One of the all-time challenges of history is that dubious characters in the chronicling of events and times often have a penchant for the falsification of history. But on the other hand, and thanks to the power of memory, irrespective of how well-resourced nefarious historians may be, no one can obliterate history.
The other week, Freedom Park and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of South Africa held a solemn ceremony of unveiling of the names of the Soviet/Russian Soldiers on the Wall of Names in Pretoria. The Freedom Park was founded by the Mandela administration on their understanding that if not recorded accurately, our history of liberation wars will be misrepresented by those opposed to its nobility.
The Wall of Names unveiled by the Freedom Park comprises inscriptions with the names of 67 Soviet/Russian soldiers who sacrificed their lives to assist the liberation movement resulting in the establishment of a free and democratic South Africa. The relationship between Russia and South Africa dates back to the struggle years, during which many Soviet soldiers fought side-by-side with liberation armies, such as Umkhonto we Sizwe in South Africa, MPLA in Angola, FRELIMO in Mozambique.
The USSR provided financial aid and military expertise, assisted in personnel training and exerted pressure on the oppressive regimes in the international arena.
“The vital role these heroes played in the struggle for freedom, equality and human dignity shall not be forgotten, it is our duty to preserve their memory,” according to Freedom Park, which is a highly credible collator and preserver of history in the country.
The Freedom Park believes that it is no coincidence that the names of the Soviet/Russian Soldiers inscribed on the Wall of Names have been unveiled in 2018 – the year that marks the Centenary of Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu, the stalwarts of the anti-apartheid struggle and fearless champions of democracy and human rights.
Nelson Mandela, in particular, has always treasured the assistance of the Soviet Union and Russia and expressed gratitude for the “solidarity of the Russian people in the South African fight against apartheid and for freedom.”
