PAC…they died in the 80s.
“They mostly died of natural causes.
“The former president of the PAC Mr Pokela died in Zimbabwe in 1985, he was given a state funeral so he is among those we are repatriating,” he said.
