Minister Gayton McKenzie to lead the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale Commemoration Public Lecture

The Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, in collaboration with Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum and the National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC), invites members of the media to a day of reflection on Resistance and Liberation Heritage in commemoration of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale. The event will take place on Sunday, 23 March 2025, at Freedom Park in Pretoria, where Minister McKenzie will deliver the keynote address. 

The event will feature a public lecture and wreath-laying ceremony, exploring the historical, military, and political significance of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale. This pivotal battle, fought in southern Angola (1987–1988), played a key role in Namibia’s independence, dismantling apartheid, and shaping the region’s path to democracy, leaving a lasting legacy that honours the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom. 

Minister Gayton McKenzie will be joined by Angola’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, His Excellency Mr. Felipe Silva de Pina Za; High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete; Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Her Excellency Mrs. Esther Armenteros; and Ambassador of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mr. Roman Ambarov. 

The event will feature messages of support, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the presence of representatives from SADC nations, underscoring the regional significance of the battle. 

Members of the Media are invited as Follows:
Date: Sunday, 23 March 2025
Time: 10h00-12h00
Venue: Freedom Park (Corner Koch &, 7th Avenue, Salvokop, Pretoria) 

For RSVPs:

Mr Madimetja Moleba│Email: MadimetjaM@dsac.gov.za│Cell: +27 66 301 4675 (Call & WhatsApp)

Ms Tebogo Ramutloa│Email: Tebogo@freedompark.co.za│Cell: +27 82 793 3130 (Call & WhatsApp)

Ms Tebogo Shilakwe│Email: T.Shilakwe@nhc.org.za│Cell: +27 84 594 8881 (Call & WhatsApp)

 

For media enquiries:

Ms. Stacey-Lee Khojane, Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture │Email: StaceyK@dsac.gov.za │ Cell: +27 77 608 7579 

Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture │Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za │ Cell: +27 72 172 8925

Issued by the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture