Ex-liberation fighter & ANC veteran Zikalala to receive repatriated remains of relative who died in exile
Former freedom fighters are convening at the Waterkloof Airforce Base to witness the arrival of the remains of their fellow liberation heroes who died in exile.
A plane carrying the remains of 49 liberation heroes who died in exile in Zambia and Zimbabwe lands at the Waterkloof Air Force Base on 25 September 2024. Picture: Alpha Ramushwana/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Former liberation fighter and African National Congress (ANC) Veteran's League president, Snuki Zikalala, is set to receive the remains of his relative who died in exile in Zambia four decades ago.
His relative is among 49 liberation heroes whose remains are being repatriated from Zambia and Zimbabwe on Wednesday afternoon.
The families of the fallen freedom fighters are gathering at the Waterkloof Airforce Base in Centurion to receive their remains.
Former freedom fighters are convening at the Waterkloof Airforce Base to witness the arrival of the remains of their fellow liberation heroes who died in exile.
But for Zikala, Wednesday’s repatriation programme is of personal significance.
"One of my wives' aunt will be here. We went to identify her grave together with my wife in Zimbabwe about two weeks ago. So she will be one of those whose mortal remains will be brought here."
He said that his relative was recruited by the ANC in 1964 to go work as a nurse for other exiled freedom fighters in Zambia.
Zikalala added that his family was now preparing to re-bury her on home soil.
Zikalala expands on the importance of Government’s Exile Repatriation Programme.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 25, 2024
He states that this initiative is part of the government's efforts to honor the legacies of those who lost their lives fighting for the country's liberation. @Alpha_Mero25 pic.twitter.com/2buUOWl9RB