Question NW63 to the President of the Republic

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12 May 2016 - NW63

Profile picture: Atkinson, Mr P

Atkinson, Mr P to ask the President of the Republic

(1)(a) How many persons in his delegation attended the 2016 World Economic Forum conference in Davos, Switzerland and (b) what are their (i) names and (ii) formal designations or positions in Government; (2) (a) how many of the persons in his delegation paid the full £29 000 conference fee and (b) what was the total cost of his delegation’s visit to the specified conference in terms of amounts paid for (i) conference fees, (ii) accommodation, (iii) subsistence and (iv) travel costs; (3) whether any rebates were negotiated for additional members; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether any family members of delegates travelled with them to Switzerland at the State’s expense; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are their names and (b) who did they accompany?

Reply:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos is a premier global marketing opportunity, bringing together Heads of State and Government and global business executives and owners to discuss the state of the global economy.

WEF traditionally provides an excellent opportunity for South Africa to market itself as an investment destination. The January 2016 meeting was important, given the depressed global economic climate. We met global captains of commerce and industry to brief them on the various interventions that we have undertaken to reignite growth and create jobs, especially the Nine Point Plan that I introduced during the 2015 State of the Nation Address, within the framework of the National Development Plan. The engagements went well as Team South Africa, both government and business, was able to send out a common message that South Africa is open for business.

I was accompanied by my wife Ms Bongekile Zuma as well as the Ministers of Finance, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Energy, Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Health, Water and Sanitation. Officials from the Presidency included Ms Lakela Kaunda, the Chief Operations Officer; Mr Silas Zimu; the Special Advisor to the President; Dr Bongani Ngqulunga, Deputy Director-General in the Private Office of the President. In addition, the support staff responsible for research, protocol, communication and general included Ms Grace Mason, Mr Bongani Majola; Ms Milka Bosoga; Mr Pride De Lange; Mr T Sekano; Mr K Sebata; Ms T Khambane; Ms N Dlamini and Mr G Moloisi. Ministers were also accompanied by a limited number of support staff. The cost of travel, accommodation and transport is still awaited and will be available after final reconciliation.

I am not aware of any family member of a delegate being on the visit as well. Other than my wife, no other delegate from the Presidency travelled with a family member.

None of the government delegates were required to pay the amount mentioned. Accommodation for participants and support teams in Davos is arranged through a WEF-appointed travel agency in Davos. There are no individual country arrangements.

The visit to Davos contributed immensely to the drive by government to assure investors and to promote the country as an investment destination.

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