Wall of remembrance unveiled in Imbali
Relatives of fallen freedom fighters from Pietermaritzburg wept uncontrollably at the unveiling of the Wall of Remembrance commemorating their loved ones, who took part in the struggle for freedom against oppression and lost their lives while fighting apartheid, and during the seven day war in 1990.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala on Saturday unveiled a plaque and tombstones of late freedom fighters who hail from Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas at the EMantshaheni Sportsground in Imbali Unit 14.
This was done under the project called Dlulisumlando, which honours the memory of freedom fighters who laid down their lives for South Africa to be free.
The event was attended by the families of slain freedom fighters, NEC member Dr. Zweli Mkhize, Msunduzi Municipality Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebola, district mayor Mziwokuthula Zuma, local ward councillor Mabhungu Mkhize, Mbambangalo chief Nhlakanipho Maphumulo and many other dignitaries.
Addressing the audience ahead of the unveiling, Zikalala said honouring these freedom fighters was not done to relive the painful memory, but to ensure the pain they endured never happens again.
“If we forget where we come from, we will forget what we stand for. We need to ensure that the struggle for freedom becomes real so that the misery faced by our people will never happen again in this world. When remembering these stalwarts, we will not forget that uMgungundlovu in KwaZulu-Natal played a huge role in the struggle for freedom,” said Premier Zikalala.
Zikalala said, through this initiative, they hope to combat violence so that it never rears its head in the future.
“There has been a lot of work done to change people’s lives,” Zikalala said, listing roads, infrastructure and provision of water as some of the service delivery deliverables produced in the dawn of democracy.
“We need to ensure that we work hard to improve people’s lives, especially those who have been deprived. We also need to ensure that we provide quality education that will produce children who will have a bright future,” Zikalala added. He called on young people to defend the gains which ensured a smooth transition to democracy.
Former Health Minister and NEC member Dr. Zweli Mkhize said it is imperative not to forget the local fallen heroes and their families.
Speaking on behalf of all the families, Dr. Vuma Magaqa said they appreciate this programme of remembering their loved ones. He also pleaded with the government to profile these families and find out how they make a living.
“We are asking the government to look out for the welfare of these families. These families are struggling; others have lost their homes and children are unable to go to school. We are grateful for this event,” he said.
UMgungundlovu District Mayor Mziwokuthula Zuma emphasised that the only way they can reciprocate the selfless contribution of the fallen heroes is by speedily delivering the services to communities, especially water, sanitation, roads, houses and linking them to economic opportunities.
Msunduzi Municipality Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said it will be the municipality’s responsibility to take care of the memorial place and make sure that it remains in a good state.
Mbambangalo chief Nhlakanipho Maphumulo said traditional leadership plays a crucial role in assisting liberation movements. “These fallen heroes we are celebrating today contributed with their lives in ensuring that we are free,” he said.