(1) Why did the representative of South Africa to the United Nations vote in favour of the resolution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation on 12 October 2016;
(2) What informed the Government’s decision to vote in favour of the resolution, considering the implications regarding other religious connections to Jerusalem as a holy site? NW2892E
(1) Whether any (a) internal and/or (b) external forensic reports pertaining to (i) her department and/or (ii) each entity reporting to her were completed from 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what is the (aa) name, (bb) subject matter and (cc) date of conclusion of each of the specified forensic reports?
(1) Has (a) she and/or (b) her department been requested to waive the diplomatic immunity of a certain person (name furnished); if so, when was such a request made;
(2) has she made a decision in respect of the specified request; if so, (a) when did she make the decision, (b) what was the decision and (c) what are the reasons for the decision;
(3) has her department (a) conducted an investigation into and/or (b) initiated any disciplinary proceedings against the specified person for an alleged drunk driving incident that took place in Oslo, the Kingdom of Norway, in January 2016; if not, why not; if so, in each case, what are the (i) relevant details and (ii) outcomes?
(1) Whether (a) her department and/or (b) the Government (i) have taken or (ii) intend to take any steps to (aa) stop the execution of a South African citizen (name furnished), who has been incarcerated in the Federation of Malaysia for drug trafficking since October 2013 and/or (bb) secure a transfer or exchange agreement with the government of Malaysia; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what are the (aaa) relevant details and (bbb) progress made to date;
(2) whether the Government has a position on South African citizens who receive death sentences in foreign states; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 1478 (NW1647E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 16-2016 OF 20 MAY 2016
MR J SELFE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
(1)Whether (a) her department and/or (b) the Government (i) have taken or (ii) intend to take any steps to (aa) stop the execution of a South African citizen (name furnished), who has been incarcerated in the Federation of Malaysia for drug trafficking since October 2013 and/or (bb) secure a transfer or exchange agreement with the government of Malaysia; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what are the (aaa) relevant details and (bbb) progress made to date;
(2)whether the Government has a position on South African citizens who receive death sentences in foreign states; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?NW1647E
REPLY:
(aa)Yes, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has taken steps in an effort to stop the execution of the South African citizen in Malaysia. The Minister wrote a personal letter to her Malaysian counterpart in which she requested the Malaysian Government to reconsider the death penalty handed down and to commute the sentence to an appropriate prison sentence.
(bb) No, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation have not taken steps to secure a transfer or exchange agreement with the government of Malaysia. The mandate to consider entering into such agreements falls within the ambit of the Department of Justice and Correctional Services.
(2) The position of Government is that South Africa has abolished the death penalty and that the South African Constitution does not mete out capital punishment and that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation should therefore, in instances of South African citizens who receive death sentences in foreign states, approach her counterpart in that state and request the foreign state to reconsider the death penalty handed down and to commute the sentence to an appropriate prison sentence. The outcome of the subsequent decision by the other sovereign state needs to be respected irrespective of South Africa’s position.
1 (a)Whether she and/or her department has bought advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; if so, (i) what number of times and (ii) for what amount in each specified financial year?
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 245(NW249E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO:2-2016 OF 19 FEBRUARY 2016
MS S H.O Hlophe (EFF) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
(a)Whether she and/or her department has bought advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; if so, (i) what number of times and (ii) for what amount in each specified financial year?
UNQUOTE
REPLY:
(i)The number of times her Department used advertising space in The New Age were as follows:
(aaa)2012/2013: None
(bbb)2013/2014:None
(ccc)2014/2015:None
Thus no advertising space was used on The New Age.
(ii)The amount that her Department spent advertising space in The New Age were as follows:
(aaa)2012/2013: None
(bbb)2013/2014:None
(ccc)2014/2015:None
No money spent as there was no advertising space used in The New Age
(1) If, given the fact that the protection of investment treaty between SA and Zimbabwe does not retroactively make provision for the protection of the property rights of SA citizens against confiscation and/or illegal occupation before the treaty entered into force, she has had any discussions with the Zimbabwean Government to discuss compensation for the group of South Africans whose property was taken from them unlawfully and which is not protected by the protection of investment treaty; if not, why not, seen against the background of the rights enshrined in the Constitution of the RSA, 1996, and applicable international law; if yes, what are the relevant details;
(2) If she is considering taking steps to promote the rights of SA citizens who, before the coming into force of the treaty, were disadvantaged by the Zimbabwean authorities and/or illegal occupiers, and to claim compensation for their losses; if not, why not; seen against the background of the rights enshrined in the Constitution of the RSA, 1996, and applicable international law; if yes, what are the relevant details;
(3) What steps will she take with regard to the current unlawful confiscation of the property rights of South African citizens in Zimbabwe by the Zimbabwean Government and/or illegal occupiers?
a) How does her department define red tape and b) what (i) specific interventions/or (ii) systems have been implemented to (aa) identify and (bb) reduce red tape in (aaa) her department and (bbb) the entities reporting to her?
