Questions and Replies

Reply:

1. Yes, the Department did procurement for goods and services below the amount of R 500 000.00 in connection to the Covid- 19 pandemic.

The table below provides replies to questions 1 a, b and c, 2 and 3.

	1(a). Name of the Business	(b)Amount	1.(c)Goods Purchased	2. Deviation (Yes/No)
1.1	Lechoba Medical Technologies	R121 502.10	Hand Sanitizers	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.2	NJU Projects & General Trading	R 63 000.00	Body Temperature Thermal Cameras	No	To screen the employees when entering the building
1.3	Flamingo Moon trading	R 23 460.00	Face Masks	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.4	Esizwe Group	R 5 088.00	Comfort Face Shields	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.5	Fortistle	R 48 875.00	Face Masks	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.6	Promed Technologies	R 13 570.00	Gloves	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.7	Ayanda Multiserve	R 22 500.00	Comfort Face Shields	No	To protect the employees against virus infection
1.7	Yellotec	R 2 591.88	Body Temperature Thermal Cameras	No	To screen the employees when entering the building
1.9	Motlokwa & Farm Holdings	R 1 100.00	Spray Bottles (empty)	No	To fill Disinfection Chemical
1.10	Multisurge	R 13 800.00	Disinfection Chemical	No	To protect the employees against virus infection

(4) No

Reply:

1. There were no tenders awarded connected to the Covid- 19 pandemic.

(a) None

(b) None

(c) None

(2) Not applicable

(3) Not applicable

(4) Not applicable

Reply:

1. No, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will not offer any form of Covid-19 financial or other relief to small businesses. It is not within the mandate of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to offer any form of Covid-19 financial or other relief to small business.

2. No, there will be no financial or other relief to be allocated. It is not within the mandate of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to offer any form of Covid-19 financial or other relief to small business.

 

Reply:

Southern African Development Community (SADC)

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) recorded its first case of COVID-19 in early March. As of 18 May, 2020 all the sixteen (16) SADC Member States have been affected by COVID-19.

In this regard, South Africa continues to share information aimed at slowing down the transmission and thus reducing mortality associated with COVID-19, with the ultimate aim of reaching and maintaining a state of low-level or no transmission.

Some of the short term measures that have been collectively undertaken by SADC Member States, include, but are not limited to:

a) facilitate the protection of frontline healthcare staff through the provision of protective equipment and promotion of best practices across the region’s healthcare facilities;

b) provide the necessary tools and equipment to support SADC Member States’ health care facilities with intensive care and ventilation needs for COVID-19 patients;

c) conduct needs assessment including existing human, financial and material resources; to promote awareness through the provision of information materials, guidelines and information kits; and

d) extend safety nets in form of food handouts, unemployment benefits and water and sanitation facilities.

In the medium term, the region will:

a) assess the socio-economic impact of the pandemic and develop a recovery plan; and

b) assess the effectiveness of existing frameworks and mechanisms for dealing with crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and propose ways of improving them.

This is based on principles of solidarity, reciprocity, and the common good.

African Union (AU)

Since the Outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has thus far resulted in over 300 000 deaths globally, with close to 3000 deaths in the Continent, President Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union for 2020 has expressed in several platforms, to voice concern about the devastating impact of the pandemic in the Continent and has underscored that the fight against the pandemic will require a coordinated and collaborative approach amongst Member States.

The Bureau of the AU, under the leadership of President Ramaphosa has also undertaken the following interventions which are aimed at 1) ensuring that the spread of COVID-19 is contained and 2) ensure that the are measures in place to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic.

On 26 March 2020 President convened teleconference meeting of the Bureau of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union to discuss AU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and, ahead of the G-20 virtual Summit held on 27 March 2020.The first Bureau meeting was followed by another teleconference meeting held on 3 April 2020. Both meetings discussed the impact of the COVID-19 virus in the Continent and agreed to establish a joint Continental strategy in response to COVID-19 as well as, the COVID-19 Response Fund. The meeting also agreed to mobilise support for the comprehensive economic stimulus package which will held to mitigate the economic risks that will affect the Continent as result of the virus. The meeting further express support for the waiver of debt and interest repayment in order to provide the African countries the fiscus space to deal effectively with the virus.

