SA has ‘important obligation’ to support Cuba, says Pandor

Government’s decision to provide R50 million in humanitarian aid to the communist island, as it battles with slow economic growth and a US trade embargo, has led to fierce criticism from opposition parties and civil society.

Many have questioned how South Africa could spend million to assist another country while its own people are struggling with unemployment, inequality, and poverty.

It prompted lobby group AfriForum to turn to the courts, to obtain an interdict preventing government from going ahead with the donation.

But in her closing remarks during the department's budget vote debate on Thursday, Pandor defended government's proposed donation.

"We are also prepared and committed to act in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Cuba, as we cannot turn a blind eye to their plight while their economy is strangled by illegal blockades and sanctions. The Cuban economy has been brought to its knees after 61 years of draconian US economic sanctions imposed on that impoverished island nation.

“This is a nation that stood shoulder to shoulder with our combatants in the struggle for freedom and we must help if we can.  It was Cubans who sent their sons and daughters to fight for the liberation of southern Africa. Of course, those who were never in the trenches fighting for freedom cannot appreciate nor know this history.

“Cuba played a pivotal role in turning the tide against our colonial oppressors. It would unjustified and unethical for us to turn our backs on them in the hour of their greatest need.”

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