The South African government has officially launched the second phase of its five-year repatriation program, aimed at tracing, exhuming, and returning the remains of liberation fighters who died in exile.
A joint delegation — involving the Department of Arts and Culture and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Missing Persons Task Team — will travel to Angola, Lesotho, The Gambia, and Baguio in the coming months. The mission will focus on cemetery inspections, grave mapping, forensic work, and archival research to honour those who never returned home.
Minister of Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has urged families of exiles to come forward with any photos, names, dates, or location details that may assist the process. Submissions can be made through the official website at www.sara.org.za.
He further addressed concerns around the cost of the initiative, saying:
“This is not a waste of time or money — it’s a moral duty to restore the dignity of the dead and bring peace to the living. You can’t put a price on a life.”
Dr. Santima, who is coordinating logistics, confirmed that the first mission — to Angola — is scheduled for June and July. However, parts of the region remain difficult to access due to landmines and terrain issues. Authorities are working with international partners to ensure safety and compliance.
The department has also indicated that cultural exchange programs and commemorative partnerships with host nations are being considered, as a gesture of historic gratitude for their support during the liberation struggle.
Officials describe this repatriation effort as a journey of remembrance, healing, and justice.
