South Africa’s High Commission to Mozambique to commemorate the Matola raid

The South African High Commission in Mozambique will on Saturday, 13 February 2010, commemorate the 29th Anniversary of the Matola Raid, which took place on 30 January 1981.

The annual commemoration aims to recognise and record the critical role played by the nationals and Government of Mozambique in the South African liberation struggle; to acknowledge the tradition of cooperation and cordial relations that have existed between South Africans and Mozambique; and to motivate and commit our two peoples to a lasting future of peace, prosperity and good neighbourliness.

The Matola raid on ANC safe houses was carried out on 30 January 1981 by a unit of the South African Defence Force (SADF), as part of destabilisation efforts of southern African countries that were in support of the liberation struggle led by the ANC. Sixteen South Africans and one Portuguese national were killed during the attack.

The Commemoration will be held on Saturday, 13 February 2010 in Matola, Mozambique, and will commence at 08:30 with a brief wreath-laying ceremony, followed by an official programme in Matola at 10:00.  The location for the main function will be at the site for the Matola Raid Monument.  

Construction of the monument for the Matola Raid Project, to be undertaken by the Department of Arts and Culture and the Department of Public Works, will commence on April 2010 and it will be handed over to the Heads of State of South Africa and Mozambique at the 30th Anniversary of the Matola Raid on 30th January 2011. 

For more information contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi, on 082 940 1647.

Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
PRETORIA
0001

11 February 2010