Friends of Cuba Society (FOCUS)

14/09/2026

18/08/2026

Enrolment is now open for the School of Solidarity! ✊🏾

What does it mean to practise solidarity in a world shaped by deep inequality, colonialism, imperialism, racism, patriarchy and environmental crisis? How do we understand the forces shaping our lives — and organise collectively to change them?

The School of Solidarity (SOS) is a new popular political education programme hosted by the Friends of Cuba Society (FOCUS), Palestine Solidarity Campaign - South Africa and the District Six Museum Education Department.

Over 12 weeks, SOS will bring together a diverse, multi-generational group for six bi-weekly Saturday sessions rooted in discussion, critical reflection, lived experience and collective learning.

SOS aims to equip participants with the political understanding, analytical tools and practical organising skills to become more effective activists for social justice. We will connect local and global struggles, examine how the past continues to shape the present, strengthen political and media consciousness, deepen our understanding of solidarity, and consider how we organise towards a new, more just and humane world.

Who should apply?

We welcome applications from people who are already active in organisations, movements, unions or their communities, as well as those who want to become more politically and socially engaged.

You do not need previous political education, organisational membership or an academic qualification. We are looking for people who are curious, committed to learning, willing to learn from others, and interested in putting that learning into practice.

This is a participatory learning programme, and applicants should be able to commit to the full 12-week process.

Applications are now open.

Apply through the Google Form:
- Scan the QR code
- Visit bit.ly/SchoolOfSolidarity

Another world is possible. Understanding it is part of changing it.

In this space we express friendship & solidarity with the Cuban people & celebrate the Cuban revoluti

13/08/2026

“I am a Fidelist”.

Father Michael Lapsley SSM, Honorary Life President of the Friends of Cuba Society (FOCUS) delivered this address at the the First International Colloquium, “Fidel Castro Ruz: Legacy and Future”, which took place at the Havana Convention Center from 10–13 August 2026.

Here are excerpts from the speech, which you can also read in full, as you swipe through.

Viva the Spirit of Comandante Fidel!
Viva the Cuban Revolution!
Viva International Solidarity!

13/08/2026

12/08/2026

Friendship is the truest solidarity 🫶🏼

El padre Michael Lapsley, de Sudáfrica, fue víctima de un acto terrorista por condenar al régimen del Apartheid y defender a Nelson Mandela. Apoyó la causa de , me visitó varias veces en prisión, y hoy nos visita en para rendir tributo a Fidel.

11/08/2026

11/08/2026

Two commemorative events taking place this week to honour the life and legacy of Comandante Fidel Castro.

First, an in-person celebration of the centenary of Fidel Castro, hosted by the Gauteng Legislature and the Cuban Embassy, taking place at the City Hall in Johannesburg, at 14h00.

Then, later that day (18h00 - 20h00), we will be hosting an online discussion on the life and legacy of the undefeated Comandante, with FOCUS executive member Fatima Swartz in conversation with anti-apartheid freedom fighter and former Minister (Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting; and Environmental Affairs and Tourism) Comrade Pallo Jordan. Register for the Zoom meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/fidel100years

Join us to share your thoughts on Fidel’s life and legacy.

10/08/2026