Hansard: NA: Mini-plenary 3
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 04 Mar 2021
Summary
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Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
MINI PLENARY - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL)
THURSDAY 04 MARCH 2012
Watch video here: MINI-PLENARY SESSIONS2(Virtual)
PROCEEDINGS OF EXTENDED PUBLIC COMMITTEE – NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Members of the mini-plenary session met on the virtual platform at 16:00.
The House Chairperson (Mr Q R Dyantyi) took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr Mr Q R Dyantyi): Hon members, before we proceed, I would like to remind you that the virtual mini- plenary is deemed to be in the pricint of Parliament, and constitute a meeting of the National Assembly for debating purposes only. In addition to the Rules of virtual sittings, the Rules of the National Assembly including the Rules of the debate applies.
Members enjoys the same powers and privileges that apply in a sitting of the National Assembly. Members shouls equally note that anything said in the virtual platform, is deemed said in
the House, and may be ruled upon. All members who have logged in, shall be considered to be present, and are requested to mute their microphones, and unmute when recognised to speak. This is because the mics are very sensitive, and might pick up noise which is very disturbing to the attention of other members.
When recognised to speak, please unmute your microphone and connect your video. Members may make use of the icons on the bar and bottom of their screens, which is an option that allows a member to put up his or her hand to raise a point of order. The secretariat will assist in alerting the Chairperson the members requesting to speak. When using the virtual system, members are urged or refrainor dissist from unneccessary points of order or interjections.
We shall now proceed with the order of this mini-plenary session which is a subject for discussion in the name of the hon T S Mpanza. On the name of the revolutionary and scientific duty of solidarity and humanity of Cuban doctors in dealing with the global pandemic. I now recognise hon T S Mpanza to speak.
THE REVOLUTIONARY AND SCIENTIFIC DUTY OF SOLIDARITY AND HUMANITY OF CUBAN DOCTORS IN DEALING WITH THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC.
(Subject for Discussion)
Mr T S MPANZA: House Chair and hon members, during this pandemic, many nations of the world had suffered, and now more than ever, co-operation among the world is absolutely crucial. While some have thought to criticise our relationship, in particular with countries like Cuba, it is in those very relationships that we can draw strength from during these difficult times. Today I wish to address this House on the great accomplishments on the Cuban health, and convey our waivering support to the people of Cuba.
Hon members, Cuba is one of the highest ratios of doctors in the world, with 8,2 doctors per 1000 people. This is three time the rate the United States which has 2,6 doctors per 1000 people. Cuba’s mortality rate is equally as interesting with the rate of four per 1000 there, which is lower than that in the US, despite the US having all the resources at its disposal. Cuba struggled with shortages of medicine in its pharmacy, as a results of the US sanction regime, but it has
found ways to continue improving its universal healthcare for the Cuban population.
Cuba spends 23% of its national budget on healthcare and 30% on education, comprising a total of 53% on education and health combined, compared to the United States which spends 28% on healtha and education combined. Hon members, I must further note that Cuba’s successful health system has been an example for the rest of the world. Cuba has the world’s largest medical schools, specifically the Habana Latin American School of Medicine, which has provided free education to 35 000 doctors from 138 countries since 1999.
Scholarships to the medical schools includes full tuition, textbooks, accomodation, meals and a stipend. Graduates are encouraged to participate on the frontline with no income in medically undeserved communities. Cuba has shown a commitment in producing doctors who are prepared to put their lives on the line, both home and abroad to save lives. Currently, Cuba has 50 000 doctors working in 61 countries at one time, which is a tilt which even the most developed countries can arrive at.
It is truly remarkable that a small island nation which has endured economic funtion imposed by the US over 60 years, can have accomplished so much for the betterment of humankind. Hon members, earlier in February this year, President Ramaphosa announced that the South African government will nominate the Cuban medical brigade for Noble Peace Prize, following its assistance in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.
President Ramaphosa noted that South African Cabinet must approve the proposal to nominate the Henry Reeve International Contigent of Doctors Specialised in Disaster Situations and Serious Endemics, or as they are commonly known in Cuban medical brigade for 2021 Noble Peace Prize.
Hon members, when the country experienced the rise in COVID- 19, the infectins in April 2020, 200 Cuban doctors from various disciplines arrived to aid in the fight againgst the virus. The brigade was then divided into groups and diployed to regions across the country. President Ramaphosa described intervention “selfless and unwavering, assisted by the government,” and the people of Cuba. President Ramaphosa stated that, “true to its history, this small island has demonstrated solidarity where the hardest hit countries and sent more than 3 700 Cubans throughout the world to assist in the fight againgst COVID-19.
In Africa alone, the brigade has treated more than 38 000 people by the end of November 2020. The Cuban medical brigade is currently still active in many countries including here in South Africa. As the ANC, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the people of Cuba, for this great demonstration of solidarity and humanity. Hon members, I wish further to add that as the ANC, we continue to call on the United States to remove all the illegal economic embargo-stroke blockade against the Republic of Cuba.
We further call on the South African government to increase trade between South Africa and Cuba as the reinforcement of our foreign policy and international solidarity in Cuba. We also call upon the DA-led Western Cape Provincial Government to cease its discriminatory action of denying opportunities for deserving youth from the Western Cape to study in Cuba, and in these words House Chair, I thank you.
Mr S J F MARAIS: Chairperson, we are grateful to the Cubans to assist in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are immensely grateful to our own healthcare workers and soldiers, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice for their lives. They are our heroes forever.
The Cuban medical assistance has another side that paints a picture of embarrassment, arrogance, illegal and unauthorised actions by those who are entrusted to secure our safety. We must also comply with our laws and regulations especially with regards to our safety healthcare and medicine.
