Question NW2880 to the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(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