Zuma sends condolences to Venezuela
2013-03-06 12:25
Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma sent condolences to the
people of Venezuela on Wednesday following the death of President Hugo Chavez.
"Our hearts are with the family of President Chavez, as
well as the government and the people of Venezuela during this difficult time
of mourning the departure of this respected revolutionary leader of Venezuela
and indeed the entire progressive family of nations," Zuma said.
Chavez died on Tuesday after a two-year battle with cancer,
ending 14 years of rule in Venezuela.
Zuma paid tribute to Chavez's visionary leadership since he
took office on 2 February 1999, and his commitment to the social struggles of
the less fortunate in Venezuela.
He said that under Chavez's leadership, Venezuela had
instituted a dramatic change in promoting regional integration based on the
principles of social justice.
Malema mourning
Earlier, expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema
joined leaders mourning Chavez's death.
"I join millions of progressive individuals... in
sending my heartfelt condolences to the people of Venezuela for losing a
fearless, politically determined and ideologically steadfast leader in
President Hugo Chavez," he said.
Malema said Chavez was among the few revolutionaries who
challenged the dominance of imperialism in the world and exposed its weaknesses.
"Despite massive resistance from rented imperialist
puppets, President Hugo Chavez was able to lead Venezuela into an era where the
wealth of Venezuela, particularly oil, was returned to the ownership of the
people as a whole," Malema said.
The Young Communist League of SA said it was devastated at
the news. "Comrade Chavez was an inspiration to all progressive forces
around the world.... His defiance of imperialism and his insistence that
Venezuela’s vast oil reserves be used to uplift the masses of the people has
changed the lives of millions of people," spokesman Khaya Xaba said.
Xaba said Chavez had shown how socialism could benefit all.
- SAPA