The Military Command Council, the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, SANDF and the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, seemingly saw themselves above the laws and regulations of our country when they illegally and without the required import permits transported unregister and unauthorised Cuban drugs to be used against COVID-19. Both the World Health Organisation, WHO, and South African Health Products Regulatory Authority SAHPRA, have not approved the Hibron offer to be used in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It does remain unregistered and uauthorised for its use on humans against COVID-19 infections and hospitalisation.
These are the bizzare facts and how it was justified. The Military Comand Council with the support of the Minister resolved to procure this Cuban medicine, to build the immune systems of our soldiers based only on the assessment of its use in Cuba and China. The Minister was apparently not aware of import requirements and SAHPRA’s authority on medicine.
Seemingly, she also did not see the need to consult her own Cabinet colleagues.
The Military Comand Council decided unilaterally - we are in a state of war that we are facing a biological warfare threat and assume powers and authorities not delegated to them. They decided you to the agency, they do not have to comply with normal import requirements, authotisation by SAHPRA and declarations of these medicines at the ports of entry.
Only on the 27th of August, a first article 21 application was to SAHPRA for bulk use, which was rejected. A second application on the 5th of October for ten veils for one person was approved. And a third application on 21 October for bulk was also rejected. On three South African Airways, SAA, chartered flights in April, July and August last year, an order of 1,3 million bills just over 970 000 at the cost of
15 million dollars were illegal transported under false and misleading declarations. In layman’s terms, that sounds like smuggling to me.
The Military Command Council aparently required a complete medical services assistance from Cuba, part of which is the Cuban doctors’ demands to use this medicine as their mdicine
of choice on patients notwithstanding that it was not registered and unauthorised in South Africa. The Auditor- General has done investigations and thus far found that the false importation declarations and that the devices attached to the medicine indicated that 40% of the consignments were exposed to the conditions outside the prescribed 2 to 8?c, which makes it of no value anymore.
Only now, the defence force wants to apply to SAHPRA for the use for clinical trials as the service to the world mainly Cuba and China. We do not have the resources and it should be their responsibility to get the WHO to approve it. Today, the stock/stack of Cuban medicine remains illegal, uregistered and thus irregular and wasteful expenditure – the further burden on the defence budget.
Will someone be held responsible and accountable? Don’t hold your breath. If you rely on the Minister of Defence and Commander in Chief to set an example. Not a brighter picture if you ask me. I thank you.
Dr S S THEMBEKWAYO: Chaireperson, since the early years of Cuban revolution, its former leader Fidel Castro made it clear that the universal healthcare and internationalism would be
key to the country’s strategy. The medical workers belong to Henry Reeve Emergency Medical Contingent Tag and is known as Cuban Medical Brigate. It has since helped 3,5 million people in 21 countries affected by disasters such as floods earthquakes, hurricanes including outbreaks of Ebola in the West Africa.
Fidel Castro made it clear in 2005 what the centre in the time crisis is and I quote:
This is not a war between human diseases against repeating calamities.
One of the first things this world should learn especially now with the changes that are taking place and the phenomenon of these type is to co-operate.
Since 1963 Cuba has sent more than 400 000 healthcare professionals to work in one 164 countries by helping both relieve as well as access to health care for the living including those in remote areas, since they have been trained to work in hazardous and high risk areas. Thereby, spreading their international communist solidarity to the rest of the world. Cuba does so in its revolutionary solidarity ideas with
those in need around the globe as they are considered internationalist heroes.
In 2019, more than 28 000 Cuban health professionals were working for 59 countries, which benefited from Cubans medical internationalism before the outbreak of Corona Virus.
As the world was fighting to stop COVID-19 claiming more lives, Cuban dispatched more than 593 medical workers to 14 countries in their countries in their battle against the pandemic of which Italy was the first country to receive the firrst Cuban medical teams. To date, other countries are still continuing to receive medical help from Cuban doctors including South Africa. On 26 April 2020, South Africa welcome
217 Cuban doctors.
The EFF hardly welcome the Cuban doctors who arrived to help the people of South Africa in the war agaist COVID-19 for socialist solidarity. The Cuban doctors did arrive? Yes.
Irrespective of the so many challenges that their country is facing which include an illegal and illegitimate embargo by the American governmement.
The Eastern Cape was allocated medical officers whose roles including expertise which are critical in design installation adjusting repairing and provision of technical support. They have far managed to make a difference in the fight against COVID-19 in the Eastern Cape. Through their impactful intervention and their undying efforts, people have been prevented from getting sick.
Noting that the importance of the medical officers in the Primary health care is their speciality. Their data analytics and information managemement has been key in assessing the impact of intervention strategies throughout the provinces where they are diployed. In Gauteng province for example, members of the Cuban Medical Brigade are mainly working in quarantine and isolation sites including hospitals where there has been noticeable spread of the virus.
The deployment in Limpopo was based on areas where a shortage of human resources was identified. Such Cuban doctors were also deployed to the Western Cape, Free State and other provinces.
Since their arrival in April, they have treated more than 30 thousand patients and they have saved more lives and we are
thankful for that. Their presence has reduced workload and pressure on staff members and they have also provided much relief.
The EFF appreciates and still stands by the belief that Cuba is friend - not only to South Africa, but the entire African continent. We appreciate the assistance that is being given - not only to South Africa, but from Angola to Cape Vrede and to many other parts of the world because Cuba has always proven that socialist solidarity is the way to go.
Chairperson, why is Cuba a unique and special nation? It is unique and special because it has Fidel Castro and Ernesto Che Guevara as outstanding pioneers of progresive internationalism. It is unique and special because Cuban children grow up and were taught how to be selfless and dedicated themselves to serve the humanity of others. Their pregressive internationalism stems from their early revolutionary teachings. Every Cuban child in nursery schools, in school courtyards, chants every morning hands raised in salutation in honour of Ernesto Che Guevara selfless sacrifices to the people of the world. When asked, “Who do you like to be”? They reply, ‘We want to be like Che.’
