Meta Description: Learn why Fidel Castro is considered a hero by the people of Africa despite

being painted a communist tyrant and cruel dictator by his critics.

Alt Tags: Cuban Missile Crisis, Apartheid, African Liberation Fighters, Angola Independence,
Battle of Cuito Cuanavalein

What Fidel Castro Meant to Africa

Most of the western nations knew Fidel Castro as the Cuban dictator who played a key role in
the Cold War by sparking the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. He is perceived as a cruel communist
leader who held Cuba under his control for more than 40 years.

However, despite what his critics say, this Cuban leader is certainly much more than the
antagonist he has been painted as. Fidel Castro has received numerous international awards
such as the Hero of the Soviet Union and the Supreme Companion of O.R Tambo.

One thing that the whole world does agree on though is the crucial role Castro played in the
liberation of South Africa. In the 1950’s both Cubans and South Africans were struggling against
the oppression of their country’s governments.

In 1953, while Nelson Mandela and other rights leaders were being tried for treason, Castro
launched an attack on the Moncada Barracks. However the attack was unsuccessful, When he
was put on trial for his rebellion, Castro did not deny any of the accusations made regarding the
Moncada attack.

He stood by his beliefs and proudly declared that history would absolve him. His brave
proclamation inspired the South African leaders who too were being tried.

Years later at in Havana, at the Tri-Continental Conference Meeting, the relationship between
Castro and South African Liberation Fighters were born. However, this was not the only reason
why South Africa holds the Cuban leader in such high regard.

During the 70’s and 80’ at the peak of the struggle against Apartheid, Castro provided
assistance to the South Africans. He gave military training to help the liberation soldiers with
their fight.

In 1974, when Angola gained its independence the South African state turned its military
strength against the newly independent nation. Once again Castro’s Cuba was there to help.
Cuban soldiers were sent to help the Angolans fight to keep their freedom. Hundreds of these
soldiers gave up their lives to fight off the oppressors.

When the Apartheid’s regime fell after the bloody Battle of Cuito Cuanavalein Angola, South
Africa was on its way to democracy. Namibia was able to gain its independence as well. And
these were mostly thanks to the thousands of soldiers that Castro sent to help the South
Africans fight for freedom.

Castro’s support for the liberation of Angola and Namibia from the white minority was not the
only involvement Cuba had in the South African struggles. He provided assistance to Algeria’s
liberation against France. He also had a hand in the independence of Congo.

Castro even sent Che Guevarra, his personal emissary to visit South African States so they could
determine where they were needed and how much support they could give.

At the defeat of the Apartheid in Angola, the rest of the states soon gained their independence
and South Africans will never forget just how much of that independence is owed from the
brave and often criticized Cuban leader. Castro’s policy of internationalism and decolonization
benefited the people of Africa and for that they will forever be thankful.

This appreciation is shown in the numerous awards that Castro received from the African
states. These awards include the Order of Courage from Libya, the Order of the Somali Star,
First Class from Somalia, the Order of Agostinho Neto from Angola, the Medal of the National
Lineration Army from Algeria and the Ubuntu Award from South Africa.

Nelson Mandela, the anti apartheid revolutionist who became South Africa’s first President has
praised Castro’s role and involvement in his people’s fight against oppression. He was quoted to
have remarked on how Cuba had come to his home without the intention of taking anything.
Instead, it came and helped South Africans win their Freedom.

Mandela has also hailed Castro for being an inspiration. The South African President had also
gone on record defending the Cuban President against statements issued by the US
government.

And to this date, Cuba continues to give support to the African nations. African students are
educated at Cuban universities. And in more recent times, Cuba has continued to Castro’s
commitment to extend help to its old friend. During the Ebola crisis, the Cuban government
sent the largest medical contingent to help the African medics.

So, what does Castro mean to Africa? In a 1991 speech by Mandela on his Cuban visit, he
answered this question. Cubans, he said will always have a special place in the hearts of people
of Africa.

References:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/nov/30/africa-fidel-castro-nelson-
mandela-cuba
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_honours_bestowed_upon_Fidel_Castro

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/30/opinion/fidel-castro-a-south-african-hero.html