The president of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), Sidumo Dlamini, said today that the five Cubans who were held in U.S. prisons for fighting terrorism are an inspiration to continue the struggle here and in other nations.
 
In his speech during the second and final day of the special Cosatu's congress, Dlamini referred to the recent visit of Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando Gonzalez, and Rene Gonzalez.
 
They toured five South African provinces from June 21 to July 3.
 
"They (The Cuban Five) were capable of reviving the feelings of emancipation, gave strength to continue," said the union leader at a plenary session with more than 1,700 delegates.
 
Dlamini recalled that the Cuban heroes spent long years of unjust imprisonment in the United States and now free "came and spoke of the fate of Cuba, to maintain socialism despite all attempts (from abroad) for the overthrow (of that social project)."
 
"We were inspired to continue the struggle within our own countries," Dlamini stressed amid cheers from the audience.
 
The Cuban Five, as they are international known, traveled to South Africa responding an invitation by the African National Congress (ANC), on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Charter.
 
Detained on September 12, 1998 in Miami while warned Cuba about the plans by extremist groups in South Florida, they were sentenced in 2001 to prison terms ranging until double life plus 15 years (for Gerardo Hernandez).
 
Between 2011 and 2014, Rene and Fernando completed their prison terms on American soil, and Gerardo, Ramon and Antonio returned home on December 17, as a result of a negotiation process between Cuba and the United States.