ANC Statement on the retirement of Fidel Castro as Cuban President

[Jacuma]

20 February 2008

As Fidel Castro steps down as President of Cuba, we in the African
National Congress pay tribute to a living legend.

The leadership of the ANC drew great strength from the commitment that
Castro showed to the liberation of countries on the African continent
and the eradication of poverty, hunger and disease all over the world.

The Cuban people under the leadership of President Castro have displayed
selfless internationalist commitment to the liberation of the oppressed
people of Africa broadly and South Africa specifically.

As the African National Congress, we remain deeply indebted to the Cuban
people for their unflinching sacrifices in the struggle against
apartheid.

Not only have they contributed to the transformation of our country but
have continued to support our reconstruction and development efforts in
South Africa by sending their doctors to work among our people
particularly in the rural areas.

Cuba's selfless support for the struggle against the apartheid regime
saw them deploy over 300,000 troops to Angola to battle alongside the
Angolan army and Umkhonto weSizwe against the SADF. This battle, which
saw the defeat of the apartheid forces, became known as the Cuito
Cuanavale Battle.

The victory of Cuito Cuanavale was a turning point in the struggle for
the liberation of the oppressed majority in South Africa.

In his resting years, we wish comrade Fidel health and happiness.

Issued by African National Congress