President William Ruto on Thursday visited the Freedom Park Memorial Museum in Pretoria, where he laid wreaths in honour of South Africa’s heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives in the country’s struggle for freedom and independence.
Accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, the Kenyan Head of State toured the historic memorial site as part of his official visit to South Africa, paying tribute to generations of freedom fighters whose efforts helped dismantle apartheid and secure democratic governance.
Describing the visit as a profound honour, President Ruto said Freedom Park stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, sacrifice and the enduring quest for human dignity and self-determination.
“This sacred place bears witness to the nation’s hard-fought freedom struggle and preserves the memory of those who sacrificed life and limb for liberty, dignity and self-determination,” the President said.
Ruto noted that the memorial serves as a reminder of the price paid by countless South Africans in the fight against oppression and inequality, while inspiring future generations to uphold the values of justice, unity and freedom.
The President said Kenya joins the people of South Africa in celebrating and remembering the men and women whose selfless sacrifices made the country’s independence possible.
“We join the people of South Africa in forever saluting and cherishing these heroes and heroines for their selflessness that made the independence of this beautiful country possible,” he said.
Freedom Park, located on Salvokop Hill in Pretoria, is one of South Africa’s most significant national heritage sites. The memorial honours those who lost their lives in various struggles that shaped the country’s history, including the liberation struggle against apartheid.
President Ruto’s visit underscored the longstanding ties between Kenya and South Africa, countries that share a common history of resistance against colonialism and the pursuit of democratic governance and social justice.
The wreath-laying ceremony formed part of engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nairobi and Pretoria while reaffirming the two nations’ commitment to preserving the legacy of Africa’s liberation movements.