On 12 April 2020, the President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chair of the AU, appointed Special Envoys whose responsibility will be to reach out to the G-20 and the EU to solicit rapid and concrete assistance to help Africa in dealing with the scourge.In line with the decisions of the Bureau meeting held on 3 April 2020, the Bureau of the AU met with the Business Leader’s Forum of the African Union. During the the meeting the business leaders expressed support for the AU’s Continental strategy to combat the COVID-19 virus.

The Bureau of the AU met with chairpersons of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to discuss collaborative efforts between the AU and RECs in addressing the impact of COVID-19 on 29 April 2020. In addition, President Ramaphosa held numerous consultations with other world leaders, including the EU, the G-20 countries. The President also held discussions with leading organisations in the development space such as the World Bank Group, galvanising support for Africa’s and AU’s efforts to tackle the impact of the virus.

A virtual conference of the AU Bureau under the leadership and the Chairship of South Africa was held to look at ways and means to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, while also looking and gaging the needed support to the existing mechanisms of the Union to fight pandemics like this. President Ramaphosa made the following pledges which have been fulfilled by South Africa:

(a) Special Fund for COVID 19: R 71 200 000 towards the establishment of the COVID 19 Fund for Africa

(b)  Africa Centre for Disease Control:   R 35 600 000 to assist in the emergency response in the health care systems for AU member states

Reply:

1. Yes, the Republic has recorded positive cases  of Covid-19 in its foreign missions. There are two positive cases of transferred officials as well as two of locally recruited personnel.

2. No.

Reply:

DIRCO had a discussion with the Turkish Embassy in South Africa on 11 April 2020, which intervened and confirmed that the students may remain in the dormitories of the University (Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi Asariye). The Turkish Embassy further confirmed that the University agreed to provide food and all other requirements for the full period until at least end of May.

DIRCO negotiated with South African Airways (SAA) to utilise SAA’s charter flights to London and Frankfurt to repatriate South Africans to South Africa. Only South Africans who were able to travel to Frankfurt could be repatriated. South Africans in Turkey were unable to fly to Frankfurt due to the lockdown in Turkey and could therefore not be repatriated on these charter flights. We continue to seek solutions to the challenges posed by travel restrictions.

Reply:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has engaged the Embassy of China and expressed grave concern over allegations of racism targeted at Africans in China during the current COVID-19 outbreak. It was made clear that South Africa abhors racism, prejudice and discrimination, and rejects any treatment of a person in a negative way because of their colour. The South African Government views this alleged mistreatment of African Nationals in China as Top of Forman infringement on the rights to dignity, equality and other rights of Africans. Our Embassy in Beijing has also sent a Note Verbale to the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressing similar concerns as South African diplomats have also been targeted in alleged racism incidents.

During the BRICS Virtual Foreign Minister’s Meeting on the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on 28 April, I stated that “South Africa strongly condemns any stigmatization or discrimination of States, peoples or individuals in connection with COVID-19” and stressed “that there is no place for racism and xenophobia in the response to the pandemic…”

As this is a broader issue that affects all Africans, the AU Commission Chairperson, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat called-in the Chinese Ambassador in Addis Ababa to provide an explanation, and express the AU’s deep concern about this matter. The Chinese authorities have given assurances that it is not China’s policy to discriminate against African nationals.

South Africa urged the relevant Chinese authorities to investigate the reports and take appropriate remedial measures. The African Group of Ambassadors in Beijing was also encouraged to continue engaging the Chinese authorities to ensure that Africans are not subjected to any ill-treatment, and are treated equally, with respect and with dignity like all other nationals in China.

We are positive that this matter will be resolved amicably given the strong historical ties of friendship and mutual respect between Africa and China.

Reply:

(1) (a) The high tension electrical distribution board (isolation box), which is part of the property and located at the main gate, disintegrated. This was allegedly caused by an explosion inside the isolation box which resulted in the whole electric supply system to the house being damaged beyond repair. The generator was required to ensure that the residence has electricity until all the processes were concluded for the repair.

(b) the generator started running on 23 June 2019.

