Namibia has welcomed home the remains of former Robben Island political prisoners Petrus Niilenge and Festus Nehale, together with ancestral remains repatriated from South Africa after decades away from their homeland.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received the remains at Hosea Kutako International Airport east of Windhoek on Friday.
In a statement, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the return of the remains represents an effort to restore dignity to those whose lives and sacrifices form part of Namibia’s history.
The homecoming marks a moment of remembrance and national healing as Namibia honours its sons and ancestors and welcomes them back to the land they called home, the president said.
Following a reception ceremony, the remains were taken to the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute in Windhoek.
The repatriation comes as Namibia continues to honour people who contributed to the country’s liberation struggle and the sacrifices made during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
The return of Niilenge and Nehale also reconnects the deceased with their homeland after decades away, while the repatriation of ancestral remains provides families and communities with an opportunity to honour their ancestors on Namibian soil.
The remains were brought back from South Africa as part of efforts to return Namibia’s fallen sons and ancestral remains to their country of origin.
The homecoming is expected to serve as a moment of reflection on the sacrifices made during Namibia’s liberation struggle and the importance of preserving the memories and legacies of those who came before.
