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Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE remains of 16 former South African freedom fighters, who were buried in Zimbabwe during South Africa’s struggle against the oppressive Apartheid regime, were yesterday repatriated.
The exhumation, which started early this month, marked a significant chapter in the historical narrative of the liberation movements in Southern Africa.
The fallen heroes, members of Umkhonto WeSizwe, were part of a smaller group of veterans who participated in the broader regional effort to dismantle colonialism and oppression.
Yesterday, Government officials from the two countries held a send off ceremony for the remains in Harare.
The event was attended by ZANU PF Secretary for the War Veterans League Cde Douglas Mahiya, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Permanent Secretary Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, South African Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso, South Africa Ambassador to Zimbabwe Rejoice Mabudafhadi and veterans of the liberation struggle of both countries.
Recently, officials from South Africa and Zimbabwe have been facilitating the exhumation and repatriation of some heroes and struggle stalwarts who lived and died in Zimbabwe.
In a speech read on his behalf by Ambassador Faranisi, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said: “Today marks a very special day in many respects as we embark on a journey to pay special tribute and honour our liberation stalwarts who laid down their lives in the fight against apartheid and colonialism.
“It is a journey that will also bring closure to the families of our departed heroes. For us as Zimbabwe, it also reminds us that we remain a big family as our history is a shared one.
“From the onset, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Dr E.D Mnangagwa, for his unwavering support in making this repatriation possible. Our nation’s role in hosting South African liberation fighters during their struggle is a testament to our enduring bond.”
He said the successful exhumation of 16 sets of human remains at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare and Athlone Cemetery in Bulawayo was a significant step towards closure for the families.
“As the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, we remain committed to assist South Africa in identifying and repatriating all those who are interred in Zimbabwe.
“This repatriation, which is part of the resistance and liberation heritage route project, symbolises our united stance against oppression.
“The collaborative efforts between South African and Zimbabwean officials demonstrate our commitment to strengthening our friendship and solidarity,” Minister Kazembe said.
For Zimbabwe, he said, the preservation, memorialisation and immortalisation of the liberation struggle remained dear.
“This is what motivated His Excellency, The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D Mnangagwa to champion the establishment of the Museum of African Liberation. We are extremely gratified that South Africa has become part of this historic project.
“To the families of the fallen heroes, we are hopeful that there will be closure to the pain and suffering over the years. Your loved ones’ sacrifices will never be forgotten. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
“As we hand over these remains, we reaffirm the unity between Zimbabwe and South Africa, forged in the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. This repatriation transcends symbolism; it reminds us that our shared history and sacrifice unite us and can never be broken. May their souls continue to rest in peace,” Minister Kazembe said.
South African Minister Nyhontso said the occasion holds immense significance in the heart of his nation.
“As we reflect on 30 years of democracy, it is essential to acknowledge and remember those who stood by us in those difficult days.
“We can never forget various forms of support that our freedom fighters received from this land. They received material, military and spiritual support.
“The graves that dot the territory of Zimbabwe are a living archive and testament to this support. The support our heroes and heroines received was because of the great human solidarity that the Government of Zimbabwe and its people had towards those who needed bases from which to continue the fight against white minority regimes.
“Your humility to the African liberation was displayed even when at times it was detrimental to the stability of your home.
“We are here today to repatriate the mortal remains of our sons and daughters not because we want to sever 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 stalwarts to mourn and find closure whilst they are still alive.
“The preamble of our constitution assigns us the duty to recognise the injustices of the past and to honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land”.
The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, particularly on symbolic reparations, recommended that the pain that South African people were subjected to during the dark days of apartheid, be acknowledged.
The South African government approved enabling national policy for the repatriation and restitution of human remains and heritage objects in 2021.
Minister Nyhontso said similarly in 2023 their government approved a country-to-country repatriation and restitution approach.
The objective was for the state to develop a cost effective and inclusive model instead of a costly and unsustainable approach of repatriating individual remains on request by families and municipalities.
A South African technical team working with Zimbabweans undertook the identification of the graves and engaged with families to confirm identities for the exhumations.
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