Cuban personnel cost South Africa R308 million

A Parliamentary question from Democratic Alliance MP Haseena Ismail has established that South Africa has spent some R308 million on Cuban doctors and engineers employed in South Africa.

This data was extracted from the state payroll system as at 30 April 2022. The periods over which these costs had been incurred was not specified. (the question referred to the ‘total cost of their employment’.) 

A total of 65 Cuban engineers were employed, incurring costs of R50 394 855. The 229 Cuban doctors had cost R257 917 774. 

DA MP Dr Mimmy Gondwe said in a statement that the DA would seek further information on the matter. She remarked: ‘It is curious that at a time when government continues to implement measures aimed at tightening our immigration laws and regulations, Cubans continue to find employment in the public service system with the aid of the ANC government. Growing the local skills base requires us to urgently prioritise our existing talent and expertise pool.’