31 January 2023
The Department of Military Veterans observed this historic day of the passing of our freedom fighters during Matola Raid, they died with their boots on when the SA Defence Force illegally entered Mozambique, killing 15 members of Umkhonto, we Sizwe (MK) more than four decades ago on the 30 January 1981. We must never forget their selflessness and sacrifices. They laid down their lives in pursuit of freedom and justice.
The 15 members who lost their lives on that fateful day are Mduduzi Guma, Lancelot Hadebe, Mandla Daka, Daniel Molokisi, Steven Ngcobo, Vusumzi Ngwema, Thabang Bookolane, Krishna Rabilal, Themba Dimba, William Khanyile, Motso “Obadi” Mokgabudi, Collin Khumalo, Levinson Mankankaza, Albert Mahutso and Felix Magubane, Vuyani Mavuso, who was kidnapped during the raid, and was later executed when he refused to cooperate with apartheid security agencies to betray his comrades. We still have Mr Mbulelo Musi who is the only surviving member from the raid. The attack ranks as one of the most callous acts by the apartheid regime and therefore remains etched in history and collective memory as a nation.
Most of the comrades who were massacred in Matola belonged to what was then known as the Natal Underground Machinery, a unit of our erstwhile People's Army Umkhonto We Sizwe. The then President of the ANC, Oliver Tambo said during the funeral of these comrades. "It is something more that the Matola Raid which brings us together in this occasion for people engaged day and night in a continuous struggle against a brutal enemy, the great question is not that it has been attacked. An invasion, an attack, a massacre and any other crime committed against the people, the great question is the nature of our response to that crime."
We are proud to remember these heroes of our people jointly as people of a free democratic country. We are certain, that they will be pleased to know that the South African Defence force which reigned with terror, murdering freedom fighters in most of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, has now been transformed into the South African National Defence Force which protects the integrity of our Republic, but most importantly which now acts an agent of peace in the continent and beyond. It is thanks to the contribution of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the glorious people's army, the mass struggle waged within our country, political underground, and international solidarity that today we are indeed free forever.
Government has since erected a monument that symbolises the common suffering of the people of Southern Africa, an attribute to their heroism and a solemn affirmation that we share a common destiny of liberty, peace, and social progress.
Following a need to relook at the repatriation and restitution programme approach, His Excellency Mr Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a Presidential Technical Task Team (PTTT) on Military Veterans to address issues related to Military Veterans chaired by the Deputy President Mr David Mabuza. The result of this Task Team led to Cabinet approving the National Policy for the Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains on the 16th March 2022. The Committee was tasked with the development of the most cost effective and yet impactful model and implementation plan, to address past repatriation challenges which among others include lack of coordination, individual repatriation, high financial costs etc. This was premised on the existence of more or less than 2000 remains that lie buried in foreign countries both continent and abroad. The first Consultative Workshop for the Military Veterans on the Model and Implementation Plan for the Repatriation Human Remains, was held on the 02 December 2022, in Gauteng.
The Department will continue to facilitate delivery and co-ordinate all activities that recognise and entrench the restoration of dignity and appreciation of the contribution of our Military Veterans to our freedom and nation building.
Issued by the Department of Military Veterans
DMV Call centre: 063 546 3412/ 063 336 2631 / 063 222 2227
For media enquiries: Ms Lebogang Mothapa / 076 865 7188 / Lebogang.mothapa@dmv.gov.za
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