Cuban 5 visit Chief Luthuli’s home

Thokozani Mtshali entertains the Cuban Five at the Albert Luthuli Museum.Picture Zanele Zulu.30/06/2015

Thokozani Mtshali entertains the Cuban Five at the Albert Luthuli Museum.Picture Zanele Zulu.30/06/2015

Published Jul 1, 2015

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Durban - The Cuban Five on Tuesday visited the home of ANC president Chief Albert Luthuli at Groutville, near KwaDukuza.

The visit was described as invoking fond memories of ANC leaders and the country’s solidarity with Cuba.

The former Cuban intelligence officers - Gerardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero, Ramón Labañino, Fernando González and René González - are in the country to thank South Africa for campaigning for their release from American jail.

They were arrested in the US and convicted in 1998 for conspiracy to commit espionage, conspiracy to commit murder, acting as agents of a foreign government and other illegal activities.

Premier Senzo Mchunu said it always brought revolutionary pleasure to be at the Luthuli Museum, which he described as “ANC presidency”.

Mchunu said the Cuban Five represented what was best in human beings - endurance, conviction, and being true to their beliefs.

“Your coming out of jail reminds us of our own heroes in South Africa, like Nelson Mandela, who stayed in prison for 27 years, but came out smiling and convinced of the worthiness of the cause for the people of South Africa and the struggle they stood for,” he said.

Joe Phaahla, ANC national executive deployee to the province, said choosing the museum as part of the Cuban visit was of great importance because Luthuli represented the best of cadres and leadership.

Phaahla said despite being stripped of his chieftainship and subjected to harassment because of his political affiliation, Luthuli stood by his principles until his death in 1967.

“This brings fond memories of our own struggle. We are pleased that you are here to share with us,” Phaahla said about the visit.

Fernando González said they were grateful that they were taken to Luthuli’s home and also learned about the solidarity South Africans expressed with Cuba and the Cuban Five.

“We hear South Africans express their gratitude towards the Cuban revolution and Cuban people. I would say it goes both ways, because there are many things we owe to the South African people,” González said. He said the example of the exemplary, heroic sacrifice and legacy of fighting spirit of South Africans had kept them inspired while in prison.

This was coupled with South Africans being part of solidarity calling for their release.

“It is no coincidence that we came to this country, all five of us, to express our appreciation,” González said.

Daily News

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