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SOUTH Africa is pushing ahead with its plans to donate humanitarian aid to the Cuban people. This emerged when International Relations and Co-operation Minister Naledi Pandor responded to parliamentary questions from DA leader John Steenhuisen. Pandor said Cuba had requested assistance with regards to food shortages, especially powdered milk, rice, canned meat, canned fish, cooking oil and beans. “The procurement is currently on hold as per Gauteng High Court interdict by civil rights group Afriforum on March 22, 2022,” Pandor said. | IOL

CHINESE President Xi Jinping on Thursday criticised “the abuse” of international sanctions, while Russian President Vladimir Putin scolded the West for fomenting global crisis, with both leaders calling for greater BRICS co-operation.

Xi called on Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) to take up the responsibility conferred by their economic clout, and said they should stand up for a truly multinational international system based on the UN.

“We must abandon Cold War mentality and block confrontation and oppose unilateral sanctions — and the abuse of sanctions,” Xi told the BRICS summit through a translator.

“Our meeting today comes at a crucial moment of choice for the future of humanity: as key emerging markets and developing countries, BRICS countries must rise to our responsibility,” Xi said.

| IOL