The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation fully supports the efforts to make sure that the agreement on Economic Assistance to Cuba is implemented.
Committee Chairperson, Mr Tisetso Magama, said the implementation of the agreement was critical in terms of enhancing of the relations between the two countries as it would strengthen their historical and economic partnerships which would help in addressing respective domestic challenges. Mr Magama added that the effective oversight on the executive would also be critical for the implementation of the agreement.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s Mr Dries Venter said his department, along with other roleplayers, intended seeing through the R350 million economic assistance package comprising a R100 million solidarity, R40 million grant for the purchase of seeds, R70 million credit line facility, underwritten by the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC), to provide risk cover to potential SA exporters to Cuba. Another R140 million second tranche of export guarantee, underwritten by EICIC, which will become available based on the payment of the initial R70 million.
Meanwhile, Cuban Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said many challenges stood in the way of Cuba’s attainment of the desired economic prosperity. According to the Ambassador, these challenges included the incarceration of the Cuban 5 and the economic blockade by the United States of America.
These sanctions, according to Ambassador de Cossio, prevented Cuba from trading with South Africa as they barred them from purchasing any product that has 10 percent of American material. Mr Tsepo Matlhako of the Friends of Cuba, requested the Committee to ensure that Parliament passed a motion on the release of the Cuban remaining four and the removal of the economic blockade.
Mr Magama said the Committee supported the need for continued discussions aimed at resolving the economic embargo against Cuba. He said they were concerned about inconsistencies applied herein. “We are failing to comprehend that, despite meeting all the requirements stipulated in the embargo, Cuba is still subjected to these sanctions,” he added.
On the question of the remaining Cuban 4, the Committee calls for their release and in the meantime wants these prisoners to be treated in a humane manner and be allowed to enjoy all benefits enjoyed by other prisoners which include the right to be visited by family members.
“It is our responsibility as a country that received immense political and economic support from Cuba prior 1994, to ensure that we do all we can in assisting Cuba to achieve its goals,” said Mr Magama.
The Committee’s report on how Parliament can assist in addressing challenges faced by Cuba will be tabled before the House for consideration.
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