Questions and Replies

Reply:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) have met and discussed the issue of increasing the number of overseas voting stations. The said meeting took place on 21 February 2018.

I have been advised that the matter has not been finalised yet and the Honourable Member will be informed once the IEC has made a determination on whether or not to increase the number of voting stations abroad.

Reply:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund have advised me that they did not spend any funds on promoting or celebrating the Year of OR Tambo.

 

Reply:

1.
(a) The total amount to be paid out in bonuses to employees is not yet determined.
(b) The detailed breakdown of the bonus will be made only after they have been determined.
2. 
(a) The total amount that will be paid out in bonuses to employees in the 2017/2018 financial year will be determined during the 2018/2019 financial year.
(b) The detailed breakdown of the bonus is not yet determined but will be considered by 2018/2019 financial year.


Unquote

Reply:

Yes. I have instructed the Director-General to undertake investigations on matters raised by the Auditor-General. Where officials are found to have contravened supply chain management processes, they will be held accountable through disciplinary hearing process. The disciplinary process will determine appropriate sanctions where official/s are found guilty of flounting supply chain management processes.

Unquote

Reply:

The Question is not specific as to which 10 trips are being referred to as the President undertook more than 10 international trips during the period in question

UNQUOTE

Reply:

Re (a)(i), (ii) and (iii) above: The Department owns the land in the following countries:

Country	Location	Size	Current Utilisation
New Delhi, India	Plot no 28A, Chanakyapuri	3321 sq/m	Vacant land
Juba, South Sudan	Plot 6 Block AXV(2), Juba	11000 sq/m	Vacant land
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	Plot 29 D, Diplomatic Quarter	6298 sq/m	Vacant land
Kigali, Rwanda	Erf 841, 2530 Boulevard de L’Umuganda, Kacyiru Sud, District of Gasabo	6724 sq/m	Vacant land
Dakar, Senegal	Lot 09, Roosevelt Prolongee, Rue Sandiniery,	1700 sq/m	Vacant land
Bamako, Mali	Plot 2289, 2288, 2290, Du Lotissement de ACI2000 Hamdallaye, Mamdallaye	10920 sq/m	Vacant land
Mbabane, Swaziland	Plot 551, 553, 554, Lukhalo Road, Dalraichbane	8812 sq/m	Vacant land
Mbabane, Swaziland	Plot 96, Corner Luvivane Street and Pine Valley Drive, Dalraich	1 0192 sq/m	Vacant land
Mbabane, Swaziland	Plot 89, Libhubezi Street, Dalraich	4444 sq/m	Vacant land
Mbabane, Swaziland	Plot 196, Corner of Smhlolo and Karl Grant Street, CBD	2290 sq/m	Vacant land
Montevideo, Uruguay	Plot 415 860, 1919 Lieja, Carrasco	2394 sq/m	Vacant land
Gaborone, Botswana	Plot 5373, Extension 11, President’s Way	4496 sqm	Vacant land
Blantyre, Malawi	Plot LK 121, Chiuta Road, Namiwawa	1 030 Acres	Unoccupied property
Blantyre, Malawi	Plot LK122, Chiuta Road, Namiwawa	0.9989 Acres	Unoccupied property
Walvis Bay, Namibia	30, 9th Street West	906 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Walvis Bay, Namibia	16, 6th Road West, Meersig	1007 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Walvis Bay, Namibia	31m 2nd Street North, Meersig	1000 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Walvis Bay, Namibia	54, 1 Street North, Meersig	1000 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Windhoek, Namibia	75 Richter Street, Pioniers Park	1125 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Windhoek, Namibia	13 Charles Winslow Street, Olympia	1150 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Windhoek, Namibia	58 Malcom Spencer Street, (20 Danie Joubert Street), Olympia	1404 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Windhoek, Namibia	87 Bulow Street (Van Rhyn) (Dr Frans Indongo Street) Windhoek Central	1333 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Windhoek, Namibia	29 Regionald Walker Street, Olympia (29 Jason Hamutenya Ndadi Street)	1337 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Banjul, The Gambia	AU House No 101, Brufut Gardens, Kombo North District, Western Division	478.80 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Paris, France	Lock up garage, No B 67, Fraction No 93, 17,19,21 and 23 Rue de Chaillot, Basement 2, Cedex		Parking Bay
Sao Paulo, Brazil	Edificia St Andrews, Rigati, N2, 22nd Floor, Apartment 221, Block A, Santo Amaro	641 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Bonn, Germany	Rudiger Street, 22-24, 53179, Bonn-Mehlem,	4876 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Bonn, Germany	Auf de Hostert 3, 53173, Bonn-Plittersdorf	4767 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Brasilia, Brazil	Apartment 303, Leme Building, Setor de Habitacoes Coletivas Sul, Super Quandra 113, Building C, Asa Sul	145.55 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Brasilia, Brazil	Lot 2 of 4 01/08 of SHI Sul, Setor Habitacuional Individual Sul, QL-08 Conjunto 02, Lago Sul	1312.50 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Zurich, Switzerland	Langwisstrasse 17, Zumikon	2602 sq/m	Unoccupied property
Funchal, Portugal	Sitio dos Porinais, Camino do Pico, Sao Martinho	492 sq/m	Unoccupied property

