Freedom Park, in collaboration with the NationalHeritage Council, to host International Day of Reflection on the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale
Members of the media are invited to attend the 23 March Day of Reflection on Resistance and Liberation Heritage, a commemorative event and public lecture to be held at Freedom Park in Pretoria.
The event marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, widely regarded as one of the. most significant turning points in the liberation struggles of Southern Africa. The battle played a crucial role in shaping the path toward the independence of Namibia and the eventual dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.
Hosted in partnership with the National Heritage Council, the commemoration forms part of the broader Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route programme, which seeks to preserve and promote the shared history of African liberation struggles and the collective sacrifices that paved the way for democracy across the region.
Beyond commemoration, the Day of Reflection will provide an opportunity for dialogue about solidarity among nations that supported South Africa’s liberation struggle. It also invites South Africans to reflect on the country’s relationship with fellow African states and international partners who stood in solidarity during difficult times.
At a time when questions are increasingly raised about attitudes toward foreign nationals in South Africa, the event will also challenge the narrative that South Africans are not xenophobic by encouraging honest reflection on how the country honours the nations and people who contributed to its freedom.
The programme will feature a wreath-laying ceremony, a public lecture, and messages of solidarity from diplomats representing countries that played a significant role in the liberation struggles of the region.
The event will be attended by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, along with diplomatic representatives from several countries that supported liberation movements in Southern Africa.
Confirmed diplomatic representation includes:
Embassy of Cuba
Embassy of Malawi
Embassy of Russia
Embassy of Angola
Embassy of Eswatini
Embassy of Zimbabwe
These nations played a critical role in the broader struggle for freedom in Southern Africa and remain important partners in preserving liberation heritage and strengthening Pan-African solidarity.
Approximately 150 guests, including representatives from government, diplomatic missions, heritage institutions, and civil society, are expected to attend. For more information and RSVP, contact the following people: NHC Stakeholder ,Engagement Officer, Tebogo Shilakwe, on t.shilakwe@nhc.org.za or 0845978881 / Freedom Park Communications Officer, Tebogo Ramutloa on tebogo@freedompark.co.za or 0827933130.
