Another step on the reconciliation road takes place on Sunday with a joint memorial service at Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria.
Representatives of the SA National Military Veterans’ Association (SANMVA), Apla Military Veterans’ Association, AZANLA MVA, BDF MVA, the (ex-SADF) Council of Military Veterans’ Organisations (CMVO) and MK MVA, together with a representative each from the SANDF and the Department of Military Veterans, will conduct a joint wreath laying ceremony at Freedom Park’s Isivivane feature. After the wreath laying ceremony in Freedom Park, guests move to the SADF Wall of Remembrance at the Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site using the reconciliation road officially opened by President Zuma in 2011, for a second wreath laying ceremony.
“There couldn’t have been any better affirmation of this partnership than this upcoming event, especially after the two institutions (Die Erfenisstigting and Freedom Park) signed a memorandum of understanding. This event further recognises our painful past we all had to endure as a nation while understanding the future can only be better shaped through unity, nation building and reconciliation. It also clearly illustrates our joint commitment to support our men and women in uniform who serve the country all over Africa”, said Major General (Rtd) Gert Opperman, managing director of Die Erfenisstigting.
“We are honoured to avail this space to veterans from various formations who chose peace and reconciliation to shape the kind of society we all enjoy to live in today. It is through the sacrifices of the liberation heroes and heroines including those who paid the ultimate price that South Africa is free from all forms of oppression today”, said Jane Mufamadi, Freedom Park acting chief executive.