 

UNQUOTE

Reply:

1. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has not procured services from Travel With Flair (Pty) Ltd.

2. The Department has not procured services related to international travel from the service provider in question.

(a) Not applicable

b) Not applicable

c) Not applicable

UNQUOTE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NONE

Reply:

1. Yes. Deputy Minister Mfeketo.

a) No, the nuclear energy issue was not discussed.

b) According to the official statement that was issued by the Presidency following the meeting, no reference was made to a specific intergovernmental agreement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please see the attached official statement on the bilateral meeting issued by the Presidency following the said meeting of the Presidents.

UNQUOTE

Both Presidents committed themselves to working together and with each in strengthening bilateral relations of both countries and further cementing the existing warm relations between the two countries for the economic and social development of their peoples.

Enquiries: Mac Maharaj on 079 879 3203 or [email protected]

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Statement on the Bilateral Meeting between President Zuma and President Putin, at the Novo-Ogarevo Presidential Residence, Moscow, Russia

28 August 2014

The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Jacob Zuma met with his counterpart the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mr Vladimir Putin, in a bilateral meeting at Novo-Ogarevo Presidential Residence just outside Moscow in Russia. 

The two presidents deliberated around a host of issues that affect the two countries, and discussed how they could further strengthen and consolidate the good bilateral relations that exist between the two countries. The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen the existing bilateral agreements and mutual cooperation. 

President Putin welcomed the visit by President Zuma to Russia, and praised the good bilateral relations and cooperation that exist between South Africa and Russia. He further encouraged both countries to work together in implementing the decisions that were taken last year during the state visit of South Africa to Russia. He emphasized the need for Russian and South African Ministers to work together in taking forward the bilateral agreements.

President Putin further commended the work that has been done by the joint Russia-South Africa Business Council which saw a rise in trade between South Africa and Russia which grew by 13 percent in 2013 which represents a significant growth in trade between the two countries. He commended this growth saying that investment from Russia to South Africa now stands at over a billion US dollars a year. 

President Putin reaffirmed his commitment and that of his country to work together with South Africa on a number of issues that face the globe including participation in peace-making and peace-keeping efforts spearheaded by South Africa in the continent. He briefed President Zuma on the situation in the Ukraine and underlined his commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis. 

The Russian President further sought the assistance and support of South Africa when Russia takes over the leadership of BRICS next year. He further appealed for the strengthening of tourism, cultural exchanges and people to people relationships between our two countries and committed his country to further working with South Africa on educational exchanges. 

The two Presidents also discussed issues around the developments in the Middle East, in particular around the resolution of the Israeli-Palestine conflict through peaceful means. Both countries committed themselves to finding a lasting peaceful solution. President Zuma, also apprised President Putin around the role of South Africa and its work around this matter through sending its two special envoys. The security situation of the African continent was also discussed and assistance sought on peaceful missions that South Africa is involved in, including request for support of the African Capacity to Respond to Immediate Crisis (ACIRIC) process. 

