MBOMBELA – South Africa, Mozambique will this Friday, 17 October come together to commemorate the death of former Mozambique president, Samora Machel and his compatriots.
Machel and 33 of his compatriots died when the plane – a Tupolev TU 134A-3 - they were travel in crashed in the mountains of Mbuzini near Komatipoort in 1986. They were returning home following a meeting in Lusaka, Zambia when the accident happened near the borders of Swaziland, Mozambique and South Africa connects. Since the incident, October is a period set aside to commemorate the tragic death of the former statesman in both countries.
This year, Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC, Ms Norah Mahlangu-Mabena, Nkomazi Municipality Mayor, Cllr Thulisile Khoza and Governer of Maputo, Ms Maria Jonas and families will remember the stalwart. The programme includes a wreath-laying ceremony and a tour of the Samora Machel Museum. 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 media is invited and the event will take place as follows:
DATE: Friday, 17 October
TIME: 9:00
VENUE: Samora Machel Museum in Mbuzini
Enquiries: SIbongile Nkosi on 013 766 5372 or 082 492 4886.