Mpumalanga Marks 40th Anniversary of Mbuzini Tragedy

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu joined Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, and the Machel family, led by Graça Machel, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Mbuzini Tragedy on 19 October 2026.

The commemoration took place at the Samora Machel Monument and Museum in Mbuzini, near Komatipoort, where the gathering paid tribute to the lives lost when an aircraft carrying Mozambican President Samora Machel crashed on 19 October 1986. The tragedy claimed the lives of Machel and 34 other people.

The monument stands as a symbol of remembrance, preserving the legacy of those who perished and celebrating the historic ties of solidarity between South Africa and Mozambique.

Premier Ndlovu said the most meaningful way to honour Machel and other African leaders of his generation was to turn their legacy into tangible improvements in people's lives.

He emphasised the need to intensify efforts to fight poverty, create employment opportunities, improve access to quality education and healthcare, and ensure that communities lived with dignity.

The commemoration was jointly hosted by the governments of South Africa and Mozambique, reaffirming the longstanding friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The 40th anniversary served as a reminder of President Machel's contribution to Africa's liberation struggle and the importance of preserving the historical bonds between the two nations.