Hon House Chairperson, the NFP welcomes the report of the Department of the International Relations and Co- operation.
Hon Minister, allow me to congratulate you on your appointment as Minister and I am quite certain that this department is now in very good hands.
Minister, let me start off by talking about our participation in some of the international structures and one structure is Southern African Development Community, SADC, Parliamentary Forum. Now, SADC has two sides to it, one is the heads of States and SADC Parliamentary Forum. And I think it's one of the matters that you need to look at whether it is really serving the intended purpose that is ... we spend a lot of money, we go there twice a year to the different parts of the region and we need to look at whether it's really serving the interest of our
people particular in the country and in the region. So, I will leave that in your good hands Minister that you look at it.
I think the issue of the leasing of the premises has been going on for many, many years and the question that arose was should we rather be purchasing these properties since they are going to be for long-term rather than leasing them? But I think your department is dealing with that issue.
The issue of Palestine, now, Chair, I don't know whether we read different dictionaries or what but when I look at the word impartial, it looks like some of us interpret it differently but I have an answer why we interpret it differently, there is only one reason and that one reason is money. So, if you get money for anything you sell your principles, you sell soul, you sell values, you sell everything. [Interjections.] So, you can't be impartial that is clearly what it is.
Now, look at this one, you come there, you take over something that it is not yours, you violate the human rights of these people and you telling me I must be impartial, I don't
understand this. So, to be honest with you, some of these people need to go back and search their souls but let me tell you where it comes from. Those who that were privileged during the days of oppression in South Africa and were part and parcel of the oppressors will never understand what the Palestinian people go through.
We as the NFP say anyone, anywhere in the world, must not be allowed to be oppressed.
I hear lot of words about China and yes indeed we must be mindful of China and what they can do. But why is it I don't hear the same of the greatest monster on earth and that is the United State of America? [Applause.] Where there is no peace in the world because of the United States of America. Wherever there's trouble it's the United States, whether there's diseases there's United States, where there's war there's the United States, but nobody wants to say anything; and they talk about impartiality. Now, this is a sick joke as far as I am concerned. I think they need to have their heads read.
The NFP fully supports you Minister and your entire team and congratulates you on the work that you do. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Hon Chairperson, Minister and Deputy Minister present here today, hon Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman. Sanibonani [Good day.]
It is my greatest honour to address this Sixth Parliament which is recently installed as our legislative authority in the year coinciding with the 25th anniversary of our constitutional democracy.
I would like to thank the ANC for affording me this opportunity to represent the people of our country in this important institution of our democracy. We thank the generations of young leaders and activists who came before us, who in their own sacrifices, paved a way for many of my generation to enjoy the freedom and opportunities that we have today.
This debate takes place in the month wherein we observe the Nelson Mandela Day, which is a 'global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world'. This is done in honour of the distinguished service by our founding father in the promotion of freedom, human rights, peace and democracy in the world.
We draw strength from his wise words when he said:
We cannot allow, for our common well-being, that the unilateral interests of single nations or groups of nations dictate international conduct and affairs.
These are the same values that have become the cornerstone of our foreign policy outlook, wherein we use our own historical experiences to promote a better Africa and the better world.
Hon house chairperson, I want to reflect on the Promoting Global Democracy to Transcend Unilateral Decision-making. It must be stated without any fear of contradiction that unilateralism is an outdated 20th century phenomenon. It also has no place in the
modern world wherein there is an existential urgency for all of us to promote multilateral governance, security and trade architecture. Be that as it may, what we can no longer be in doubt of is that multilateralism is under siege.
There is no rise in narrow nationalism, trade protectionism and a scant view of international institutions and rules. The unilateral withdrawal by the Trump Administration from the Paris Climate Change Agreement, at the time when the effects of global warming are so devastating to the developing world, underscores the crisis we are faced with.
The ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing has serious implications for equitable global economic order. We have seen how sharing of technological innovations such as Huawei's 5G technology, that will meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is stifled through arbitrary trade wars that militate against the World Trade Organisation, WTO, rules.
Europe as our major trading partner is dealing with its own challenges of Brexit.
The Iran nuclear deal is under threat with an escalating stand- off between all parties involved. As a consequence, the Middle East can explode further at any moment now.
These developments do little for the advancement of global democracy that is rooted on international solidarity. Instead, we see the rise of inward- looking populism, which seeks to elevate national sovereignty above all this.
In countries like Myanmar, Syria and Venezuela, we are faced with a complex political and security situation that requires global response. This requires of us to use available international and regional instruments to find lasting solutions for the benefit of the people of those countries, in particular and the world in general.
