South Africa: ANC Welcomes Cuban Engineers

The ANC welcomed 38 Cuban engineers at their provincial headquarters in Bloemfontein on Monday.

The 12 women and 36 men will be placed at rural municipalities to improve service delivery, oversee housing projects, be involved in water delivery, sewerage and bulk infrastructure basic supply services.

A handful will, however, remain in Bloemfontein and will be involved in provincial government projects.

The party's provincial secretary, William Bulwana, reminded the Cubans and party officials that there was a very special relationship between the late Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro.

"This project will take that relationship forward," he said.

He said they would find the Free State a province of hard workers.

"The premier is getting grey hair from all the hard work. We also want you to work hard."

"It is difficult to separate Cubans from Africa. During our liberation, the Cubans were there for us. They were also there for Namibia and Angola. They were there for Africa," Bulwana said.

The engineers will be contracted for three years and will be compensated at deputy director level.