(c) The estimated cost to run the generator is 1200 Euros in total per week.

(d) The electricity was restored on 17 February 2020.

(2) Yes, a complaint was received from the departmental official who resides in the house.

Reply:

a) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation uses the existing bilateral engagements with Zimbabwe to discuss all matters including political, economic and security situation in the country. Examples of such platforms are: the Binational Commission (BNC) held in Harare, Zimbabwe in March 2019; the BNC Mid-Term Review meeting hosted by South Africa on 18 November 2019; including the Symposium convened by the Minister at UNISA on 18 November 2019, where the importance of an inclusive political dialogue in Zimbabwe was underscored as part of wider solutions to solve the challenges faced by the country. The Minister is also scheduled to meet with Zimbabwe’s Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) on 2 April 2020.

b) Promotion and Protection of Human Rights remain central to South Africa’s foreign policy and this informs South Africa’s bilateral engagements with all countries.

Reply:

The question should be directed to the Presidency given the responsibility of that Office.

Reply:

1. (a) The average expenditure per annum for South African foreign missions is R28.231 million.

    (b) (i) The top 10 most expensive foreign missions and (ii) their annual costs to the department are as follows:

No.	Top 10 most expensive foreign missions	Annual costs to the department
		R'000
1	GENEVA	102,815
2	LONDON	94,601
3	BRUSSELS	88,458
4	NEW YORK(CG)	79,902
5	NEW YORK(UN)	79,009
6	WASHINGTON DC	76,078
7	BEIJING	73,461
8	VIENNA	67,727
9	PARIS	66,098
10	LUANDA	65,337

2. Costing exercise for foreign missions by Government Technical Advisory Centre of National Treasury was last done in 2013.

Reply:

The 18th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 25-26 October 2019 under the theme: “NAM Baku Summit: Upholding the Bandung Principles to ensure concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world.”

The South African Government did not put forward suggestions at the 18th Summit of the NAM on the reform of the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, the NAM Heads of State and Government adopted the Baku Final Outcome Document of the 18th Summit of the NAM (NAM 2019/CoB/Doc.1) which included the Movement’s principled positions concerning international law, and in particular the mandate of the ICC as contained in the Rome Statute, as follows:

“28.13. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) shall continue to preserve the integrity of the Statute and ensure that the ICC remains impartial and fully independent of political organs of the UN, which should not instruct nor impede the functions of the ICC, bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the Rome Statute;

28.14. The Heads of State and Government expressed strong concern on the abuse of certain provisions of the Rome Statute by the Security Council, including its practice to purport to selectively limit the jurisdiction of the ICC when referring matters to the ICC and noted that the practice amounts to an abuse of the powers of the Security Council to refer matters to the ICC.

28.15. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC recalled the Review Conference of the Rome Statute, which was held in Kampala, Uganda, from 31 May to 11 June 2010, at which States parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Rome Statute and adopted amendments to the Statute to define the crime of aggression and to establish conditions under which the Court could exercise jurisdiction with respect to that crime;

28.16. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC continued to underscore the necessity of the independence of the ICC, in accordance with its judicial nature. They stated that the Security Council's responsibilities under the Charter of the UN should not limit the role of the Court as a judicial body. The Court should be empowered to pronounce on acts of aggression independently.

28.17. The Non-Aligned State Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC oppose all actions, in particular through the Security Council, aimed at establishing a process to grant immunity to the staff members of UN peacekeeping operations, which violate the relevant provisions of the Rome Statute of the ICC and damage the credibility and independence of the ICC.”

The Baku Final Outcome Document was adopted by all NAM member states including South Africa.

The South African Government’s participation at the 18th Summit of the NAM was guided by the theme, as well as its four strategic foreign policy pillars, namely:

1. advancing national interest to attain domestic objectives;
2. enhancing the African Agenda and promoting Africa’s sustainable development;
3. influencing a reformed global multilateral architecture; and
4. advancing the agenda of the South through strengthening South-South Cooperation and North-South Dialogue.

Reply:

(1) The Department signed one residential lease agreement in 2019, for the accommodation of the Consul: Political. In the same period, the Department terminated one residential lease agreement prematurely, namely for the Head of Mission, following the termination of services.

