The remains of a freedom fighter, who was secretly buried by the apartheid government 22 years ago, were given a dignified reburial at Mukula Village, north of Thohoyandou, on Saturday.

Mpho George Ramudzuli was saluted by 21 gunshots fired in the air, as his coffin was lowered at Mukula Zwiendeulu (sacred burial place), while freedom songs remained the order of the day at the historic funeral ceremony. The Minister of Local Government and Housing, Mr Sydney Mufamadi, and Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto described Ramudzuli as a fearless commander who touched the lives of many people and whose legacy, commitment, dedication and effective revolutionary leadership continue to motivate everyone who strives for a better life.

Secret burial

Ramudzuli died on June 16, 1984, when he was 29 years old, after an explosive device with a faulty detonator exploded prematurely while he was on a mission to demolish the Delmas Magistrate's Court. The government conducted a secret burial and no one knew where his remains were buried until his grave was recently discovered in Mpumalanga. He was one of the more than 400 missing freedom fighters whose places of burial were disclosed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Born on 15 March, 1955, Ramudzuli matriculated at Khwevha High in 1974. He was an active participant in the 1976 nationwide uprisings and led the March to Makwarela stadium in protest against apartheid and Bantu education. This and other political activities led to his name being placed on the most wanted list of the apartheid police. He went into hiding in Khubvi Village and, after the situation had calmed down, he went to Soweto and thereafter went to exile. He joined the ANC’s military wing, MK, in 1978 and received military training in Mozambique, Swaziland and Angola. During his basic guerilla training, he became close to comrades like Peter Dambuza, Fanny Tielo, Bernard Shenge, Richard Baba, Harlem Mmboni, and Dick Mosala.

Sibasa Police Station bombing

He was appointed Chief of Staff of the Northeastern Transvaal in 1979 and throughout the early 1980's, he executed a number of underground operations successfully, inflicting damage on the apartheid government structures.

These included the raid on a fuel depot in Ermelo as well as the Sibasa Police Station operation.

When addressing hundreds of guests, Mufamadi said the late Ramudzuli deserved a dignified send-off because his contribution made South Africa what it is today. “It is pity he did not live to see the fruits of the freedom which he tirelessly fought for. Although we are grieving, we are proud to say that Ramudzuli did not die in vain because the fruits of his hard labour remain to be seen.”

Also a member of the ANC National Executive Committee, Mufamadi said the reburial of Ramudzuli’s remains at his place of birth is a victory against injustice. “Those who secretly buried him did not know that they were burying a brave soldier who would one day return home. His name will never be forgotten in our history because he has been a true sign of resistance and defiance throughout his short life.”

“Among the heroes”

Premier Sello Moloto, also the Chairperson of the ANC in Limpopo, said Ramudzuli is counted among the heroes who deserved to be acknowledged for their effort in the liberation victory, which did not come so cheap. “We must live by the aspirations, goals and commitments which comrades like Ramudzuli cherished. We must honor them by moving forward in realization of their ideals. Their sense of solidarity, comradeship, common vision and understanding must always come to mind when we think about today’s freedom. Ramudzuli was a great man who did not deserve to be buried in such a cruel manner by those who hated freedom. We are happy that today we are returning him to his home and we believe that his soul will rest in peace.”