International Relations & Cooperative

2012-12-31

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Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NO: NW3813E 3032
MR S NGONYAMA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether a breakdown in diplomatic relations between the countries involved in anti-piracy operations in the southern and Indian ocean corridor led to a suspension of the operations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(2) Whether the Minister found that the operations were suspended as a result of a strained detente between cooperating countries; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) Diplomatic relations between South Africa and countries involved in the fight against piracy in the southern and Indian Ocean corridor are sound and cordial. South Africa and its SADC partners involved in anti-piracy operations remain committed to confronting the threat posed by piracy.

(2)Operations aimed at combating piracy activities in these areas have not been suspended. Following the signature of a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding between South Africa, Tanzania and Mozambique in February 2012, there has in fact been increased cooperation and coordination between these partners and other international players in the fight against piracy.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NO: 3409 (NW4324E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUOSTION PAPER NO 42-2012 OF 23 NOVEMBER 2012

Mr S J F Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entity reporting to her sponsored any (i) event and (ii) promotion hosted by The New Age newspaper since its establishment; if so, in each case, (aa) what was the nature of the event or promotion, (bb) on which date was it held, (cc) what amount was paid, (dd) for what purpose, (ee) from which budget were the funds derived, (ff) what were the expected benefits to her department and (gg) what actual benefits were derived from the sponsorship?

Reply

(a) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation or (b) any entity reporting to the Minister of the department has not sponsored (i) any event or (ii) any promotion hosted by the New Age newspaper since its establishment.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NO: 3385 (NW4290E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 42-2012 OF 23 NOVEMBER 2012

Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) (a) How many copies of each annual report that was produced by (i) her department and (ii) the entities reporting to her were commissioned for print in the 2011-12 financial year, (b) how many copies were actually printed and (c) what were the (i) total and (ii) individual costs of printing these reports;

(2) (a) who printed each specified report, (b) how was the specified printer decided upon and (c) on what date did the specified printer deliver the report to the specified entity;

(3) whether any of the specified reports that had been printed were found to be unsatisfactory; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (a) which reports, (b) for which entity, (c) by which printer, (d) what action was taken and (e) what were the costs?

Reply

(1) (a)(i) In respect of the 2011/12 Annual Report of the department, 3 000 copies were produced (ii) in respect of the 2011/12 African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF), 1 000 copies. (b) 3 000 and 1 000 copies were printed respectively for the DIRCO Annual Report and the ARF Annual Report. (c)(i) Total actual cost was R250 000.00. This included R210 000 for the 2011/12 DIRCO Annual Report and R40 000 for the ARF Annual Report. (ii) For the DIRCO Annual Report, R70.00 per unit and for the ARF Annual Report R40.00 per unit.

(2) (a) A printing company by the name of Mothogoane Business Enterprise. (b) The specified printer was decided upon based on the Departmental Accounting Officers Framework and Supply Chain Management Policy and Prescripts. A request for quotations was sent out to five (5) different companies from the departmental database and the cheapest quote was considered. (c) Sixty (60) copies of each were printed and delivered on 27/09/2012 for Parliamentary tabling on 28/09/12. The remaining copies were delivered on 04/10/12 to the Department;

(3) No reports were found to be unsatisfactory.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NO: 3370 (NW4269E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO42-2012 OF 23 NOVEMBER 2012

Mrs PC Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

1. Whether her department has submitted its report to the Central Drug Authority (CDA) for the 2011-12 annual report; if not, why not; if so, when;

2. what are the reasons for her department's failure to attend meetings of the CDA in the 2011-12 financial year?

REPLY:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has, over the last four years, been submitting its inputs in the form of Mini Drug Master Plans to the Department of Social Development (DSD) for integration into the CDA Annual Report to Parliament as well as to the development of the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP). The most recent of such inputs was submitted to the DSD on 25 September 2012 for incorporation into the Annual Report of the CDA.

DIRCO has not failed to attend meetings of the CDA. The Chairperson of the CDA is an official of DIRCO. On the few occasions since 2005 where the Chairperson was unable to attend, it was largely owing to his international commitments in terms of the DIRCO mandate. On these occasions, formal apologies were tendered to the Secretariat of the CDA which is located at the DSD and proper substitute arrangements were made on all such occasions.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NO: 3295 (NW4175E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 42 OF 23 NOVEMBER 2012

Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

Whether she had discussions with her counterparts in Brussels regarding the European Union's decision (a) not to grant South Africa a waiver and (b) to prevent insurance companies from underwriting Iranian shipments; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so what are the relevant details? NW4175E

REPLY:

Both matters indicated above were discussed telephonically with the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Catherine Ashton, in July 2012, followed by an exchange of letters on the matter. The matter was also discussed between the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and the EU High Representative at the South Africa-EU Ministerial Political Dialogue held in Pretoria on 24 August 2012.

