Nicaragua marks 131st birthday of General Sandino in South Africa

On 28 May 2026, Nicaragua's diplomatic mission in Pretoria, South Africa, held a ceremony to commemorate the 131st anniversary of the birth of revolutionary leader General Augusto C. Sandino. Representatives from South African political movements—including the African National Congress, the South African Communist Party, the ANC Veterans League and the Student Congress—delivered messages of solidarity, describing Sandino as a symbol of dignity, sovereignty and anti‑imperialism.

Nicaragua’s co‑presidents, Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, were praised for continuing Sandino's legacy through public policies aimed at inclusive development for women, youth, Indigenous and Afro‑descendant communities. The event featured cultural performances and poetry, and was attended by embassies from Cuba, Venezuela, Vietnam, China, Russia and other political and youth organisations.

The ceremony underscored enduring ties between Nicaragua and South Africa and highlighted the broader network of left‑wing solidarity across the Global South.