Zuma sends condolences to Cuba following former President Castro's death

Zuma said in a statement on Saturday that Castro, who died aged 90, led the Cuban revolution and dedicated his entire life not only to the freedom of the Cuban people and the right of the Cuban state to sovereignty and self-determination, but also the freedom of other oppressed people around the world.

“President Castro identified with our struggle against apartheid. He inspired the Cuban people to join us in our own struggle against apartheid. The Cuban people, under the leadership and command of president Castro, joined us in our struggle against apartheid,” he said.

“As a way of paying homage to the memory of president Castro, the strong bonds of solidarity, co-operation, and friendship that exist between South Africa and Cuba must be maintained and nurtured,” Zuma said.