The EU sanctions against Iran were imposed in concurrence with similar sanctions imposed by the USA. Under the USA oil sanctions, provision is made for exceptions to be granted, provided future imports of oil reflect a gradual reduction in such imports. These exceptions are granted for a period of six months, after which a further application for an exception can be considered. However, the EU sanctions do not have a similar exception and hence the engagement with the EU.

During the South Africa-EU Ministerial Political Dialogue on 24 August 2012 it was agreed between Minister Nkoana-Mashabane and Baroness Ashton that a Task Team of South African officials travel to Brussels to engage with the relevant EU officials on the problems arising from the application of EU sanctions against Iran. This visit took place on 16 and 17 October 2012, comprising officials from the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation, Energy and National Treasury. The discussions between South Africa and the EU are continuing. We are hopeful that a solution that is mutually beneficial to our relations will be found.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NO: 3288 (NW4179E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 41-2012 OF 16 NOVEMBER 2012

MR N KOORNHOF (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

Whether former President of Madagascar, Mr Marc Ravalomanana, is still in South Africa; if not why not; if so, when will he return to Madagascar to participate in the Presidential elections?

REPLY:

Yes, former President Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar is still in South Africa. The date of his return is under negotiation by the SADC Organ Troika and SADC mediation team, in consultation with the relevant Malagasy stakeholders, in keeping with the implementation of the SADC Roadmap.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NO: 3255 (NW4144E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 41-2012 OF 16 NOVEMBER 2012

MR D J STUBBE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her, placed any advertisements in The New Age since the inception of the newspaper up until the most recent date for which information is available; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) which entity placed the advertisements, (ii) on what date was each advertisement placed, (iii) what was the nature of each advertisement and (iv) what amount was spent on each advertisement;

(2) whether any of these advertisements were placed through the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the advertisements placed through the GCIS;

(3) whether an independent analysis was conducted by her department prior to placing advertisements to ascertain whether The New Age is read by the intended target market; if not, why not; if so, (a) who conducted the analysis and (b) what were the main (i) findings and (ii) recommendations of said analysis;

(4) whether any independent studies of said advertisements were conducted to ascertain whether they were effective within the relevant target market; if not, why not; if so, (a) who conducted the analysis and (b) what were the main (i) findings and (ii) recommendations of said analysis?

REPLY:

1. (a) No (b) No

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

(iv) N/A

2. N/A

3. N/A

4. N/A

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NO: 3242 (NW4131E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 41-2012 OF 16 NOVEMBER 2012

Mr E H Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Whether the report on the unauthorised expenditure by her department of R98,31 million for the 2006-07 financial year is still awaiting authorisation; if not, when will the report be made available; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the unauthorised expenditure relates to (a) overspending of the Budget Vote or (b) a division in the Budget Vote; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she has implemented any measures to resolve the issue; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4131E

REPLY:

1) The report for unauthorised expenditure of R98,31 million for the 2006-07 financial year is still awaiting authorisation.

a) The unauthorised expenditure relates to the overspending of the division within the Vote which resulted in the overspending of the Budget Vote. During 2006/07, South Africa conducted its international relations work through 117 resident Embassies and Consulates abroad and the spending is in foreign and other local currencies. Whilst the financial reporting currency for the department is in South African Rand, thus the department is compelled to buy foreign currencies at a spot rate which is subject to market fluctuations.

b) During the second half of the financial year, the performance of the Rand depreciated against major currencies which resulted in the increase in the expenditure incurred in the Missions abroad when interfaced to the department financial reporting system.

2) The Department has reached an understanding with the National Treasury and acquired a Mission Cashbook System that is utilised for Missions reporting to monitor the performance of the Rand, as well as to fix the exchange rates determined by the National Treasury for budgetary purposes. Therefore, should there be a difference between the actual performance of the Rand and the budgeted rate, the allocated budget is adjusted accordingly. In the event of a depreciation of the Rand (lower than the fixed rate determined by the National Treasury) the adjustment estimate process is the only avenue available for the Department to be provided with resources to compensate for exchange rate losses. However, should either depreciation or losses of the Rand take place after the adjustment estimate process, the Department has to fund such losses from within its allocated resources or incur the unauthorised expenditure as a "compulsory" expenditure.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NO: 3128 (NW3954E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 40-2012 OF 9 NOVEMBER 2012

Mr L S NGONYAMA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

What are the (a) reasons for the Government's call for the reform of the United Nations organs, particularly the Security Council, and (b) details of the structural changes that the Government is calling for?

REPLY:

A) When the United Nations was established in 1945 with 51 Member States, not many African countries were independent. Today the UN has 193 Member States, of which 54 are from Africa. Although the General Assembly's membership is universal, the UN Security Council's membership is made-up of 15 Member States, of which 5 are Permanent Members and 10 are elected Non-Permanent members. Its membership is not representative of geo-political realities.

Africa has no representation in the Permanent Category and only 3 seats in the Non-Permanent category of membership, which is insufficient given that approximately 70% of the Security Council's agenda addresses conflict areas on the African Continent. Increased representation for Africa, especially in the Permanent Category ensures that Africa has a say on its fate and enable it to champion its priority areas. Moreover, the current representation of the Security Council as well as its working methods have resulted in the Council becoming ineffective in the execution of its primary mandate of the maintenance of international peace and security – thus affecting its legitimacy.

