South Africa’s ANC Commends President Museveni For Hosting Anti-Apartheid Fighters

Leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) party have praised President Museveni for providing refuge to the anti-apartheid freedom fighters.

ANC is a social-democratic political party in South Africa.

A liberation movement known for its opposition to apartheid, it has governed the country since 1994, when the first post-apartheid election installed Nelson Mandela as President of South Africa.

The leaders said Museveni provided refuge to the UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) when neighbouring states were hesitant to do so.

The ANC diplomats, led by ANC Treasurer General Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa, expressed their admiration for President Museveni during their visit to the Oliver Thambo Leadership School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke district.

The school was where the MK fighters trained, planned, and launched attacks against the white racist regime in South Africa from 1989 to 1993, eventually leading to their defeat.

Dr. Ramokgopa said, “We visited this site to strengthen the historical ties between the ANC and NRM, and also to pay tribute to President Museveni, whom we consider the father of our democracy”

She welcomed the MK fighters and provided them refuge when they had nowhere else to go, at a time when other neighbouring states were fearful of the apartheid regime.”

“We genuinely appreciate President Museveni’s leadership and extend our thanks to the people of Uganda.
Together with the NRM, we will continue to build on the progress we have made with our democracy, working towards a brighter future for all African children,” she noted.

Dr. Ramokgopa commended the Oliver Thambo School as a significant institution in cultivating young nationalists.

“Young people are inspired by the sacrifices made by our forefathers. The Center of Excellence at this school shares the stories of our past, present, and future, while also actively making a difference in the lives of ordinary citizens,” she said.

Amb Barbara Nekesa Oudo, NRM National Treasurer and Uganda’s Former High Commissioner to South Africa, also acknowledged the strong ties between ANC and NRM.

“We are delighted by the excellent relationship between Uganda and the Republic of South Africa.
President Museveni’s decision to provide sanctuary to the ANC fighting wing aimed to build bridges for future collaborations that would improve the lives of our people,”she said.

The High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Uganda, Lulama Xingwana, lauded Uganda’s contributions to South Africa’s liberation struggles and peacekeeping efforts on the African continent.

“We are greatly inspired and feel at home away from home.
Uganda’s resilience and bravery in the face of threats are commendable,” she said.