South Africa To Lose British Aid From 2015

Britain is to stop sending direct aid to South Africa from 2015, ending a policy that has been in place for more than 20 years.

The Government's aid programme to the nation is currently worth £19m, which is already down from a peak of more than £40m in 2003.

It has focused on reducing the mortality rate among women giving birth, as well as supporting businesses.

Current projects will still be funded but bilateral aid will now end - with the relationship being focused on trade rather than development.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening will announce the move at a conference of African ministers and business leaders in London.

Ms Greening will say: "South Africa has made enormous progress over the past two decades, to the extent that it is now the region's economic powerhouse and Britain's biggest trading partner in Africa.

We are proud of the work the UK has done in partnership with the South African government, helping the country's transition from apartheid to a flourishing, growing democracy.

"I have agreed with my South African counterparts that South Africa is now in a position to fund its own development.

"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."

Britain has already unveiled plans to end its controversial £280m-a-year aid programme to India in 2015, with future support limited to skills-sharing.

But David Cameron has vowed to stick to his commitment to spend 0.7% of gross national income on foreign aid, despite opposition from some Tory MPs.

Critics are angry that Britain is handing out a fortune in aid, some to rich developing nations, while domestic spending is being drastically cut.
~ Sky News
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