President Zuma, also apprised President Putin around the developments in South Africa which has recently came out of elections with a clear mandate from the population of implementing programmes of job creation, eradicating poverty, unemployment and inequality, he sought support from Russia on the implementation of the new government’s priorities around the delivery of basic services like water, sanitation, energy, education, agriculture and tourism. 

President Zuma also raised the matter of the repatriation of South African fallen heroes who are buried in Russia, including Ivor David Jones, J.B. Marks and Moses Kotane. He thanked the government of Russia for taking care of the heroes who are buried in Moscow and he indicated that there are discussions and arrangements that are ongoing between Russia and South Africa about how the repatriation process should be handled.  

Reply:

Quote:

1. The investigation has commenced and is ongoing.

a) Not applicable

b) It is anticipated that the investigation will be concluded by end of Febraury.

Unquote:

Reply:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has taken the following steps to ensure officials adhere to

a) supply chain management;

 i) Revised the Supply Chain Management Framework alignment with the various National Treasury SCM Instructions.

 (ii) Developed Financial Misconduct Policy and Procedure.

 (iii) Revised the Financial Delegation of Authorities consistent with the National Treasury approved threshold.

 (iv) Established an Internal Control Unit to monitor compliance and further enhance effectiveness of the internal controls.

b) procurement process;

1. Established three bid committee to facilitate procurements for threshold of above R500 000.
2. Centralised procurement of above R30 000 but not exceeding R500 000 to leverage on economics of scale.
3. Trained all supply chain practitioners, both at Head Office and missions abroad.
4. Trained all end-user officials involved with procurement of goods and services.
5. Signed a declaration of interest, including the code of conduct as well as Financial Misconduct Policy.

Unquote.

Reply:

i) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has 223 invoices that were not paid within 30 days. The bulk of unpaid invoices relate to unresolved contractual obligations that needed to be finalised before the payment is processed. The negotiations in ralations to unpaid invoices has been concluded and payments will be released before the end of the third quarter.

ii) An entity of the department African Rennaisance Fund (ARF) does not have any invoices older than 30 days.

(aa) 99 unpaid invoices for more than 30 days

(bb) 88 unpaid invoices for more than 60 days

(cc) 39 unpaid invoices for more than 90 days

(dd) 7 unpaid invoices for more than 120 days

b) Total amount outstanding per age analysis.

No. of days	30 days	60 days	90 days	120+ days	Totals
No. of outstanding invoices	99	88	39	7	223
Total amount	22 ,833,717.80	11,460,999. 09	9,875,567.16	544, 882.13	44, 715, 166.18

Refer to the attached annexure.

UNQUOTE

Reply:

1. The Oversight Committee of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the Kingdom of Lesotho Committee is appointed to:

a) Act as an overall monitoring body and early warning mechanism in the event of signs of instability.

b) Follow up and support the implementation of the recommendations of the SADC Facilitator’s Report, in particular constitutional and security reforms.

c) Follow up on the implementation of SADC decisions and the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.

d) Liaise and work closely with the Government of Lesotho and all relevant stakeholders.

e) Examine any other matters relevant to the SADC decisions on the Political and Security situation in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

f) Propose appropriate intervention measures in consultation with the SADC Facilitator.

g) The Oversight Committee shall compile and submit, to the Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, monthly reports of its activities.

h) The Oversight Committee shall compile and submit, to the Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, a final report eight (8) days after the completion of its assignment.

REPLY:

2. Yes. The Oversight Committee has achieved its mandate.

The Oversight Committee has been on the ground in the Kingdom of Lesotho, serving as adeterrent, since 3 June 2015, after the Double Troika Summit held in Pretoria, South Africa, approved its establishmentto act as an overall monitoring body and early warning mechanism in the event of signs of instability, and intervene as appropriate in consultation with the SADC Facilitator. The Oversight Committee continuously files reports to the SADC Facilitator on developments in the country and has engaged relevant stakeholders in the Kingdom of Lesotho for the implementation of SADC decisions and its presence has proven useful to stabilise the Kingdom.

