Preparations for Foreign Policy Workshops in Limpopo Province

Meeting report

Concept Paper for Oversight Visits
Ms Dineo Masala, Researcher, Parliamentary Research Unit, presented a concept paper on the Committee’s planned oversight visit to Limpopo. The main purpose of the visit was to assess and evaluate the extent to which South African Foreign Policy was appreciated and understood by different sectors of society. Recommendations from this engagement were expected to enhance the Committee’s input into the national dialogue on what constituted national interest, the result of which would positively influence the way South Africa’s foreign policy was conducted. The decision to refer to the gathering as a workshop or outreach as opposed to public hearings simply stemmed from the fact that no legislation would be considered or debated.

She highlighted that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation had already undertaken imbizos in Limpopo, therefore this would be an opportunity to check whether or not the public understood the meaning of foreign policy, particularly in the South African context, and its impact on their everyday lives. In addition, there was a need to investigate the publics understanding of the link between foreign policy and domestic priorities.

Ms Masala noted that it was the Committee’s view that, non-state actors such as academic institutions, tourism entities, the media and others who communicated with the public were all contributors to public diplomacy. The workshop would asses whether the Public Diplomacy programme had the desired impact of ensuring a positive perception about, understanding and appreciation of SA Foreign policy.

In the recent past, South Africa was marred by a spate of violent attacks on some foreign nationals residing among the communities in different areas of the country. The Committee was aware of several initiatives undertaken by different departments and institutions to address this problem. However, the Committee wished to add its voice towards the curbing of future attacks. The workshop would be an ideal platform to debate the matter and to find solutions.  As a result, time had been set aside for all stakeholders to participate in the discussions around this pertinent issue.

Discussion
The Chairperson indicated that he was not willing to subject the public to presentations based on emotions about the issue on violence directed towards foreign nationals. On the contrary, he hoped to hear information based on statistics and researched science.

Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) informed the Committee that the Human Rights Commission (HRC) had conducted a study (on the issue) which the Committee could make use of.

The Chairperson agreed that the Committee needed to consider engaging with the HRC. In addition, he noted that Mr B Skosana (IFP) had help to compile a report (on this matter) and therefore could be of assistance.

Mr Mokgalapa voiced his objection at the idea of public officials voicing their opinions or knowledge at the workshop. In his view, politicians enjoyed making elaborate speeches and that this was the ideal moment for the committee to act contrary to what was expected of them. Members should rather engage their ears in listening to the public discourse. Finally, he reminded the Committee that the report that Mr Skosana had been part of had made recommendations which were never carried out. It would therefore be embarrassing to Parliament to present a report that contained recommendations that had never been implemented.

Mr S Ngonyama (COPE) argued that just listening was not going to work, as Members need to steer the dialogue in such a way that all the Committee’s objectives were reached.

Ms Dudley suggested that the Committee combine both approaches, that is to say, allow the Committee to give short presentations to spur constructive conversation and yet generously giving the public an opportunity to speak.

The Chairperson agreed with Ms Dudley and concluded that the HRC would be requested to spearhead the brief presentation, but perhaps even before the end Mr Skosana would share the findings of the report.

The Chairperson asked if there were any objections or further queries to the Concept Paper.

The concept paper was accepted and adopted by the Committee.

Programme Workshop in Limpopo National Dialogue on the SA Foreign Policy
The Chairperson presented the proposed draft programme for the workshop.

Ms Dudley requested that the programme be e-mailed to her in order for her to present it to her constituency.

The Chairperson replied that all political parties had been informed about the workshop, and that the programme would be e-mailed to all Members.

The Chairperson announced that the Committee would advertise the workshop via community radio stations. The same would be done for future engagements with the public.

The Chairperson mentioned to Ms Masala that the universities should not be engaged between October and November as the students were occupied with exams.

Operational Plan July-September 2010
The Chairperson asked Ms Masala to present the Committee's draft operational plan for the third term.

Ms Masala highlighted the proposed activities for this period.

The Chairperson explained that due to a misunderstanding with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Zimbabwe the Committee’s visit to that country, which was scheduled for the 13-17 September 2010, had been postponed indefinitely.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs had written to the Chairperson to query about the Committee's intention as he had viewed the visit as an attempt to become involved in the Global Partnership Agreement. The Chairperson indicated that he had clarified this misunderstanding in his response to the Minister. However the Zimbabwean Parliament was currently in recess due to the negotiations on the new constitution. The Department would come revert to the Committee to confirm the new date for the visit.

International Treaties Workshop
The Chairperson indicated that the International Treaties Workshop would take place on 20 August 2010. It had originally been scheduled for 26 August 2010 but had to be moved to a different date due to the level of interest and unavailability of Members. Several committees including the International Relations and Cooperation, Justice and Constitutional Development and Trade and Industry Committees had been invited to participate in the workshop.

Adoption of Minutes
The Committee approved the minutes dated 2 June 2010 with minor amendments.

The meeting was adjourned.