Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
SADC chairperson and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the region to defend its hard-won freedom, preserve liberation history and deepen regional solidarity in the face of emerging global challenges.
In a statement marking Southern Africa Liberation Day, President Ramaphosa paid tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the struggle against colonialism and apartheid, saying their courage laid the foundation for the peace, dignity and sovereignty now enjoyed across the region.
He said the commemoration remains one of the most significant milestones in Southern Africa’s collective journey to freedom and independence, and should never be reduced to a ceremonial date on the calendar.
President Ramaphosa said Liberation Day is a moment for the region to reflect on whether it is living up to the aspirations of past struggles for self-determination, economic control and restored dignity.
“We honour, with deep respect and gratitude, the brave men and women who stood at the forefront of the struggle to liberate the Southern African region,” President Ramaphosa said.
He also acknowledged the international solidarity that strengthened liberation movements, particularly Cuba’s military support during the historic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in Angola, which he described as a decisive turning point in the liberation of the region.
“This decisive confrontation marked a turning point in the struggle for liberation in Southern Africa,” he said.
The SADC chairperson also drew attention to the 2018 SADC Summit decision in Windhoek to establish a regional working group of curriculum experts to integrate Southern African liberation history into school curricula across member states.
President Ramaphosa said the initiative would help preserve the region’s liberation memory and pass it on to future generations.
He called on member states to honour fallen heroes and heroines through the naming of heritage sites, museums, monuments, streets and public institutions.
“May dialogue and peace be our most righteous armour to safeguard the freedom we continue to enjoy,” said President Ramaphosa.
The SADC chairperson said liberation in Africa remains incomplete while other peoples on the continent are still denied self-determination, expressing solidarity with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
He warned that an unpredictable global environment demands unity, resilience and vigilance from SADC nations.
President Ramaphosa said the region must remain focused on its common agenda and be guided by solidarity, collective self-determination and enduring cooperation.
He wished the SADC family a peaceful and commemorative Liberation Day.