REPLY:

3 (a) The terms of reference, as approved by the Double Troika Summit of 15 September 2017, of the Contingent Mission are as follows:

1. to strengthen peace and security, implement Security Sector Reforms, and implement the recommendations of the SADC Commission of Enquiry;
2. monitor and ensure that the rule of law is complied with in the process of implementing the recommendations of the SADC Commission of Enquiry;
3. identify immediate areas of priority that are to be implemented urgently, including the specific amendments in the Constitution, and amendments of the LDF and LMPS Acts with a view to ensuring separation of powers between the Army and Police;
4. to support the Kingdom of Lesotho in undertaking re-training of its personnel especially in the area of Civil Military Relations (CIMIC);
5. to monitor and assist where necessary in the investigation of the assassinations of Lt. Gen Motšomotšo and other alleged killings in Lesotho; and
6. lend assistance in the implementation of Constitutional, Public and Security Sector reforms and monitor the implementation of SADC Decisions;

(b) The Preventative Mission was officially launched on 2 December 2017 and the deployment would be for a period of 6 months.

REPLY:

4. The Contingent Mission was only officially launched on 02 December 2017 for a period of 6 months and thus an evaluation of its mandate can only be done after 6 months.

UNQUOTE

Reply:

1. No application has been received from former President Mugabe seeking an application for political asylum and/or refugee status in South Africa.

(2)    The Government of the Republic of South Africa has an obligation to grant protection to refugees and other persons in need of protection under a number of Conventions such as the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

(3)     To date, the Republic of Zimbabwe has not requested assistance from South Africa or the SADC during this transitional period.

UNQUOTE

Additional information

However, following the developments in Zimbabwe, His Excellency President Jacob Zuma in his capacity as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) issued a press statement on 15 November 2017, in which he noted with great concern the unfolding political situation in the Republic of Zimbabwe, and called for calm and restraint, and expressed hope that the developments would not lead to unconstitutional changes of Government as that would be contrary to both SADC and the African Union Principles.

President Zuma, in his capacity as Chair of SADC, dispatched a Special Envoy to Harare, Zimbabwe on 15 November 2017, and the Special Envoy met with President Robert Mugabe and the Army Generals on 16 November 2017.

Following these developments, a meeting of the Organ Troika Plus Chair of the SADC Ministerial Committee was convened in Gaborone, Republic of Botswana on 16 November 2017 to consider the unfolding political situation in Zimbabwe.

The Organ Troika Plus Chair of SADC Ministerial Committee Meeting reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act and the SADC Democratic Principles as they relate to the unconstitutional removal of democratically elected Governments. All stakeholders were urged to ensure the observance and respect of the constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the rule of law.

The Organ Troika Plus SADC Chair Summit was held in Luanda, in the Republic of Angola on 21 November 2017 to deliberate on the unfolding political situation in the Republic of Zimbabwe, and resolved that President Zuma, in his capacity as SADC Chairperson, and H.E João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Organ on Politics Defence and Security Cooperation will immediately undertake a mission to Zimbabwe on 22 November, 2017 to assess the situation.

On 21 November 2017, His Excellency, President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, stepped down from his position of Head of State and Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Following this, the mission to Zimbabwe on 22 November 2017 was cancelled. SADC is confident that Zimbabwe, as a member to both the AU and SADC, will continue upholding Democratic Principles enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Reply:

1. The investigation has been concluded and subsequent steps are being considered by the Department.

a) Subsequent steps are being considered.

b) No steps have yet to be taken;

c) Findings and sanctions will depend on the steps outlined in (a) and (b).

UNQUOTE:

Reply:

a) The mandate for granting or denying security clearances falls within the mandate of State Security Agency (SSA). SSA grants or denies security clearances on the basis of reasons gathered from their own investigations.

b) She has never acted as Consul-General.

Unquote

Reply:

The Department utilises many service providers over the a wide range of service areas. The number of service providers utilised by the Department over the past five years is average. In accordance with the kind of services the Department renders.

UNQUOTE.

Reply:

The Department International Relations and Cooperation has not appointed any transaction advisors for tenders in the period 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016.

UNQUOTE.

