By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG

South African and Mozambican dignitaries on Monday marked the mysterious death of Mozambique’s first president 30 years ago.

Samora Machel was killed in a plane crash just inside the border of South Africa on Oct. 19, 1986. Many blamed the apartheid regime for causing the crash and killing a leading opponent of Pretoria while others have said pilot error led to the accident.

Hundreds gathered in Mbuzini village near the border to remember Machel and the 34 others who died.

“From President Samora Machel we learnt that the task of the African revolution is to invent a new society whose cornerstone is the welfare of all, not the exploitation of one by another,” Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a televised address from the village.

He described Machel as a leader who unconditionally welcomed liberation fighters from across Africa to Mozambique.

President Jacob Zuma was among the African National Congress (ANC) leaders who enjoyed Machel’s hospitality in Mozambique during apartheid.

“The motive behind the killing of Samora Machel will be known one day,” Mozambique’s Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario told the gathering. He said the investigation into Machal’s death remained a priority for the government.

Samora Machel Jr., the late president’s son, said his father was a visionary leader who believed in freedom from colonialism for the region.