Redi Tlhabi Rebukes Herman Mashaba Over His Comments on Samora Machel

Herman Mashaba has been harshly criticised by Redi Tlhabi for his comments, which question the reason why South Africa commemorates former Mozambican president Samora Machel. Tlhabi contends that Machel’s contribution to the country’s liberation struggle cannot be disregarded.

The disagreement occurred subsequent to Machel’s commemoration in Mbuzini, Mpumalanga, 40 years after his death in a plane crash. Josina Machel, his daughter, had previously expressed the significance of safeguarding her father’s memory.

Mashaba contended that Machel was the president of Mozambique, not South Africa, and questioned the necessity of South Africans honouring him. Tlhabi responded to his remarks by expressing personal disappointment and describing them as insensitive to a painful chapter in the region’s history.

Tlhabi emphasised Machel’s advocacy for South African liberation movements during apartheid, asserting that Mozambique offered refuge to South African exiles and provided support to the African National Congress (ANC). She observed that Mozambique was subjected to attacks by South African forces during the apartheid era, such as the January 1981 raid on ANC-linked homes in Matola, which resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals.

She also emphasised Machel’s involvement in Mozambique’s own resistance to Portuguese colonialism. He served as the nation’s inaugural president upon its independence in 1975 and maintained cordial relationships with Oliver Tambo, the leader of the African National Congress (ANC).

Tlhabi recognised the challenges associated with the 1984 Nkomati Accord, which stipulated that Mozambique and apartheid South Africa would cease supporting each other’s armed opponents. She contended that Machel encountered significant difficulties in his efforts to resolve a catastrophic civil conflict in Mozambique as a result of the apartheid government’s pressure.

Her response positioned Machel’s legacy as a component of a broader regional liberation narrative, rather than a matter that was restricted to national borders.

The exchange has reignited the debate regarding Machel’s significance in South African history and the significance of neighbouring African countries in their support of the anti-apartheid movement.

For Tlhabi, the commemoration of Machel is a recognition of the shared history and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.

https://x.com/RediTlhabi/status/2112534856487813396

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