Representatives of the African and Caribbean Embassies to Cuba visited this city today as part of the activities for the 55 years of establishing May 25th as Africa Day by Unesco.

The delegation began their visit at the Castle of San Severino, a military fortress from the time of the colony and currently the headquarters of the Museum of the Route of the Slaves, located close to Matanzas Bay, 100 kilometers east of Havana.

Taminga Zandit, South Africa’s Ambassador to Cuba and organizer of the visit, told Prensa Latina that she was very happy about the welcome and highlighted that this year’s anniversary is dedicated to the centenary of the activist against apartheid Nelson Mandela (1918-2013).

She said that throughout May and until December 5th, Mandela’s date of death, activities will be carried out to honor the leader.

During the welcome at the Castle of San Severino, fourth-year student of medicine Ibrahim Mancur from Sudan spoke on behalf of the Union of African Students in Matanzas (UEAM), and highlighted the ideas of historical leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro as an example of solidarity and commitment.

A plaque to commemorate the presence of Mandela was unveiled at the nearby esplanade Plaza 14th Festival, close to the baseball park Victoria de Giron in this city.

In 1991, a few months after his release from prison, Mandela visited Cuba and accompanied by Fidel Castro chaired the activities in Matanzas for July 26th.

During that occasion, Mandela said ‘In the history of Africa there is no other case of a people that has risen in defense of one of us.’