(2) No employee resided in the Residence after 26 July 2019.

(3) No, the specified official is not earning a salary/allowance.

(4) 10 days.

Reply:

a) No, the agreement is between the Department and Simeka Group (Pty) Ltd and Regiments Capital (Pty) Ltd. The appointed companies incorporated a Special Purpose Vehicle in terms of the Companies Act, viz Lemascene (Pty) Ltd and the Department concluded a Project Preparation Agreement with Lemascene (Pty) Ltd

b) The amount paid spent USD 9 million (R 117 million).

c) The penalties are not yet determined as the matterr is before the courts, wherein Lemascene (Pty) Ltd filed summons against the Department on claiming that it has breached the agreement. In terms of the summons Lemascene seeks the following relief:

• Specific performance - in that the Department be directed to honour its obligations in terms of the provisions contained in the Project Preparation Agreement and tender award; or
• Payment of damages in the total amount of R598 606 379.82 plus interest thereon at a rate of 15,5% per annum for loss of profits and out of pocket costs.

Reply:

South Africa as a member of the African Union commemorates Africa Day annually, however this year, the Department was unable to host the Africa Day event as it coincided with the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa on 25 May 2019.

Reply:

(A) Commonwealth

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is not aware that Cabinet has discussed South Africa’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth. Since its return to the Commonwealth in 1994, South Africa has participated in summits, ministerial meetings and the governing bodies of the Commonwealth and worked closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat, contributing politically, financially, and in terms of capacity and expertise to the work of the Organisation. The work of the Commonwealth is in line with South Africa’s foreign policy commitments to human rights, democracy, good governance, justice and international law, peace, economic development, multilateralism, and promoting the African Agenda. For South Africa, the Commonwealth provides a platform to forge common approaches to these matters of global importance, and to promote trade, investment and the exchange of skills and knowledge between countries. In this regard, South Africa has worked together with fellow Commonwealth member countries to promote the value, relevance and effectiveness of the association.

(B) International Criminal Court

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is not aware that Cabinet has discussed the withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 1 June 2019. This matter falls under the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Reply:

1. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation organised a mid – term review in Dubai, (a) thirty(30) missions attended the mid – term review in Dubai and (b) total projected cost for the review meeting is R 1, 566, 367.00

2. Mid – term reviews are conducted annually and are held in countries that are central and easily accessible for the region.

Reply:

1. Our stance toward Zimbabwe’s economic sanctions is primarly guided by the position of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as well as the African Union (AU) position which calls for immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States of America and the European Union.
2. South Africa’s foreign policy is premised on the observation and respect for human rights and this also guides our bilateral engagements.
3. South Africa’s developmental aspirations and future are inextricably linked to that of the Southern African region, as such South Africa unequivocally stand in solidarity with all SADC member states including Zimbabwe. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) remains the United Nation’s mandated body to promote and protect human rights globally, not unilateral state’s decisions.

 

 

Reply:

(a) Persons

None

(b) Companies

None

(c) Trust

None

(i) The past five financial years

None

(ii) Since 1 April 2019

None

(aa) Dates, persons, companies and trusts

None

(bb) Nature

None

(bbb) Monetary value

Monetary value: R 0

Reply:

1(a) There were no grounds for dismissal

(b) South Africa, as the employing country

2(a) Yes, by the Director-General

(b) On the basis that the dismissal was found to be both procedurally and substantively unfair

3(a) Not yet

(b) The date of reemployment has not been finalised

Reply:

The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in the Republic of South Africa is still registered on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s Accreditation database and no official communication has been received regarding the closure or intention to close the mission.

Reply:

The matter did not necessitate any further discussion as the National Prosecuting Authority declined to prosecute.

In addition, the Ambassador concluded his term of duty, and has departed South Africa on 14 October 2019.

Reply:

a) The loan amount was R 63 628 818.

b) The interest was charged at 3% daily compounded monthly, the repayment duration and term was 1 year. following the expiry of the availability period for tranch A in four equal quarterly payments.

c) A loan has been repaid in full with interest R 64 994 855.03

1. R 64 994 855.03
2. Nothing is outstanding

(aa) A concurrence has been issued for a total amount of R140 million

(bb) Nothing, as the loan has been repaid with interest

(d) Yes.

