“Russia supported our struggle unconditionally… these two leaders were laying a foundation for this relationship between Russia and South Africa,” Minister Mthethwa said.

Speaking in Moscow during the memorial service of the struggle stalwarts, Minister Mthethwa said Marks and Kotane were the bones that bind South Africa and Russia.

A wreath laying ceremony was also held for the struggle heroes in Moscow on Thursday.

“It’s no accident today that in this second phase of our transition which is the economic transformation phase… that Russia and South Africa are part of and parcel of BRICS because BRICS is there as counter measure politically and economically of what is happening in the world today,” Minister Mthethwa said.
He was in Moscow to repatriate the mortal remains of Marks and Kotane who both died in exile while living in Russia in the 1970s.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/struggle-heroes-credited-sa-russia-relationship