Two liberation heroes’ remains return home

Government has confirmed that the remains of 84 Namibians who died and were buried in exile have been identified in South Africa, as the country launches a historic mission to repatriate the remains of two liberation heroes more than 50 years after their deaths.

A high-level Namibian delegation is in Cape Town from 9 to 14 July to advance the exhumation and repatriation of former Robben Island prisoners Simon Petrus Nilenge and Festus Nehale, who died in South Africa in 1974 and 1971 respectively.

Nilenge and Nehale were among Namibian freedom fighters and Swapo members imprisoned by South Africa's apartheid government for their role in the liberation struggle. The activists were held on Robben Island alongside other Namibian political prisoners convicted under apartheid-era security laws.

Nehale died in South African custody in March 1971 and was buried at Maitland Cemetery in Cape Town, while Nilenge died in March 1974 and was buried at Nyanga Cemetery. Both were interred in South Africa by the apartheid regime rather than returned home, making the current mission a long-awaited effort to bring them back after more than five decades.

The mission, led by the education and culture ministry, aims to ensure the two freedom fighters are finally laid to rest in their homeland.

Died in exile

Nilenge and Nehale are expected to be reburied in Namibia on 26 August, coinciding with Heroes' Day commemorations. Following the exhumation, their remains will be temporarily housed at the National Museum of Namibia until the official reburial ceremony.

Government also confirmed that the remains of 84 other Namibians buried in South Africa have been identified, potentially paving the way for future repatriations.

"The mission forms part of the continued bilateral cooperation between the governments of the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of South Africa to facilitate the dignified return of two Namibian former Robben Island prisoners who died in exile and were laid to rest in Cape Town," education ministry executive director Mbumba Haitengela said.

"The mission represents an important milestone in Namibia's ongoing efforts to honour the legacy of those who contributed to the country's liberation struggle and to restore their dignity through their return to their homeland,” he added. “It also reaffirms the strong historical ties and enduring cooperation between Namibia and South Africa in preserving the shared heritage of the liberation struggle."

Dignity and respect

The Namibian delegation consists of representatives of traditional authorities, former Robben Island prisoners, family members of the deceased, officials from several government ministries, the Museum Association of Namibia and the National Heritage Council of Namibia. The visit is focused on resolving the legal, cultural, technical and logistical arrangements required before the exhumations can take place.

During the five-day visit, the delegation will also engage South African technical experts and visit key heritage sites, including the Iziko Museums of South Africa, the Mayibuye Archives at the University of the Western Cape, the District Six Museum, Robben Island Museum, and the Gugulethu and Maitland cemeteries.

"These engagements are intended to strengthen cooperation between the two countries while ensuring that the repatriation process is conducted with the utmost dignity, respect and sensitivity to the families, traditional authorities and all stakeholders involved," Haitengela said.