Question NW1708 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
11 October 2016 - NW1708
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)What was the purpose of the visit of a certain person (name and details furnished) with his wife and three other military officials to Cuba in June 2016, (b) why did the specified persons stop-over in Paris, France and (c) how much did the specified trip cost her department; (2) whether she approved the budget allocation for the specified trip; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. This was a planned visit to Cuba to his counterpart to strengthen military relations between the two defence forces and to further pay a visit to the SANDF members studying in Cuba to check on their progress.
The Chief of the SANDF did not stop over in France as was previously envisaged to deal with matters pertaining to the Centenary Commemoration of the Battle of Arque la Bataille and Deville Wood – where South African soldiers who died during the World War 1 were laid to rest in France.
2. Travelling expenses are budgeted for by each Service or Division as per their requirements and according to plans.