Pretoria, August 13, 2020.- The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys a fraternal message to the people and government of Cuba on the occasion of the 94th birth anniversary of Comrade Fidel Castro, an outstanding commander and leader of the Cuban Revolution.
Comandante’s servitude to humanity has been inspirational to millions of peace-loving people across the world. We cannot imagine there is a single continent that was not touched by the influence and contribution of Comandante Fidel Castro.
We know and will always be indebted to the Cubans for our own liberation, for the intervention in Cuito Cuanavale, Angola, and for the subsequent negotiations led by Comandante himself.
We appreciate the hardships he and the people of Cuba as a whole, endured for the Cuban Revolution and fundamental right of self-determination. Commandant Fidel remained a top enemy of the imperialism and the imperialist underpinning and driving it.
Comandante Fidel was unwavering in his conviction for an end to world domination by imperialism and the capitalist system it was erected on. He showed the world, leading by example, to pursue unity and international solidarity.
Cde Fidel taught us to interpret how our struggle in South Africa is connected to word working-class struggles, be it the capitalist system of exploitation and its interrelated racism and sexism.
We reaffirm that the legacy of Comandante Fidel lives on today. It will continue in many years to come. We know this because even today after his death the Cuban example continues on the planet. During this time, as the entire world is battling against the Covid-19, it is the small Island of Cuba that has responded differently through sending the largest contingents of health practitioners to help save lives around the world.
These medica practitioners and specialists are showing the world the importance of deepening human solidarity across borders. The Cuban international medical brigade specialising in disasters and serious epidemics ‘Henry Reeve’ deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
In life and in death, the imperialists especially the US have and continue to accuse Comandante Fidel of being a dictator. In contrast, we have seen how millions in Cuba and throughout the world revered him and continue to do so.
The SACP will strengthen its efforts to improve investment, trade and development relations between Cuba and South Africa, based on the principles of revolutionary international solidarity. T
he work includes deepening support for the all-important Mandela-Castro medical training programme essential for an advance to universal health-care coverage in South Africa through the development of a National Health Insurance.
Happy 94th Birthday Comandante Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz
Yo Soy Fidel