The end product of these developments is displacement of ordinary people, in the main who happen to be women and children. They find themselves caught in unresolved civil conflicts or trapped in humanitarian crisis due to disruption of life and necessary supplies for their livelihood. It is under
such conditions that the mass rape of women occur leading to the spread of diseases like HIV and AIDS.
Therefore, it should concern us that unilateralism in global decision- making is on the ascendant whilst global democracy is on the back foot.
It is an indictful reality that the post-Cold War international system, still has to reckon with pockets of unilateralism meant to benefit the "military-industrial complex" whereby, for example, defence budgets far outstrips national investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure upkeep, and elemental service delivery.
The tangible costs of none sticking to international democratic system, include, the undermining of the authority of international bodies such as the United Nations, WTO, the African Union and the European Union.
"In Larger Freedom", Kofi Annan, the late UN Secretary-General, reminds us that:
Dealing with today's threats requires broad, deep, and sustained global co-operation. Thus, the states of the world must create a collective security system to prevent terrorism, strengthen non- proliferation, and bring peace to war-torn areas, while also promoting human rights, democracy, and development.
It is in global co-operation that we will manage better trans- border migration. It is in global co-operation that we will defeat acts of terrorism. It is in global co-operation that we will prevent human trafficking by organized criminal gangs. Indeed, it is in global co-operation that we will prevent international drug smuggling and illicit financial flows. It is in such co-operation that we will achieve more in placing African agenda at the centre of global deliberations and action.
The ongoing political and security challenges in Libya, Cameroon, Sudan and South Sudan are of great concern. We have long held a policy position that South Africa's development and prosperity is inextricably linked to peace and development to the continent.
Our foreign policy posture and outlook should be alive to current realities. That is why we must not just celebrate being part of multilateral foray without a clear and tangible plan to advance our domestic and regional agenda.
Our commitment in contributing to a stable, peaceful and prosperous African Continent working with other nations within SADC and the African Union should be the basis of our agenda.
Hon Chairperson, hon Minister, may I join those who have extended their congratulations on your appointment to your office. I want to comment on an issue that I think is very important. We as South Africa took a position when we graduated to democracy that with regard to the issue of the Middle East, we would not take sides, however we would be pro- peace. It is for that reason that our government under the leadership of President Mandela adopted a position that we must invite both Palestine and Israel to have missions here and to put own missions in the two countries.
The idea being that we wanted to convey to them that South Africans had said as South Africans without anybody from outside discussed the problems of their country and found a solution to that. We did so because we also recognise the fact that the two state solution of the Middle East was an initiative of both Israel and the Palestinians.
It may not have been perfect, but it was the product of the owners of the conflict. What was important for us was to join the international community to support a process that saved the lives of people on both sides, but that necessarily needed to be helped and guided towards a more complete and acceptable solution.
I would like to say to you Minister and your department, that South Africa must not be part of those who lose patience in the drive towards achieving the objectives both Arafat and his counterpart, identified for their people and laid the foundations for it.
We announcing it in the United Nations with both sides; the flag of Palestine and Israel are flying there. We have a duty to continue to prevail on both sides to return to the negotiations where they do not agree on issues, but they must find solutions in discussion and not spill more blood.
The countries of the world today understand that peace in any struggle, in any battle, killing people can go on and on, but in the end you can solve it if you go and sit down and negotiate. Our leaders in this country when they took up the arm struggle; they made the point quite clear that we are not taking up arms because we want to kill whites or to spill blood or to do that, we are doing so to put pressure on the government to go to the negotiations with us. Thank you. [Time expired.]
Hon Chair, hon Dr, Minister and sister, when you were given the great honour to be our Minister of International Relations on the eve of commemorating President Mandela, we saw you realising his dream of a free South Africa which we all know he said will only happen when occupied Palestine is free.
Hon Minister now is not the time to talk about the two state solutions. We do not want a solution for Palestine; we call for freedom for the Palestinians. The same freedom South Africans enjoy today. One man, one vote!
We cannot thank the leadership of the international relations enough, for the position on the Palestinian struggle. It was the Palestinians who facilitated the huge arm shipment of weapons from Libya via Angola and then in a Russian truck and more trucks to South Africa where former Defence Minister, Modise, took delivery. We should send weapons to Palestine. The truck is still here.
It is disappointing that the African renaissance and the International Co- operation Fund budget has declined over the years. Does that help our President as Chair of the African Union, AU, to take further the dream of brother, Colonel Gaddafi, for a united Africa?
However, we still have former President Thabo Mbeki who will support him and we are waiting for the identification of a site
for a Pan-African Parliament which we hope will be within a stone's throw from Parliament in District Six, the hub of the resistance in the 1960s. This was the dream of President Thabo Mbeki.