Reply:

a) (i) Dirco

Total Amount = R 0

b) (ii) ARF

Total Amount = R 0

(aa) Financial year 2016-17

Total amount paid: R 0

(bb) Financial year 2017-18

Total amount paid: R 0

(cc) Financial year 2018-19

Total amount paid: R 0

Reply:

a) (i) Dirco

Total Amount = R 6 793 492.69

b) (ii) ARF

Total Amount = R 0

Financial year 2017-18

(aa) Cleaning

Total amount paid: R 2 701 441.87

(bb) Security, None

(cc) Gardening, None

(bbb) Financial year 2018-19

(a) Cleaning

Total amount paid: R 2 639 082.47

(b) Security

Total amount paid: R 1 334 226.85

(c) Gardening

Total amount paid: R 118 741.50

Reply:

1. Honourable Berman, yes, I was informed of CAS 25/3/2019 opened at the Brooklyn Police Station.

A locally employed personnel at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Algeria to South Africa alleged that she has been a victim of sexual assault perpetuated by the Ambassador, and as such CAS 25/3/2019 was subsequently opened at the Brooklyn Police Station. The National Prosecuting Authority informed the Department on 19 July 2019 that it “has declined to prosecute the case”.

2. Based on the decision by the National Prosecuting Authority, the Department has not taken any measures against the Ambassador regarding the charges.

Reply:

(1) Yes, appointed on 01 March 2015

(2)(a) 26 January 2019

(2)(b) 26 July 2019 but debt will be recovered from date of termination.

(3) (a) Ms De Bruin-Grady has the following qualifications: L.L.M. Studies, International Human Rights; Post-Graduate course in International Relations and International Diplomacy; Master of Law, International Human Rights Law. Relevant experience include the following: Commissioner - Cape Cod Human Rights Commission; ANC Lawyer’s Delegation; Participant in the Oxford University Foreign Service Program; and Patrice Lumumba Univeristy’s Head of ANC Women’s Section

(b) In terms of paragraph 4.1.3 of Chapter 5 of the Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS), Ms De Bruin is temporarily not eligible for any grade of security clearance as she had not been residing in South Africa for at least five (5) years

(4) Yes. A complaint was made by a member of staff alleging that Ms De Bruin-Grady had inter alia spoken to her in threatening terms, and that she

had been blocked from leaving an office. These allegation(s) were denied by Ms De Bruin- Grady. There were also other complaints about management of the

office and about actions that had been undertaken.

(5)Yes

(5)(a) October 2018 / November 2018 / January 2019

(5)(b) USA (Washington / Los Angeles)

(5)(c) R241 048.35

Reply:

(a) The major responsibilities of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation is managing South Africa’s relations with the International World. This includes bilateral relations with countries across the globe, also engaging in the various multi-lateral institutions that deal with issues ranging from Peace and Security, Human Rights, Environmental Protection, Nuclear Non -Proliferation and Trade and Development. This means that over the course of MTEF, the

(i) Ministry inclusive of the Minister and

(ii) two Deputy Ministers would need to undertake various trips, to deal with Issues emanating from the bilateral and multi-lateral environments.

Some of the trips are standard, for an example we know that on annual basis, the South African President supported by the Minister of International Relations would be expected to travel to the United Nations, for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).So of course these kinds of trips we can pencil in and plan for well in advance. However, many of the trips arise from specific required interventions in the arena. Therefore it is not possible to provide a detailed schedule of trips on the MTEF as required by this question.

What I can undertake is to ensure that there are no trips that are undertaken when they are not necessary or relevant. I can also undertake that we would ensure that delegation sizes are not larger than what is needed to conclude diplomatic engagements successfully. I can undertake to ensure to keep the Ministry’s and the Department’s travel within the budget outlined in the MTEF. This may be difficult as South Africa has been asked as to serve as the Chair of the African Union during the year 2020. This will require additional funds which are not provided for on the MTEF. The Department will engage with National Treasury on this matter urgently.

