Moses Kotane and John Beaver Marks both died in exile, in what was then the USSR. eNCAs Yusuf Omar discovered a new generation of South Africans barely know their names.
Editor&39;s note: This story has been updated with new information.
JOHANNESBURG – The mortal remains of struggle icons Moses Kotane and John Beaver Marks have arrived on home soil.
The military plane carrying the historical figures touched down as scheduled at 6:15 at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria.
President Jacob Zuma will join each of the families separately and pay tribute to the men and ther contributions to the struggle.
Both Kotane and JB Marks died in foreign lands over three decades ago and were buried in Moscow and many are hoping that their return to South Africa will ignite an interest among the youth.
But so many of the youth do not know who they were or what role they played the struggle for freedom in South Africa.
The 103-year-old widow of Moses Kotane is among those atending the occasion.
His son has told eNCA that the return of his father&39;s remains was a bittersweet event.
Kotane will be buried on March 21 and Marks, a day later. Their funerals will be held in their hometown of the North West.
Watch the full story in the gallery above.
