“We are here, in part, because of what Cuba has done to support Africa, not only in education, but also because some of its sons and daughters have been on our soil fighting for our liberation as Africans,” Dlamini-Zuma stated.

In a message broadcast during the First Pan-African Festival of Graduate Students from the Caribbean island, held in this capital, the prominent South African leader urged reciprocity for the support provided by Havana to the liberation of the continent’s peoples.

“And as President Fidel said, when they came to Africa to fight, they only took the bodies of their comrades, not gold or diamonds. So we truly appreciate what Cuba does; it educates us, but it also supports us. And we hope that we can reciprocate that support to the Cuban people,” she emphasized.

She thanked the representatives from Ethiopia, Ghana, Angola, Grenada, and the Republic of Congo who are participating in the festival, which, in her opinion, demonstrates appreciation for what Cuba has done for Africa.

She called for the celebration of the centennial of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz.

Dlamini-Zuma has also held important positions throughout her career, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Health, among other significant roles.

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