Reply:

1. South Africa has signed twelve (12) bilateral agreements with the United Arab Emirates and eight (8) with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The areas of cooperation include economic, justice, tourism, defence, agriculture and energy collaboration.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s records, the already signed agreements with the two countries and the dates of signature, is herewith detailed below:

a) United Arab Emirates

Date signed/ adopted	Title of agreement	Entry into Force
17 May 1994	Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations	Entry into force: 19940517
18 November 1999	Defence Cooperation Agreement	Entry into force: Not in force
3 February 2001	Agreement for Air Services between and beyond the Respective Territories	Entry into force: 20010827
24 September 2005	Bilateral Agreement on Economic, Trade and Technical Co-operation	Entry into force: Not in force
25 April 2006	Memorandum of Understanding on Police Cooperation	Entry into force: 20060425
14 November 2011	Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on the Establishment of a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation	Entry into force: 20120529
14 November 2011	Defence Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United Arab Emirates	Entry into force: 20121009
14 November 2011	Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on Political Consultations	Entry into force: 20111114
23 November 2015	Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income. Plus Protocol	Entry into force: 20161123
25 September 2018	Extradition Treaty between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United Arab Emirates	Entry into force: Ratification process underway.
25 September 2018	Treaty between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters	Entry into force: Ratification process underway.
25 September 2018	Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on Cooperation in the Field of Social Development	Entry into force: Not in force

b) Saudi Arabia

29 October 1994	Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations	Entry into force: 19941029
20 May 1999	Agreement on Economic, Trade, Investment and Technical Cooperation. Plus Protocol	20020522 (r) Entry into force: 20020522
28 May 2000	Air Service Agreement	Entry into force: Not in force
3 December 2006	Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in the Field of Higher Education	Entry into force: Not in force
13 March 2007	Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Tax Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital	Entry into force: 20080501
25 February 2009	Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation	Entry into force: Not in force
16 February 2014	Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Co-operation in the Field of Tourism	Entry into force: 20150415
27 March 2016	Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of South Africa on Bilateral Political Consultations	Entry into force: 20160327

2. The majority of the agreements are of a technical nature and as such, according to the Article 231 (3) of the Constitution, “binds the Republic without approval by the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), but must be tabled in the NA and NCOP within a reasonable time.” In this regard, agreements only enter into force following their tabling in the NA and NCOP.

The responsibility for ensuring the ratification (if required) and tabling of the agreement rests with the relevant line function department and its Minister. Therefore, it would be incumbent of the relevant Minister to answer the question as to the ratification or tabling of such agreement.

The third column of the table above shows when the agreements were ratified.

Reply:

(a) R49, 119,048.00

(b) (i) R1,662,678.30 (June 2019 and July 2019)

(b) Table is attached

Response: On the {i) remuneration, (ii) salary level, (iii) job title, (iv) qualifications and (v) job description of each employee appointed in her private office in each of the specified period.

Reply:

The table below indicates Amabassadors according to regions, and number of days each Ambassador was at work.

A. Region: Global Governance and Continental Agenda	Number Of Days At Work
1	118
2	110
3	120
4	85
B. Region: Americas & Europé	Number Of Days At Work
1	119
2	98
3	129
4	111
5	85
6	83
7	103
8	110
9	92
10	85
11	146
12	49
13	96

14	112
15	121
16	105
17	116
18	114
19	117
20	181
21	111
22	163
23	123
24	109
25	123
26	109
27	89
28	111
29	117
30	168
31	59
C. Region: Asia and Middle East	Number Of Days At Work
1	150
2	84
3	170
4	181
5	63
6	125
7	171
8	174
9	145
10	72
11	163
12	61
13	158
14	90
15	112
16	152
17	173
18	176
19	15
20	64
21	111
D. Region: Africa	Number Of Days At Work
1	162
2	81
3	146
4	23
5	155
s	124
7	174

Reply:

(1)(a)The CFO was placed on precautionary suspension on the 20th June 2018.

(b) The grounds for the precautionary suspension was that further investigations needed to be conducted into allegations of impropriety against him.

(2)(a) The disciplinary process has been finalised and the outcome was communicated to the Department on 25th June 2019.

(b) The outcome was that the CFO was not found guilty on all charges levelled against him.

