This is such a major decision with far reaching implications on the projects that are currently running and it is tantamount to redefining our relationship.
Ordinarily, the UK government should have informed the government of South Africa through official diplomatic channels of their intentions and allowed for proper consultations to take place, and the modalities of the announcement agreed on.
We have a SA/UK Bilateral Forum which is scheduled for some time this year and the review of the SA/UK strategy which includes the ODA, would take place there and decisions about how to move forward were expected to be discussed in that forum.
This unilateral announcement no doubt will affect how our bilateral relations going forward will be conducted.
We are however looking forward to the SA/UK bilateral forum later this year to clear up this matter among others.
Cutting developmental aid would have far-reaching implications on projects currently running in South Africa, spokesman Clayson Monyela said.
“This is tantamount to redefining our relationship. Ordinarily the UK government should have informed the South African government through official diplomatic channels of their intentions,” he said.
Monyela said consultation on the modalities of the aid cut would have led to an agreement between the two countries.
“We have a SA-UK bilateral forum which is scheduled this year and the review of the SA-UK strategy, which includes the ODA [official development aid] would take place there. Decisions about how to move forward were expected to be discussed in that forum,” he said.
“This unilateral announcement will affect our bilateral relations.”
He said the issue would still be discussed at the bilateral forum.
International Development Secretary Justine Greening made the announcement to end the aid programme at a conference of African ministers and business leaders in London.
She described South Africa as “the region’s economic powerhouse and Britain’s biggest trading partner in Africa”.
“I have agreed with my South African counterparts that South Africa is now in a position to fund its own development,” she said.
“It is right that our relationship changes to one of mutual co-operation and trade, one that is focused on delivering benefits for the people of Britain and South Africa as well as for Africa as a whole.”
