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full screen The remains of liberation fighters under the rule of the apartheid regime in South Africa, who were buried in exile, have been returned to their homeland. Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed/AP/TT
The remains of 42 people who fought against the apartheid regime in South Africa, and who died in exile in neighboring Zimbabwe and Zambia, were repatriated on Wednesday. Government representatives were present at Waterkloof airbase when the remains were taken to South Africa.
The measure, and subsequent ceremonies, are part of the government’s efforts to try to create closure for the families and relatives of the dead. Many of those who fought for the armed liberation movements ANC and PAC took refuge in neighboring countries.
The movements had military training camps in the countries, but several of those who sought asylum fled the persecution of the apartheid regime.
On Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa of the ANC party is expected to host an official ceremony before the remains are buried.
South Africa is negotiating to return remains with the governments of Lesotho, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Angola and Russia, among others.