Media Statement: Committee on IR Reiterates South Africa’s Call for Lifting of US Embargo and Unilateral Measures Against Cuba

Parliament, Wednesday, 12 August 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has reaffirmed South Africa’s principled and long-standing position in support of the immediate and unconditional lifting of the United States embargo and unilateral coercive measures imposed against the Republic of Cuba.

The committee convened a bilateral dialogue with representatives of the Republic of Cuba aimed at further consolidating the historic bonds of solidarity, cooperation and friendship between the peoples of South Africa and Cuba. The engagement was informed by the enduring legacy of President Nelson Mandela and Commander Fidel Castro, whose shared commitment to liberation, justice and international solidarity continues to underpin relations between the two countries.

The committee acknowledged Cuba’s invaluable contribution to the struggle against apartheid, particularly its role in Southern Africa and its continued support for South Africa through cooperation in health, education and human capital development.

Members of the committee emphasised that this shared history of solidarity must continue to find expression in practical programmes that advance the developmental priorities of both nations.

During the engagement, the committee underscored the need to deepen health and human capital cooperation, including the continued deployment of Cuban medical brigades, the training of South African medical students in Cuba, and collaboration in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and vaccine production. Ambassador of Cuba, His Excellency Mr Fakri Pinelo Rodriguez told the meeting that during 1996-1998, Cuba sent 463 doctors to contribute to the well being of South Africans. Of that number 55 doctors have remained in South Africa. Cuba has trained 3243 South Africans to become doctors.

The committee further identified trade, investment and economic exchange as areas requiring renewed attention, particularly in agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, infrastructure and skills development.

The committee further noted the significance of assistance extended to Cuba through the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF) and called for the full implementation of existing bilateral commitments in a manner that yields tangible and measurable developmental outcomes.

The committee noted that South Africa has previously extended assistance to Cuba through the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund, including a R210 million economic assistance package under the loan component, while a separate proposed R50 million humanitarian assistance package was later the subject of court proceedings. The committee heard from the ARF that Cuba has already paid back and is left with approximately R13 million to pay back. Cuba has paid back on the agreed timelines.

The committee resolved to continue advancing this position in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the African Union, BRICS and the Non-Aligned Movement. Members reiterated that the embargo continues to adversely affect Cuba’s development trajectory and constrains opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with the international community.

The committee also expressed support for the strengthening of parliamentary and people-to-people exchanges between South Africa and Cuba, including regular parliamentary engagements and cooperation in education, culture, sport and youth development.

Members agreed that the outcomes of the dialogue should inform South Africa’s preparations for the 19th Session of the South Africa-Cuba Joint Consultative Mechanism, with particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation and advancing shared positions on global justice, equality and sustainable development.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, reaffirmed that South Africa remains steadfast in its solidarity with the people of Cuba and will continue to work with Cuba in pursuit of cooperation, friendship and a more just, inclusive and equitable international order.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Sureshinee Govender (Ms)
Cell: 081 704 1109
E-mail: sugovender@parliament.gov.za