Judge Fikile Bam was arrested in District Six. The great African intellectual, Archie Mafadi spoke about the African Renaissance in District Six. So, Minister we are waiting for you to take the lead and take forward the African Renaissance.
Minister, we have to express our disappointment on your silence on the untimely death of the first democratically elected president of Egypt. We also want to suggest to you that you look into Pakistan for the nuclear energy to help us with our electricity crisis.
Our hopes lie in you, in negotiating a settlement between Morocco and the Western Sahara the ambassador which Aljamaah hosted recently because they are both close to our hearts. [Time expired.]
Greetings and salutations hon Chair, hon Ministers, hon Deputy Ministers, hon members, diplomatic corps present, our guests in the gallery and fellow South Africans, hon Minister, it will be a disservice to South Africans watching this debate, if I did not bring to light that some members have come to this podium having not attended the committee meetings or even read the Annual Performance Plan, APP, but express blinding support for this Budget Vote. That is an act of criminality to those constituencies that have sent them here. [Applause.]
I quote the late great Martin Luther King Jr, who said:
Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?
How apt hon Minister, is this quote when the reference to the Department of International Relations and Co-operation and its role on the African continent?
According to the Annual Performance Plan presented to the committee and Minister depending who you ask? The chief
financial officer, CFO, will tell you is R855 million, the director-general will tell you is R955 million and if you look at the APP it is R1,1 billion. You take your pick, Minister.
This allocation for Programme 5, international transfers which provides for South Africa's membership to international organisations, such as the United Nations, African Union and SA Development Corporation.
A persistent source of discomfort during the Fifth Parliament was always that South Africa was not receiving value for money in return for these membership fees.
The amount contributed should surely ensure that we are at the forefront of setting the agenda, not merely sitting on the sidelines, as is currently the case. South Arica has always been the reluctant leader, even when our African compatriots view us as a beacon of hope for the continent.
But then again, one need not look far on why we struggle to own our place as a geopolitical leader.
Despite the international embarrassment that the Ambassador Zindzi Mandela brought to the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa still went ahead and extended her tenure.
Also, Minister, the shocking testimony at the Zondo Commission by yet another delinquent Ambassador, Bruce Koloane from the Netherlands, and his involvement in the irregular and illegal landing of the infamous Gupta plane at the Waterkloof Airforce Base, should warrant his immediate removal from office. [Applause.]
Frankly, Minister, we can do better in vetting ambassadors and diplomatic staff.
Hon Minister, you need to awaken from the dream that President Ramaphosa concocted during the state of the nation address and come to the realisation that the appointment of ambassadors need to move away from the current patronage model where political rejects are given a soft landing.
Government should be bold enough to appoint ambassadors from opposition parties who have played a role in the advancement of South Africa's democracy. [Applause.]
Minister, this government's foreign policy veers to the East, where we seem comfortable to be playing second fiddle to China and Russia, has not been met with the same zeal from our own citizens.
Students, who not of their own choice, but out of desperation, go to China to study medicine, suddenly find themselves with medical qualifications that cannot be practiced in their very own home of South Africa.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Blade Nzimande, made an unfulfilled executive promise to recognise these medical qualifications.
Minister, you have an opportunity to right this wrong by taking up the plight of South Africans who spend years in foreign universities studying, only to be rejected by their own country.
We simply cannot lose this vital human resource.
The department's handling of the suspension and ongoing investigation of its CFO, leaves much to be desired. The lack of decisiveness has a direct bearing on how we effectively use the Department of International Relations and Co-operation for the South African brand and meet pour obligations internationally.
In as much as we seem to sing our own praises regarding the country's international footprint, this does come with financial constrains. Serious consideration should be given to downsizing some diplomatic missions and merging functions such as tourism advocacy with consular services.
The need for cost-cutting measures has further been reinforced by the department's own acknowledgement that there is widespread fruitless and wasteful expenditure across our missions and properties abroad.
Spending money on properties that are not being used is not only a waste of money, but is an insult to South Africans who are both homeless and destitute. [Applause.]
Hon Minister, the Fifth Parliament went by and the department failed to ensure that the Foreign Service Bill was approved. It is my sincere hope that you will play your role to facilitate the passing of this legislation during this Sixth Parliament.
One of the mandates of the Department of International Relations and Co- operation is to assist South African citizens abroad, yet on numerous occasions, most of them have often been left stranded due to red tape at our embassies. Thank you, Madam Chair. [Time expired.]
