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South Africa and Cuba in 60 seconds

A war, doctors and engineers link South Africa and Cuba 1 3. South Africa's government wants the US embargo of Cuba to end 7. The US government disagrees 6.

In 1987 and 1988, Cuban troops fought in Angola at Cuito Cuanavale. 1 Nelson Mandela called the battle a turning point for the liberation of Africa. 1

Namibia became independent in March 1990. 2 Freedom Park, near Pretoria, names 2,070 Cuban soldiers who died in Angola. 1

Since 1996, South Africa has sent medical students to train in Cuba. 3 In April 2020, 217 Cuban doctors came to help during Covid-19. 4 In April 2021, 24 Cuban engineers came to advise on water. 5

The US has an embargo on Cuba. On 28 October 2026, 130 countries voted at the UN to call for it to end, 17 voted against and 25 abstained. 6

South Africa’s government wants the embargo to end. 7 The US government says it wants more freedom and human rights in Cuba. 8 The US ambassador told the UN: “There is no blockade.” 6

Sources

  1. Battle of Cuito Cuanavale 1988, South African History OnlineAcademic
  2. It's 30 years since Cuito Cuanavale. How the battle redefined southern Africa, The Conversation Africa, 29 May 2017Academic
  3. Three decades in, is the Cuba-SA doctor training programme still worth the expense?, Daily Maverick (Spotlight), 31 July 2025News
  4. Mkhize welcomes support from Cuban doctors, SAnews (South African Government News Agency), 28 April 2020South African government
  5. Water and Sanitation welcomes Cuban water experts seconded to South Africa, 22 Apr, South African Government (gov.za), 19 April 2021South African government
  6. Backing for UN call to end Cuba embargo falls to 20-year low, UN News, 28 October 2026United Nations
  7. UNGA81 General Debate: South Africa's National Statement by Minister Ronald Lamola, Head of Delegation, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), 24 September 2026South African government
  8. National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-5, The White House, 30 June 2025US government

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