Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has called on South Africa and Mozambique to work together to confront the challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty.
“Comrade President [Filipe Nyusi], we must do this ever conscious of the heavy responsibilities we have to the people, as the foremost leading movements in our respective countries and as governments of our respective countries, in South Africa and Mozambique,” President Zuma said.
He was speaking at the unveiling of the Matola Monument and Interpretative Centre in Maputo, on Friday, which was built in remembrance of struggle heroes from both nations who were executed during a raid.
On 31 January 1981, the South African Defence Force of the then apartheid government raided the African National Congress safe houses in Matola, Maputo, and killed 13 members of Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) and one Mozambican national.
The President said the two governments must strengthen ties and have fruitful engagements to address the challenges faced by the two countries.
The monument was a symbol of victory and sacrifice. “The opening of this monument stands as a witness of freedom and it also stands as a testament to the resilience of our people.
“This monument is our testimony to the world that we have conquered in trying times,” President Zuma said.
The monument was also a reminder that South Africa was once a victim of the apartheid system, colonialism and brutality.
President Zuma said he was pleased that the place of commemoration will be able to teach and inform future generations of the two countries shared history.
“It is rich with cognitive information, whilst displaying empathy with the victims.
“My sincere hope is that as we unveil this splendid symbol of bravery today, the future generations of Mozambique, South Africa and the entire region, should derive hope and inspiration by understanding what it means to be truly free and acquire the sense of duty to protect this Freedom,” he said.
President Zuma thanked the people of Mozambique who assisted South Africa when it was fighting for liberation.
“I would like to salute the people who sacrificed everything and left their families, 34 years ago; looked repression and guns of slaughter in the face for the sake of freedom; the freedom fighters who made this ground historic when they put their lives on the line,” President Zuma said.
The monument is a symbol of the strong bonds of friendship between South Africa and Mozambique, he said.
President Zuma was accompanied to Mozambique by families of the victims, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and the Deputy Minister responsible for Military Veterans, Kebby Maphatsoe.
The Monument and the Centre forms part of government's effort to redress the historical imbalances in heritage sites and promotes social cohesion as well as nation building.
They also form part of the Liberation Heritage Route which preserves South Africa's liberation legacy.
Earlier on Friday, President Zuma and Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi laid wreaths at the grave site in Llhanguene Cemetery. – SAnews.gov.za
