6 March 2025, at Mamelodi Cemetery as part of the ongoing effort to restore dignity to those who paid
the ultimate price in the struggle against apartheid. (Photo credit: News24)
The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng is wholeheartedly backing the exhumation process happening today, 6 March 2025, at Mamelodi Cemetery.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to honor those who sacrificed their lives in the fight against apartheid.
It represents a vital step in helping families finally lay their loved ones to rest with the respect and dignity they were denied by the oppressive regime.
For many years, the families of these martyrs have borne the painful knowledge that their loved ones were executed under unjust laws and buried in unmarked graves. Today’s exhumation is not merely about recovering remains; it is about recognizing their sacrifices, cementing their place in history, and providing their families with a sense of peace.
The exhumation of these freedom fighters serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight against apartheid. Benjamin Malesella Moloise, Abram Zakhele Mngomezulu, Mncekeleli Boskati, Madoda Michael Ralane, Alex Matshapa Matsepane, Solomon Mankopane Maowasha, and Wantu Sydney Silinga were all unjustly executed by the oppressive regime.
The party says today’s exhumation is not just about recovering their remains; it is about honoring their courage, recognizing their rightful place in history, and providing their families with the peace they deserve. This process highlights the profound injustices of the past while reaffirming the ongoing commitment to truth, justice, and reconciliation.
The exhumation of these comrades marks a moment of reckoning, acknowledging the atrocities committed by the apartheid regime and celebrating the resilience of those who fought for freedom.
The ANC says although they cannot change the past, they can honor their names and ensure their remains are returned to their families with the dignity they deserve.
The ANC remains dedicated to truth, justice, and reconciliation, standing in solidarity with the families as they prepare to say their final goodbyes to their loved ones.
