Question NW132 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
02 June 2017 - NW132
Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
(1)What are the details of her department’s policy concerning the employment of foreign nationals in South Africa’s foreign missions; (2) (a) how many foreign nationals are currently employed by each foreign mission and (b) in each case, (i) in which position are each of these foreign nationals employed and (ii) what (aa) qualifications and (bb) special skills does each person possess; (3) did the mission conduct (a) background checks and (b) security clearance procedures on each specified foreign national; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) The South African Government, through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), employs country nationals, third country nationals and/or South African nationals at the various Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad, as support staff to the South African diplomats stationed in these missions abroad. Such employees are referred to as Locally Recruited Personnel (LRP).
(2) (a) 2049 LRP
(b)(i) The LRP are employed in the following positions:
- Cleaner
- Domestic Worker
- Gardener
- Watchman/Security
- Chauffeur
- Messager/Driver
- Receptionist
- Registry Clerk
- Accountant/Assistant Accounts Clerk
- Consular Clerk
- Maintenance Officer
- Secretary
- Administrative Clerk/Officer
- Information Clerk
- Translator
- Trade and Information Assistant
- Marketing Officer
(ii) (aa) Each post has minimum requirements in terms of qualifications.
(bb) Post requirements and skills are determined by the level of the post
(3) (a) Yes
(b) As part of recruitment and selection, all applicants are required to submit a police clearance certificate from the local authorities of the host country.