On the Solemn Unveiling of the Soviet/Russian Section of the Wall of Names

Freedom Park, 13 December 2018

On 13 December 2018 the Unveiling of the Russian section of the Wall of Names took place at Freedom Park, a heritage memorial complex in Pretoria. The section comprises inscriptions with the names of 67 Soviet/Russian soldiers who sacrificed their lives to assist the liberation struggle in the region of Southern Africa, including the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.

Minister of Arts and Culture H.E. Mr Nathi Mthetwa and Minister of Small Business Development H.E. Ms Lindiwe Zulu participated in the solemn ceremony – a clear testament to the significance of this event for the Russian – South African relations.

The Unveiling was jointly organized by the Russian Embassy in South Africa and Freedom Park. In her opening remarks, the Freedom Park’s CEO Jane Mufamadi acknowledged the role of international community and the USSR, in particular in helping South Africa to obtain freedom as well as emphasized the importance of preserving this memory for further generations.

Russian Ambassador Mikhail Petrakov, in his turn, noted with delight the caring attitude of South Africans towards the common history of the two countries and pointed out the reciprocity of this treatment. He also emphasized that it was during the period of anti-apartheid struggle that the core principles of today’s bilateral relations – namely, mutual respect and assistance – were laid down.

In her address to the participants of the ceremony Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu illustrated the significance of the Soviet support for the anti-apartheid struggle with a personal story. Deprived of an opportunity to receive education in South Africa, she received her Master’s degree in People’s Friendship University in Moscow, while her husband, an MK operative, underwent military training at the “Perevalny” military base in Crimea. She also lamented the ignorance that some people demonstrate towards their own history and the past. In this context, Minister underlined that it is important to understand the history of the Second World War and remember the suffering and the feat of the Russian people.

Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthetwa, in turn, focused on the Soviet support for the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola and stated that the role played by Soviet Union in assisting the liberation movements in Southern Africa “cannot be forgotten at any time”. He also recalled a popular song of his youth showing the warm attitude of South Africans to their Soviet comrades: “Soviet people, loving people, here we are, far from home…”

The participants strongly supported the suggestion by the Russian Ambassador to turn it an annual tradition of laying flowers and wreaths to the Soviet/Russian section of the Wall in December.

After the official part the guests were welcomed to see an exhibition illustrating the history of Russian – South African relations during the years of the anti-apartheid struggle.