Pretoria – South African President Thabo Mbeki, on Monday, conveyed warm congratulations to Raul Castro on his election as the new President of Cuba, on behalf of South Africa and himself.

In his message of support, President Mbeki said “Please accept Your Excellency our warm congratulations to you on behalf of the government and people of South Africa on your election as President of Cuba.

“Your Excellency, Cuba has always occupied a special place in the collective memory of our people for the immense sacrifices made by Cuban internationalist forces in the decolonization process of the continent of Africa.”

Cuba and South Africa have a well established relationship, stretching back to South Africa's liberation struggle, which was supported by the Cuban government.

“Indeed the victory of our people over the evil system of apartheid in this southern most part of the continent is as much a victory of the Cuban people as it is the victory of the people of our country,” said President Mbeki.

“Accordingly, as we forge ahead with the process of fundamental social, political and economic transformation of our country, we know too well that we can indeed count on the unflinching support of the Cuban people.”

In this regard, Mr Mbeki said South Africa cannot but pay tribute to Fidel Castro, who led the Cuban people in the internationalist mission to help rid our country and continent of the scourge of colonialism and apartheid.

“Accordingly, as President Fidel Castro bows off the political stage, all of us like the rest of humanity can only but wish him, a well deserved rest, knowing fully well that the Cuban people will continue to derive inspiration from his experiences.

“Your Excellency, as you embark on the new and difficult task of consolidating the political and economic system in Cuba, please be assured of the continued support of the people of South Africa in this regard.”

Last week, at the age of 81, Cuba's President Fidel Castro announced his resignation as the country's leader and commander in chief.

“Indeed we look forward to the strengthening of bilateral political and economic relations between our two countries and peoples while wishing Your Excellency a successful tenure as President of Cuba,” concluded President Mbeki.

Born August 13, 1926, Mr Castro - together with famed revolutionary guerrilla fighter Che Guevara - took power in an armed uprising in 1959.

Mr Castro was prime minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, becoming president in 1976 until his resignation on 19 February 2008.

Mr Castro had been living outside of the public domain for almost 19 months and placing his brother at the helm of the only communist state in the western hemisphere, and one of four communist states left in the world. - BuaNews