The need for the reform of the United Nations, specifically the Security Council, was agreed by all world leaders, including the Permanent Five, in the World Summit Outcome Document of 2005– the outcome document was unanimously adopted by the General Assembly (A/60/1). The primary aim of the reform is to make the Council more broadly representative, efficient and transparent and to enhance its effectiveness and the legitimacy and implementation of its decisions.

With regard to the General Assembly, the main focus for developing countries is to make it more effective in addressing global issues in a manner that reflects the needs and priorities of the South. For example the process has resulted in the President of the General Assembly being able to convene special sessions regarding critical issues on the global agenda that affects all UN Member States, such as the special session on the Financial Crises (2009).

B) Some structural changes regarding the reform of the UN have already been affected, such as the replacement of the Human Rights Commission by a more effective Human Rights Council, as well as the establishment of the Peace-building Commission.

Intergovernmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council are focused on key areas, namely, the veto, regional representation and the number of seats per region. Africa's position is governed by the Ezulwini Consensus which calls for an expansion in both the Permanent and Non-Permanent categories of membership. This expansion should include two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats for Africa. With regard to the veto, Africa is in principle against the veto, however, should it not be abolished it is Africa's view that so long as it exists, and as a matter of common justice, it should be made available to all Permanent Members of the Security Council. Africa is against the establishment of a third category of membership which will discriminate against new Permanent Members.

Efforts will continue to make the General Assembly, as the only organ with universal membership, more effective in areas such as the selection and appointment of the Secretary General with the aim of making the developing world's voice heard. The strengthening of ECOSOC is also a continuing process.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NO: 3117 (NW3943E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 40-2012 OF 9 NOVEMBER 2012

MR L S NGONYAMA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether the Government intends to take steps to ensure that the government of Zimbabwe (a)(i) sets and (ii) adheres to an election date and (b) meets the overall targets of the Global Political Agreement; if not, (aa) why not and (bb) what are the details of envisaged and/or experienced stumbling blocks in this regard; if so, what steps;

(2) What is the impact of the current situation in Zimbabwe on the (a) African agenda and (b) African Diaspora?

REPLY:

(1) In executing her SADC mandate, South Africa continues to encourage and assist the Zimbabwe political leadership to fully implement the Global Political Agreement (GPA). The implementation of the GPA remains the sole responsibility of the parties to the agreement. South Africa is a guarantor of the agreement.

(2a) The current situation in Zimbabwe has no direct impact on what the South African Government calls "the African Agenda" which is to strengthen the African Union and its structures in pursuit of the continental integration, promotion of peace and security on the continent and promotion of economic development using Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as building blocks in the integration process.

(2b) At the height of the socio-economic challenges in Zimbabwe, a significant number of Zimbabwean citizens left the country mainly to neighbouring states in particular South Africa. However, in the light of Zimbabwe's economic recovery some of the Zimbabwean citizens have started returning to their country.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NO 3016 (NW3783E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 36-2012 OF 26 OCTOBER 2012

Dr P J RABIE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

Whether the accounting officer submitted the annual financial statements for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 to her by 31 August 2012; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what date (i) were the statements submitted to her and (ii) did she submit the annual report and financial statements to Parliament?

REPLY:

(a) (i) The Accounting Officer presented the Annual Financial Statements for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 to the Minister on 24 August 2012.

(ii) The Annual Financial Statements and Annual Report were submitted to Parliament on 28 September 2012.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NO: 2915 (NW3595E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 34-2012 OF 19 OCTOBER 2012

MR L.S. NGONYAMA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether the Government has taken any position in respect of the 85-year sentence handed down by the Swaziland government to activist Amos Mbedzi; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether there are relevant structures within SADC that are designed to attend to citizens' voices; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is Government's position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether the Government supports the call for democratisation of government in the monarch's reign in Swaziland; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

1) The Government of South Africa respects judicial processes of sovereign states. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) renders consular assistance to South African citizens arrested abroad in terms of its mandate arising from the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR) of 1963, in particular Article 36.

With respect to Mr Amos Mbedzi, the Department has remained seized with this matter since his arrest in September 2008, rendering consular assistance to him as well as facilitating family visits.

2) Yes, the SADC Tribunal has in the past heard cases brought before the court by SADC individuals of a commercial and human rights nature. The requirement for the Tribunal to hear a case was that all domestic legal processes and channels in a member country have to be exhausted before the case can be considered by the Tribunal. However, the Extraordinary SADC Summit held in May 2011 in Windhoek, Namibia, suspended the operations of the Tribunal and requested a review of its jurisdiction.

3) Yes, South Africa supports a democratisation process in Swaziland. This includes calling upon all stake-holders to embark on an inclusive and sustainable political dialogue. The Government of Swaziland is expected to act in a manner consistent with the full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between the two countries.

