Hundreds of South Africans have expressed their admiration and respect for the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, during a celebration in honor of his 90th birthday at the Soweto campus of the University of Johannesburg.
 
'Fidel marked forever the history of Cuba and Latin America, turning his country into an example of dignity and resistance,' those attending the tribute in Soweto said.
 
Participants in the celebration sang to Fidel with the energy they usually have in these lands and shouted 'long live Fidel' in a way usually reserved for those people who are respected and loved.
 
Organized by the South African Communist Party (SACP) in Gauteng province, as well as other members of the government alliance, the celebration was coordinated by the Friends of Cuba Society in South Africa (Focus).
 
SACP deputy general secretary, Solly Mapaila, the main speaker at the event, described Fidel as a hero and referred to the example and teachings of the Cuban Revolution, which are implicit in the verses the poet Zolani Mkiwa gave to him.
 
During the ceremony, the documentary 'Fidel,' by American filmmaker Estela Bravo, was screened. During the screening, the film was interrupted by applause and exclamations in those segments that link him to Africa and particularly with Nelson Mandela.