The Minister of Communications General (Ret.) Siphiwe Nyanda undertook an official visit to Cuba from 7 to 13 April 2010.
During his visit, Minister Nyanda met several Cuban ministers including Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Mr Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Marcos Rodriguez Costa.
Minister Nyanda signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and cooperation in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) with his counterpart, Commander of the Revolution, Minister of Informatics and Communications Ramiro Valdes Menendez.
In their discussion, the two ministers acknowledged the importance of harnessing ICTs for social and economic development. The ministers agreed to implement the cooperation agreement on mutually beneficial terms for the people of both nations.
This cooperation serves to augment the implementation of the joint bilateral agreement signed between Cuba and South Africa in 2001. The MOU covers six strategic areas among them software design and development, training and development of personnel in the fields of ICTs and manufacturing of ICT equipment for computing and telecommunications.
The diplomatic relations between South Africa and Cuba date back many years since the dawn of democracy in South Africa in 1994. Cuba also supported the ruling party in its liberation struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
This visit is strategically significant in providing Minister Nyanda and his delegation an opportunity to explore areas of cooperation and to observe the Cuban approach towards the production of ICT skills which is currently a challenge for South Africa.
Cuban universities are renowned for producing highly qualified technicians and software engineers. In this regard, Minister Nyanda visited the University of Informatics and the Cuban Institute of Television and Radio. He was briefed about the state of broadcasting in Cuba and their preparations for the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.
The Cuban government informed Minister Nyanda that having bought the rights to link with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to broadcast the 2010 FIFA World Cup games, they are committed to broadcast all the games to the population of Cuba. Minister Nyanda welcomed these developments and expressed hopes that Cubans will enjoy the soccer spectacle being hosted by an African country for the first time in the history of world football governing body, FIFA.
Minister Nyanda says South Africa stands to benefit from the cooperation with Cuba through the exchange of experts in the areas of software engineering training and ICT research and development.
The minister completes his programme with a visit to the Cuban fixed telecommunication company today before departing for South Africa.
For more information contact:
Tiyani Rikhotso
Cell: 083 800 9936
Issued by: Department of Communications
13 April 2010
Source: Department of Communications (https://www.doc.gov.za/)