South Africa as a member of both SADC and the AU plays the role of initiating and facilitating a political dialogue, in states when sanctioned and mandated to do so by a regional organisation or the larger international community such as the United Nations. With respect to the latter, South Africa is guided by the UN Charter who's Article 2.4. stipulates that "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations".

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NO: 2714 (NW3332E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 31-2012 OF 21 SEPTEMBER 2012

MR N D DU TOIT (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether her department has awarded any contracts to a certain company (name furnished) since its establishment in 1996; if so, in each case, (a) when was the contract awarded and (b) what was the (i) nature of the contract and (ii) the total accumulative value of the tender?

REPLY:

(1) According to departmental records, the Department has never awarded any contract to a certain company (name furnished) since its establishment in 1996. This was confirmed by verifying on the departmental Procurement (i.e. LOGIS) and Payment (i.e. BAS) systems, respectively.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NO 2569 (NW3176E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTIONS PAPER NO 30-2012 OF 14 SEPTEMBER 2012

MR E H ELOFF (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

1. Whether the Government has officially been notified by the United Nations (UN) of the UN Monitoring Group Report regarding:(a) private security firms operating in Somalia; and (b) the Government cooperating with UN investigations in this regard; if so, (i) what action did she take in this regard; and (ii) how do these revelations affect the Government's relationship with the UN?

REPLY:

1.(a) Yes. South Africa was informed by the UN Monitoring Group about the activities of private security companies operating in Somalia.

(b) South Africa has cooperated with the investigations of the Somalia/ Eritrea Monitoring Group and will continue to do so.

(i). The Department of International Relations and Cooperation brought inquiries regarding the involvement of South African companies and individuals to the attention of the relevant implementing authorities, including the South African Police Service and the Department of Defence. Furthermore, members of the Somalia Eritrea Monitoring Group visited South Africa from 19-25 February 2011 and interacted with the relevant law enforcement authorities on matters related to their mandate.

(ii). South Africa continues to enjoy a close working relationship with the United Nations and is committed to upholding its obligations in terms of relevant Security Council resolutions. South Africa as a Member of the Somalia Eritrea Sanctions Committee will continue to cooperate with the UN in ensuring that private security companies comply fully with all relevant Security Council resolutions.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the Somalia Eritrea Monitoring Group in a letter dated 20 March 2012 stated that "this inquiry in no way means to imply that the Government of the Republic of South Africa has violated the arms embargo on Somalia imposed by Security Council resolution 733(1992) or any other aspect of the Somalia sanctions regime".

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NO: 2509 (NW3115E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 29-2012 OF 7 SEPTEMBER 2012

MS S V KALYAN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether (a) her Ministry and (b) her department plan to host end-of-year parties; if not, why not, in each case; if so, in each case, (i) for how many people and (ii) at what cost;

(2) Whether the cost of the specified end-of-year parties has been budgeted for in the current financial year; if not, from where will the funding be sourced; if so, (a) what amount has been budgeted and (b) from which part of the budget will it be incurred?

REPLY:

(1) The Department has not budgeted for a year end party.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NO: 2458 (NW3058E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 29-2012 OF 7 SEPTEMBER 2012

MR IO DAVIDSON (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

What are the reasons for the recent recall of a certain ambassador (details furnished)?

REPLY:

The Ambassador was recalled in order for DIRCO to conduct an investigation into certain allegations made. The investigation is in progress, and is therefore sub judice.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NO: 2451 (NW3051E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 29-2012 OF 7 SEPTEMBER 2012

MR DJ MAYNIER (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether, since her reply to question 1944 on 21 August 2012, her department has instituted an investigation into the allegations against a certain ambassador (name furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the name of the person in charge of the investigation, (b) what is the scope of the investigation, (c) what date has been set for the conclusion of the investigation and (d) when does she intend to release the findings;

(2) whether the investigation has been completed; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what were the findings of the investigation;

(3) with reference to her reply to question 1024 on 10 July 2012, (a) what is the name of the person in charge of the investigation and (b) what is the scope of the investigation, (c) what date has been set for the conclusion of the investigation and (d) when does she intend to release the findings;

(4) whether the investigation has been completed; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what were the findings of the investigation?

REPLY:

On question (1) and (2), the reply is still the same as the Minister's reply on question 1944 dated 21 August 2012;

Question 3(a) Mr Nyameko Goso, Chief Director: Internal Audit was appointed to conduct an investigation; (b) the scope of the investigation is the allegations of misconduct against the Head of Mission (c) the investigation is still ongoing;

Question 4 - The investigation is still in progress.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NO: 2303 (NW2887E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 27-2012 OF 24 AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2012

MR J R B LORIMER (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(a) What steps has she taken to give effect to the performance agreement that she signed with the President in 2010, (b) what outcomes have been measured and (c) what follow-up steps has she taken with regard to each specified outcome? NW2887E

REPLY

(a) The Minister's Performance Agreement is informed by the Outcome 11 Delivery Agreement which in turn guides the development of the Department's Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan.

