Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will attend the funeral service of former Cuban President Fidel Castro Ruz.
In a statement on Monday evening, the Presidency said President Zuma is due to attend the funeral service of the former President, who passed away on Friday at the age of 90.
“President Zuma has ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast at all stations in South Africa on Tuesday 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,” said the Presidency.
President Zuma once again conveyed his condolences to the government and the people of Cuba.
“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,” the Presidency said.
Meanwhile, 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. – SAnews.gov.za
