President honours sacrifice of freedom fighters
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to Southern African nations to stand together and remain watchful in protecting the freedoms won through decades of struggle, as the region observes Southern Africa Liberation Day.
Speaking in his role as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Ramaphosa issued a statement on Monday honouring the countless men and women who gave their lives in the fight to end colonialism and apartheid across the region.
"Through their unwavering commitment and resilience, many freedom fighters and ordinary citizens made immense sacrifices in the fight against colonial rule and apartheid, laying the foundation for the peace, dignity, and sovereignty we uphold today."
The President turned his attention to the landmark Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in Angola, which he characterised as a decisive moment in Southern Africa's liberation journey. He recognised Cuba's contribution in backing regional liberation movements that stood against apartheid forces. According to Ramaphosa, the battle played a pivotal role in securing Namibia's independence in 1990 and ultimately opened the path to South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994.
Liberation Day must drive reflection, not mere ritual
Ramaphosa cautioned against treating Liberation Day as nothing more than a symbolic occasion. Instead, he said the commemoration should serve as a moment for genuine reflection on how far the region has come in securing self-determination, economic sovereignty and human dignity. He underscored the significance of a 2018 SADC resolution aimed at weaving the history of Southern Africa's liberation struggle into school curricula throughout all member states. The President also called for heritage sites, monuments and institutions to be named after the heroes and heroines who fell during the struggle, arguing that such steps would keep their legacy alive and motivate coming generations.
Against the backdrop of growing global uncertainty, Ramaphosa urged SADC member states to maintain their focus and cohesion in pursuing deeper regional integration and development. He voiced solidarity with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, declaring that the liberation being commemorated would not be fully realised while fellow Africans elsewhere still aspired to self-determination.
"As with the SADC Founders and many who fought tirelessly for our liberation, we reaffirm that it is neither the colour of our skin, nor the size of our military arsenals, nor the magnitude of our national budgets that should determine our humanity or the sustainability of the human race as a whole. May dialogue and peace be our most righteous armour to safeguard the freedom we continue to enjoy and work collectively toward a more just and equitable world."
Ramaphosa stressed that peace and open dialogue must remain at the heart of efforts to sustain freedom and foster a fairer global order. He wrapped up his address by extending wishes for a peaceful and contemplative Liberation Day to the entire SADC region.
South Africa's democratic foundations rest on the regional solidarity Ramaphosa now seeks to reinforce, making SADC cohesion directly relevant to the country's political stability and economic growth prospects. Stronger regional integration could boost cross-border trade and investment for South African businesses operating across southern Africa. Whether member states translate these commemorative commitments into concrete policy, particularly embedding liberation history in education and deepening economic ties, will determine if such appeals yield lasting benefits or remain largely ceremonial.
