Question NW1820 to the Minister of Higher Education and Training
26 June 2018 - NW1820
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)Whether (a) her spouse and/or (b) an adult family member accompanied her on any official international trip (i) in each of the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2018; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (aa) is the name of the person(s), (bb) was the (aaa) purpose and (bbb) destination of the trip and (cc) was the (aaa) total cost and (bbb) detailed breakdown of the costs of the accompanying person(s) to her department; (2) whether each of the specified trips were approved by the President in terms of the provisions of Section 1, Annexure A of the Ministerial Handbook; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Minister undertook two official international trips since her appointment as the Minister of Higher Education and Training. On none of these trips was the Minister accompanied by members of her family.
The Minister travelled to Tunis in Tunisia to participate in the Islamic Development Bank Scientific Advisory Board meeting from 31 March 2018 to 4 April 2018. The organisers covered all flights and accommodation costs, while the Department only covered the daily allowance of the Minister.
The Minister also travelled to the Netherlands to attend the 15th Anniversary Celebration of the Prince Claus Chair on 12 April 2018 and was accompanied by two Departmental officials.
2. The President approved both trips.