Hon Chair, the hon Minister, the hon Deputy Ministers, the hon Chair of the Portfolio Committee hon members of the portfolio committee, hon members, ladies and gentlemen. Chair, I think for the record we must state that our portfolio committee yesterday adopted the report unanimously by all political parties with no objections.
I am going to focus on the issue of African Renaissance. Africa must take its rightful place in the global politics and development of the continent. There are a number of instruments that we can use to achieve this goal of Africa taking its rightful place in global politics and development. Fortunately, for us who are now in the sixth administration, our predecessors were visionary leaders who in their wisdom established an instrument called an African Renaissance International Cooperation Fund, ARF, to take the African agenda forward. The ARF Fund was established immediately after 1994. The democratic government took a deliberate decision to establish this fund to promote the development, assistance and to consolidate peace and reconstruction in Africa and elsewhere in the world. The fund was thus established in the year 2000 pursuant to act of Parliament, the African Renaissance International Cooperation Fund Act 51 of 2000. One of the objectives of the ARF is to promote democracy and good governance.
The ARF would continue to support the Southern African Development Community, SADC, election observer missions. Minister, the holding Minister of democratic elections is
considered critical socioeconomic development of the continent and the region. There are 10 countries that are due to go for elections in the 2019/20 year. Of these, five would from the SADC region, that is, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. Of course South Africa has just had its own elections recently. The ANC-led government believes that building strong institutions would enable South Africa to entrench the culture of good governance as well as efficiency and responsiveness, which is an integral part of Africa's renewal programme.
The ARF would continue to pursue its strategic objectives as outlined in the ARF Act 51 of 2000 with more emphasis on the provisions of loans and investment projects to fulfil these strategic objectives. The good story to tell about this RAF is that, the ARF granted its first loan to the government of Cuba, which is inline with the RAF future strategy of focussing on loans and infrastructure investment. This will aid in re- capitalising the ARF amid reduce allocations. Cuba is reported to have already and paid its loan in full. We therefore thank
and commend the Cuban government for honouring its commitment to this noble cause.
IsiXhosa:
I-ANC iyaqhuba, vumani booo!
AmaLungu ahloniphekileyo: Siyavumaaaa!
English:
The world continues to experience in natural disasters. The fund enables South Africa to be counted amongst those who strive to restore human dignity and bring relief to the people in distress as and when humanitarian situations arise.
One of the strives that we have also made as a country on behalf of the African Continent is that, South Africa is one of the largest footprints in the world when it comes to foreign policy implementation. I think this should be celebrated by all Africans across the continent. Hon Chair, the signing of free trade agreements amongst African countries creates more space and opportunities for African countries to trade amongst
themselves thus boosting the African continent's economic growth for the benefit of Africa and the world.
This positive development should be commended by all of us. Charity begins at home. Local is lekker. Furthermore, the signing of this free trade agreement also repositions Africa as one big market that can now compete with other countries and continents from a position of strength than that of weakness, making Africa a force to be reckoned with in the world.
IsiZulu:
Iyahamba le moto kaHulumeni oholwa uKhongolose. Bathi-ke imoto ehambayo izinja ziyayikhonkotha kodwa emile ziyayichamela. Manje sebethi ehlehlela emuva ziyayidunusela njenge-DA. Dunuduna!
Chairperson, let me begin by thanking all members who have participated in this debate, and in particular thank those members who have agreed that they will support our budget. To those who say they won't, I am not sure why they will continue
to insist that we should have diplomatic relations if we have no funding, because that is the consequence of their position.
I believe that we must utilise our international relations to advance our national objectives and the policy goals of our country. Of course, with due regard to the values and principles of solidarity, democracy and peace, we will always endeavour to seek out friendships based on shared values and common goals. I confirm again that Africa will be a priority and the expansion of the excellent platform established by our predecessors will be the foundation that I utilise to advance this particular objective.
I believe that we must always show that we will reject misogyny, racism and chauvinistic ethnicity in all its forms in our diplomatic collaboration. Solidarity networks that seek to advance a progressive agenda for the world are the networks we will attach to. On the Middle East, we take side with the oppressed. We do not reject Israel when it wishes to discuss a genuine settlement.
The two-state solution remains the objective of all members of the United Nations, but we must act to indicate that we are concerned at the lack of movement. We are concerned at the lack of freedom. When there are genuine steps for peace, we are ready to consider again, but it cannot be that we act as though matters are normal when there exists a condition where a people enjoy no rights whatsoever. We cannot attach purely to the theoretical. We must signal that we are concerned.
That does not mean that we give. It means we are ready to engage in discourse leading to a solution. Mr Mandela didn't say a two- state solution even where no movement exist. He said that the people of Palestine stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us; we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them. We will be there with the people if Israel and its government once it is ready to recognise that the two-state solution must be brought into reality. So, it should be understood what our intentions are.