We now know why Cuban doctors are a rare unique and special breed. We too must desire to be like Chair. Forward to the prograssive internationalism forward.
Ms A H MTHEMBU: Chairperson, the ANC has a commitment that is stipulated in the Freeedom Charter which reads: “There shall be peace and friendship.” This stipulation is the cornerstone and foundation of our foreign policy perspective.
The principle of peace and friendship enjoins the ANC-led government and other nations of the world to respect each other’s sovereignty and independence. It also promotes an appreciation of the need for states to work together in order to transform and improve conditions in the global community.
The ANC advances the idea of building a better Africa and a better world. That can be done through continental and international solidarity. It is our firm belief that multilateralism as a foreign policy advancement is a powerfully instrumental approach in the quest to attain global peace and stability. There is a need for global progressive forces to work together in building a better world. The agenda of building a better Africa and a better world requires practical measures which include forging alliances guided by
the advancement of our national interests and our broader strategic objectives.
The common perspective among progressive states is to transform the global government institutions to reflect the realities of our time. By progressive internationalism we mean, among other things, the liberation of oppressed people from the bondage of colonialism and imperialism. It is through organising progressive forces that we can influence geopolitics and actually make a significant contribution to changing the lives of people.
Cuba is one of our progressive allies from the point of view of its contribution to our struggle and the struggle for the liberation of the continent in general. The Cuban commitment to liberation struggle is consistent with the heritage of Cuban revolution and is actively supported by the Cuban population.
Cuba’s commitment to liberation focuses mostly on technical skills and expertise. These cover areas of military training, medical expertise, as well as advanced technology. There is a preparedness by the Cuban people to make a positive contribution to the lives of people globally. We saw the role
that Cuba played in the liberation struggle of many countries in Africa.
In 1961, Cuba decided to formally join the non-aligned forces. So, many African states gained their independence through the contribution and support of Cuba. Cuba decided to stand with the people of Africa. The Cuban people were one of the first nations to speak about against the racial segregation system in South Africa. From the outset, under the leadership of Fidel Castro, they supported the people of South Africa.
The Cuban people are the most accurate example of what a progressive society is in the true sense of the word. They are always prepared to provide support whenever the need arises.
Cuba supported the armed struggle of the liberation movements of South Africa, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and Angola.
Through their commitment to human development on the African continent, Cuba provided various forms of support — from military training bases, weapons, and actually sending their troops to support progressive forces. Angola experienced a civil war and Cuba provided military support to the movement for the liberation of Angola.
In 1987, the Angolan army was supported by Cuba in fighting against the rebel group of Unita that was supported by the then SA Defence Force of the apartheid regime. The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale was one of the outstanding cases of how the Cuban intervention continued to support human development. By sending troops to fight for the liberation of Angola they tried to ensure that Pretoria did not dominate Angola.
The final outcome of the war did not only impact Angola, but also went beyond its borders and created a strong foundation for the defeat of the apartheid regime in South Africa. The defeat of the then SA Defence Force in Angola created an opportunity for the liberation movement to enter into negotiations with the enemy.
Cuba committed itself to supporting the call for liberation struggle in Africa. It supported selflessly. Hence, after the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, Fidel Castro said:
We were not looking for military glory or military victory. We were looking for a just political solution to the conflict. That was our main objective. That is why the possibility of negotiations was not discarded.
That is a clear indication that the intervention of Cuba was not about Cuba, but was really about the lives of the people of Angola and that their right to self-determination had to be respected at all times.
The Cuban people did not end their support upon the conclusion of the fight for liberation. Instead, they continued to provide support even in the post-independence period. As we know, the period of taking over governance is a challenging period for many liberation movements. One of the major challenges that a liberation movement faces in the short-term when its gets into power is a shortage of skills and facilities to develop human resources.
South Africa, after attaining democracy, strengthened its ties with Cuba. This was led by former President Nelson Mandela.
Diplomatic relations were cemented through the leadership of the two heads of state — Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela.
In the context of South Africa, there was a shortage of doctors to support the new primary health care system in the democratic dispensation. [Time expired.]
Mr N SINGH: Chairperson, before we turn our attention to the subject of today, it is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the IFP heard of the untimely death of the season journalist. Karima Brown. On behalf of the IFP, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Ms Brown.
Having said that, I think the contribution of Cuba and particularly, the medical fraternity of Cuba’s contribution to Africa and democracy cannot be gainsaid and underestimated. We value the contribution made by Cuba to the rest of Africa.
Having said that and whilst we received 217 medical personnel and other personnel from Cuba, let us not forget that 400 of the South African medical personnel, including nurses and health care workers perished and died from the covid-19 pandemic. Whilst we laud the contribution of the Cuban doctors and Cuba, we must also note the losses of these members in South Africa.
If there has to be a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, like our Cabinet has done, surely we must consider all these people in our country as a unit that lost their lives.
In his speech on 1 February, the hon President stated, and I quote: “Since the very first case of covid-19 was discovered in our country, we have mobilised all our resources at our disposal to protect the lives and the livelihoods of all South Africans.” Mr President, with due respect, we have not mobilised all the resources at our disposal. We have a number of South Africans who have gone abroad through no fault of their own, to study medicine, because universities in South Africa do not have the capacity. They go abroad at their own cost, and at great sacrifices, they go there to study and they find it so difficult when they come back to South Africa to register as doctors, to write board exams and to be recognised for internships.
That is because the HPCSA, the Health Professions Council of South Africa, still does not know what it is doing in terms of how to deal with these South Africans who go and train abroad.
