Samora Machel, the first president of the Mozambique after the country’s independence, died on October 19, 1986, when a Soviet-crewed Tupolev 134A carrying his entourage back from a regional summit in Zambia crashed on a hillside in Mbuzini. There were only nine survivors among the 44 people on board.
Reflecting on the life and times of the fallen Mozambican President, Prof Maluleke says Samora is one those leaders who “changed the game”.
“There is no way you can refer to the liberation of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and not think of Machel and the remarkable role he played,” says Prof Maluleke.
“Machel’s impact, victory and coming to power went “far beyond his own native land and reverberated across Southern Africa. There is a lot to say about the fallen hero.”
Prof Maluleke will further elaborate on Machel’s legacy at tomorrow’s lecture, under the theme of Liberation, Emancipation and Foundations of the state at the INCM auditorium in Maputo.
Please click here to listen to Prof Tinyiko Maluleke’s full interview on ENCA as he reflects on the life of Samora Machel.