Media Statement
28 November 2016
President Zuma to attend funeral of the late President Fidel Castro
President Jacob Zuma will travel to Havana, Cuba to attend the funeral of the late former President of Cuba, His Excellency Fidel Castro Ruz, who passed away on Friday 25 November 2016 at age 90.
The President has once again conveyed a message of condolences to the government and the people of Cuba, following the passing on of former President Castro.
President Zuma has ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all stations in South Africa tomorrow, 29 November 2016, on the date of the funeral of former President Castro. The National Flag is flying at half-mast in the South African mission in Cuba until the 4th of December.
Condolence books have been placed at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Tuynhuys in Cape Town and at the offices of the Premiers throughout the country.
The late President Castro not only identified with the struggle against apartheid, but also inspired the Cuban people to join South Africans in that struggle. After South Africa gained freedom in 1994, Cuba and South Africa, under President Castro and President Nelson Mandela respectively, formed a strong bond of solidarity and friendship.
President Zuma has reiterated that the people of South Africa share the loss of the Cuban people and stand with them in this time of grief and mourning.
Enquiries: Dr Bongani Ngqulunga on 082 308 9373 or bongani@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
www.thepresidency.gov.za
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