How Far We Slaves Have Come by Nelson Mandela

Author:Nelson Mandela
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kwela
Published: 2016-04-12T09:55:20+00:00

RESOLUTION OF THE CUBAN COUNCIL OF STATE

Resolution of the Cuban Council of State

An eloquent testimony of the solidarity between our two peoples

Whereas: Nelson Mandela is the highest symbol of the long and heroic struggle of the Black people of South Africa against apartheid and the central leader of the African National Congress, the principal organisation that represents the strivings for racial equality and social justice. The ANC is the oldest revolutionary organisation on the African continent, and includes in its combative ranks progressive citizens of all races and creeds in the Republic of South Africa. It is leading the battle to create a nonracial, united, and democratic South Africa.

Whereas: Our people are honoured by the visit to Cuba of one who has dedicated his entire life to the cause of freedom. In 1964, after having been arrested two years previously, Mandela was accused of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government by violent means. Assuming his own defence and that of his comrades in what has become known as the Rivonia trial, the accused became the accuser and denounced with singular courage – even under the threat of death – the crimes of the apartheid regime.

Whereas: On a number of occasions during the twenty-seven years of his captivity the outstanding leader of the ANC was offered his freedom in exchange for concessions; nevertheless, he preferred to remain in prison rather than give in. This stance inspired universal admiration by the peoples of the world, and led to the most powerful clamour in history for the freedom of a prisoner.

Whereas: The combination of the revolutionary intransigence of Mandela, the growing struggle of his people, world solidarity, and the military defeat of the South African troops in southern Angola – above all in the battle of Cuito Cuanavale – finally caused the bars of his prolonged captivity to be flung open and initiated the irreversible process of dismantling apartheid.

Whereas: Mandela today, at the head of the ANC, is leading this process toward final victory with wise political guidance and firmness of principle. There are still many obstacles along the road to victory, and the people are paying their daily quota of blood; victims of those who finance and organise the wave of violence against the Black population.

Whereas: In this decisive hour when the Cuban people have resolved to defend at all costs the revolution, socialism, and the homeland, we take as an example of determination, of struggle, and of faith in victory the heroic stance and tremendous courage of Nelson Mandela, a steadfast combatant and a representative of Africa’s best and highest values.

Whereas: His presence at this crucial hour not only honours our country but constitutes eloquent testimony of the solidarity between our two peoples, sealed forever with the blood spilled in southern Africa in the common struggle for freedom.

Whereas: José Marti, the National Hero of Cuba, was imprisoned by the colonial power when he was barely sixteen years of age and remained steadfast. The shackles that chained him left their painful mark on him for the rest of his life.

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