The South African Communist Party (SACP) bade Cuban President Fidel Castro farewell after he left office on Tuesday.
The ailing Cuban leader said he will not return to lead the country as president or commander-in-chief, retiring as head of state 49 years after he seized power in an armed revolution.
Describing him as an ”exemplary revolutionary”, SACP spokesperson Malesela Maleka praised Castro for his leadership roll in the Cuban revolution.
”The Cuban revolution has been successful and achieved a lot for the Cuban people. This is the revolution that has attained free education for the Cuban people, free access to healthcare and ensured that no Cuban goes to bed hungry,” he said.
The party also saluted Castro for his example in internationalism.
”Cuba, under the leadership of Fidel, also continued with this internationalism primarily through the services offered by many Cuban health and other professionals working in the poorest sections of society in many developing countries.”
The party awarded Castro the Chris Hani Peace Award at its 12th congress in 2007. ”We conferred our highest honour on our hero for his contribution to a just, equitable world order,” said Maleka.
The SACP remains confident that the Cuban revolution has produced enough leaders of Fidel’s calibre and that the revolution remains in safe hands, he said.
”Like we said to our Nelson Mandela on his retirement, comrade Fidel’s retirement is well-earned and well-deserved. We wish him all the best.” — Sapa, Reuters