Families, veterans and traditional leaders gather to pay tribute to MK fighters who died during the liberation struggle.
By award-winning journalist Victor Victor Mukwevho Nevumbani.
In a historic ceremony held at the Thohoyandou Information Centre on Tuesday (17 February 2026), the Mayor of Thulamela Local Municipality, Cde Sarah Rambuda, unveiled a memorial wall bearing the names of struggle heroes who sacrificed their lives to free South Africans from the yoke of apartheid.
The solemn event drew a diverse gathering, including representatives of various political parties, members of the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Military Veterans Association, families of fallen MK freedom fighters, traditional leaders, clergy, municipal representatives and members of the local community.
Fallen MK Soldiers Remembered.
Among the dignitaries present were Thovhele Peter Kutama and Thovhele Musiiwa Gole Mphaphuli, who led local traditional leaders in paying tribute to the fallen heroes. Family members of some of the deceased travelled from as far as Tembisa in Gauteng and Buffalo City Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape to witness the unveiling.
1988 Battle of the Mutale River victims finally honored.
Several of the MK soldiers commemorated on the wall died during the 1988 Battle of the Mutale River near Mutele A Village. Many were from the townships of Tembisa and Katlehong. After their deaths, they were buried in unmarked graves by the apartheid government.
Years later, through the intervention of the democratic government, their remains were exhumed and reburied at the Heroes Acre in Tembisa in June 2013, bringing long-awaited closure to their families.
General Mashudu Masindi, one of the MK commanders, said the memorial currently carries only the names of MK soldiers, but plans are underway to include other liberation fighters.
“We shared the same trenches with APLA members and fought together for the liberation of this country. It is only proper that they are also recognised,” he said.
Call to Correct History.
MK commander demands removal of alleged collaborator from records.
General Masindi also called for the removal of a well-known traditional leader from Tshipise tsha Sagole from MK’s historical records as a former freedom fighter.
“We must call a spade a spade. He gave our freedom fighters muti to weaken them and worked with the enemy to eliminate them when they were vulnerable. He was not one of us, and his name should be removed from our history,” he said.
ANC Leadership Criticised and
Party accused of being “hijacked by criminals”
Addressing delegates, Cde E. Phophi sharply criticised the current leadership of the ANC.
“The ANC is a noble movement that liberated this country, but it has now been hijacked by criminals. Money has compromised us. During branch elections, money is changing hands. We are now going to vet individuals before appointing them to top positions. We are determined to reclaim our glorious movement,” he said.
A Sacred Place of Reflection
Memorial described as a lasting symbol of sacrifice and unity
Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli and Thovhele Peter Kutama encouraged traditional leaders to collaborate with government to accelerate service delivery in communities.
In her keynote address, Mayor Rambuda described the memorial wall as a permanent symbol of remembrance.
“The Memorial Wall stands as a lasting reminder to present and future generations of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. It is a sacred place where families will gather to honour and remember their loved ones,” she said.
The unveiling marked a significant moment of reflection and unity as the community came together to honour those who paid the ultimate price for South Africa’s freedom.
Captions. Pic 1. The mayor of the Thulamela Local Municipality Councilor Sara Rambuda cutting the ribbon to unveil the Thulamela Local Municipality Memorial Wall.
Pic 2. MK Commander Mashudu Masindi addressing delegates during the event.
Pic Cde E. Phophi says they are now going to vet individuals before electing them to top positions.
Leave a Reply