Polokwane, 2 December 2025. Cuba's Ambassador to South Africa, Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo, paid a working visit to Limpopo in northern South Africa. He held fruitful meetings with local authorities and political leaders, and exchanged with Cuban workers on official mission in the province.
Upon his arrival, the ambassador was received by representatives of the ANC, the South African Communist Party, and SANCO at the provincial level, with whom he discussed the need to continue strengthening bilateral ties. The Cuban diplomat thanked the South African people for their unwavering solidarity with Cuba and the Revolution, especially in the fight against the criminal blockade imposed by the United States.
Pinelo also met with the provincial premier, Dr. Pophi Ramathuba, and members of the Executive Council responsible for Health, Public Works, and Economic Development, with whom he discussed the main issues in bilateral relations and the presence of Cuban collaborators. Both sides highlighted the long standing and close relationship between the two countries while advocating for the diversification and strengthening of cooperation, particularly between provinces.
The ambassador also visited Cuban collaborators on official mission in Limpopo, from the UNECA and Health brigades, whom he congratulated on their excellent work and commitment and called on them to continue to uphold the name of Cuba, even though being so far from the homeland.
The ambassador was accompanied by mission officials Bryan Betancourt and Abel Benítez from the political section and Lauren Luis from the press and culture section.
This visit reaffirms both countries' commitment to strengthening and diversifying bilateral relations.
(Cuban Embassy in South Africa)