On Heritage Day, Acting President Paul Mashatile honored several African nations that welcomed South African activists and freedom fighters escaping the harsh apartheid regime. Speaking at the Meqheleng Stadium in Ficksburg, Free State, during the national celebrations attended by thousands, he announced that the remains of these activists would arrive at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Tshwane on Wednesday.

An official homecoming ceremony will take place on Friday at Freedom Park, where President Cyril Ramaphosa will receive the repatriated remains from Zambia and Zimbabwe, including notable figures like advocate Duma Nokwe, Mama Florence Mophosho, and Basil February. Mashatile acknowledged that, three decades into democracy, South Africa still faces issues like unemployment, poverty, and inequality. He expressed sympathy for those affected by recent extreme weather and praised the swift response from government officials and departments. He urged communities to heed warnings from the South African Weather Service and emphasized the need for better weather prediction technology.

This year's Heritage Day theme, “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom,” was highlighted by Mashatile as a fitting tribute to those who bravely faced adversity and fought against injustice, ultimately sacrificing their lives for the democracy enjoyed today.