Organisations call on government to halt R50m donation to Cuba

A coalition of organisations has demanded that the government halts the donation of R50 million to Cuba. The organisations which are involved in the daily fight against the growing hunger problem in South Africa want the government to direct the funds towards an immediate, independent investigation into the root causes of, and solutions to, hunger in South Africa.

The coalition consists of national and regional hunger relief, humanitarian, disaster response, food rescue and feeding scheme non-governmental organisations.

WHY ARE THE ORGANISATIONS AGAINST THE DONATION? 

On 2 February 2022, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes announced the donation to Cuba, saying that it was necessary, as US sanctions continue to pose a food security threat to the communist island. South Africa has a close relationship with Cuba due to the role it played in assisting liberation movements across the island.

The coalition includes Chefs with Compassion, Foodforward South Africa, Ladles of love, NOSH Food Rescue and the Angel Network. 

In a joint statement, the organisations called upon the government not just to halt the donation to Cuba, but more importantly to meet with them to discuss ways in which to collaboratively address the dire and growing problem, and to take collaborative action to end hunger in our own country.

“The coalition believes that the donation of R50 million to a foreign country on the basis of international relations is a gross misallocation of funds, at best. 

“The coalition is of the firm and educated opinion that an end to hunger is possible – but only through the collaboration of government and non-government organisations uniting efforts, expertise and resources.” 

Coalition of organisations against hunger

The Democratic Alliance was also livid with the donation. Willem Faber, an MP on the DIRCO Portfolio Committee asked why the ANC would turn its back on millions of starving citizens, who are right here on the doorstep.

“We cannot afford to donate R50 million to Cuba. We do not have the money. If we did, it should be spent on addressing the severe socioeconomic problems here. South Africa is drowning in debt, mismanagement and corruption, and the ANC government would rather throw our life raft to their Cuban crushes than kick free of the undertow.”

Willem Faber

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