On the night of May 14, the emblematic Freedom Park in Pretoria was overwhelmed with the participation of hundreds of people in a great event of solidarity with Cuba, in which tribute was paid to the Cuban internationalists fallen in the struggles for the liberation of Africa .
The event served as an ideal setting to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Cuito Cuanavale Battle, the Month of Africa and the Centennial of Nelson Mandela.
Next to the "Wall of Memory", which includes the names of the 2 289 Cuban heroes who died in Africa, Cuban children and young people laid a wreath. Recognition diplomas were awarded to 11 internationalist fighters of the Island present, including veterans of Cuito Cuanavale. 
Among other dignitaries participated in the ceremony the former President of South Africa, Kgalema Motlante, the President of the Parliament Baleka Mbete; Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Culture; Ace Magashule, General Secretary of the ANC; Sdumo Dlamini, President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions of the country (COSATU), representatives of the South African Communist Party, of the Government of the Province of Gauteng; members, the Friends of Cuba Society (FOCUS), South African graduates on the Island, Cuban cooperators, the Diplomatic Corp accredited in the country, as well as residents and friends of Cuba in South Africa.
During the cultural and political evening, broadcast by the most important television channel in South Africa and numerous other media, the representatives of the different participating organizations and institutions made statements recognizing the role played by Cuba in the struggle for the liberation of the peoples of the continent and the elimination of Apartheid. The brotherhood among the historical leaders Commander in Chief Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela was also remembered. In his speech, Ambassador of Cuba, Rodolfo Benítez Verson, thanked South Africa for its strong support for the Cuban Revolution and described the special relationship between both nations as a true example of South-South cooperation and genuine solidarity.