Reply:

a) Currently there are no officials in the Department who are on suspension.

b) None

 

Reply:

(a)

CASE NUMBER	SALARY LEVEL	AMOUNT
1	07	R45 725.99
2	13	R192 308.37
3	12	R427 075.43
4	10	R84 541.79
5	10	R191 611.69
6	10	R97 756.50
7	13	R127 216.33
8	10	R192 880.78 (R74 600.83 + R118 279.95)

(b) R1,359,116.88

 

Reply:

a) Consultations on the rationalisation of South African foreign missions are ongoing.

b) Savings can only be determined once the process has been finalised.

Reply:

1. No further action is planned beyond the public statements I previously made concerning this matter . I informed the Ambassador to articulate policies of South Africa and that she needs to adhere to the Social Media Guidelines of the Department.

2. (a) I and the Department have reiterated Government Policy on the land issue.

(b) Government Policy on the land issue has not changed, and is readily accessible to residents and investors in Denmark, and all other interested parties.

Reply:

1. On the matter of land ownership changing the Ambassador did not make any comments that directly linked to Government policy.

2. The Ambassador made some statements in the tweet that could be construed as personal and that made negative references to individuals she exchanged tweets with. I therefore advised her to always communicate in a manner that is consistent with our expectations as representative of South Africa and to have regards to the Social Media Guidelines of the Department.

 

Reply:

(a) Total number of vacancies: 200

(b) We have

Placed a halt on the filling of current vacancies due to inadequate resources.

Reply:

The South African government remains seized with the modalities of downgrading the South African Embassy in Israel, and we will communicate further actions once we concluded our deliberations.The South African government remains seized with the modalities of downgrading the South African Embassy in Israel, and we will communicate further actions once we concluded our deliberations.

Reply:

In response to the question asked by the Honourable Member, my Department provided the following information:

2016/17:

A Mercedes Benz, C250 Avant-garde was purchased for the current Deputy Minister and its cost price was R506 060.58.

2017-2018:

A Mercedes Benz, E250 Avant-garde was purchased for the former Deputy Minister and its cost price was R771 570.99.

2018/19:

A Mercedes Benz, GLE 350 d – 2018 was purchased for the newly appointed Deputy Minister and its cost price was R 1 157 015.19.

During the past three financial years, no car was purchased for former Minister or the current Minister.

Reply:

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 read in conjunction with applicable local legislation, in South Africa's case the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, 2001 (Act 37 of 2001), are the definitive legal instruments that regulate the standing of Diplomats and Consular Agents globally.

Article 41.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and Article 55.1 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 state as follows: “Without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State. They also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State.”

In accordance with the stipulations of the Act, as well as the Vienna Conventions, having force of law in the Republic, no diplomatic immunity shall exempt a diplomatic or consular agent from the consequences of the commission of any crime in the Republic of South Africa.

I wish to point out that the case referred to by the Honourable Member does not belong in the category of persons who enjoy diplomatic immunity. Further enquiries into this matter should be referred to the Minister of Police and/or the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Reply:

The information requested by the Honourable Member is attached.

Reply:

The details of international trips undertaken by my two Deputy Ministers and I are attached as Annexure A.

However, the information requested is currently being audited and as such the total cost of air travel, accommodation and other costs will be provided once the audit process is completed. The Honourable Member would appreciate that being an International Relations and Cooperation Department, international travel is a part of its core mandate and the verification process takes time. This is further compounded by the fact that all accommodation and land transport are arranged by various embassies across the world.

Reply:

(1) South Africa fully subscribes to the principles of international law embodied in the Charter of the United Nations, that is, equal rights and self-determination of peoples, sovereign equality and independence of all States, non-interference in the domestic affairs of States, prohibition of the threat or use of force and universal respect for, and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

South Africa remains concerned at the attempt by outsiders to evade Venezuela’s constitutional legal mechanisms and electoral processes. South Africa believes that any political grievances or disputes inside Venezuela should be resolved in a peaceful manner through the proper mechanisms and processes provided for in the constitution of Venezuela and its electoral laws, without external influence. This is regarded by South Africa as a standard and indeed best practice in all democracies that subscribe to the Rule of Law. South Africa also calls on all parties in Venezuela to participate in a national dialogue process to ensure unity and reconciliation, and in furtherance of a political solution to the situation.

