Talks ongoing with other African countries to repatriate former freedom fighters' remains: Motshekga
On Wednesday, the first phase of a government programme saw the remains of 49 freedom fighters return to the country.
FILE: Former Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. Picture: GCIS via Flickr
JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga said there are talks with other African countries - including Angola and Tanzania - to repatriate the remains of former freedom fighters who died in exile.
On Wednesday, the first phase of a government programme saw the remains of 49 freedom fighters return to the country.
The remains belong to struggle heroes who were buried in Zimbabwe and Zambia between 1967 and 1990.
Moreover, they are stored at the 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria.
Motshekga spoke to journalists at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion.
“Already, work around Angola is happening. In Tanzania, the discussions are also happening. It really takes a long time to do verification, to do DNA testing, to link up with families and do all the logistical preparations. I mean this one took almost two years."
Defence minister Angie Motshekga says government is now working on repatriating the remains of former freedom fighters who were exiled in Angola and Tanzania. @Alpha_Mero25 pic.twitter.com/EVg0tU7y6I
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 25, 2024