(b) Quarterly performance reports are submitted in terms of the regulations issued by National Treasury and the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency as well as through the Implementation Forum of the Delivery Agreement to Cabinet. The two areas of main focus are:

· Advancement of Regional, Continental and Global Peace, Security and Sustainable Development; as well as

· Enhanced Trade and Investment and Regional Integration

(c) Outcomes are measured in the quarterly performance report against the pre-determined targets contained in the Annual Performance Plan, as approved by Parliament. The Annual Report for the previous financial year is tabled to Parliament around October of each year for oversight purpose. If performance gaps are identified in the quarterly reports, corrective measures are taken.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NO: 2216 (NW2758E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 27-2012 OF 24 AUGUST 2012

REV KRJ MESHOE (ACDP) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether the views expressed by her Deputy Minister, discouraging South Africans from visiting Israel (details furnished), represents the policy of the Government on Israel; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, when was the policy adopted?

REPLY:

(1) The South African Government remains gravely concerned that the current Israeli government persists with ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which is regarded by most of the international community as occupied Palestinian territory. Some 500 000 Israeli settlers are now said to be living in the territory, thus rendering increasingly unlikely the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognised borders, based on those existing on 4 June 1967, prior to the outbreak of the so-called Arab-Israeli Six Day war, and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

(2) In these circumstances, the South African Government is of the view that, while normal diplomatic ties are maintained with Israel, the expansion of these relations is effectively hindered by the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, as well as by the ongoing Israeli blockade of the Gaza enclave, which amounts to collective punishment of the inhabitants of the enclave. As such, official high-level bilateral visits, other than for the purpose of advancing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, are not actively encouraged at present because such visits may appear to endorse Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and the human rights violations suffered by the Palestinians. Visits to Israel by South African citizens for tourism or other non-official purposes is of course a matter of personal choice and freedom, our duty as Government is to ensure that our citizens are aware of the preceding circumstances.

(3) This is owing to the refusal of the current Israeli government in September 2010 to renew its own moratorium on settlement expansion, which led to the breakdown in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations aimed at the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NO: 2179 (NW2702E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25-2012 OF 17 AUGUST 2012

Mr JRB Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

Whether (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her makes use of private security firms; if so, in each case, (i) which firms and (ii) what is the (aa) purpose, (bb) value and (cc) duration of each specified contract?

REPLY

The Department does not make use of a private security firm at its Head Office.

South Africa has 126 Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates-General around the world and of those 67 Missions make use of private security firms to provide security services at the Chanceries, official residences and houses of transferred officials in some cases. Most host governments provide security services at Chanceries, official residences and in certain instances at houses of transferred officials.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NO: 2150 (NW2671E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25-2012 OF 17 AUGUST 2012

MR IO DAVIDSON TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION;

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1318 of 2012 relating to the recipients of aid disbursements under the African Renaissance and International Co-operation Fund, her department conducts monitoring and evaluation on projects funded through this fund in order to ensure that the objectives of the fund are achieved; if not, why not; if so, how did each of the projects outlined in the reply to question 1318 serve the objectives of the African Renaissance and International Co-operation Fund?

REPLY

(1) With reference to my reply to question 1318, as relates to the disbursement of aid and serving the objectives of the African Renaissance and International Co-operation Fund, the Department does indeed endeavour to conduct monitoring and evaluation on projects funded through the Fund wherever possible in order to ensure that the objectives of the Fund are achieved and the finances are applied in the manner for which they were intended. This is done through selected project visits by the ARF Secretariat, and monitoring and follow-up by the political desks and missions concerned. Having said that, this is an area which has been identified through the external audit process as requiring improvement and increased capacity to perform the task comprehensively.

(2) The objectives of the African Renaissance and International Co-operation Fund have been served as follows:

2009-2010:

· Support to Sierra Leone to fund 20 Cuban doctors to offer medical services:

To date, a total of 32 Cuban medical health professionals have been deployed in Sierra Leone. The project aims at strengthening and building capacity in the Health Services of Sierra Leone. The achievements of the project include: Providing comprehensive primary health care; training of local human resources; and managing programmes against communicable diseases (such as HIV and AIDS). The evaluation of the project took place in July 2012, during which DIRCO officials visited Sierra Leone, conducted field visits to the areas in which the Cuban medical personnel have been deployed, and evaluated the operations of the project to ensure compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The objectives of the Fund were enhanced through human resource development.

· Support to Zimbabwe towards supporting the economic recovery programme:

This project is managed by the National Treasury. A number of modalities for monitoring and reporting have been put in place to ensure that Zimbabwe spends this money as planned. A progress report has been submitted. The project meets the ARF objectives of cooperation with African countries, prevention of instability and conflict, and socio-economic development.