South Africa is firmly against any attempts at undue or unconstitutional change of government in Venezuela. The UN Security Council (UNSC) should never be an instrument that validates unconstitutional changes of any Government. Instead, the UNSC should promote avenues that create an environment conducive to dialogue and cooperation that would ease the challenges and hardships faced by the people of Venezuela.

(2) South Africa echoes the statements made by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres in Davos on 24 January 2019, where he urged for a de-escalation of tensions to prevent violence. South Africa further supports the Secretary-General’s call for the “urgent need for all relevant actors to commit to inclusive and credible political dialogue to address the protracted crisis in the country, with full respect for the rule of law and human rights”. South Africa is also concerned about the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and the resultant migration that has taken place and the influx of Venezuelan asylum seekers to neighbouring countries. South Africa calls on the international community, as well as the relevant UN bodies to work with the Venezuelan government and its neighbours to assist those in need.

South Africa fully subscribes to the Viena Convention’s commitments on the promotion and protection of human rights as adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna on 25 June 1993 and all international laws governing humanitarian action which needs to be independent of political, military or other objectives

Reply:

(1) Yes, Honourable Member, we have been kept informed of the investigation on the death of Col Patrick Karegeya who was found dead in a hotel room at Michelangelo Towers in Sandton on 31 December 2013. The National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks are handling the matter to the extent that the case was recently submitted to the magistrate for an inquest.

(2) The Honourable Member would recall that on 6 March 2014 following the attempted assassination of Gen. Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, our Government declared three Rwandan diplomats and one Burundian diplomat persona non grata and expelled them from South Africa, for illegal activities inconsistent with their diplomatic work which was in violation of Article 41 of the Vienna Convention and Article 9 of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act. Our Government took that decision based on evidence from our security agencies pointing to the involvement of these diplomats in illegal activities.

Reply:

Honourable Member, the official referred to in your question is amongst a number of officials from the Department of State Security whose expertise are required back home. The Minister of State Security requested me to release them and in the interests of our country, I acceded to her request.

Reply:

In response to the Honourable Members’ question, my department advised as follows:

(a) (i) Eight (8) tender briefings were held in 2018 by the department.

(ii) One (1) tender briefing was held in 2018 for entity reporting to DIRCO.

(b) Eight (8) compulsory tender briefing were conducted in 2018.

Reply:

(a) Honourable Member, I am not aware of any invitation issued or sent out for the Ubuntu Awards in 2019.

(b) Falls away.

(c) Falls away.

Reply:

Honourable Member, I am not aware of any provision in the 2007 Ministerial Handbook which caters for Departments to incur travel expenditure for former Ministers and their spouses, Deputy Ministers and their spouses, Ministers’ widows or widowers and Deputy Ministers’ widows or widowers. Travel privileges for former Members of Parliament are administered and paid for by Parliament.

Reply:

(1) I wish to inform the Honourable Member that I was not implicated in a testimony made by Mr Agrizzi to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to Inquire into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State, chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Mr Agrizzi stated during his testimony that he was told that I, among others, was a director of Dyambu Holdings.

The following media statement was issued on 17 January 2019 in response to Mr Agrizzi’s testimony:

“The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation noted with concern false statements made by the former Chief Operations Officer of Bosasa in his testimony before the State Capture Commission on Wednesday, 16 January 2019.

Mr Agrizzi stated that Minister Lindiwe Sisulu was a Director or shareholder of the company that gave birth to Bosasa, namely Dyambu Holdings. This is incorrect and false. 

The Ministry would like to refer Mr Agrizzi to the company registration documents of Dyambu Holdings and the BCCSA ruling of July 12, 2000 when the BCCSA corrected MNET and ruled that Carte Blanche broadcast an apology on the same matter, and the Parliamentary Hansard of February 1997, where Mr A J Leon apologised for falsely accusing her of being a Director of Dyambu Holdings. 

The Ministry calls on Mr Agrizzi to correct his statement in public and before the commission.”

(2) Not applicable.