Families Reunited with Liberation Heroes as Government Repatriates Remains from Exile

On Friday, December 6, the Gauteng Government held a historic repatriation ceremony at Johannesburg City Hall, handing over the remains of several liberation heroes who perished in exile during the fight against apartheid.

The ceremony, part of the National Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects project, saw the return of 42 remains from Zambia and Zimbabwe. The project, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September 2024 at Freedom Park, aligns with South Africa’s dedication to giving a dignified homecoming to its freedom fighters.

“Since the dawn of our democracy in 1994, it has been a matter of government policy to ensure that those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom are brought back to their homeland,” said Acting Premier Lebogang Maile.

Among those repatriated were Vernon Moodley, son of the anti-apartheid activist Mary Moodley, and other martyrs such as Bennet Sibanyoni, Tshetlo Matshaba, and Vincent Khumalo.

Many of these heroes’ families have waited decades for closure and expressed deep gratitude. Speaking on behalf of the Moodley family, Ali Mohammed said, “This is a bittersweet moment for us. While we mourn the loss, we are comforted to have Vernon’s remains brought home.”

The Acting Premier also emphasized the government’s holistic approach to addressing the families’ needs. “We are working to support the affected families in their current socioeconomic conditions while ensuring dignified reburials,” Maile said. Many families chose to lay their loved ones to rest at a hero’s acre in Johannesburg, with a few opting for private burials.

Educating Future Generations as a Heritage Responsibility

As the nation celebrates these heroes, it must also confront an unsettling reality: there are still many liberation fighters buried in unmarked graves across countries like Angola, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The exact number remains uncertain, but experts estimate hundreds of families continue to live with unanswered questions about their loved ones’ fates.

Heritage experts are calling for a more extensive national effort to locate, exhume, and honor these individuals. “This project is not just about closure for families. It’s about preserving our history and educating our youth about the sacrifices that built our democracy,” said Peace Mabe, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture.

Communities are being urged to participate in heritage education projects. Schools, cultural organizations, and local governments can play an essential role in teaching future generations about the liberation struggle. “Understanding where we come from is crucial for shaping where we’re going,” added Matome Chiloane, MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, and Culture.

The repatriation ceremony has sparked renewed calls for collaboration between South Africa and neighboring countries to locate and return more remains. With stories like these being brought to light, the nation is reminded of its collective duty to honor its past and inspire a future built on justice and remembrance.