WINDHOEK, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The Namibian government has launched a mission in South Africa to advance the exhumation and repatriation of two liberation-era figures whose remains are set to be returned home after decades of burial in Cape Town, a Namibian official said Friday.
The July 9-14 mission forms part of ongoing bilateral cooperation between Namibia and South Africa to facilitate the dignified return of the two Namibians, who died in exile and were buried in Cape Town, said Mbumba Haitengela, executive director in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture.
The delegation comprises representatives of traditional authorities, former Robben Island prisoners, the families of the deceased, relevant government ministries, the Museums Association of Namibia and the National Heritage Council of Namibia.
"The delegation will engage in joint implementation planning sessions with South African technical experts and relevant institutions to discuss the legal, cultural, technical and logistical arrangements required for the exhumation and repatriation process," Haitengela said.
He said the remains of Simon Petrus Nilenge and Festus Nehale, together with those of 84 other Namibians, have so far been identified at burial sites in South Africa.
The exhumation of the two individuals is expected to be completed ahead of their reburial in Namibia on Aug. 26, Heroes' Day of the country, which commemorates the liberation struggle, he said.
Following the exhumation, the remains will be temporarily kept at the National Museum of Namibia before the state reburial ceremony.
Haitengela said the mission reflects Namibia's continued commitment to honoring those who contributed to the country's liberation struggle by restoring their dignity and returning them to their homeland. ■