I am going to take advantage of the fact that the Minister of International Relations is going to be speaking in this debate. I also want to remind us of the fact that, because of diplomatic relationships, in 1996, tata Madiba arranged that
10 of our students go to Cuba and study medicine. In 2011, it was expanded to 800. By 2017, they had 4 000 South Africans
training there. I was in Cuba about a year and a half ago with the hon Speaker on a visit and we met these South African students who are going through extreme hardship. I wrote to the hon President, our President at the time, to ask him: Why don’t we consider an additional medical institution in South Africa, even if it is in the most rural of areas? He wrote back to me to say that he is referring the matter back to the Minister of Higher Education and the Minister of Health, and I received no response whatsoever on this matter. The private sector was prepared.
My view is that, instead of sending our students there, let us get some of these Cuban academics and professionals to an institution in South Africa – a truly South African institution – where our students can train. Coincidentally, the Minister of Higher Education at that time was the hon current Minister of International Relations and Co-operation.
So, I hope, Minister, that you together with the Minister of Health would look into the effectiveness of us sending these 4 000 students all the way to Cuba to study. Yes, we need them to study and become doctors here in South Africa. Could we not, in the medium to long term, create facilities for them to study here and add to the medical profession here in south
Africa? I make that appeal to you and leave it with you, Minister. Thank you.
Afrikaans:
Mnr P A VAN STADEN: Agb Voorsitter, Suid-Afrikaners, en veral ons gesondheidswerkers, sluk maar swaar aan die President se aankondiging dat die Kubaanse mediese werkers benoem gaan word vir die Henry Reeve Medies Brigade Nobelprys vir Vrede vir hul werk wat hier gedoen is tydens covid-19. Die vraag is: Waarom sal die regering hierdie mense benoem, terwyl ons eie land se gesondheidswerkers basies geen erkenning vir die uiters moeilike omstandighede kry waaronder hulle moet werk, sonder, of met baie min hulp, wat betref medisyne, beddens of voldoende persoonlike toerusting nie?
Die covid-19 sterftesyfer onder ons eie gesondheidswerkers was onder die vyf hoogstes in die wêreld. Die VF Plus het reeds in April 2020 gewaarsku dat ’n tekort aan mediese toerusting ’n uiters kritieke stadium gaan bereik en dit het ook toe so gebeur.
Daar was berigte van gesondheidswerkers wat van plastiek moes gebruik maak om gesigsmaskers vir hul gesigte te maak, om hulle te probeer beskerm teen moontlike infeksies. In 2020 was
60 000 gesondheidswerkers op die punt om te staak, omdat hulle nie beskermde klere en toerusting gehad het nie.
Die VF Plus het voortdurend daarop gewys dat die regering eerder van plaaslike afgetrede dokters se kundigheid gebruik moet maak in hierdie pandemie. In Julie 2020 het die Minister van Gesondheid ’n regulasie uitgevaardig waarin afgetrede medici opgeroep kan word om tydens covid-19 diens te verrig. Dit het nog steeds nie gebeur nie en die regering het eerder
217 Kubaanse dokters ingevoer, wat die land ’n enorme R240
miljoen gekos het.
Dit kan gesien word as ’n klap in die gesig van ons plaaslike gesondheidswerkers. Ons eie gesondheidswerkers maak nog steeds groot opofferinge in uiters moeilik omstandighede en ons eie mense behoort toegeken te word met ’n medalje vir dapperheid, want hulle is ons helde.
English:
In January this year, it came to light that a massive 40 000 posts are vacant in the Department of Health. Several qualified unemployed doctors are struggling to find work in South Africa. In November 2020, several medical interns were
informed that they could not do their two-year practical as hospitals, because there was no money to pay for them.
In Gauteng alone, during 2020, there were no less than 500 qualified unemployed doctors in the province. Thus, the Cubans are only needed in a crisis, like in the beginning of this pandemic, because they are good at combatting pandemics, but they should have been immediately sent back, as soon as matters were under control. In the long term, they are not the solution to our health problems.
Due to our complex health system, they are not qualified to work in our hospitals and they may not be allowed to slip in at the backdoor to work here permanently, without the necessary accreditation. Doctors studying in Cuba must first write supplementary examinations in South Africa to be accredited.
Afrikaans:
Daar word wyd berig dat Kuba se grootste uitvoerproduk mediese sorg is. Die tydskrif, Time, het in 2018 berig dat ’n oorsese uitkontraktering van Kubaanse gesondheidswerkers sowat $11 miljard VSA – dis R210 miljard - per jaar vir die Kubaanse staatskas ingebring het, dit terwyl Kubaanse dokters op
buitelandse sendings soos hierdie, slegs tussen 10 en 25% van hul salaris ontvang. Die res gaan aan die Kubaanse regering.
English:
The FF Plus would like to thank every health care worker in South Africa for all their hard work and sacrifices they make. They are not only regarded as our fighters in the frontline against the pandemic, but they are South Africa’s heroes.
Thank you to each and every one for all your hard work. Thank you.
Mr S N SWART: House Chair, tomorrow will mark a full year since the first case of covid-19 was reported in the country. This led to one of the world’s longest and hardest lockdowns, with loss of lives and a devastating impact on the economy, business and employment of public finances. To date, just over
50 000 people have tragically died from covid-19- related illnesses.
The ACDP wishes to thank again all the frontline medical practitioners for their hard work and sacrifices, with some
400 sadly passing, as a result of covid-19. We would again like to extend our deepest condolences to their family and
friends as well as to those of journalist, Karima Brown, who also has sadly passed on.
Given the pending pandemic, a large group of Cuban health care workers were welcomed to South Africa to help fight covid-19. Whilst Cuba and South Africa have had a long history of shared medical resources, this mission did raise eyebrows, not only for its alleged cost of some R39 million, but also because of the difficulties many foreign-trained local doctors have experienced in finding work.
