Saturday, March 28, 2009

Fidel Castro Bestowed Top South African Order

Fidel Castro Bestowed Top South African Order

HAVANA, Cuba, March 27 (acn) Fidel Castro, historic leader of the Cuban Revolution was awarded on Friday the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo, South Africa’s highest distinction.

South African President Kgalema Motlante handed over the order, materialized in a gold medal, to Cuban Ambassador in Pretoria, Angel Fernandez, Itar-tass news agency reported.

In announcing its initiative some days ago, the government of South Africa explained that the order was given to Fidel Castro in recognition of his friendship towards South Africa and for his key support of the struggle against the former Apartheid system, racism and colonialism in the African nation.

The Companions of O.R. Tambo order was established in 2002 by the South African government, headed by the African National Congress (ANC), to honor O.R. Tambo, former exiled leader of that organization during the apartheid era.

Other personalities who have been awarded the top South African order include Martin Luther King Jr, Salvador Allende and Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi, all posthumously.

No comments: