Cuban Cultural Group to grace Uhuru celebrations

Independence celebrations to be held at the National Sports Stadium on April 18.
The nine-member cultural outfit, which plays samba music, is on its tour of Southern Africa courtesy of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
ZTA head of public relations and corporate communications Sugar Chagonda said the visit was in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe as they were coming at a time when the country is celebrating its hard-won independence.
“The visit by the Cuban Cultural outfit further enhances cultural ties between Zimbabwe and Cuba, a true national ally that has continued to support the cause of the country,” he said.
The visit by Almendra provides not only an opportunity for them to showcase their talent but also to cement the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Cuban government and their Zimbabwean counterparts view the visit as a cultural exchange programme aimed at boosting tourism between two countries.
“We also intend to give them (the Cubans) a tour around some of our country’s major tourist attractions so that they get a better appreciation of our tourism product and perhaps we can take a reciprocal visit in future,” said Chagonda.
Cordial relations between the two countries date back to the liberation struggle when Zimbabwe received assistance from Cuba.
Cuba is honoured in celebrating Zimbabwe’s independence since the two countries suffered at the expense of the United States embargo.
A reception was escheduled at the Portuguese Club in Harare last night) where guests were expected to be treated to samba music. A diplomats’ dinner will be held at Pandhari Lodge on April 19.
Apart from Zimbabwe, the cultural group is set to travel to Angola, South Africa, Namibia and Zambia as part of its Southern Africa tour.