Thank you, hon Deputy Speaker. Our response to the hon Mokgalapa is, yes, heads of missions, ambassadors and high commissioners represent the head of state abroad. Therefore, according to the Constitution, their appointment is the sole prerogative of the President. The department provides the President with recommendations on the appointment of ambassadors.
In making the recommendations, the department takes into account, amongst other things, other priorities and needs at our headquarters, priorities at the missions where the proposed ambassadors will be sent, and the experience and profile of recommended designates.
On allegations against the ambassador, which we have read about in the newspapers, the allegations have not been tested and therefore the ambassador is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. I thank you.
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Thank you, Minister, for the response. In light of the Minister's response indicating the high calibre she considers as a criterion for appointing ambassadors, how then, Minister, was it possible that Mr Rasool was still appointed even though the ANC secretary-general, Mr Mantashe, admitted publicly at a media briefing on 4 August 2010 that Mr Rasool had been recalled as premier, stating that: "Rasool was removed on the basis of this case."
This was a reference to allegations detailed in an affidavit that money was paid to a former Cape Argus political reporter. Don't you think this smacks of double standards?
Hon Mokgalapa, the allegation remains an allegation and remains to be tested through the proper processes. So, I will not take a quotation from a press conference to be the basis for me to make those considerations. [Applause.]
Thank you, hon Deputy Speaker. Hon Minister, has the question of making decisions that affect international relations, like the criteria on appointment of ambassadors, more transparent and people-friendly been discussed at Cabinet level? Is there recognition of a possible need to make this and other similar processes more transparent in order to allow the South African public to better connect with and view international relations with less suspicion and scepticism? Thank you.
Deputy Speaker, well, South Africans are being engaged at large through public diplomacy, an initiative that's new, and we engage with all South Africans from all walks of life.
Talking about transparency in the appointment of ambassadors, one thing that has happened in this country is that the President of the Republic even considers making appointments from opposition parties. So, I don't know what further transparency is needed. When we make such appointments, we normally get whispers of "Thank you very much" in the corridors, but never out here in the open to say: I come from this party, this number of people were appointed from our party, and they are doing a good job.
Please don't ask us to judge people when the due process of the law is taking place. When that comes into play, we will take the necessary action. So, let's not confuse reaching out to the public with regard to what we do in our international work with appointments of ambassadors, because when the President finds the time and space he does reach out to all political parties represented in this House. Thank you. [Applause.]
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I find it very strange that the hon Minister actually rejects the statement by the secretary-general of her party - that this person was recalled. I want to ask the Minister and, through her, the President of course: Is it not wiser and better to wait until the law has taken its course before a person is appointed to such a high position?
You know, hon member, through you, Deputy Speaker, South Africa will continue to be respected in the international arena when all South Africans consider issues of international relations and national interest in this House as priorities for all of us.
Firstly, I think it is opportunistic that when a person is nominated there is no noise made, but when the appointment is confirmed and on the eve of the ambassador leaving there is a leak to the newspapers and that therefore we should make decisions based on what the newspapers say.
Secondly, I will not come into this House and wait to be taught how to listen to the leadership of the organisation I belong to. I take orders directly from the organisation I belong to, not via media conferences and third parties. [Applause.]
Deputy Speaker, Mr Minister, why do you make such important positions, as you have explained, a sanctuary for party members who have done some wrong in the country, because it was made very clear by the secretary-general? You have explained the importance of these positions very well. Why do you make them a sanctuary for wrongdoers in your party? [Applause.]
Hon Mluleki George, I have never seen a "he" who looks like me, ever. [Laughter.] So I'm sure you are going withdraw that when I finish. [Interjections.]
Secondly, the President, advised by the department, looks at all South Africans, largely internally in the department because we do have very senior and professional diplomats within the department. Also, constitutionally, the President can also appoint people outside the department to represent the country. So, if you have a list of sinners, don't just pick and choose so that we are able to focus on building the national interest and the image of South Africa truthfully. I am not about to pass judgment on a matter that has not arisen as yet. Thank you. [Applause.]
Position regarding plans to improve distribution of staff for offender management
164. Mr V G Smith (ANC) asked the Minister of Correctional Services:
Whether, in light of the current estimated ratio of one staff member to four offenders at correctional facilities, any plans are in place to improve the distribution of staff for offender management; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what plans and (b) what are the timeframes set for completion of the process?