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The South African Communist Party (SACP) joins the people of Cuba in mourning the death of Commander Ramiro Valdés Menéndez (28 April 1932 – 21 June 2026), one of the most preeminent leaders of the Cuban Revolution.

As the SACP, we convey our deepest condolences and solidarity to his family, the people of Cuba and the Communist Party of Cuba for the loss.

Born in 1932, Commander Menendez grew to become one of the most outstanding citizens of Cuba and one of the most admired and dedicated leaders of the Cuban Revolution. He was one of the few remaining veterans of the Cuban Revolution, having lived his life in service of the Revolution and the Cuban people. He departs from the land of the living at a time when the Cuban Revolution is facing its most challenging moment in its history.

Commander Ramiro Valdés Menéndez and his generation laid the groundwork for the revolution to be defended from the tyranny of imperialism as led by the US. He distinguished himself as a humble servant of the people and served in the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba for 51 years in the company of some of the most well-known figures of the Cuban Revolution, including Commander Che Guevara and Commander Fidel Castro.

Issued by: The South African Communist Party