Hon. Lt. General Rtd. Sanyatwe Salutes Cuba, Immortalizes Fidel Castro at Russia Sports Convention

Lt. General (Rtd.) Ambassador Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe stood before journalists in Russia yesterday with a calm but deeply felt conviction.

Fresh from a meeting with his Cuban counterpart, he used the moment not only to review cooperation between Zimbabwe and Cuba but to honour the late Cuban Founding President and Commander in Chief, Fidel Castro, whom he described as an immortal figure in global liberation history.

Speaking in line with the Vision of the Second Republic as enunciated by the President His Excellency Dr. ED. Mnangagwa of being a friend to all and enemy to non, Hon. Lt. General Rtd. Spoke glowingly well about the mutual relationship that exists between Cuba and Zimbabwe.

The media briefing took place on the sidelines of the 13th International Sports Convention, where global delegates gathered to explore new avenues of collaboration in sport, recreation, arts and culture.

For Hon. Lt. General (Rtd.) Sanyatwe, the moment carried a weight that went beyond protocol.

He spoke with heartfelt emotion, reflecting on Cuba’s decisive support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

He described Fidel Castro as a leader whose influence reached far beyond Latin America and whose commitment to global emancipation shaped the destiny of nations seeking independence.

His tone was steady but filled with the depth of someone who has lived through the turning points of Zimbabwe’s own history.

Hon. Lt. General (Rtd.) Sanyatwe emphasized that Castro’s legacy lives on through the countless Cuban professionals who have served across Africa, and through the enduring friendship between Cuba and Zimbabwe.

“Zimbabwe will never forget,” he said with quiet firmness, reminding the audience that solidarity is not forgotten by those who once depended on it.

Soon after honouring Castro’s memory, Hon. Lt. General (Rtd.) Sanyatwe turned to the present, sharing details of his engagement with the Cuban Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.

He described the meeting as constructive, noting that the two nations reviewed Memoranda of Understanding that guide cooperation in sport, culture and youth development.

He stressed that sport has grown into one of the strongest pillars of international cooperation.

Both Zimbabwe and Cuba boast rich legacies in athletics and cultural expression, making the partnership a natural and mutually rewarding one.

Strengthening ties in these sectors is about more than technical exchange. It is about giving young people from both countries opportunities to learn from one another and to broaden their horizons in ways that shape their futures.

The review of the MOUs, he added, comes at a time when there is growing demand for renewed collaboration.

Priority areas include athlete exchange programmes, training for sports administrators and coaches, and the development of community sports facilities.

He also underscored the importance of cultural festivals and arts programmes designed to preserve heritage and encourage creative expression.

Hon. Lt. General (Rtd.) Sanyatwe spoke with visible passion about the importance of cultural identity.

He explained that Zimbabwe and Cuba are both nations rooted in strong traditions, and both understand the power of the arts in shaping national consciousness.

Strengthening cultural cooperation, he said, is essential for ensuring that young people remain connected to their heritage even as they engage with the world.

Joint artistic exchanges, traditional music programmes and creative development initiatives will continue to deepen understanding between the citizens of both countries.

The setting of the 13th International Sports Convention provided a fitting stage for reaffirming Zimbabwe and Cuba’s enduring bond.

Amid global discussions on sport diplomacy, the Zimbabwe-Cuba relationship stood out for its resilience and depth.

Hon. Lt. General (Rtd.) Sanyatwe reminded the media that this friendship survived global political shifts because it was built on a foundation of solidarity.

Leaders like Fidel Castro and Zimbabwe’s liberation icons ensured that the relationship carried meaning far beyond formal agreements.

He made it clear that Zimbabwe has a responsibility to safeguard this legacy.

He expressed hope that future generations will not only inherit the MOUs but also the values of unity, sacrifice and shared humanity that gave birth to them.

As he closed his address, Hon. Lt. General (Rtd.) Sanyatwe reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s dedication to nurturing partnerships rooted in respect and shared vision.

He emphasized that sport, arts and culture remain powerful tools for development and unity.

When he stepped away from the cameras, his tribute to Fidel Castro lingered as a reminder that some friendships become part of a nation’s soul.

In his words, Zimbabwe’s bond with Cuba remains one of its most cherished alliances, preserved by those who understand its meaning and carried forward by generations determined to keep its spirit alive.

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