Question NW804 to the Minister of Communications
24 May 2016 - NW804
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) What was the purpose of her attendance at the International Development Corporation meeting on Gender and Media in Geneva, Switzerland from 7 to 10 December 2015, (b) what are the (i) names and (ii) positions of the persons who accompanied her and (c) what was the (i) total cost and (ii) breakdown of the costs of the specified trip?
Reply:
(a) The Honourable Member will remember that the main aim of the framework on Gender and Media International Cooperation is to support the implementation of the “Women and the Media follow-up” for section J of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Women and the Media. Now, the Minister was invited by UNESCO to share ideas and experience with the world on how the South African government is making strides in terms of promoting and championing gender equality in all forms of the media; how we as government we are encouraging women to take advantage of the revolution in communications technology in order to make their voice to be heard across the country.
The Minister was invited to make opening and closing statements at this global forum as well as chairing two sessions, however, Mr Johannes Rantete attended the global assembly on behalf of Minister Faith Muthambi. The South African delegation led by Mr Rantete used the platform to urge the international community to put gender equality and women’s empowerment in the media at the heart of all discussions and agreements. Again, the Geneva Framework on Gender and Media International Development Cooperation resonates with the contemporary agenda:
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls,
- SDG 16, target 10: Concerning measures to promote public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms,
- SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
A series of stories about this event were published on the government online news agency: SAnews.gov.za as well as on social networks.
(b) (i) Mr Johannes Rantete (attended in place of Minister);
Mr Mishack Molakeng; and
Mr Nthambeleni Gabara.
(ii) Acting Director-General: GCIS;
Media Liaison Officer: Ministry of Communications
Assistant Director: SA News
(c) (i) The total amount is still in the process of being audited and will subsequently be made available.
(ii) The breakdown is also not available as it still needs to be audited.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: