African leaders joined others from different parts of the world to condole Cubans on the passing of a great revolutionary hero and former President Fidel Castro. In attendance were President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, President Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Namibian President Hage Geingob and many others.
Nigerian President Mu-hammadu Buhari expressed sadness at the passing of Mr. Castro. “On behalf of the Federal Government, President Buhari offers deepest condolences to Cuban President Raul Castro, and the people of Cuba on the passing early Saturday of the legendary leader, who passionately served his people for almost half a century,” Mr. Buhari said in a statement issued by a spokesperson. He called Mr. Castro a “remarkable leader who against all odds stirred uncommon development in sports, education and health care sectors of his nation, even to the benefit of other nations.”
“As a great friend to Africa, countries in the Global South and the Non-Aligned Movement, President Buhari believes that Castro’s place in history is assured, given his sustained successful commitment and towering role in the liberation and anti-colonialism struggles in Africa,” the statement said. The President of South Africa in a show solidarity with the people of Cuba, following the passing away of the former leader Fidel Castro Ruz, opened books of condolence.
In a released statement, the South Africa Presidency said the books of condolence have been placed at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Tuynhuys in Cape Town and at the offices of Premiers in all provinces.
President Jacob Zuma, who attended the official mass memorial service in Havana, Cuba, has ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast in the South African mission in that country until 4 December, 2016.
Former Cuba President Castro passed away on Friday, 25 November 2016 at age 90. “The late President Castro not only identified with the struggle against apartheid, but also inspired the Cuban people to join South Africans in that Struggle,” said the Presidency.
“After South Africa gained freedom in 1994, Cuba and South Africa, under President Castro and President Nelson Mandela respectively, formed a strong bond of solidarity and friendship.”
The President has reiterated that the people of South Africa share the loss of the Cuban people and stand with them in this time of grief and mourning.
“President Zuma has invited South Africans to express their appreciation for the role Cuba played in decolonising Southern Africa and ending apartheid by visiting the Union Buildings, Tuynhuys and the offices of Premiers to record personal or organisational messages.”
The books of condolence will be open to the public until further notice. A significant number of South African individuals and organisations have over a number of years established strong political and cultural relations with Cuban partners and allies and the signing of condolence books allows South Africans to maintain this sense of solidarity.
South Africa continues to enjoy strong bilateral relations with Cuba as well as strong partnership in addressing global issues in international forums. Additional story from the Africa News Agency.