(1) With reference to the launch of the South African Association of Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives on 16 July 2015,
(a) what are the names and
(b) current designations or former positions of each member of the association;
(2) What selection process did the members of the association have to undergo in order to gain membership to the association;
(3) Are any of the members of the abovementioned association receiving
(a) remuneration or
(b) benefits for their
(i) membership in,
(ii) affiliation to or
(iii) attendance of meetings related to the association; if so, how much is the
specified remuneration;
(4) What is the association’s
(a) mandate and
(b) scope of interaction with regard to advising her department?
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 2880(NW3353E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER OF 07 AUGUST 2015
MR S MOKGALAPA (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
With reference to the launch of the South African Association of Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives on 16 July 2015,
(a) what are the names and
(b) current designations or former positions of each member of the association;
What selection process did the members of the association have to undergo in order to gain membership to the association;
Are any of the members of the abovementioned association receiving
(a) remuneration or
(b) benefits for their
(i) membership in,
(ii) affiliation to or
(iii) attendance of meetings related to the association; if so, how much is the
specified remuneration;
What is the association’s
(a) mandate and
(b) scope of interaction with regard to advising her department?
REPLY:
(a) Please find enclosed (Annexure A) the list of South African Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives who participated at the founding meeting that was held from 15-16 July 2005.
(b) Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives
Membership is open to former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives who are retired from public
(a) No
(b) (i) No; (ii) No; (iii) No. However, it should be noted that on some occasions when specialist knowledge or institutional memory is required, the Department has, and will continue to, call upon former Ambassadors to assist on a particular issue, whether they are members of the Association or not. On such occasions, the normal consultancy rates are used for remuneration and the necessary assistance is provided to have these specialists participate in the requested role at DIRCO.
(a) The main objective is to create a platform for former Heads of Missions to network and serve as a resource to the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation, and other government departments that have international relations responsibilities; to work with the provinces, especially the offices of the Premiers through their provincial officials, as well as local governments regarding relationships with their counterparts in foreign countries.
It will further offer its members’ diverse, extensive experience and institutional memory to key and relevant stakeholders and partners to promote awareness of, stimulate discussion and deepen the understanding of international relations and diplomacy, and support the institutions responsible for implementing South Africa’s foreign policy.
It will also create opportunities to exchange views with experts, academics, scholars of international relations sand other with an interest in diplomacy and foreign policy.
It is hope that is will also mentor young diplomats to achieve best practice in the execution of their roles and responsibilities.
(b) The association is an independent non-profit organisation.
UNQUOTE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FOUNDING DOCUMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN AMBASSADORS, HIGH COMMISSIONERS AND CHIEF REPRESENTATIVES
1. BACKGROUND
Many countries have established entities to tap into the institutional knowledge of their previous high-ranking diplomats and envoys after they have left specific posts and government service. The establishment of such a body in South Africa is a ground-breaking development that will enhance and uplift the country’s status internationally. It will put South Africa on a par with others and help towards raising awareness and understanding of the complex issues confronting the practice of international relations and diplomacy. In doing so it will draw on members’ diverse expertise, experience and institutional memory to enrich the formulation of foreign policy and underscore the country’s efforts to be a respectable member in the family of nations.
2. VISION
To contribute to the pursuit of South Africa’s national interest to achieve a prosperous, united, non-racist, non-sexist, democratic and peaceful South Africa and Africa, and for a just and better world.
3. MISSION
The Association seeks to maximize usage of its resources regarding the conduct of its foreign relations and the broad attainment of South Africa’s interests and foreign policy objectives.
4. OBJECTIVES:
The main objective is to create a platform for former Heads of Missions to network and serve as a resource to:
Have a constructive relationship with the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation, and other government departments that have international relations responsibilities; to work with the provinces, especially the offices of the Premiers through their provincial officials, as well as local governments regarding relationships with their counterparts in foreign countries.
Offer its members’ diverse, extensive experience and institutional memory to key and relevant stakeholders and partners to promote awareness of, stimulate discussion and deepen the understanding of international relations and diplomacy, and support the institutions responsible for implementing South Africa’s foreign policy.
Provide assistance to the Presidency, for example, by serving as Special Envoys.
Create opportunities to exchange views with experts, academics, scholars of international relations sand other with an interest in diplomacy and foreign policy.
Analyse global, regional and bilateral political, economic, peace and security, social and cultural trends in foreign relations and diplomacy.
Mentor young diplomats to achieve best practice in the execution of their roles and responsibilities.
Foster relations with relevant South African, regional and international organizations.
5. VALUES
Patriotism
Loyalty
Integrity
Professionalism
6. PROGRAMMES
The Association will fulfil its mission through programmes designed to educate, inform and interact with the public about key foreign policy issues affecting the national interest. Such programmes will include but not be limited to:
Conferences, ambassadors’ fora and other means of public interaction around the country to enhance the public understanding of international issues affecting the national interest;
Mentorships that foster and develop young students, particularly in international relations;
An orientation programme for Heads of Mission;
Availing its members to support the Presidency including, for example to serve as Special Envoys or support staff;
Providing its membership and associates with information so they can fulfil the Association’s mandate.
