Former South African President Thabo Mbeki paid an emotional tribute to fallen liberation fighters in Morogoro, Tanzania, ahead of the 15th annual Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture, set to take place on Saturday.

The event, jointly hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and the Julius Nyerere Foundation, will focus on Africa’s development, particularly the challenges and opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mbeki visited Mazimbu, Morogoro, where the African National Congress (ANC) once maintained military bases during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. He laid wreaths at the graves of exiled freedom fighters and planted a tree in the Garden of Remembrance—a site previously honored by other ANC leaders, including former presidents Kgalema Motlanthe and Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as the late Nelson Mandela.

“This is a proper tribute to the people who lie in these graves,” Mbeki said, visibly moved. “It is a tribute to the entire humanity. The story of what Morogoro and Mazimbu did must be told.”

The University of Morogoro maintains the graves, and Mbeki expressed gratitude for their preservation efforts, calling it an “extraordinary story” of sacrifice.

This year’s lecture, themed around African development, is expected to critically assess the African Union’s effectiveness, particularly following reforms led by Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Analysts anticipate Mbeki will challenge the AU’s weakened peace and security mechanisms while advocating for economic integration under AfCFTA.

The lecture marks the second time it has been held outside South Africa, following last year’s event in Guinea-Conakry.

The visit came amid news of the passing of ANC stalwart Gertrude Shope, a revered anti-apartheid activist and women’s rights champion. Mbeki, who had previously honored Shope on her 99th birthday, highlighted her legacy in advancing gender equality—a struggle he noted remains unfinished, with only two African nations currently led by women.

As Africa Day approaches on Sunday, Mbeki’s lecture is set to reignite debates on continental unity, economic progress, and governance. His visit to Tanzania underscores the enduring ties between South Africa and its allies in the liberation struggle—while calling for a renewed commitment to Pan-Africanism.

“The dream of a liberated, developed Africa is still alive,” Mbeki remarked. “But we must confront our challenges with honesty and courage.”