Reply:

(1)The Department has not been authorised by the prisoner to divulge information on her case.

(2)The mandate of concluding Prisoner Transfer Agreements is vested with the Department of Correctional Services.The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is not aware of any Prisoner Transfer Agreement(and programmes) that has been concluded with any country or countries.

UNQUOTE

Reply:

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Department of Defence
4. The aircraft was transporting a Head of State

UNQUOTE

Reply:

(1)The mandate of concluding Prisoner Transfer Agreements is vested with the Department of Correctional Services.

(2)The Department is not aware of such a meeting. The question should be directed to the Department of Correctional Services.

UNQUOTE

Reply:

(a) and (b) There are no application since the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF) does not have a board. However, in terms of the ARF Act 51 of 2000, Section 5. (1) it states that “the Minister must, in consultation with the Minister of Finance, establish an Advisory Committee consisting of the following members—

(a) the Director-General or the delegate of the Director-General;

(b) three officers of the Department appointed by the Minister; and

(c) two officers of the Department of Finance appointed by the Minister of Finance”.

 

UNQUOTE

Reply:

The reply to the question is as follows:

Quote:

( a) The Charles Nupen report and recommendations were implemented with the involvement of stakeholders. The Departmental Task Team under the Deparmental Bargaining Chamber endorsed the implementation thereof.

(b) The Cheadle and Thompson report and recommendations were partly implemented, whereas some of the recommedations are in the process to be finalised by Management.

Unquote:

Reply:

1. Yes, Dr Riek Machar is hosted as a guest of the State.

a) At this stage the duration of Dr Riek Machar’s stay in South Africa is not known. Dr Machar came to South Africa on humanitarian grounds following consultations with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

b) The conditions of Dr Machar’s stay in South Africa are that he may not engage in any activity that would contribute to the escalation of conflict in South Sudan.

2. Dr Machar’s communication is not monitored.

3. It has to be noted that there is conflict in South Sudan between government forces and the opposition armed rebel factions, including the armed rebel group led by Dr Machar. The African Union and the region through IGAD, are assisting the Republic of South Sudan to resolve the conflict.

UNQUOTE

Reply:

1. For the period in question a total of 52 permissions were granted.
2. No.

UNQUOTE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Public Service Regulations, 2016 which came into effect in August 2016 provided that no Government employee is allowed to conduct business with an organ of state, unless it is in an official capacity.

 

The DPSA made certain exceptions such as lecturing, training, teaching at public educational institutions, appointment to an audit committee, activities undertaken as part of continued professional development, etc.

The DPSA sent a circular to that effect where officials that did conduct business with an organ of state had to:

By 31 January 2017, all employees who are conducting busness with an organ of state either resign as employees; or submit proof to the HOD that the employee has ceased conducting business with an organ of state; or has resigned as a director of a company that conducts business with an organ of state.

Reply:

(a)South Africa’s involvement and engagement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is guided by the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In this regard, SADC has urged all the stakeholders to refrain from actions that would undermine the political and security stability in the country. On 15th October 2017

HE President Jacob Zuma paid a working visit to the President of the DRC, HE Joseph Kabila, to emphasise the importance of ensuring the elections take place and securing peace and stability in the region.

(b) HE President Jacob Zuma, in his capacity as Chair of SADC, after consultation with outgoing Chair of SADC, in line with the decision of the SADC Summit, appointed former President of Namibia, HE Mr Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba as the special envoy to the DRC. The special envoy is expected to meet with the DRC

National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) at which point he is due to receive an update on preparations for the General,

Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Elections.

UNQUOTE

Reply:

1 (a) Department of International Relations and Cooperation does not have a Chief Executive Officer

(b) The Chief Financial Officer of DIRCO also serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the ARF

2. Not applicable

UNQUOTE

Reply:

(1) NO

(a) N/A

(b); N/A

(2) NO

(a) N/A

(b)(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

Reply:

The Democratic Alliance instituted review proceedings in the Pretoria High Court and the Constitutional Court against the Government. The matter is therefore sub-judice.

