The government has spent more than R308m to pay Cuban doctors and engineers. That's according to a News24 report quoting Public Service & Administration Minister Thulas Nxesi, who was responding to a question from DA MP Mimmy Gondwe.

According to Nxesi's response, based on information extracted from the Personal and Salary System, as at 30 April, there were 65 engineers who cost the state R50 394 855 in remuneration and 229 doctors, costing the state R257 917 774.

Gondwe said the DA would apply terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act to the Department of Labour to provide copies of the skills transfer plans for the Cuban doctors and engineers, as required by the Employment Services Act 4 of 2014.

‘According to the Act, skills transfer plans must be produced by the employer outlining how foreign nationals will transfer their skills to local South African employees or permanent residents during the course of their employment or assignment in SA.’

Gondwe added: ‘While South Africa has a shortage of doctors, because of budget constraints, the country is currently struggling to place and absorb locally trained medical graduates in need of the prerequisite community service. Similarly, recently qualified engineering graduates often find it difficult to find employment because employers generally want experienced engineers.’

She added the Department of Labour must prove it had been actively fulfilling its mandate in ensuring compliance with skills transfer requirements with regard to the Cuban doctors and engineers.

Full News24 report