· Support for the African Research Centre, which serves as a focal point for ombudsman offices in Africa:

The African Ombudsman Research Centre is located at the Howard College Campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). It is a coordinating, facilitating, capacity, support, advocacy and research arm of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA), whose Secretariat is based in South Africa. This funding was for the launch of the AORC in March 2011 and its programmes for two years. Objectives of the Fund are served through human resource development, which then contributes to good governance. A project report has been submitted.

2010-2011:

· Support for the AU Observer Mission to the elections in Sudan:

South Africa plays a leading role in peace and security activities at regional and continental levels in operations, strategically and financially. This is borne out of our foreign policy objectives, which promote regional peace, security and stability as the key determinants for socio-economic development, and as a critical factor for regional integration. As part of this, South Africa takes part in AU and SADC Election Observer Missions to help ensure that the elections are conducted in a conducive environment and to deepen democracy in the Continent. A report on the Mission has been submitted.

2011-2012:

· Support to the International Atomic Energy Agency for the improvement of veterinary laboratory capacities in Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, Botswana , Zambia, Mozambique and Namibia:

This is a newly implemented project. The first Oversight Committee Meeting was held in July 2012, where our Mission in Vienna was representing the Department. The main objective of the project is to support Sub-Saharan African countries affected by trans-boundary diseases (TADs) through building and enhancing capacities for animal disease diagnosis in a sustainable manner. This will be done through training, but also by providing adequate equipment and reagents to enable implementation of different disease diagnostic tests, in particular molecular biology and nuclear-based techniques, guidelines and expert backstopping and support. Another objective is to promote a collaborative network in each region, where main support will be provided to one laboratory per region, with a number of satellite laboratories. This is important in terms of the objectives of the Fund in terms of both capacity building and human resource development in a sector vital to African economies.

· Support for an International Diplomatic Training Programme at the DIRCO Diplomatic Academy. Countries that benefitted include South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Burundi, Rwanda, Mauritius and Comoros:

The International School of the Diplomatic Academy of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has since September 2011 hosted three of four diplomatic training programmes on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD), have trained 89 participants to date, and have held one programme on SADC Regional Integration with 33 participants. The fourth programme on PCRD will take place during October 2012 with 36 participants from various African countries. A further 13 from SADC participant countries will be trained by the SABS on WTO negotiating. This project serves the objectives of cooperation with African countries, capacity building, and promoting the African Agenda. Being in the Department, the Academy provides regular reports and is monitored in terms of the normal auditing procedures in the Department.

· Support towards the economic recovery of Cuba following the 2008 hurricanes:

This project has not yet been implemented as modalities for implementation are being finalised by the DTI and the IDC. Funds have not been disbursed therefore.

· Support for South Africa's participation in SADC and AU Observer Missions during the financial year. Observer Missions were sent for the elections in Seychelles, Zambia and the DRC:

· Support to transport humanitarian assistance donated by SADC Member States to the people of Somalia:

During the 31^st Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held from 17 to 18 August 2011 in Luanda, Angola, SADC member states agreed to contribute much needed aid to Somalia in an effort to assist the famine affected people of Somalia. As part of the SADC aid contribution to Somalia, Angola pledged to contribute 6649 tons of food and non-food items, Mozambique pledged 65 tons of food, Namibia pledged 242 tons of food and Tanzania pledged 503 tons of food and non-food items. South Africa offered to transport all the pledged aid to Somalia. The project is in line with the ARF objective of rendering humanitarian assistance to African countries in need. It is recognised that, while the aid will not solve all the challenges of Somalia, it will have an immediate impact of improving people's well being and saving lives. SADC member states therefore encourage others to continue assisting the affected people of Somalia, as famine and hunger are challenges that they still face today. The project was implemented in two parts in the 2011/12 financial year and in the 2012/13 financial year. A report on the implementation of this project has been submitted.

· Support to assist the DRC to undertake successful Presidential and Legislative elections in November 2011:

�-l �)��*r'>38

WESTERN CAPE

TOTAL

412

(b) Provincial Departments carry out situational analyses (feasibility studies) to establish needs at local levels and to build special schools where the need exists.

(c) The strengthening of the SIAS strategy will be followed by its rollout. In its initial stages, it will target admissions in all special schools, in order to identify those learners who have been incorrectly admitted. This will create learning spaces for those children on waiting lists and outside the education system.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION NO: 2070 (NW2550E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23-2012 OF 10 AUGUST 2012

MR JRB LORIMER (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether (a) she, (b) her Deputy Ministers and (c) any official from an entity reporting to her will be attending or attended the 2012 Olympic Games; if so, what is the (i) (aa) name, (bb) rank and (cc) position/designation of each specified person accompanying (aaa) her, (bbb) her Deputy Ministers and (ccc) each specified person and (ii) (aa) nature and (bb) official reason for the visit;

(2) what (a) total amount will be spent or has been spent on the trip, (b) is the (i) description and (ii) detailed breakdown of the amounts that will be spent or have been spent on (aa) accommodation, (bb) travel and (cc) subsistence costs and (c) from which budget will these funds be incurred in each case?