Reply:

a) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation did not co-ordinate or partner with the Southern African Liaison Office to host this event and did not spend any money on the workshop entitled: Dialogue on Major South African Foreign Policy Trends and Issues of 2017

b) Not applicable.

Reply:

1. The position of the Government of the Republic of South Africa is that no ransom is paid for South African citizens taken hostage.

2. No, the Government has to date not paid any ransom directly or indirectly for the release of South African citizens.

3. No, the Minister has not been informed of any ransom that has been paid to date by any other entity and/or persons for the release of South African citizens.

4. The Minister will have no objection to making a statement on the matter.

Reply:

(a) and (b) No, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) nor the entity, the African Renaissance and International Cooperation fund (ARF) reporting to her are not funding any institution of research and development.

(i) None

(aa)(aaa) None

(bbb) Not applicable

(ii) None

(bb) None

(cc) None

Reply:

(a) (i) Yes.

(ii) No.

(iii) No.

(aa) The Ministerial handbook, Chapter 5, outlines that the South African Police Services (SAPS) is responsible for financial implications in terms of SAPS security services allocated to Executive members.

(bb) The SAPS.

(cc) see answer in aa above.

(i) Yes.

(ii) No.

(iii) No.

(aa) The Ministerial handbook, Chapter 5, outlines that the South African Police Services (SAPS) is responsible for financial implications in terms of SAPS security services allocated to Executive members.

(bb) The SAPS.

(cc) see answer in (b) aa above.

(c) . No.

(i)N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

Reply:

(1) African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (a) No, it does not have a board. In terms of the ARF ACT 51 OF 2000 6(3), the Director General is the Accounting Officer of the Fund in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No.1 of 1999).

(2) with reference to entities that do not have boards in place,

(a) who is responsible for appointing the board and (b) when will a board be appointed?

REPLY:

There is no Board. In terms of the ARF Act 51 of 2000 6(3), the Director General is the Accounting Officer of the Fund in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No.1 of 1999).

 

Reply:

The South African Government was not aware of any genocide on Indonesian territory. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation will continue to monitor developments in this regard. The issue was not on the agenda of the 34th Session of the Human Rights Council in March 2017.

Reply:

(a)(b) Yes, the Department received a list of names of officials conducting business with organs of state from the Department of Public Service and Administration. The Department is currently conducting an investigation whether the officials have disclosed their interests and whether they have resigned as a directors of the companies or ceased conducting business with the organ of state.

(aa)(aaa)Name	(bbb)Designation
CJ Smidt	Ambassador
CS Machaba	Clerk
ME Kobe	Administration Officer
FS Magubane	Ambassador
SG Ntanzi	Foreign Service Officer
TM Mogorosi	ICT 1st Secretary
SE Mcinziba	Assistant-Director
LS Ngonyama	Ambassador
BA Mfengwana	Assistant-Director
MB Dombo	Assistant-Director
L Mancoba	Foreign Service Officer

(bb) (aaa) and (bbb) The investigation is ongoing and further details are not available- will be made available as we progress following legal prescripts.

Reply:

1. (a) According to the Syrian Embassy in South Africa, during the period under discussions, 27 South Africans visited Syria;

(b) Fourteen (14) government officials, eight (8) individuals attended a wedding, two (2) visited relatives, two (2) agricultural and technical experts and one (1) normal visit.

2. According to the South African Embassy in Syria, there are 9 South Africans residing in Syria.

3. (a) From both the South African and Syrian governments, no South African’s has been reported dead.

(b) Not applicable.

UNQUOTE

Reply:

i)  With regard to Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, the following:

 

Aaa)

Make	Model	Price	Date
BMW	740i Active Hybrid	R998 137.99	May 2014

Bbb) None

Ccc) None

ii) With regard to Deputy Minister N Mfeketo, the following:

Aaa) None

Bbb) None

ccc)

Make	Model	Price	Date
Mercedes Benz	E250 Avantgarde	R771 570.99	2017

With regard to Deputy Minister L Landers, the following:

Aaa) None

Bbb)

Make	Model	Price	Date
Mercedes Benz	C250 Avantgarde	R506 060.58	2016

ccc) None

Unquote

Reply:

a) The Department of International Relations has not procured the services of any public relations firms

b) No entities reporting to her have procured the services of any other public relations firms.

c) The Department has in house media and public relations units that include media liaison unit, an in-house internet radio station (Ubuntu Radio), and social media platforms. These platforms are utilized to communicate the messages of her Department

Reply:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has not procured any services and made no payment to:

(ii) The Decolonisation Fund, because the department did not require any service(s).

