Castro not in Mandela’s league

D R GALLOWAY says a statue of Fidel Castro should be erected next to the statue of Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings (“Should erect statue to Fidel Castro”, March 6). Perish the thought! Mandela served one term as president and then retired voluntarily.

Castro clung to power like a leech for 50 years.

On taking office, Mandela promoted reconciliation and extended the hand of friendship to his erstwhile opponents.

Castro executed many of his opponents, jailed many more and ruled with an iron fist.

Mandela championed democracy, making South Africa a haven for refugees.

Castro closed down opposition newspapers and eschewed free elections, forcing hundreds of thousands of Cubans to flee their native country at great personal peril.

Do not taint Mandela’s legacy by coupling him with Castro.

He deserves better.

Derrick Fellows, Port Alfred