REPLY:

(1) Neither Minister nor any of the two Deputy Ministers as well as any official from the Department have officially attended or will be attending the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION NO: 1973 (NW2362E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21-2012 OF 3 AUGUST 2012

Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

Whether any entity reporting to her had budgeted for (a) financial donations or (b) sponsorships in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, what amount was (aa) budgeted and (bb) spent?

REPLY:

(aa) The African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund did not budget for financial donations and sponsorships. The purpose of the Fund is to promote economic co-operation between the Republic of South Africa and other countries by granting loans and/or rendering of other financial assistance.

(bb) No expenditure was incurred in this regard.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION NO: 1944 (NW2333E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21-2012 OF 3 AUGUST 2012

Mr D J Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Whether her department has investigated allegations of (a) bribery and (b) trading in influence against a certain person (name furnished) in respect of a certain group (name and details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the said person has been suspended; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) The allegations relating to the person in question are very different from those involving a South African Ambassador who was suspended from duty pending the outcome of an investigation into the latter allegedly accepting an amount of money from a certain group. South African officials representing the country at meetings of international organisations receive instructions as to how they should vote on specific issues and cannot make such decisions on their own without prior consultation with the Department's Management, including its political principals.

(2) In the circumstances, the person in question has not been suspended.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION NO: 1741 (NW2132E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 21-2012 OF 27 JULY 2012

MR NJJ VAN R KOORNHOF (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether the South African Embassy in Paris has air-conditioned offices; and if so,

(2) Whether they are in a working condition; if not, why not?

REPLY:

(1) Yes. The Mission in Paris has an air-conditioning system which was installed in 1972 and the system was upgraded in 1985.

(2) Yes. The cooling system is in operation during the summer months of July to September making use of a temporary chiller unit. A new air-conditioning unit to suit the new office environment will be installed during extensive renovations planned in 2012/13 and 2013/14 financial years.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NO: 1763 (NW2154E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 20-2012 OF 27 JULY 2012

1763. Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation:

(1) Whether (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her make payment to (i) suppliers and (ii) service providers within the 30 day payment period as specified by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999; if not, in each case, (aa) how many service providers are awaiting payment, (bb) what is the monetary value of outstanding payments and (cc) how long is payment overdue;

(2) whether (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her are liable for any interest charged on overdue payments in any of the cases mentioned; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what is the (i) percentage and (ii) monetary value of interest charged;

(3) whether (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her have negotiated revised payment schedules with each of the service providers mentioned; if not, why not; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details;

(4) what are the reasons for (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her not making payment within 30 days as specified by the PFMA;

(5) Whether (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her have implemented any measures to (i) ensure full compliance with the PFMA and (ii) facilitate immediate payment for overdue accounts; if not, why not; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details? NW2154E

REPLY:

(1) Whilst the Department strives to process payments to Service Providers within 30 days time period, there are cases where the time period was not complied with.

(aa) as at the 06^th of August 2012 there are 26 suppliers that are awaiting payment.

(bb) the monetary value of the outstanding payments is R920 207.51

(cc) the payments that are overdue range from a period of 30 days to 90 days.

(2) The Department has not been billed any interest on those payments.

(3) The Department have not negotiated any revised payment schedules with the service providers as all the outstanding payments are being finalised.

(4) Reasons for the department not making payment within 30 days

· Irregular and unstable performance of the LOGIS procurement system.

· Banking details inactive due to service providers changing their details without notifying the Department.

· Incomplete/insufficient documents submitted to the Department for payment

(5) Control Measures to ensure full compliance with the PFMA,

· The Department is currently engaging with SITA through the ICT section to address the issue of irregular and unstable performance of the LOGIS system. Furthermore, the officials within Supply Chain Management are currently working extra hours to ensure that payments are processed after hours, when the system is more stable.

· Regular follow-ups with service providers to submit invoices on all the services rendered, and at the same updating their banking details.

· Service Providers are encouraged to ensure that the order numbers are obtained from the Department prior to the services being rendered.

· A checklist has been implemented by Supply Chain Management at DIRCO to ensure that all documents submitted for payment are complete and compliant with the relevant SCM prescripts in order to speed up processing.

· Training is being provided to the different stake holders within DIRCO on compliance with proper procurement processes and payment process.

No payments are outstanding to suppliers in respect of the African Renaissance Fund

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION NO: 1722 (NW2102E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19-2012 OF 22 JUNE 2012

Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation:

1) Whether her department has found that Zimbabwe has a free and fair environment within which to conduct any elections under the current circumstances; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

1) South Africa as mandated by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is assisting the Inclusive Government in Zimbabwe to implement the Global Political Agreement (GPA). Critical in the implementation of the GPA is the finalisation of the constitution-making process as well as the implementation of the Road map towards elections. In this regard, the recent SADC Summit has called on the parties to the GPA to finalise the constitution-making process and subject it to a referendum and to set out time frames for the full implementation of the Road map to elections.