Reply:

1. No
2. Not applicable
3. Not applicable

Unquote

Reply:

1. The practice of utilising Government letterheads to source income for personal projects is not acceptable in the Public Service,

2. The investigation is currently underway and the outcome will be provided to the relevant managers within two (2) weeks, namely by the 7th April 2017.

Reply:

1. Yes, the Department was requested to provide consular assistance to Mr Culverwell. His fiancée is not a South African citizen but a citizen of the Ukraine.

(a) In such a situation the relevant South African Diplomatic mission will endeavour to establish and maintain contact with the detainee and also undertake a consular visit at the soonest opportunity and at certain intervals thereafter. Family and friends will be kept updated on the wellbeing of the detainee as per consent of the detainee. The payment of financial assistance for the detainee to buy basic necessities in prison, as deposited by the family, will be facilitated as well as the delivery of letters written by family and friends.

(b) A diplomatic mission abroad can only request that a detainee is allowed the contact with family or an employer as provided for by the local regulations in the receiving State. Detainees in the UAE are permitted to make telephone calls to family members and an employer provided they have sufficient funds. Receiving calls are not permitted.

Visits by family members to detainees are allowed in accordance with local regulations. Mr Culverwell did not raise any complaints to the embassy as to not being allowed to call or to receive visitors.

2. (a) When entering a foreign country a South African national subjects him-/herself to all the laws and regulations of that sovereign country whether or not such laws are similar to South African law or not. The South African Government respects the sovereignity of other countries and will not request the return of a South African national based on the mere fact that the particular offence committed is not regarded as an offence in South Africa.

(b) The punishment meted out for offences in a foreign country is determined by the law and the Courts in that particular country and the South African Government cannot intervene in the Court proceedings and judicial processes in a foreign country.

3. (a) and (b). When a South African is arrested abroad the SA Embassy can provide a list of law firms in the country but the choice and appointment of a particular lawyer rests with the person arrested. The SA Government does not provide funds to cover the legal costs of South Africans arrested abroad. In the case of Mr Culverwell in the UAE, his employer appointed legal representation. Mr Culverwell and his fiancée have since been released from detention, but the case has not finalised yet. Their release is equivalent to a free bail in South African terms. The couple is currently at their place of employment and residing at staff accommodation.

 

Reply:

a) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation offers the services of the State Protocol Lounges at no cost. Therefore Government Departments were not billed for using the State Protocol Lounges.

b) The State Protocol lounges facilitate the arrivals and departures of all qualifying dignitaries on domestic and international flights.

1. Not applicable
2. Not applicable

 

UNQUOTE

Additional information:

In the previous financial years, the State Protocol Lounge facilitated the following number of dignitaries:

2013/2014

OR Tambo International Airport 15 089

Cape Town International Airport 9 525

King Shaka International Airport 3 941

Total 28 282

2014/2015

OR Tambo International Airport 14 799

Cape Town International Airport 9 628

King Shaka International Airport 3 734

Total 28 161

2015/2016

OR Tambo International Airport 12 102

Cape Town International Airport 6 747

King Shaka International Airport 2 927

Total 21 776

01 April 2016 -28 FEBRUARY 2017

OR Tambo International Airport 12 224

Cape Town International Airport 7 267

King Shaka International Airport 3 261

Total 22 752

GRAND TOTAL OVER 4 YEARS 100 971

Reply:

The Department International Relations and Cooperation has not made any payment to:

1. Mr Mzwanele Manyi,
2. The Progressive Professionals Forum,
3. The Decolonisation Fund, and/or
4. The Black Business Council; because the department did not utilised any services provided by the above mentioned.
5. Because the Department did not utilise any services provided by the above mentioned.

Unquote.

