Civil rights organisation AfriForum has submitted an application under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) seeking transparency on South Africa’s donations to Cuba.
This comes in the wake of allegations pointing to mismanagement and wasteful spending.
It has since come to light that a significant sum of R120-million had been expended on sending students to Cuba for medical training.
The cost was reportedly 136% higher than what the same training would have cost if conducted within South Africa.
In its application to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, AfriForum is asking for comprehensive records of all the donations that government has made to Cuba over the past two decades.
This includes explanation of all contributions, correspondence related to the decision-making process, and information about funding sources.
“In AfriForum’s PAIA application, the organisation further requests transaction dates of each donation, a thorough exposition of the purpose or reason for each donation, any correspondence or documentation related to the donation decision-making process, and a clear indication of where the funds for the donation arose,” said the party.
“This comes within the context of the South African government already facing severe backlash amidst its planned R50-million donations to Cuba in 2022, which AfriForum successfully froze.”
AfriForum has been relentless in its pursuit of financial transparency, raising questions about why government is allocating millions of rands to its Cuban counterparts.
Previously, the organisation flagged a planned R50-million donations to Cuba in 2022, and a court ruling on the matter is pending.
Relationship between SA and Cuba
Charné Mostert, campaign officer at AfriForum, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to ensuring responsible and judicious use of public funds.
Mostert questioned the logic of financially supporting foreign governments while essential domestic issues remain unresolved.
She said: “The government cannot maintain crucial departments due to the lack of funds but can easily donate tens of millions [of rands]? That cannot stand.”
“The relationship between the Cuban government and the South African government is an ever-growing tax-money dumping site.
“Decisions are made based on monetary value, not on the best interests of the country or its citizens.
“It’s disgraceful that the government cares more about enriching its foreign friends than fixing pressing issues domestically.”
