AfriForum insists on transparency regarding South African-Cuban cash cow donations

18 October 2023

The civil rights organisation AfriForum submitted an application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) today requesting comprehensive records of all donations made by the South African government to Cuba for the past 20 years.

This decision comes after it was reported that R120 million was wasted by the Department of Defence after students were sent to Cuba for medical training at a great cost. The total cost of the medical training in Cuba was 136% more expensive than if the same training took place in South Africa. 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.

This comes within the context of the South African government already facing severe backlash amidst its planned R50 million donation to Cuba in 2022, which AfriForum successfully froze. AfriForum is currently awaiting judgement in the follow-up case which sought to stop the government’s intended donation to the Cuban government.

Charné Mostert, Campaign Officer at AfriForum says: “AfriForum is expecting the court ruling regarding the R50 million donation soon. The organisation will continue to combat wasteful expenditure by the South African government to gift its Cuban friends millions, while it cannot even afford to keep its own lights on. The government cannot maintain crucial departments due to the lack of funds but can easily donate tens of millions? 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,” concludes Mostert.

See the PAIA application and soundbites attached, as well as AfriForum’s 2022 report on the dubious relationship between the South African and Cuban governments.

Issued by Charné Mostert, Campaign Officer, AfriForum, 18 October 2023