New Cuba defence deal

DEPARTMENT: SANDF LACKS ABILITY TO PROPERLY PREPARE ITS MILITARY

- Jarryd Westerdale

Project Thusano, which ran up about R1.7 billion in irregular expenditure, has been rebranded as Project Kgala. The skills transfer deal with Cuba was signed in 2012, and the Project Thusano contract ended this year. The new contract took effect in January.

Department of defence and military veterans officials presented the revised parameters to the parliament portfolio committee yesterday.

Project Thusano was a deal between South Africa and Cuba that focused on professional transport and medical training services in Cuba for SA defence personnel.

In their presentation, the department justified Project Kgala as a historical imperative that continued the relationships established by Project Thusano.

"The Cubans have displayed resilience over the years, keeping their armed forces prepared and sustained despite staggering funding challenges and a fickle economy," the department said.