MBOMBELA – This Friday, October 19 South Africa and Mozambique will commemorate the 26th death anniversary of Samora Machel, who was killed in a plane crash, starting at 9:00.
Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC, Ms Sibongile Manana, Nkomazi Municipality Mayor, Cllr Thulisile Khoza, Mozambique High Commissioner in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, Mr Artur Verissimo and families will remember the struggle stalwart. The programme includes a wreath-laying ceremony and a media tour of the Samora Machel Museum.
Machel and 33 of his compatriots died on October 19 when the plane - a Tupolev TU 134A-3 - they were traveling in crashed in the mountains near Mbuzini outside of Komatipoort. They were returning home following a meeting in Lusaka, Zambia when the plane crashed near the borders where Swaziland, Mozambique and South Africa connect.
26 years on, the death of Machel is still felt in both countries where he was held in high esteem by politicians and hoi polloi alike mainly for his contribution in the liberation struggle in the region.
As an honour to his contributions, the Mpumalanga Provincial Government opened the Samora Machel Museum in Mbuzini, which features a photographic exhibition based on the socio-political history of Machel and his rise in the political hierarchy. The museum is aimed at promoting heritage and regional tourism economy by improving community understanding and encouraging ownership of the site.
The site has been developed and upgraded as a contribution of the province to keep the legacy of Machel and his countrymen alive for future generations. It now boasts an amphitheatre, ablution block and the museum.
The event will take place as follows:
DATE: Friday, 19 October
TIME: 9:00
VENUE: Samora Machel Museum in Mbuzini
Enquiries: Ms Sibongile Nkosi on 082 492 4886 or via email nkosist@mpg.gov.za