Pretoria - Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa is on a six-day official visit to Russia to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of struggle stalwarts Moses Kotane and JB Marks.
“The repatriation of these stalwarts, Moses Kotane and JB Marks, is part of the on-going programme to tell our own stories and celebrate the lives of some of our heroes,” Minister Mthethwa said.
President Jacob Zuma tasked the Department of Arts and Culture in February to lead and coordinate preparations to return the remains of Kotane to the country, after his widow asked him to bring back the remains of her late husband.
The family of the late JB Marks also approached the Department of Arts and Culture regarding the return of the remains of JB Marks.
“We hope that their return to home soil will contribute to the healing of wounds, deepen understanding of where we come from and create inter-generational discourse that will see us connect the past, present and future,” Minister Mthethwa said.
He said the Kotane and Marks could be considered the founding fathers of the liberation struggle, who inspired the likes of Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu to become the selfless leaders.
“Thus their return will go a long way to ensure that their ideas, philosophies and vision is preserved and promoted to help us move our country forward,” he said.
The repatriations are part of the Department’s National Legacy Projects which highlights and celebrates the role of all South Africans who contributed in the liberation of this country.
Department of Arts and Culture spokesman Sandile Memela said the department and its associated institutions, the National Heritage Council (NHC), South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and Freedom Park were working together in facilitating the repatriation process.
“The Government of South Africa and the Government of the Russian Federation signed an agreement on cooperation in the fields of arts and culture on 29 April 1999 in Moscow and the agreement was ratified in 2008.
“Also, at the BRICS Summit which was held in South Africa in 2013, the two countries signed a Programme of Action in areas of collaboration such as Museums, Libraries, Libraries, Performing Arts and Film,” Memela said.
Minister Mthethwa would also engage the arts sector in Russia to encourage cooperation and exchange of knowledge, experience and achievements in the field of culture.
Minister Mthethwa was expected to return to South Africa on Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za
