Public has right to monitor spend

The ANC government’s obsession with Cuba is twofold. Firstly, they feel obligated to Cuba for its stand against apartheid pre-1994. Secondly, the millions that South Africa pays the doctors, engineers, etc helps to finance Cuba’s weak economy.

Cuba is an extremely poor country, still living in the 1950s.

After the revolution, the Castros dominated domestic and foreign policy, denying democracy and repressing civil society. They mismanaged the economy so that growth since 1959 has been negligible. They depended largely on Russia until its collapse in 1990.

Wealthy Cubans left the island, taking their deposits and taxes with them. To counter these problems, Cuba embarked on an extensive education programme. Today they generate foreign exchange to the tune of $8 billion (about R115 billion) a year through their doctors, engineers and others, working in approximately 77 countries. Virtually their only income.

SA contributed millions to their economy over the years, with very little to show for it.

The ANC government, as well as the general public, should insist that Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, pictured, submit a detailed report on exactly where these newly arrived engineers will be placed and housed, as well as the projects they will be working on.

Then also to submit a three-monthly report to parliament and the general public, through the media, on their progress or otherwise.

Their input must be constantly monitored otherwise the whole project fades into the background and disappears.

The minister has to be held accountable for the millions of rands being doled out to the Cubans, who have yet to produce the goods. The public has a right to know whether their money is being well spent or blatantly wasted.

To build a team takes time, it is a good opportunity for these players to play games and to see what it is to play at this level.

New Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.