We would be most happy when we discuss the Middle East. There we talk about Syria. We talk about the humanitarian disaster in Yemen. Then we talk about all those who suffer and don't neglect
to mention other actors in that region that are exacerbating the negative condition of humanity. It is absolutely imperative that we do that.
We agree with hon members that the budget decline is a real concern for us and I take the advice and wise counsel from members that we must look at the issue of the missions. We will, but I do urge the hon Chetty to understand that the allocations that are provided as the first touch by Treasury do not always remain as so.
At times the figures we state may be understated by the need to revise how we prioritise, given the changes introduced by Treasury post the Medium Term Expenditure Framework. We would ask - given that an explanation was provided to the Portfolio committee, that the bona fides of the department be accepted given that set of explanations.
There is no intention not to be accountable or transparent by the department and we absolutely understand the concern of members, and we assure you, there is no intention to hide
anything. We will respond to the directives of the Auditor- General and ensure we improve our financial administration. Please be assured of that.
I thank the hon member, Mr Bergman of the DA, for the indications that he will support us when the right things are done. We assure you that we are going to strive to try and do the right things, particularly for South Africa and our continent.
It cannot be said that we are bullied by China. China is an important player in the world and we are fortunate to have excellent relations with them. What we should be asking is: Are we drawing the best advantage from that relationship? Have we done as much as we could to extract the economic and other opportunities that derive from such a strong relationship?
I think much more could be done, but I don't think we can just neglect such a powerful and potential trade and economic opportunity, but in no way has China ever in fact found them intriguing in that they say you relate to us on your terms or
you don't relate to us on your terms. They would never come begging for the relationship; we have sought it and they have sought us. I think it's one of rapprochement but I do think there is much more South Africa could secure from that relationship, especially in trade terms.
There are so many provinces in China with a total lack of awareness of South Africa as a tourist destination or indeed a business opportunity. We need to exploit those opportunities much more. We need to go into the deeper recesses of China and begin to build a whole set of new unimagined relationships up to this point. So, there is a lot that can be done and I think we need to explore that but the notion that we are bullied, cajoled, et cetera, is a mistaken one.
On the matter of human rights, I have said our voting record in the United Nations Security Council has certainly for me been a very good one in the time we served as nonpermanent member this year and into 2020. We will ensure - having listened and taken on - an aspect introduced by former Minister of International Relations, Sisulu, that our focus will be the traditionally
observed human rights perspective of South Africa. That will drive our voting pattern. That is what has been happening and I am very pleased at that.
On the conduct of ambassadors, clearly we must address this. I must do so in discussion with the President. It is not just the decision of the Minister; we must have a proper discussion and address that. Also, I do call on us as South Africans to always have a regard when there is a set of dialogues to all sides of the dialogue and to be critical of all elements that exude racism, sexism or any form of prejudice or discrimination. [Applause.]
Don't choose one part!
All of us are focused on Ambassador Mandela and not what has been said to her or about President Mandela or Mrs Winnie Mandela. By saying that, I do not in any way absorb or say one supports, but I am saying let us be even- handed in all commentary that we make about comments. Of course, with respect
to Ambassador Kholwane, again I think a serious discussion is merited.
On the matter of our chairing the African Union: I hope we are going to show the continent that we really take the continent seriously; and that we are going to develop a set of programmes and interventions that will enhance Africa's place in the world and progress with all the agenda programmes of Agenda 2063.
We as Africa must begin to make real advances. This is why I have inserted the notion that let's use South Africa's capacity for research and innovation, to begin to place Africa at the heart of developing new ideas and new products. We haven't done a quarter of what is possible by our continent. We are not yet using the opportunities for creating a knowledge- based society. So, let's begin to think differently.
Africa's change doesn't only happen through resolutions at the African Union, in the economic communities or at the United Nations. The change begins by how we use our talent and our institutions. So, let's begin to add these elements that I
believe are missing at this moment so that we really make the kind of advances that place us in the centre of the world. If we do that, I believe finally our continent and our people will come into their own. I thank you all for participating in the debate. Thank you! [Applause.]
The ACTING HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms L S MAKHUBELE-MASHELE): Thank
you, hon Minister. Members are reminded about the debate on Police - including Independent Police Investigative Directorate - Budget Vote will take place at 16:30 in the National Assembly Chamber. The debate on Social Development Budget Vote will take place at 16:30 in the Old Assembly Chamber. The debate on Public Enterprises Budget Vote will take place at 16:30 in Committee Room E249.
Debate concluded.
The mini-plenary rose at 16:13. -----------------------