The annual gathering of graduates and professors of Namibia who traveled to Cuba from 1978 until years after independence became a profound and heartfelt tribute to the lasting influence left by Commander in Chief Fidel Castro in Africa.
"I am honored by the privilege of having the friendship of survivors of the Casinnga Massacre, noble men and women who have borne the pain of having lived through that horrific chapter of South African apartheid, considered one of the worst war crimes in contemporary history," said Sergio Vigoa de la Uz, Cuban ambassador to Namibia, during the gathering attended by more than 200 residents.
The exchange, which lasted more than five hours, took place in Outapi, a village located in northern Namibia, in the Omusati region, near the border with Angola. It is known for preserving the Omukwa Baobab tree, or tree of life, a gigantic tree that is abundant in the area and has served as a bonding force for the Ovambo community and a reminder of the history of the struggle for independence.
To the beat of "La Guantanamera" and "Cuba qué linda es Cuba," performed by the Police Band, excited and grateful friends from all over Namibia arrived to reminisce about their time in Cuba and to reciprocate the affection they received during the decisive years of their education on the Isle of Youth, where they arrived after the Cassinga massacre.
Cecilia Muzile, secretary general of the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association and a survivor of Cassinga, spoke to her colleagues about the founding objectives of the organization, created in 1992 with the aim of keeping alive the bonds of solidarity that unite both peoples.
The historical significance this had for the group of Namibian teachers who were integrated into the education of thousands of students from this African nation in Cuba was recalled by veteran educator Joseph Kanyenye, who proudly commented that assimilating Fidel Castro's thinking was what allowed them to transmit to their students profound convictions about internationalism and solidarity, in addition to training them as professionals who would continue the independence and liberation process that cost the African continent so much.
Hundreds of anecdotes crowded into the memory of these good men and women. Each one has their own unique way of remembering, like that of Sebastian Ndeitunga, who was Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force and Governor of the Ohangwena Region, and who today reminisces about his time on the island.
"I feel very proud because I was the first Namibian to climb Turquino Peak," he confessed; he also recalled the moment the Commander in Chief chose him as the school's "monitor," for how quickly he learned English and Spanish upon his arrival at "La 15," as everyone calls the Secondary School at Camp Hendrik Witbooi.
“I imagine you hold in your memories the smell of fresh grapefruit during the farm work at ‘La 15,’ the walks along 39th Street in Nueva Gerona, the visits to Cooppelia, the Caribe cinema, La Cotorra park; the getaways to La Fe with a teenage sweetheart, and, above all, the affection of Mama Miriam, who sewed you a uniform, helped you cope with the longing for your loved ones, or gave you advice on your love affairs,” the diplomat told them during the speech.
The diplomat had a surprise in store for them that brought tears to many. He made a phone call to Mama Miriam, the Cuban teacher who was closest to them and whom they consider a mother. In about 10 minutes, the beloved Cuban educator, visibly moved, spoke to them about the pride she feels knowing they are good human beings and confirmed that they are still her adopted children. Vigoa de la Uz referred to Fidel's accurate vision for the future and the certainty that, in just over half a century, hundreds of thousands of Cuban professionals in health, education, culture, sports, and agriculture have passed through Africa; and more than 30,000 African students in various specialties have graduated from our island of solidarity.
"Africa is an essential part of who we Cubans are today, and the Comandante was consistent with this principle from the very beginning of the Revolution, which he consolidated through special relations with this continent, sustained by a sense of solidarity and internationalism, for which nations like Namibia are grateful and honored," he told them.
His words confirmed the indissoluble brotherhood between our nations, forged by the blood of thousands of Cuban brothers and sisters that waters the freedom of this noble people, as the lyrics of the Namibian national anthem say; sharing the trenches against the repressive Apartheid regime, until achieving independence, justice, and self-determination.
"All we have done is settle a historic debt with Africa. Fidel referred to it as a 'duty of compensation,' for what Africans contributed to the formation of Cuban nationality, our roots, our independence, and our culture," the ambassador stated.
Vigoa de la Uz thanked Namibia for its ongoing support and eternal solidarity, and for making its voice heard in the United Nations General Assembly with consistent support for the Cuban resolution against the criminal and genocidal policy of the United States government against Cuba and the removal of the island from the spurious list of countries allegedly sponsoring terrorism.
He also explained that this year marks the beginning of the Global Tribute Program to Commander Fidel Castro, marking the centennial of his birth. Its fundamental purpose is to preserve and share his work and ideals for present and future generations in Cuba and the rest of the world.
"We thank you for your special affection for our people. We will preserve the historical memory that unites our nations because African blood also runs through our veins," the ambassador concluded.
At the closing ceremony of the meeting, the governor of the Omusati region, Inmanuel Shishiweni Shikongo, stated that "Cuba and its people became our family under Fidel Castro's leadership. These men and women returned to Namibia, not only with technical skills, but with a commitment to serve their country. Cuba did not ask for any payment. It asked that everyone return to help build a free Namibia."
And he concluded: “We will never forget what Cuba did for our independence. Count on Namibia's support in all international forums. We will always condemn the criminal US blockade of its people and honor the legacy of Fidel Castro.”
The meeting, also attended by the Chief of the Defense Force, Air Marshal Martin Kambulo Pinehas, a former graduate in Cuba; the Mayor of Okahao, Cornelia Liyambula, also a student on the island; and the Mayor of Outapi, Selma Asino-Shaumbwako, concluded with recognition of the Cuban and Namibian teachers who made this wonderful story of love and solidarity possible.
