The documentary “Demise of a Revolutionary” pays tribute to the life of Samora Machel, investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding his passing, and acknowledges the dedication that Samora Machel had to Mozambique and her independence. Machel was a forward-thinking leader who served as the head of the Mozambican Freedom Development FRELIMO and as the First President of an Independent Mozambique. He passed away in a plane crash in October of 1986.
Mozambique’s progressive movement was a pioneer in freedom and development. Samora Moises Machel, leader of the FRELIMO movement and the first President of Mozambique, was killed in a plane crash on October 19, 1986. The news of the President’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the entire world. A total of 33 people, including members of his party and the crew of the Russian-assembled Tupolev TU 134A, were among those who perished as a result of the tragedy.
The plane was making its way back to the airport after attending the Summit of African Pioneers in Zambia. It crashed in the Lebombo mountains in the vicinity of Mbuzini near Neslpruit, which is located in the eastern Transvaal (presently Mpumalanga). The location of the disaster was at a region where the railway line from South Africa connected with those from Swaziland and Mozambique. The manner in which it crashed over South African territory raised a number of questions and concerns regarding the potential results that could result from the incorporation of the government that sanctioned racial apartheid. Only nine people out of the original 34 on board survived the collision.
Immediately following the incident, a Commission that was comprised of delegates from South Africa, Mozambique, and the Soviet Union was established in order to determine the factors that led to the incident. It has been suggested that the catastrophe could have been caused by a wide variety of factors, ranging from a malfunctioning piece of equipment to severe weather conditions. In any case, the investigations were not successful in isolating the specific factors that led to the disaster.
In order to determine the true cause of the accident that resulted in the deaths of President Machel and his party, the newly elected and just government of South Africa has demanded the submission of a further request.
