South Africa trade union Solidarity has started a legal process against Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu regarding the appointment of Cuban engineers to help municipalities in the roll-out of water infrastructure projects in South Africa.

In the legal letter, Solidarity asks that the Cuban engineering programme be suspended immediately and that assurance be provided regarding the legality of the Cubans’ licensing and registration.

“At face value, these engineers do not appear to meet the registration requirements of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) that would enable them to practice fully,” the organisation says.

“This means the group is paid a large amount of money, but they will be limited with regard to the work they may do, and in certain cases they will only be permitted to work under supervision. We now give the government the opportunity to explain. South Africa deserves an answer,” states Solidarity CE Dr Dirk Hermann.

According to Solidarity's letter, there is concern about whether the Cuban engineers are registered and licensed in terms of the Engineering Profession Act of 2000.

Solidarity also asks, among other things, that the government should confirm whether all legal requirements are in place for the engineers to work in South Africa.

Solidarity also questions whether the advice and recommendations of ECSA were obtained and whether the requirements of the framework for the engineering profession have been met.

The organisation also requests that all information regarding the legal basis of the decision be disclosed.

The importation of the Cubans apparently stems from a bilateral agreement between South Africa and Cuba signed in 2014, the organisation states.

Solidarity says Sisulu has until April 30 to respond to its questions.

Solidarity also plans to communicate with the ECSA.

“The question whether the Cuban engineers meet the necessary legal requirements is aggravating, but it still does not conclude whether it is right that they are here. Solidarity has made available to the Minister a list of 132 local engineers and other specialist skills that can do the job at a much lower cost than the Cubans.

“In addition, Cuba’s own water infrastructure is in chaos. There is therefore no reason why the Cubans should be in South Africa,” Hermann posits.