Pretoria, December 4th, 2020.- The Cuban Embassy in South Africa has received the very sad news of the passing away of Cde. Ambassador Lenin Magigwane Shope. This is a great loss indeed not only for South Africa, but for Cuba as well.
He went to Cuba as a young student in 1976 and transited through our all education system. From 1982-1986 he was trained as Engineer at the Technological University of Havana (CUJAE). Cubans loved him because he was one of us. He celebrated and suffered for many years with his Cubans brothers and sisters. Always quiet , a man of few words, but always ready to assist and help others. That is why he is an inseparable part of the Cuban family.
During his mandate as Ambassador of South Africa in our country from 2003-2007, Cde. Lenin Shope strengthened and expanded to new levels the historical and special relations of friendship , solidarity and cooperation between Cuba and South Africa.
The younger of the Shope children but the rock of the family, a revolutionary family that has always been very close to Cuba, created by prominent anti-Apartheid fighters Gertrude and Mark Shope. His sister, H.E. Thaninga Shope- Linney is presently the South African Ambassador in Cuba, following the steps of his beloved brother.
Cde. Lenin was always a sincere friend of the Cuban Revolution. A man of principle and integrity, a great Ambassador, a loyal Comrade and a true revolutionary. He will be sorely missed.
On behalf of the Cuban people and government our sincere condolences to his families and friends.
Hamba kahle Comrade Ambassador Lenin Shope!