We recognise however that internationally, Cuban doctors have won admiration for work done, for example, in the Ebola crisis, the West Africa in treating Chernobyl victims, as well as their deployment to some 60 countries in this time.
However, at the time of their arrival in South Africa, both the South African Medical Association, Sama, and the Nurses Union, Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa, Denosa, expressed deep concerns. Sama said their arrival was, and I quote: “premature” while Denosa described government actions as unpatriotic, as many local nurses and doctors were then sitting without work. Hopefully, that situation has changed, given the urgent need of frontline medical practitioners to fight covid-19.
The Cuban doctors were able to have their medical registration organised within days, at quite a cost of more than R700 000 to the South African government. This caused very great unhappiness with foreign-trained South African doctors, many of whom have battled for years to obtain a registration with the council, in order to be able to work here. While we appreciate that every foreign medical school must be properly assessed by the Council, why do other countries recognise these medical schools, but South Africa apparently not? Surely at the height of covid-19, we need every medical practitioner.
Lastly, the ACDP also shares the concerns expressed about the Cuban medicines that were brought to South Africa illegally by the Military Command Council, which has resulted in millions of rands of wasteful and irregular expenditure, which the country can ill afford at this time. I thank you.
Ms H ISMAIL: Hon Chair, nationally or internationally, it seems that the ANC values political connections, over the social and economic wellbeing of its own people. In its attempt to strengthen ties and political relations between the two nations, the ANC and the Cuban government developed the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Collaboration Programme.
The idea is that, we sent our students to Cuba on a fully
funded medical programme as Cuba is known for its medical profession output.
However, the problem arises when the ANC sends over 200 medical students to Cuba, and leaves them to fend for themselves in a uniquely difficult environment. This means that they are not able to buy any proper meals, as a stable diet in Cuba is only beans, soup and rice. Female students are left without dignity, as they have no adequate access to sanitary pads or much needed toiletries, as they are simply not available in Cuba. These students have reached out to government on many occasions but alas, their plights have fallen on deaf ears.
They have been ignored for years, with evidence of the same issues arising from 2017. This programme has a massive cost and even worse suffering. Additionally, the ANC has visited Cuba on numerous occasions and know very well in what conditions our South African medical students live. The money spent on this programme could much better be utilised by investing in local medical ...[Inaudible]... and institutions. What it seems is that, the ANC values political connections over the mental, physical and emotional health of our own
people. The loss of South African healthcare workers’ lives
seems to mean nothing to the ANC government.
While we are grateful for the good work the Cuban doctors have done in South Africa, and we appreciate any effort and assistance from foreign countries or organisations, we cannot ignore the fact that, the ANC government seeks to strengthen political relations over supporting its own people. The government sought to contract medical doctors from Cuba at the cost of R239 million to taxpayers, rather than integrating our own community service doctors into the healthcare system.
Community service doctors are waiting to be placed, and there are no efforts by government to expedite the process to integrate these doctors, although each province has highlighted the dire need for more health staff.
The reality is that we paid a monumental amount for the Cuban Medical Brigade. It is unclear that this amount was worth in terms of the outputs, that could have been gained through insourcing these functions and utilising more of our own healthcare professionals. What was even more unusual and shocking, despite the stringent conditions our healthcare workers faced under the pandemic, the ANC Cabinet completely side-lined the efforts and difficulties and decided to
nominate the Cuban doctors for the Nobel Peace Prize. This, even though taxpayers spared for the Cuban medical brigade.
Government further ignored major efforts from NGOs such as the Gift of the Givers, who provide assistance to South Africa at no cost to taxpayers. Our healthcare workers put their lives on the line to protect and support South Africans during the pandemic.
We have lost hundreds of healthcare workers to COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families. To all our healthcare workers, we thank you for all your time, efforts and sacrifices to serve our country. I sincerely hope that the ANC can start putting the needs of South Africans first, so we can save the lives of our nation.
Mr N B NZUZA: Hon Chair, Members of the Executive, hon Members of Parliament, fellow South Africans, the 18 Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte teaches us that, men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please. They do not make it under self-selected circumstances, but under circumstances existing, already given and transmitted from the past.
It is therefore impossible to imagine our beautiful mother land as we know it today, without acknowledging the extraordinary and selfless role played by the Cuban people in shaping our democracy that is today respected all over the world. The Cuban revolution against the military dictatorship of Batista, did not just inspire revolutionaries all over the world to weigh the relentless struggle against oppression and injustice. It also gave birth to reliable and dependable ally for the world in the fight against oppression and injustice.
The selflessness of the Cuban people after attaining their own freedom, drove them to continue the fight for freedom and took a stand against oppressors across the globe. There should be no doubt in our minds that the Cuban people have always stood in solidarity for justice, fairness and freedom. It is therefore our revolutionary duty as the people of South Africa, to stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba, because the very fabric of our society bears imprints of the sacrifices made by the Cuban people.
True to their selfless character, the Cuban people have continued to share their medical knowledge with the rest of the world. They dispatched highly skilled medical professionals to our country, in the fight against the deadly
COVID-19 pandemic. The Cuban Medical Brigade left behind their families, children, wives and the comfort of their own homes to stand in solidarity with our people, not only in word, but in action.
The Cuban government has during the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic, sent out about 593 medical workers to up to
14 countries across the globe in the battle against the COVID-
19 pandemic. This was in addition to more than 28 000 health professionals who already provided services in 59 countries before COVID-19. If this is not a true measure of international solidarity and selflessness, then we surely do not understand the value that must be placed in solidarity in action.
