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South Africans mourn former Cuban leader

Xinhua, December 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

South Africans gathered in Johannesburg on Wednesday to mourn and celebrate the life of Cuba's former leader Fidel Castro.

Castro passed away on Nov. 25 at the age of 90. The memorial service was organized by South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC).

African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma addressed the memorial service.

"Comrade Fidel Castro is a dear friend for the South African revolution. It is important for us as the young and women to learn from Castro's contribution to the people of the world," said Dlamini-Zuma.

She said Castro improved the lives of the Cubans and ensured that women occupy high positions in the society. Castro worked for the social and economic well-being of the Cuban people and the world.

Dlamin-Zuma said the best honor to the late Cuban leader would be to preserve his legacy but champion the cause he pursued in creating a better life for the people.

Castro always wanted to ensure a better life for the youth, she added.

"We will not forget you. We will keep the spirit of the revolution until our struggle is won," she said.

President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) Sdumo Dlamini said the South African workers are thankful to Castro for the working conditions they now have.

"The struggle for South African workers will be meaningless without understanding the Cuban revolution. The workers are the direct beneficiaries of the Cuban Revolution under Fidel Castro," he said.

Dlamini said Castro managed to resist the American imperialism in his country. He said many countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa will forever be grateful to Castro for supporting them in their liberation and expecting nothing in return.

ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe also described the late Cuban president as a disciplined, committed and exemplary leader.

"We are a proud and free people, we owe it to the Cuban people. The duty of revolutionaries is not to wait for change; they must make every revolution to happen," said Mantashe.

He said Castro's name has inspired and will continue to inspire people in the country and the world.

Cuba has provided support for the African countries which included South Africa, Namibia, Angola and Zimbabwe among others during their wars of liberation.

The Cuban government continues to train many African doctors and send theirs to serve in the continent. Currently, 3,000 overseas doctors are studying in Cuba. Endi