Question NW1660 to the Minister of Social Development
28 October 2016 - NW1660
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Social Development
(a) What was the purpose of her attendance at the 45th Annual Rainbow Push Coalition conference held in Chicago, United States of America, from 28 June 2016 to 2 July 2016, (b) (i) who accompanied her on the specified trip and (ii) why did each of the specified persons accompany her, (c) what was the total cost of the specified trip and (d) where did (i) she and (ii) each person accompanying her stay?
Reply:
The South African delegation attended the 45th Annual Rainbow Push Coalition Convention upon Ministerial invitation by Reverend Jesse Jackson, a founder and President of the Rainbow Push Coalition. It must remembered that Rev Jackson is one of the human rights activists who contributed immensely to the liberation struggle in Africa, and South Africa in particular.
The 45th Session of the conference provided a unique platform for the South African delegation to learn international best practices in respect of various social development areas such as racial, social and economic justice and social cohesion. Others includes strategies to address homelessness, the scourge of alcohol and substance abuse; violence against women and children, particularly in African American communities, youth development and improvement of access to education for disadvantaged communities. The delegation interacted and exchange ideas with young men and women from different countries including African Americans and the Diaspora.
(b) (i) The delegation was comprised as follows:
- Ms Bathabile Dlamini, MP Honorable Minister of Social Development;
- Ms Constance Nxumalo Deputy Director-General: Welfare Services;
- Mr Oupa Ramachela Acting Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services;
- Mr Abram Phahlamohlaka: Chief of Staff
- Ms Mamokoena Mefolo: Director: Protocol Services.
(b) (ii) The two Deputy Directors-General provided support to the Minister on substantive issues while the Chief of Staff provided speech writing and administrative expertise to the Minister and the Director: Protocol Services provided both the secretariat and protocol support services.
(c) The cost came out of the Ministry budget. In an effort to contain the expenditure for international travel, particularly given the weak rand-dollar exchange rate, the Minister and the delegation utilised a cheaper airline and accommodation recommended by the Mission. The total cost of inclusive of airline tickets for the Minister and delegation, accommodation and ground transport was R547 413.19.
(d) The Minister and the entire delegation were accommodated at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, which is the hotel where the conference was held. The hotel rates for all delegates were negotiated by the conference organisers, the Rainbow Push Coalition.