The people of Cuba have made this to these contributions to the world whilst faced with the great adversity. Whilst they go all over the world to help those in need, the Cubans back home struggle to import basic life, saving personal protective equipment, PPEs, ventilators and medical supplies which are critical in the fight against COVID-19.
This is all due to the senseless, irrational and inhumane, economic and financial embargos imposed on Cuba by the United
States of America. The United States have for more than half a century, unilaterally imposed economic, financial and commercial blockades against Cuba. The United States of America have has done this despite their action being repeatedly condemned by the United Nations General Assembly.
The arrogance of the United States has stood despite 185 countries voting for the end of the United States, US embargo against Cuba in 2008. The economic blockades against Cuba are the most extensive by the United States government, far reaching than the sanctions imposed to states designated by the United States government, as state sponsors of terrorism.
The Trump administration introduced about 240 economic measures against Cuba, tightening the already existing systematic laws against Cuba. The blockade by the United States is the single main hindrance in the development of Cuba. The embargo has devastating effect on social, economic and human development in Cuba. This has in the main, affected the most vulnerable in Cuba. The blockade against the Cuban people is the most unjust, severe and most prolonged system of unilateral cohesive action applied against any country.
The United States blockade of Cuba is evidence that imperialism still lives and continues, in its greedy path of quest for power and control. It seeks to force all of us into market fundamentalism, that benefit those who own the means of production. Modern imperialism does not show itself present, physical and control, but it uses tools like trade embargos to control other countries and undermine their sovereignty.
We can never shy away and turn our backs on the Cuban people. We will stand with them, just as they stood with us in our fight for our own liberation. When the imperial forces infested Africa, it was the Cuban people who stood firm in Cape Verde, Algeria, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, Congo Brazzaville, Mozambique, Angola and Namibia.
We can never forget the of the bravery of the Cuban detachment in the battle of Cuito Cuanavale in 1988. All these events played a critical role into the liberation of South Africa, and shaped our democracy as we know it today. Imperialists have never given up. They continue to use the tool of trade embargos against those not willing to succumb to their power and dominance. They fear to lose what they stole from us. They fight with all they have to keep our land, thus making us coffers in the land of our forefathers.
Imperialism understands that, political power is nothing close to economic power. They understand that for them to prosper, they must keep a tight grip on the economy and undermine any other thing. They strive to use Cuba as an example of what happens to those who do not succumb to free market fundamentalism. They exact themselves and impose sanctions as they please. They do not care about the implications, even if it means condemning millions to poverty and hunger.
The Zimbabwean sanctions are an example of the brutality of the imperial regime, that continues to usher fear and saddening conditions for our growth and development. South Africa is one of the most unequal societies in the world because they stripped us of our land, which is our wealth and the lifeblood of any nation. They continue to usher threats through markets and forex exchanges, that if we do not live the structure of the economy as it is, our economy will collapse.
These are nothing, but warfare tactics to keep us at bay whilst they continue to loot our wealth. They expect us to keep quiet and be happy with the negotiated settlements. We must always remember that our loyalty should always be to the majority of our people. We must rebel and stand firm like the
Cuban people, never to succumb to imperialism. We must fight with all that we have, for our people to have equal opportunities and equal share in the economy. We must strive to build an equal society, because an unequal society is an unjust society.
Hon Chair, recognising the Cuban people does not mean we do not recognise the millions of our people who have stood together against the fight against the pandemic. The Cubans fought for our liberation against the hands of our oppressors. The Cuban people have over time consistently sent healthcare practitioners over the world, spreading love and health and never war. The Cuban Medical Brigade has continued to be a shining example of solidarity, that is about standing together and helping each in the face of great adversity.
Hon Chair, to date we must honour the contribution made by the Cuban Medical Brigade in the fight against the great global threat in recent times. The contribution by the Cuban Medical Brigade in the medical healthcare to the world is remarkable. The ANC agrees with His Excellency President Ramaphosa, that the Cuban Medical Brigade must be recognised for their selfless and heroic actions. Therefore, we support the
nomination for the Cuban Medical Brigade for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Hon Chair, we do not just stand in solidarity with the Cuban people because it is fashionable. We stand in solidarity with the Cuban people because it is our revolutionary duty to do so. How can we stand tall having forsaken those that have given so much to humanity? We must never rest until the unjust embargos against the Cuban people are brought to an end. Thank you.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Chairperson, allow me to start by thanking and commending the Cubans for having provided the medical assistance to South Africa and many other countries. Also allow me to thank Cuba, particularly and the former leader Fidel Castro for the role that he has played in the liberation of South Africa and Angola and also the role they continuing to play in Africa, despite all the sanctions by this the one major monster in the world United State of America. I think the Cuban have still rose above the occasion with emphasis on education and health. Having said that, however I think it is not acceptable that we, as South Africans, with so many health care workers and doctors who put their lives at risk would rather go and nominate Cubans doctors for the price of Nobel
Peace Prize, when, in fact, we even had institutions like the Gift of the Givers who have done a fantastic piece of work not just in South Africa but in many other parts of the world. I really cannot simply understand the rationale behind, but having said that at the same time whilst we have employed and I must repeat “employed” at a great cost many Cuban doctors into South Africa to help fight and combat COVID-19. Hundreds of doctors if not thousands of them in South Africa, including clinical associates where we paid millions of rands to train remain unemployed. I can’t seem to understand the logic behind, you have medical experts in your country, you rekeep them unemployed, you keep them starving and hungry and you go out and import health care workers.
Now let me give you another example. We have gone one step further by sending our medical internal trainees in Cuba at an exorbitant cost. I can tell you at one stage the Rajpal University in India offered to set up a medical university in South Africa and I was told the costs of training doctors are too much. Look at the amount of money that have been costing us, train them at under what conditions in Cuba. Remember, the Cuban system is completely different to ours. We can never ever come too close a system that Cuba has got. We have a capitalist system. They put emphasis on better health care
prevention rather than what we are doing in South Africa. Whilst the NFP acknowledges and appreciates the role that they have played, we believe that if there’s anybody, then it is our own health care workers that should be conferred to the price of Nobel Peace Prize and institutions like Gift of the Givers. Thank you very much.
