40th anniversary of the Mbuzini Tragedy

The Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique to the Kingdom of Sweden pays tribute on the 40th anniversary of the Mbuzini Tragedy. On 19 October 1986, the tragedy claimed the lives of the late Marshal Samora Moisés Machel, the first President of the Republic of Mozambique, and other members of his delegation and the presidential aircraft crew, as they returned from a mission to promote regional cooperation and solidarity.

The main commemorative ceremony will take place on 19 October 2026 at the Samora Machel Monument and Museum in Mbuzini, Mpumalanga Province, Republic of South Africa. Their Excellencies Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, and Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, will attend.

Jointly organized by the Governments of the two countries, the event will bring together government representatives, survivors and relatives of the victims of the air crash, diplomatic representatives, liberation struggle veterans, traditional leaders and members of the public to honor the memory of Samora Machel and all those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Four decades on, this anniversary offers a moment to reflect on and recognize Samora Machel’s legacy in the struggle for freedom, the building of the Mozambican State, and the promotion of solidarity among the peoples of the region. It also provides an opportunity to reaffirm the historic bonds of friendship and cooperation between Mozambique and South Africa.

As we mark this anniversary, the Embassy invites the Mozambican community in the Nordic countries and friends of Mozambique to join us in honoring the memory of the victims and preserving their legacy, while renewing our shared commitment to peace, national unity, and African solidarity.

Stockholm, 19 October 2026