[WATCH]: Pandor says govt studying interdict against R50m Cuba donation
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pando says her department is studying the ruling by the High Court in Pretoria on government’s R50 million humanitarian donation to Cuba.
Lobby group AfriForum obtained an urgent interdict against the department’s plans to donate the money.
The department announced the plans to make a donation in February, saying US sanctions continue to pose a food security threat to the communist island.
But government came under fire in some quarters given South Africa’s own struggles with unemployment, inequality and poverty.
Pandor says the matter will return to court next month.
“We are studying the judgment, it is an interim order. There will be a return to court in 20 days’ time. We are consulting our legal representatives and preparing our heads of arguments.”
Pandor adds that the department will not give Cuba money.
“We want to make it clear that the African Renaissance Fund does not provide money to any beneficiary. We provide humanitarian aid, be it food, medical supplies, or other forms of support. No money is provided and the funds lie within the budget of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and no other department.
“Nevertheless, we are preparing to return to court.”
[WATCH] Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pando says the department is studying the Pretoria High Court ruling pausing the R50 million humanitarian donation to Cuba. pic.twitter.com/MhFUV6hISs
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) March 23, 2022
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