By Umamah Bakharia

Government is continuing with its plans to donate R50-million in humanitarian aid to Cuba. Even though lobby group, AfriForum took them to court and won the case against the Cuban donation.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi has defended the decision, questioning why there is such opposition to the donation.

In a discussion with Radio Islam International, research director, Dr Emmanuel Matambo says that the relationship between government, but more specifically the ANC is discreet.

“The ANC is kind of [cagy] about the money,” says Dr Matambo.

The DA’s Ashor Sarupen claims the donation was initially set at R50 million, it emerged that the amount is allegedly R350-million.

“It [the money] will definitely be in terms of aid, you have to understand the type of complexities the DA is trying to throw into and AfriForum, that is why there is some [caginess] about it,” says Dr Matambo.

He adds that South Africa and Cuba have had a relationship since democracy.

“Cuba has paid a role a role in the liberation of Southern Africa, so the relationship that has been built up since 1994,” says Dr Matambo.

During apartheid, Dr Matambo says the US backed the apartheid regime, while Cuba backed liberation taking on the South African situation as a “morale issue”.

Economically, according to Dr Matambo, South Africa will not be benefitting from Cuba as the relationship between the two countries is built on morale solidarity.