UK aid cut caught SA by surprise

03 May 2013 - 02:40 By YOLISA MKELE
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Clayson Monyela. File photo
Clayson Monyela. File photo
Image: AFP

Relations between the UK and South Africa are set to sour after it was announced that the British government would cut its more than R260-million aid to this country from 2015.

The Department of International Relations and Co-operation has expressed anger at what it calls a "unilateral announcement".

"There was no proper consultation," said spokesman Clayson Monyela. He said the British government acted outside the usual framework when making the decision.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague disagreed, stating that: "discussions have been going on about that for some months - it therefore shouldn't have been a surprise". He blamed "bureaucratic confusion" for the furore that the announcement caused.

The funding provided by the British government goes towards funding a number of aid programmes, including initiatives to help combat HIV/Aids and unemployment. However Monyela was quick to allay fears that these programmes would be adversely affected.

"South Africa has the money to continue these programmes. It isn't about the money, it's about the principle. People must respect the established protocol," he said.

Others have also joined the war of words, with British Labour party politician Peter Hain calling the cut "high-handed arrogance and contempt for those millions still suffering from the apartheid legacy".

Both parties have stated that the matter will be discussed at the upcoming SA/UK bilateral forum.

However, Monyela says: "This unilateral announcement will no doubt affect how our bilateral relations going forward will be conducted." He said he understood Britain had its own problems "in the context of economic meltdown in Europe".

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