Big honour for battle soldiers

THE battle of Cuito Cuanavale was commemorated at Freedom Park, Tshwane on Saturday, 23 March.

It started with the wreath-laying ceremony of the Cuban struggle heroes.

African National Congress (ANC) representative Panyaza Lesufi said: "What the people of Cuba have done for us cannot be sacrificed, exchanged, or given to any other person except our salute to the people of Cuba.

"It's the leadership of Fidel Castro, his comrades and the leadership of international formations that ensured today we can be here to observe and commemorate this day. We are indeed indebted to you and want to thank you for all the support that you have given us."

He thanked the leadership of the African continent that went to this battle with them.

"They stood beside us and provided all the relevant resources that we needed during this battle. To our leaders in Africa and those who sacrificed everything for us, here we are today with one message, thank you, and thank you," he said.

Lesufi said they are proud of the continued sacrifice and support even beyond Mzansi's liberation days.

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"Furthermore, your presence today is an affirmation that, indeed, this African continent will rise. The African continent will also resolve the challenges faced by other people. On behalf of the ANC, we want to urge you. The people of Palestine are looking for us, our voices, and our collective action. Let today be an affirmation that we will not be free until Palestine is free," said Lesufi.

South African Communist Party's Thulasi Nxesi and said the message to the Cuban people remains profound.

"The intervention of the Cuban people through their government in Cuito Cuanavala shows that solidarity is a process of selflessness even if it involves great sacrifice. We remain indebted to the Cubans," he said.

He said the victory of the battle of Cuito Cuanavale led to the defeat of the apartheid regime and Mzansi's transition to the current democratic dispensation.

"The details of this history of liberation and democracy should be talked about in our school as part of our curriculum," said Nxesi.

Retired General Keith Mokoape represented Military Veterans. He said: "Cuba, we salute you, and we shall do so permanently. As people, we must show material support the people of Cuba and should not wait for the government."

Freedom Park chief executive officer Dr Jane Mufamadi said: "We make this call to the African continent to come together to remember that our freedom was not free."

Ambassador of Cuba Enrique Orta González said: "We must not forget to continue to pass to generations the beautiful precious of history as an international solidarity."