Hon House Chair, there are two important points of principle to be made here.
Firstly, a generous and charitable spirit is a praiseworthy quality for any nation, as it is for any person. It is right that South Africans should be known in the community of nations as a generous people who are willing to help where and when we can.
Secondly, when we have an opportunity to do so, we should always seek to lead other countries in democratic transition, respect for human rights, constitutionalism and freedom. When we can, we must leverage our influence and stand as an example to the world.
Now we must ask, given these principles, whether the solidarity grant and assistance package to Cuba we are considering today is appropriate. The short answer is, absolutely not. South Africa should not declare any solidarity with the Castro regime.
Cuban laws limit freedom of expression, association, assembly, movement and the press. [Interjections.]