Repatriated liberation fighters lauded as symbols of hope and courage
Deputy Minister of Defence Bantu Holomisa has described the repatriated liberation fighters as the heartbeat of South Africa’s democracy.
Holomisa was speaking during the official homecoming ceremony at Freedom Park in Tshwane on Friday.
The ceremony marks the return of the remains of 49 anti-apartheid activists who died in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
"Finally, today we welcome you home Maqhawe not only as fallen soldiers but as fathers, brothers, mothers, and sisters whose families are here to receive you. May this moment of your return be in line with your ancestral customs and may it bring peace to your spirits," said Holomisa.
"We welcome you not as departed souls, not as mere bones of the past but as the living fibre of this nation, as the heart that beats within democratic existence. You are the essence of the liberty that we enjoy today and we stand in the freedom you courageously fought for".
Meanwhile, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga described the anti-apartheid activists as a symbol of a better future.
"These are not just names from History, they are our families and leaders. They gave their life so that we might live in freedom, they left our shores to fight a system that dehumanised our people and in doing so they became symbols of resilience, courage, and hope".
At the same time, the African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula says the country owes a huge debt to the families of the anti-apartheid activists who fought on the frontline of the liberation struggles.
"These illustrious men and women whose remains are finally brought home after decades of exile, represent different generations, united by the yearning to liberate their motherland. Today we pay home age and express our profound gratitude to them and their families for their immense contribution to our freedom".
The remains of the stalwarts arrived at the Waterkloof Airforce Base, on Wednesday evening.
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