Reply:

Quote:

(a) None

Unquote

Reply:

1. South Africa continues to support MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) through a deployment of uniformed and other personnel in a multi-dimensional peacekeeping which involves the military, police and the civilian components. MONUSCO’s strategic priorities are to protect civilians, stemming out of violence against women and children perpetuated by armed groups. The current mandate of MONUSCO will expire on 31 March 2017. The UN will provide guidance in terms of the extension of the mandate based on a situational analysis on the ground, particularly in the Eastern DRC and the political developments as the country prepares for the elections by end of 2017.

 

Reply:

(a) Yes -Government is involved in a continuum of actions securing the release of Mr Stephen McGowan, involving support from any of the Government Departments when needed. Actions were taken since March 2016, including, but not limited to, considering every viable option to ensure his release. Government continued to liaise with other Governments and agencies who may contribute to effect the release of Mr McGowan. Disclosing any details of actions taken at this stage will not serve a proper purpose but the House should know that Government did not leave any stone unturned to secure the release of Mr McGowan and will continue to assign resources and sincere efforts to ensure his return to South Africa..

(b)The exact location of Mr Stephen McGowan is not known, because it is a known trend of the captors to move their captives with regular intervals, ensuring their safety and security. Different groups are publicly known to capture tourists in Mali and, although more information about the group may be sourced, providing more information on the group is not in the interest of the matter being dealt with.

(c)Government is working with many other Governments and agencies in an effort to effect the release of Mr Stephen McGowan. Providing details on each of these organisations at this stage may compromise his safety.

UNQUOTE

Reply:

An LRP Charter does not apply to our regulatory context , since all LRP administrative matters are regulated through domestic legislation applicable to the respective countries of accreditation. Therefore, DIRCO does not have such a charter.

a) Not applicable

b) Not applicable

Reply:

(a) (i) Total number of grievances handled during the period 01 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 is thirty two (32), and all thirty two (32) were concluded.

 

Nature of grievance	Number	Status
Unfair PMDS process	2 (two)	Finalised
Unfair recruitment and selection process	3 (three)	Finalised
Verbal abuse and intimidation	2 (two)	Finalised
Failure by the department to assist officials serving abroad with medical aids	1 (one)	Finalised
Disapproval of resignation	1 (one)	Finalised
Unilateral decision by the CFO to discontinue education allowance	6 (six)	Finalised
Failure by the department to upgrade the officials’ qualifications from FAA to MAC	4 (four)	Finalised
Harrasment and victimization	1 (one)	Finalised
Disapproval to undergo surgery abroad	1 (one)	Finalised
Exclusion from management meetings	1 (one)	Finalised
Disapproval of an application to attend MAC bridging course	1 (one)	Finalised
Disapproval of transfer back to South Africa	1 (one)	Finalised
Failure to upgrade post to high level	4 (four)	Finalised
Disapproval to attend a course	1 (one)	Finalised
False accusations	2 (two)	Finalised
Non payment of COLA	1 (one)	Finalised

(ii) Twelve (12) misconduct cases were handled and finalised during the period 01 April 2015 to 31 March 2016. See the table in paragraph (C)

(b) Twelve (12) grievances were from officials stationed abroad while twenty (20) were from officials at DIRCO Head Office

(bb) One (1) misconduct case was for the official stationed abroad and the remaining eleven (11) were for officials at DIRCO Head Office

(c) The nature of sanctions that were meted out in each misconduct case are as follows:

Nature of Misconduct	Sanction
Plagiarism	Not Guilty
Fraud	Dismissal
Insubordination	Not Guilty
Breach of Security	Final Written Warning plus recovery of COLA Allowance
Failure to disclose conflict of interest	One month Suspension without pay plus final written warning
Direlection of duty	Written Warning
Contravention of the procurement policy	Written warning
Gross negligence and dishonesty	Final written warning
Fraud	Final written warning plus one month suspension without pay
Misrepresentation and fraud	Dismissal
Irregular processes of the DBAC	Final written warning plus counselling
Absenteeism	Written warning

(d) All the cases have been finalised

(e) See the answer in (d)

Unquote.

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.