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: Hon Chair, some hon members keep themselves young as if they were not around in the sixties and seventies when Cuba helped us with the struggle and the resistance to overthrow apartheid. I see the Minister of the International Relations is the next speaker. Otherwise, she’s young at heart. I am sure she will not hide the fact that she was also around in the sixties and the seventies.
The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed health care the system worldwide and through all this crisis. This Caribbean island Cuba or the communist country, many on the far right detest, came to the rescue of several countries, providing them with qualified doctors to fight back the virus. Al Jama’ah, therefore, supports the government’s PPE consignment Centre Cuba. Less we forget our anti-apartheid struggle was accelerated by the solidarity and support received from the Cubans.
The younger hon members of this House were not around but we are here to remind them of the revolutionary role the Cubans have always played. We owe them the debt that can never be repaid. And by sending PPEs on humanitarian grounds with the Cubans, South Africa knows that it owes no apology to everyone. This House owes no apology to everyone. The governing party owes no apology to anyone. Al Jama’ah owes no apologies to anyone. Thank you very much , hon Chair.
The MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CO-OPERATION: Hon
Chairperson, hon Hendricks is right, I was indeed around in the 1960s and 70s and I continue to be around now and God willing, for some time.
Chairperson, hon members, colleagues, I must say that I am really quite disgusted at the winging and whining when we should be celebrating the support that our country received in this massive battle against COVID-19. Colleagues are not asking themselves the reasons for the success South Africa has had in avoiding the high level of deaths and infections that were seeing in many countries around the world. It is the support that the government correctly got from the people of Cuba and from professionals in Cuba that has made a contribution to where we are today at level 1. So, I think let
us stop the winging and whining and let’s acknowledge the important contribution that a multidisciplinary team, not just doctors but multidisciplinary team of professionals, from Cuba made to South Africa.
Hon Mpanza I congratulate you for introducing this debate and sincerely welcome it. I also join members in expressing heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of the veteran journalist, Ms Karima Brown. This debate, I believe, reaffirms a moral value of the revolutionary and scientific duty of human solidarity in dealing with crises such as COVID-19. This is what we are talking about – human solidarity globally. It does not in any way detract from our grateful thanks and appreciation for the supreme role of our health care workers in South Africa and other frontline workers who played an important role in combating this. But no contribution can be reduced to nill because of our political sentiment towards Cuba. Now that we have benefitted, we cannot suddenly throw back the generosity.
The Republic of Cuba has been a vital embodiment of humanism and international solidarity since the triumph of the Cuban revolution in 1963. Those who have not known oppression will not appreciate the absolutely important role Cuba contributed
towards our freedom. They will not appreciate that solidarity because they didn’t play any role in that regard. This Cuban solidarity continues a long history of strategic relations between our two nations, inspired by a shared vision of freedom, antiracism, antiapartheid and anti-imperialism.
Human solidarity in the face of the COVID-19 threat is absolutely necessary for us as the global south because many countries in the south lack the ability to respond to the ravages of this virus and remain vulnerable to a host of other debilitating yet preventable conditions.
The compromised human condition which has been shaped by an unfair history of racism, colonialism and racial exploitation is one that none of us can celebrate or allow to continue to exist. Leading by example, Cuba is among the nations of the south fully committed to human solidarity. I shudder to think what some of these members will do if another part of the world is faced with a challenge and South Africa has the ability to provide support. They will hide in their cupboards and do nothing, from the way that they are speaking.
Cuba has sent over 3 700 health care workers to more than 22 countries around the world to lend a helping hand in this hour
of need. It is that immensity that leads to a nomination such as the Nobel Peace Prize. We believe that human solidarity is very closely linked to our objectives of building a better Africa and a better world. Doing this will help us to correct the global injustices that are characterised by the structural conditions of underdevelopment that continue to subsist in South Africa and in large parts of the African continent.
Cuba has been a leading force in supporting goals such as these, and its impact has been especially felt in the health sector where Latin American, Asian and African nations continue to reap the benefits of Cuba’s medical diplomacy.
Global solidarity is not just about how South Africa has benefitted, it is how many others in the world have been beneficiaries of this ideological approach.
Cuban’s international health diplomacy is a stark reminder of global inequality and the possibility of reimagining a better world where others help others if the interests of people are put before profits. This humanist vision pricks the conscience of the world through putting international reform of the public health sector and other sectors to the fore as a matter of human rights.
Our late great President Mandela acknowledged and extolled the Cuban role in advancing the Agenda of the South during a speech at a banquet in honour of President Castro in September 1998. He spoke of the relations between our country and Cuba and said:
The defeat of apartheid demonstrated what can be achieved when we join hands with purpose and conviction. South Africa is committed to working with Cuba to help build a better life for millions of people across both our continents and beyond.
It is through Cuba that Idutywa would see a medical engineer present in the local hospital. An epidemiologist ready to provide appropriate support. Biostatisticians available in Malamulele to provide help.
As Madiba explained our country is committed to working with Cuba for the attainment of a better world. The Cuban medical brigade working with such acclaimed commitment and dedication to save lives in all parts of our country including the most rural has exalted this vision of building a better society.
Our strategic relations with Cuba advance the agenda of building a better Africa and we have considerably benefited as a continent from this approach. The health international solidarity is epitomised by the Nelson Mandela Castro Medical Collaboration. A programme established by both presidents in 1996 serves as an important spur to increasing the health professionals of South Africa. It has addressed the overconcentration of health personnel in urban areas and in the exclusionary private sector as well as increase a number of qualified health professionals.
