Families of freedom fighters whose remains are still in exile must come forward

PRETORIA - The government is appealing to the families of freedom fighters whose remains were never returned from exile to come forward with any information that may help identify their burial sites.

This is part of the exile repatriation programme, which aims to bring home the remains of numerous freedom fighters who were buried in exile.

The Sport, Arts and Culture Department is now entering the second phase of the programme, focusing on Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.

Minister Gayton McKenzie held a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday to provide an update on preparations for the launch of this next phase.

READ: Gauteng govt to hand over remains of freedom fighters who died in exile to families

During the first phase of the exile repatriation programme, the remains of Duma Nokwe were among those returned to South Africa last year.

Nokwe, who passed away in Zambia in 1978, holds the distinction of being the youngest secretary-general in the history of the African National Congress (ANC).

He was reburied in Johannesburg last month, 47 years after he succumbed to health complications.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister McKenzie has emphasised that all freedom fighters who died in exile deserve dignified reburials. However, he noted that a major challenge is locating their remains.

“A call to the public is being made. We urge former exiles, comrades and families to assist us. If you have names, photos, dates or location – no matter how small – please come forward.”

McKenzie anticipates completing the repatriations by 2029.