Hon Chairperson, the history of the Cuban people is intertwined with the history of the African people. [Applause.] We know very well today that while we are standing here claiming that we have the best Constitution in the world and that we have freedoms that are enjoyed by historically disadvantaged people, this would not have happened if it had not been for the Cuban people who took the battle of Cuito Cuanavale in 1988. [Interjections.] The very freedoms we are speaking about would not have come about if the Cuban sons and daughters hadn't participated in that war.
What is absolutely critical here is that there is a lot for us to learn from the people of Cuba. An example is the issue of disaster management. Hurricane Gustav, which lashed Cuba in 2008, was far worse than Hurricane Katrina in America. Hurricane Katrina killed 1 800 people in America. Although Hurricane Gustav in Cuba was worse, it didn't kill a single person. Why? [Applause.] It is because the Cuban system of disaster management is one of the most advanced in the world. That system was able to evacuate more than 250 000 people within two days, while America could not do that!
What is very important here is that we should value the ideas of the founding President of this country. When he was speaking to the Congressional Black Caucus of the Democrats in Washington, President Mandela once said that the morality of the South African people lay in the fact that they didn't abandon their friends in their hour of need, but supported them. [Applause.] The Cubans are our friends and we are going to support them.
When this democracy was still young, they provided us with free facilities to train our doctors and engineers. They helped our departments with technical services that we as a country did not have. What kind of people can abandon such friends? [Applause.]
I would like to say to you, the people of South Africa, that the people of Cuba are our people. That is why, when this country says we must build a better South Africa, a better Africa and a better world, it must not be just a slogan - we must make it a reality! So, the ANC is calling on everyone in this House to support this protocol. I thank you. [Applause.]
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Cuba on Economic Assistance approved (Democratic Alliance and Inkatha Freedom Party dissenting).