It’s 31 years since Samora Machel passed away
Today marks 31 years since the death of the first Mozambican democratic president, Samora Machel, following a plane crash in the mountains of Mbuzini near komatipoort.
The former president and 33 other passengers died when the plane they were travelling in, known as Tupolev 134, crashed into the Lebombo mountains. At the time of his death, Machel had been in power for 11 years. On the day of the crash he was returning from an African leaders’ summit in Zambia. His death sent shock waves throughout Southern Africa and the entire world.
It is still not clear as to what resulted to the crash. However some perceptions are pointing it to the bad weather while others are pointing figures at the South African authorities by then.
Also read: 30 years commemoration of the death of President Samora Machel
As a way of honouring Machel’s contribution to the liberation struggle, the two neighbouring countries, Mozambique and South Africa always commemorate his death. The spokesperson for the department of culture, sports and recreation in the province, Ms Sibongile Nkosi said: “The commemoration is aimed at acknowledging, celebrating and preserving history for future generations and also highlighting the struggle heroes of the liberation.”
This year’s commemoration will be on October 20, 2017 at the Samora Machel Monument in Mbuzini
