The families of two anti-apartheid activists whose remains will be reburied today say they’re relieved that their loved ones will rest in their ancestral home in Ga-Maupa village, outside Modjadjiskloof, in Limpopo.

The reburial service of two anti-apartheid activists, Alex Matsepane and Solomon Mawasha, is underway at the ga-Maupa sports ground. The pair were hung by the apartheid government in 1986 for protesting against imposed trial councils #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/HTtphAoh4m

— Pimani Baloyi (@PimaniBaloyi) July 19, 2025

Alex Matsepane and Solomon Mawasha were members of the United Democratic Front.

The apartheid government hanged them and gave them paupers’ burials in 1986.

Justice minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi and Electricity minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa among those in attendance. Matsepane was 23 years old while Mawash was 21 years old when they were hung at the Kgosi Mampuru gallows in 1986 #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/iO9hh3Ns4x

— Pimani Baloyi (@PimaniBaloyi) July 19, 2025

Families’ representative Masale Rasebotsa says, “As a family, we are so proud of the work that the department has done. We have been trying to get our uncle’s remains. It has been a really long journey for us in collaboration with the department. So today, as a family, we are very happy.”

Remains of two anti-apartheid activists to be reburied at Ga-Maupa village, Limpopo:

Closure to families

Community members say they are happy that their remains have been returned for burial in Limpopo. They stress that the reburial of the men’s remains will bring closure to the families.

“Alex Matsepane and Solomon Mawasha were arrested in 1985, and that’s what we knew in the community. But today we are very happy as we are able to see where they ended and to finally lay them to rest … When I was growing up, I heard the stories of two people who had been arrested in this village. Today, we celebrate with the two families as they have found closure.”