Cuban Journalist to Present Book in Windhoek, Namibia

SWAPO, a lion against Apartheid, is the title of the new book by Cuban journalist Hedelberto Lopez, which will be presented in its English version in mid-August in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, in southwest Africa, as announced in this capital.

The text is a research work from the earliest civilizations that inhabited the country, known as South West Africa, a colony of the German Empire from 1884 until World War I, when it was invaded by British and South African troops to take over their territory.

It narrates the terrible conditions of racism its black inhabitants were subjected to, which led to the founding of SWAPO in 1960, and to the beginning of armed struggle only six years later against the illegal occupation by South Africa and apartheid, and for national independence.

It highlights that due to the hostile characteristics of Namibian geography - with very few water sources - the guerrilla movement had to act against South African occupation from bases abroad, first in Zambia and then in Angola.

In Angola, it established several camps that had the logistical support and advice of Angolan and Cuban troops, and became a disciplined, well equipped force with high combative morale.

Research on the subject began in 2012 in the archives of the South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) and includes numerous interviews with fighters and with Sam Nujoma, their leader.

Among persons interviewed for the text we find the new Namibian president, Hage Geingob, and Hifikepunye Pohamba, his predecessor until 2014.

Lopez (1947) has a degree in Journalism and since 1968 has worked as a reporter in Cuba and as a foreign correspondent in several countries, and has won national awards.

SWAPO, a lion against Apartheid, printed by the Abril Publishing House, is his ninth book, and will also be presented in South Africa.

In 1990, after the South African withdrawal, Namibia emerged as an independent state, and Nujoma was elected as the first president of the nation.