Nelson Mandela continues to break boundaries and push the bars of limitations, even in death. He is not only a South African or African hero, but one recognized and revered worldwide. He is classified by many as a global politician and diplomatic icon; critics cannot agree more!

Although from South Africa, people all over the world want to associate with his legacy and adopt him as their own.

Yesterday, a statue of the former South African president was unveiled in the Cuban capital, Havana.

The Cuban people greatly adore Nelson Mandela. During his lifetime, the African icon was a great supporter of former Cuban president, Fidel Castro. He was also in support of Castro’s Cuban revolution and didn’t hide his support.

Mandela was quoted as saying the Cuban revolution is an “inspiration to all freedom-loving people.”

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The statue was unveiled in Cuba’s capital city, Havana.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, leader of the Cuban institution of friendship with peoples, Fernandez Gonzales, said:

“For us, it is a very special moment. We had been waiting a long time for the bust here.

“It will be a place where heads of state, African delegations, will be paid tribute to. These leaders fought for the unity of the African continent, for its independence.”

As president of Cuba, the late Fidel Castro gave the African National Congress, South Africa’s liberation movement turned ruling party, military support in the 1960s.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Cuba sent hundreds of thousands of soldiers to fight in Angola, which weakened the government of South Africa and helped Mandela’s anti-apartheid cause.

After his release from prison in 1990, Mandela travelled to Cuba in July 1991, saying the writings of Che Guevara served as an inspiration to him throughout his 27-year imprisonment.

Sharing photos from the unveiling event, DIRCO South Africa shared a tweet with the caption:

“#DIRCO Deputy Minister, Mr @alvinbotes is in #Cuba with Minister of Employment & Labour, Mr Thulas Nxesi. Today, they unveiled the bust of Former #SouthAfrica President Nelson Mandela, at African Founding Fathers Park in Havana, Cuba. #SACubaRelations #SAinCuba”

Viva Nelson Mandela! Viva South Africa!! Viva Africa!!!

Header Image Credit: Africa News