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"International solidarity is not an act of charity: It is an act of unity between allies fighting on different terrains toward the same objective. The foremost of these objectives is to aid the development of humanity to the highest level possible." Samora Machel

The National Education Health & Allied Workers Union [NEHAWU] commemorates the 30th anniversary of the passing away of former President of both the Republic of Mozambique and the liberation movement Frelimo, Samora Moisés Machel.

Machel will forever be etched in our memories as a resolute revolutionary who stood against colonial oppression, for freedom and democracy. As President of the Republic he dedicated his life towards service for the people of Mozambique. During his tenure he abolished both private schools and clinics thus ensuring that there was universal access to both health and education.

His contribution to the liberation of South Africa from the shackles of the draconian rule of the National Party is immeasurable. He created a safe haven for Umkhonto we Sizwe operatives who were exiled or for those on their way to join military camps in other countries. An admirer of Oliver Tambo he chose to side with the ANC even at the most difficult times.

He committed himself to protecting ANC cadres in Mozambique who were being hunted by the South African Defence Force [SADF].

On the occasion commemorating the Matola massacres by the Pretoria regime in July 1980 at the Maputo Independence Square, in brazen defiance of apartheid tyranny, Samora Machel said: "They want to come here and commit murder. So we say: Let them come! Let all the racists come! Let the South Africans come, but let them be clear that the war will end in Pretoria!”

NEHAWU continue to hold a strong view that the National Party was responsible for the air crash that killed Cde Machel on October 19, 1986 in Mbuzini, South Africa. The National Party is complicit in this matter and had reasons to get rid of him.

After a special investigation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission it was concluded that "The investigations conducted by the Commission raised a number of questions, including the possibility of a false beacon and the absence of a warning from the South African authorities. The matter requires further investigation by an appropriate structure."

A satisfactory explanation for the accident is still missing and this necessitates the opening of an inquest into the crash which also had economic repercussions for Mozambique when the GDP declined by 7.7% in the aftermath

Issued by NEHAWU