Hon members, the presence of over 200 Cuban medical professionals in our country has helped us fight this pandemic and has supported our own health workers. They have been a collaborator in the fight against COVID-19. Of course we have seen really disgracing and insinuations, misinformation and distortion related to their presence in the country, but we know the contribution they have made to help us battle this virus.
They have excelled in primary health care and prevention, in preventing diseases, their experience has buttressed our health workers and our health system and made a difference to the lives of thousands of South Africans.
It is for this reasons that our President and South Africa have nominated the Henry Reeve International Contingent of Doctors Specialised in Disaster Situations and Serious Epidemics, which is also known as the Cuban Medical Brigade of which there are currently about 3 700 dispatched all over the world in the fight against the pandemic for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.
This was a resolution we took as Cabinet, and a move widely supported by an international community that is aware and appreciative of the noble efforts of this group of professionals whose primary aim is to save human life. You have not heard a whisper of the winging we hear today anywhere in the world. This recognition is pursued alongside our immense gratitude to our own health care workers. I think to seek to divide and rule by suggesting that we do not appreciate our own health care workers is merely selfish.
Innuendo doesn’t take us anywhere.
Our recognition of the brigade is part and parcel of the international solidarity and the South-South relations of which we strongly support. We call on all South Africans to support this process and recognise the humane agenda driven by Cuba.
Few would forget that members of the Cuban leadership travelled to Algiers to build formal relations with the Algerian National Liberation Front, and the fact that Che Guevara’s was in Africa in 1963 serving as an important part of a turning point in strengthening Cuba’s relationship with liberation movements around the continent.
Chairperson, building a better Africa and a better world is an imperative of our time for all those concerned with global inequality ... [Time expired.] Thank you.
Ms E R WILSON: House Chair, this is a confusing type of debate, I must confess. We had 20 speeches today with very different interpretations of revolutionary and scientific duty of solidarity and humanity. Let’s deal with facts today. The Nelson Mandela/Fidel Castro Medical Programme, which was initiated in 1996 and expanded in 2011, has become a bottomless pit of millions of rands annually. Anyone who assisted in bringing a ban of apartheid like Cuba must indeed be applauded. It was ... [Inaudible.] ... but how long is the payback?
At the outset, the programme was supposed to train disadvantaged black medical students and meet the health needs
of rural and underserved urban areas. In 2017, there were approximately 4 000 doctors training in Cuba, at a cost of apprximately R2,2 million per each graduate. They are costing South Africa billions in taxpayers’ money. In 2018, approximately 700 very costly Cuban-trained doctors returned to South Africa. But without capacity in our system to supervise and monitor their skills, deal with language barriers and train and add a few language and culture became problematic.
This resulted in South African medical schools having to provide one to three years of extended medical school training on their return – a further costs of millions. On completion of the extra years, exactly where are these graduates to go?
Certainly not to the rural areas, because it is common knowledge that rural medical facilities are badly nonexistence and absolutely appalling.
Furthermore, with a Cuban emphasis and some primary health preventative care, but these students have very little or no exposure to HIV, TB or trauma in Cuba, which is huge in South Africa. And while many of these graduates are desperate for positions ... [Inaudible.] ... Cuban, at a huge cost. It takes me time to understand is a fact, but this costly project is
nearly about solidarity and politics, nothing more. It has become ever more apparent when this government nominated the Cuban brigade for a Nobel Prize.
I cannot find information about one Cuban doctor who died in South Africa as a result of COVID-19, but hundreds of South African health workers did. How do we put a Cuban brigade ahead of thousands of South Africans who gave up their lives to save the lives of other South Aricans. How much more evidence do we need that the lives of South Africans mean little to this ANC-led government? Hon Pandor, the ANC does not put people before profit, and as a matter fact this has been apparent in the Zondo Commission, where exactly the opposite applies. We do not need more evidence that the lives of South Africans mean nothing to this government. You should be ashamed!
The ACTING HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): Thank you very much, hon Wilson. Hon members, at the beginning of the debate, hon Mpanza saved three minutes of his time. I am going to assist him with maths, and add the three minutes to the two minutes that he has. He now has five minutes in closing the debate. Hon Mpanza, you are now recognised.
Mr T S MPANZA: House Chairperson, first of all let me thank all the hon members who have contributed in this debate. It has been a wonderful debate, I assume. I want to start with the EFF which has supported and acknowledged the revolutionary contribution that the Cuban people have made in solidarity with the whole world, and in particular our country over the years. I think that is commendable and we really appreciate it as the ANC. Of course, the DA is actually saying that this is a confusing debate. I have never heard of something like a confusing debate since I joined Parliament. I want to put this before the DA itself that it is the one that is confused and therefore, because it is confused it then says that the debate is confusing.
We cannot undermine the role of our frontline health care workers, but I think it is regretable that some of the opposition parties are completely or deliberately missing the point about this debate. I want to agree and concur with what Minister Pandor said that this debate is actually more premised into drawing comparisons between the Cuban doctors versus our frontline workers. But the purpose of the debate today is to acknowledge the contribution and the role the Cuban people have played in fighting against all forms of
injustices internationally, including injustices even here in South Africa.
I think the DA should be better informed as to what was the purpose of this debate than to label it as a confusing debate. For some of the opposition parties here in this debate to compare the Cuban doctors with our frontline health workers is really mischievious and also dishonest - and they are actually playing in the political gallery ... [Interjections.] ... to score cheap political goals at the expense of these serious hardships that are associated with the COVID-19 pandemic that our people are experiencing currently. We will call upon them to check their political conscience if they have one. If they do not have political consciences they can check ... [Time expired.]
The mini-plenary arose at 17:18
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