The remains of two Namibians who died while imprisoned on Robben Island and were buried in Cape Town, South Africa, are to be exhumed and repatriated before 26 August 2026.

The remains of Simon Nilenge, who died in 1974, and Festus Nehale, who died in 1971, are among 84 other Namibians who have been identified in South Africa.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) announced that a Namibian delegation is on a five-day mission in South Africa from 9 July to engage South African counterparts on implementing the exhumation and repatriation of Namibians buried in South Africa.

The mission forms part of continued bilateral cooperation between the two governments to facilitate the dignified return of Namibians who died in exile.

The delegation comprises representatives from traditional authorities, former Robben Island prisoners, family members, and officials from the ministry, the Museum Association of Namibia, and the National Heritage Council of Namibia.

The exhumation of the two individuals is expected to be completed ahead of their reburial in Namibia on Heroes Day.

The remains will be temporarily housed at the National Museum of Namibia pending the reburial ceremony.

The ministry says the mission represents a milestone in Namibia's ongoing efforts to honour the legacy of those who contributed to the country's liberation struggle and to restore their dignity through return to their homeland.

The programme further includes visits to the museums, archives and the Gugulethu and Maitland cemeteries, where cultural rituals and site visits will be undertaken in accordance with established protocols.