Cuban Ambassador received by South African Minister of Health
Pretoria, 23 January 2026.- The Cuban Ambassador to South Africa, Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo, held a positive meeting with the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, and his team. During the conversation, both parties exchanged views on the development of bilateral cooperation in this sector. They also celebrated the success of the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro programme, which has graduated more than 3,000 South African doctors on the island.
Tribute to our 32 heroes in Cape Town
Cape Town, 21 January 2026.- Members of the Movement of Solidarity with Cuba, FOCUS, paid heartfelt tribute this afternoon to the 32 Cuban heroes who gave their lives defending Venezuelan sovereignty following the imperialist aggression against that sister nation. Through an emotional vigil outside St George's Cathedral, in the heart of Cape Town, FOCUS remembered the Cuban heroes, worthy representatives of the courage that characterises the people of the island.
Gauteng Provincial Legislature visits Cuba
Havana, 21 January 2026.- The president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), Fernando González Llort, received a delegation from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, which is visiting Cuba. During their stay on the island, the delegation will hold several meetings with Cuban institutions and personalities, with the aim of strengthening ties between our provinces and peoples.
Fruitful meeting with former South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor
Pretoria, 15 January 2026.- The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to South Africa, Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo, received Dr Naledi Pandor, a long-standing friend of Cuba, former South African Foreign Minister and current Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Both parties advocated for greater bilateral cooperation, with the aim of paying a well-deserved tribute to the leaders of both nations, Fidel and Mandela.
South African Communist Party expresses condolences for Cubans killed in Venezuela
Pretoria, 13 January 2026.- The General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), Solly Mapaila, paid a courtesy visit to the Cuban ambassador, Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo, during which he conveyed the party's solidarity with the Cuban people and government in light of recent events. Mapaila delivered a letter on behalf of the SACP with a message of condolences to the Cuban people following the death in combat of 32 Cubans who gave their lives in defence of Venezuelan sovereignty.