Kwibohora 32 - Rwanda's Journey Continues
TDS - 15 July 2026
Rwanda's 32nd Liberation Day celebration in South Africa honoured the country's remarkable journey of renewal while reflecting the renewed momentum in relations between Rwanda and South Africa.
The afternoon came alive with music, celebration and cultural pride as the award-winning Rwandan dance troupe, Itorero Inyamibwa, captivated guests with energetic performances that showcased Rwanda's rich cultural heritage and national pride.
Addressing the gathering, Rwanda's High Commissioner to South Africa, Emmanuel Hategeka, reflected on the meaning of liberation beyond military victory.
Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, he reminded guests that, "There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere," saying Rwanda understood those words deeply because its freedom had been earned through sacrifice, courage and determination.
"The Rwanda we proudly celebrate today was reborn through liberation 32 years ago. One lesson remains unmistakably clear; nations are transformed by the choices they make. Rwanda deliberately chose unity over division, accountability over blame, self-reliance over dependency, and long-term vision over short-term expediency."
He said those choices had shaped every aspect of Rwanda's development and delivered significant progress in healthcare, education, electricity access, poverty reduction and life expectancy over the past three decades.
"The greatest tribute to our liberation heroes is to build a Rwanda that is more prosperous than yesterday, more innovative than today, and even more united tomorrow."
In June this year, Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, paid a working visit to South Africa, where he met Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola. Guided by the political will of Presidents Paul Kagame and Cyril Ramaphosa, the visit marked an important step in renewing relations between the two countries.
The meetings resulted in the agreement to the resumption of visa issuance for holders of ordinary Rwandan passports within twelve months and the revival of the Joint Commission for Cooperation, which is expected to convene in Kigali during the first quarter of 2027. The renewed partnership is expected to expand cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, health, mining, energy, innovation and people-to-people exchanges.
The renewed engagement marks an important turning point after several years of strained relations and demonstrates the commitment of both governments to building a constructive partnership based on mutual respect and shared African interests.
Speaking on behalf of the South African government, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe described Rwanda's liberation as a story of resilience, courage and determination. Drawing parallels between Rwanda's liberation on 4 July 1994 and South Africa's democratic transition earlier that year, he said both countries had emerged from painful histories to pursue reconciliation and nation-building.
He said Africa's future depended on deeper cooperation, stronger regional integration and African solutions to African challenges, adding that South Africa and Rwanda were well placed to advance peace, economic development and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
"The reality is that South Africa and Rwanda need one another."
He added, "Our presence here today reaffirms South Africa's commitment to revitalising and strengthening bilateral relations with Rwanda, founded on trust, mutual respect and shared understanding."
Mantashe also thanked Rwanda for facilitating the safe transit of South African National Defence Force personnel returning from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, describing it as an example of practical regional cooperation.
Kwibohora, meaning "liberation", commemorates the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the beginning of Rwanda's national rebuilding process. Thirty-two years after liberation, Rwanda continues to demonstrate how determined leadership, national unity and long-term planning can transform a country.
The celebration was a reminder that liberation is not simply a moment in history but an ongoing commitment to building peace, opportunity and prosperity. As Rwanda and South Africa continue rebuilding their partnership, both countries appear committed to ensuring that stronger bilateral relations deliver practical benefits for their citizens while contributing to a more united, peaceful and prosperous Africa.