Question NW2703 to the Minister of Mineral Resources

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07 August 2015 - NW2703

Profile picture: Lorimer, Mr JR

Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

Whether (a) he, (b) his Deputy Minister and (c) any officials in his department travelled to China in the 2014-15 financial year; if so, what was the (i) purpose of each specified visit and (ii)(aa) total cost and (bb) breakdown of such costs of each specified visit?

Reply:

(a) Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi and (c) the officials of the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) travelled to China in the 2014-15 financial year on two occasions, See details below.

A. 2014 China Mining Congress and Expo (Tianjin-Beijing, 21 - 22 October 2014)

(i) The purpose of the visit:

China Mining is a standing item on the international promotional programme of the DMR. Minister Ramatlhodi led the Department’s participation in 2014. The DMR has participated in the past five sessions of China Mining, including the 2014-15 financial year. The assessment is that it will continue doing so, because the Conference offers South Africa an opportunity to engage with the investment community in the mining sector and to promote the country as a top mining investment destination.

The following officials provided support to the Minister: Dr T. Ramontja (DG Mineral Resources); J. Raphela (DDG Mineral Regulation); P. Mabelebele (Media Liaison Officer); and R. Motau (PA to the Minister).

(ii) (aa) total cost and (bb) breakdown of costs of the visit:

Accommodation

R 89 149.24

Air travel

R 276 307.00

TOTAL

R 365 456.24

B. Kimberly Process Certification Scheme

South Africa is a founding member of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in 2003, aimed at preventing trade of conflict diamonds:

  • Plenary Meeting (Guangzhou, 10 - 14 November 2014)

(i) The purpose of the visit: The KP Plenary is the highest decision body of the scheme. Minister Ramatlhodi travelled to China as part of the country’s standing obligation. The following officials provided support to the Minister: Dr T. Ramontja (DG Mineral Resources); R. Muthige (DD Mineral Policy); and T. Sekaya (Assistant PA to the Minister).

(ii) (aa) total cost and (bb) breakdown of costs of the visit:

Accommodation

R 169 285.91

Air travel

R 159 636.56

Ground transportation

R 40 300.33

 Total cost

R 369 222.80

  • Intersessional Meeting (Shanghai, 9 - 12 June 2014)

(i) The purpose of the visit: The Intersessional Meeting is implementing structure of decisions taken at the highest decision body of the scheme, KP Plenary. The DMR participated in this Meeting as part of the country’s standing obligation. One DMR official attended the KP Intersessional Meeting: R. Muthige (DD Mineral Policy).

(ii) (aa) total cost and (bb) breakdown of costs of the visit:

Accommodation

R 36 200.00

Air travel

R 27 000.00

 Total cost

R 63 200.00

(b) Deputy Minister Godfrey Oliphant did not travel to China in the 2014-15 financial year.

Approved/not approved

Adv N.A Ramatlhodi

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2015

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