Remains of stalwarts of revolutionary struggle repatriated to SA

The remains of some freedom fighters, who passed away in Zimbabwe and Zambia, have arrived at the Waterkloof Airforce Base on Wednesday.

The families have expressed appreciation to the government for making it possible to get the remains of their loved ones back home.

The remains include those of advocate Duma Nokwe, former African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General who died in Zambia in 1978 and Edwin Letsholo Makoti, former Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) leader who passed away in Zimbabwe in the 80s.

Remains of freedom fighters return home

As soon as the aeroplane carrying the remains landed, families broke protocol and rushed to have a glimpse of their loved ones.

There were mixed feelings for the families of the bereaved at the Waterkloof Air Force Base.  Some of them last saw their family members more than three decades ago.

Some members of the families the SABC spoke to felt a sense of gratitude to the South African government.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton Mckenzie and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga will receive the remains on behalf of the families.

Families can now find closure: Angie Motshekga weighs in

The mortal remains left Zambia and Zimbabwe earlier today to South Africa for proper burials by different families. The government will have a formal welcoming ceremony on Friday where President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the event. He will then hand over the mortal remains to the respective families.