Question NW2715 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
15 September 2023 - NW2715
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
(1)Whether the Ambassador to the United States has been on sick and/or incapacity leave (a) in the past two financial years and (b) since 1 April 2023; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, for what total number of days per absence; (2) Whether the SA Embassy in Washington remained open to the public at all times during the duration of the Ambassador’s absence; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, on what dates has the Embassy been closed to the public? NW3106E
Reply:
1. During the 2021/2022 cycle, Ambassador Mfeketo was on annual leave for 24 days, (18 October – 12 November 2021 = 20 days, and 28 December – 31 December 2021 = 4 days compulsory leave).
The Ambassador was also on sick leave for 39 days: 06 - 10 March 2023 = 5 days; 11 - 16 April 2023 = 4 days and 17 April – 31 May 2023 = 32 days.
Approval was granted by the Department for the Ambassador to take leave.
2. During the Ambassador’s absence, the Embassy remained open during all official working hours to the public. The Deputy Chief of Mission was appointed as Chargé d’ Affaires to manage the Embassy.