7. FUNDING
The Association is a non-profit organization funded by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and other sources.
8. STRUCTURE
The Association is led by an Executive Committee to be elected by its members on a simple majority and by a show of hands for periods of two years.
The Executive Committee consists of a Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, plus three additional committee members elected for periods of two years.
The Executive Committee is further mandated to bring about appropriate administrative and support structures within the necessary and appropriate legal framework.
The association elected the following as an Executive:
•Chairperson - Amb G Nene
•Deputy Chairperson -Amb. J Bardil
•Secretary- Amb F Land
•Treasurer -Amb M Moopeloa
•Additional Members
Amb W Nhalpo
Amb. M Rakwena
Amb. T Skweyiya
9. MEMBERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Membership is open to former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives who are retired from public service and who meet its criteria and annual fee requirements, which will also be applied to any associate membership that may be established.
10. SYMBOLS.
The Association will make use of a symbol and logo for identification.
Annexure A
List of Ambassadors
Initials & Surname
Designation
1
Abba Omar Y
Ambassador
2
Chikane M
Ambassador
3
Chiliza TH
Ambassador
4
Coovadia I
Ambassador
5
Crewe-Brown L
High Commissioner
6
De Swart I
Ambassador
7
Dietrichsen PR
Ambassador
8
Dr Kekana I
Ambassador
9
Funde E
Ambassador
10
Gantso
Ambassador
11
Jacobs D
Ambassador
12
Janse van Rensburg JG
Ambassador
13
January-Bardill N
Ambassador
14
January-McLean T
Ambassador
15
Khasu MJ
Ambassador
16
Kilian J
Ambassador
17
Kotane J
Ambassador
18
Kotane SS
Ambassador
19
Kubheka TMN
Ambassador
20
Land F
Ambassador
21
Lujabe-Rankoe T
Ambassador
22
Mabude NI
High Commissioner
23
Mabuza L
Ambassador
24
Magugu Z
Ambassador
25
Manley AL
Ambassador
26
Maqetuka M
Ambassador
27
Matabane
Ambassador
28
Mathoma TP
Ambassador
29
Mavimbela DJ
Ambassador
30
Mazibuko-skweyiya
Ambassador
31
Mbatha KZ
Ambassador
32
Mdlalose F
Ambassador
33
Meyer DN
Ambassador
34
Mfenyana S
Ambassador
35
Mngqikana LMS
Ambassador
36
Modise BIL
Ambassador
37
Moloi S
Ambassador
38
Mongalo ALCK
Ambassador
39
Moolla M
Ambassador
40
Moopela
Ambassador
41
Msimang
Ambassador
42
Nene SG
Ambassador
43
Ngakane LD
Ambassador
44
Ngubane BS
Ambassador
45
Nhlapo WAW
Ambassador
46
Olivier GC
Ambassador
47
Pekane LST
Ambassador
48
Phologane
Ambassador
49
Pitso J
Ambassador
50
Rakwena M
Ambassador
51
Roux JP
Ambassador
52
Saloojee YM
Ambassador
53
Schoombie N
Ambassador
54
Shaik M
Ambassador
55
Sigwela EM
Ambassador
56
Sisulu BR
Ambassador
57
Sisulu SM
Ambassador
58
Skweyiya ZST
Ambassador
59
Tsheole N
Ambassador
60
Visser TG
Ambassador
61
Wheeler TF
Ambassador
62
Zazeraj VJ
Ambassador
63
Zulu VT
Ambassador
(1) Whether the Government has ever discussed or intends to discuss at a diplomatic level with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the issue of religious freedom in Iran;
(2) Whether she is aware that Christians in the country are frustrated to know that the Government has good diplomatic relations with Iran and yet does not seem to consider the issue of religious freedom and the persecution of Christians in Iran as a serious matter or even a concern;
(3) has she taken any steps with regard to this issue; if not, why not; if so, (a) what steps has she taken and (b) are there further relevant details in this regard
1. What are the (a) names and (b) designations of each of the nine South African representatives abroad representing the country in various international organisations, as indicated on her department’s website;
2 are these representatives remunerated by her department; if not, are they remunerated by the international organisations on which they serve; if so, on what salary level are each of these representatives remunerated;
3 what appointment process did each of these representatives undergo;
4 were the (a) academic qualifications, (b) experience within (i) the foreign service, (ii) her department or (iii) the Public Service considered in the appointment process of each of the specified representatives; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of each appointment?
Reply:
(1) (a)NAMES
|
(1) (b)DESIGNATIONS
|
ORGANISATIONS
|
AMB M Nkosi
|
Ambassador
|
Belgium and Luxembourg; and Mission to the European Union
|
Amb AK Bramdeo
|
Ambassador
|
Seconded by African Union to the European Union, Brusells
|
Mr E Beck
|
Minister Plenipotentiary
|
Belgium and Luxembourg; and Mission to the European Union
|
Amb JNK Mamabolo
|
Ambassador
|
SA Permanent Mission in United Nations
|
Mr EL Mminele
|
Minister Plenipotentiary
|
SA Permanent Mission ... |
More »