South Africa Slams UK Aid Cut Decision

Minister for International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, speaks to journalists at United Nations headquarters following her country's election to the Security Council., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

South Africa slams UK aid cut decision

Wed May 1, 2013 12:49AM GMT

South Africa has criticized the UK government for stopping direct aid to the country after two decades, warning that the move would affect relations between the two states.

The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation accused Britain of "unilaterally" deciding that the present aid package would cease in 2015.

London currently gives £19 million of bilateral aid a year to Pretoria, compared to a peak of £40 million in 2003.

The UK’s aid programme to South Africa is focused on reducing the mortality rate among women giving birth and supporting businesses.

"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," said Clayson Monyela, spokesman for the South African international relations department.

Speaking at an international conference of business leaders and African ministers in London on Tuesday, British International Development Secretary Justine Greening announced that direct aid to South Africa will end in 2015, citing the country’s status as Africa's biggest economy.