Question NW3812 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
24 November 2023 - NW3812
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
(1)With reference to the advertising fees in the Ubuntu magazine which is published quarterly by her department, and whose latest issue, BRICS Special, lists various advertisers that include certain business entities (names furnished), how is the revenue allocated; (2) whether internal advertisers such as Ubuntu Radio are charged a reduced rate; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW5030E
Reply:
1. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), through its Branch: Public Diplomacy, introduced its stakeholder magazine Ubuntu – South Africa’s Public Diplomacy in action – in August 2012. The publication’s objectives are to communicate with and inform stakeholders on South Africa’s foreign policy positions, achievements, objectives and goals. It also provides analysis and information on key departmental issues ranging from current affairs, bilateral and multilateral milestones.
Advertising in Ubuntu magazine forms part of the sponsorship package that DIRCO offers to potential sponsors of specific events, such as the Ubuntu Awards, Diplomatic Fair, as well as the XV BRICS Summit.
Based on the chosen sponsorship package, sponsorships that are accepted by DIRCO, and in the case of the XV BRICS Summit approved by the sponsorship committee, are provided with space in the magazine to advertise. The sponsorship, monetary or in kind, is then allocated to cover a specific cost for the identified event.
2. We do not charge internal or external entities to advertise in Ubuntu Magazine. External entities get advertising space as value for sponsoring DIRCO led events.