2015-w3688 - 21 December 2015

Anton De Waal Alberts to ask the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATIONinter

(1) Whether, with reference to the reply to question 103 of 27 March 2002, in which her predecessor stated in paragraph four that the South African Government would continue to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, their property as well as South African-owned companies operating in foreign countries, the Government (a) still subscribes to the undertaking as contained in the said reply and (b) considers itself legally bound to it; if so, (2) Why was there a lack of assistance for farm owners in Zimbabwe during the extensive alienation campaign by the Zimbabwean government in the period prior to the signing of an investment protection agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2009; (3) What does the Government propose to do to add substance to the said undertaking in respect of farms, properties and businesses that had already been alienated in Zimbabwe before the commencement of the said investment protection agreement; (4) Whether the Government is considering the drafting of legislation to create an opportunity to institute claims against Zimbabwe, where the Zimbabwean government’s assets in South Africa can accordingly be claimed as compensation for South African citizens; if not, why not, seen against the background of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and relevant international law; if so, what are the further relevant details? NW4356E

Reply from the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATIONinter on 21 Dec 2015

1(a) Indeed, the South African government subscribes fully to the undertaking that was made in March 2002 to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, their property as well as South African-owned companies operating in foreign countries.

(b) It is our responsibility as Government, to protect South African citizens and their properties in foreign countries. And, we shall continue to carry out ...

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