We believe therefore that, if all these processes are carried out, it will be possible for Zimbabwe to conduct free and fair elections in a conducive environment.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION NO: 1692 (NW2042E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19-2012 OF 22 JUNE 2012

Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

1. Which of the 482 bilateral and multilateral agreements that were signed since 1994 were not in force on 3 May 2012 because of (a) having lapsed in terms of the agreement and (b) not having been approved by the National Executive by means of a Presidential Minute and (ii) submitted to Parliament for approval?

REPLY

1. According to the South African Treaty Register as on 28 June 2012:

(a) Nil agreements that were signed since 1994 were not in force on 3 May 2012 because of having lapsed in terms of the provisions of the agreements

(b) Nil agreements that were signed since 1994 were not in force on 3 May 2012 because of not having been approved by the National Executive by means of a Presidential Minute

- 14 agreements have been approved by Parliament, Instruments of Ratification/Accession have been deposited by South Africa, but the agreements have not entered into force yet;

- 9 agreements have been tabled for approval in Parliament and is still in process; and

- 34 agreements have not been tabled yet.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION NO: 1653 (NW1985E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18-2012 OF 15 JUNE 2012

Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Whether any progress has been made in establishing a Southern African Development Community (SADC) Customs Union, which objective was reaffirmed at the SADC summit in August 2010; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

The SADC Customs Union was not realised in 2010 asplanned. The main challenge with the establishment of a Customs Union in SADC is the overlapping membership. Almost all SADC Member States with the exception of Angola and Mozambique belong to Customs Unions. The implications for the Customs Union are that SADC Member States will then have to choose which Customs Union they want to belong to and may mean the break-up of SADC in its current form. Technically, a Member State cannot belong to more than one Customs Union because of the Common External Tariff (CET).

In view of these challenges, the SADC Summit, during its August 2010 Meeting reaffirmed its commitmentto establish a SADC Customs Union and recognised the need to establishsynergies between the processes to consolidate the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA); theestablishment of the Customs Union, and the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite FTA. The afore-stated Summitendorsed the decision of the Ministerial Task Force to appoint a High LevelExpert Group (HLEG) on the SADC Customs Union whose mandate was toconsolidate and refine previous technical work undertaken in order to reachagreement and common understanding on key elements on the parameters, benchmarks, time-lines, a model customs union and its implementation modalities.

Additionally, it can be stated that the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration considered the High Level Expert Group (HLEG) report on the framework for a SADC Customs Union at the 25 November 2011 deliberations that took place in Luanda, Angola.

The report of the MTF is to be considered by the SADC Summit in August 2012 and this will be a meeting that will consider the approach to regional integration in SADC. The key issue for consideration is to ensure that SADC adopts and implements a developmental approach to integration to ensure that the region is able to address the critical constraints to development, which are fundamentally the supply-side constraints.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION NO: 1652 (NW1984E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18-2012 OF 15 JUNE 2012

Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Whether she intends to release the report of the High Level Expert Group on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Customs Union (details furnished); if not; why not if so, when?

REPLY:

The High Level Expert Group have completed their mandate of drafting the report and have submitted the report to the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration (MTF) for their consideration. The MTF it is expected to present the report to Summit in August 2012. MTF will have to decide on releasing it, after it has been presented to Summit for consideration and approval.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION NO: 1599 (NW1928E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 17-2012 OF 8 JUNE 2012

MR SAYEDALI SHAH (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

Whether any traffic fines were incurred with regard to any of her official vehicles in the (a) 2009/10, (b) 2010/11 and (c) 2011/12 financial years; if so, what (i) amount in fines was incurred in respect of each specified vehicle in each specified financial year and (ii) are the further relevant details in each case?

REPLY:

The National Road Traffic Act, no 93 of 1996 is clear regarding the transgression of traffic laws. In terms of the Act, the person in whose name the vehicle is registered is liable for any and/or all traffic fines issued in respect of such a vehicle. The fines shall be for the account of the owner. There is no special dispensation afforded to Ministers.

(a) During the financial year 2009/10 no traffic fines were incurred with regard to Minister's official vehicle

(b) During the financial year 2010/11 three traffic fines were incurred with Minister's official vehicle; April 2010 a speeding fine of R750; May 2010 a speeding fine of R400 and July 2010 a speeding fine of R125

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION NO: 1464 (NW1741E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 15-2012 OF 1 JUNE 2012

MR EJ MARAIS (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) When was the current Director-General of her department appointed;

(2) whether the Director-General was appointed in a permanent capacity; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) The current Director-General, Ambassador JM Matjila was appointed by Cabinet at its ordinary meeting in Cape Town held on 25 May 2011 to take effect on 1 June 2011;

(2) the appointment is for a fixed term contract of five years.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION NO: 1350 (NW1592E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14-2012 OF 25 MAY 2012

Mr G B D Mc Intosh (Cope) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

1. Whether South Africa, as a fellow member of the United Nations, has full diplomatic relations with the State of Israel; if so, for how long has this been the case;

2. Whether there are any intentions to reduce contact with the State of Israel; if not, What has her department's advice been to a certain person (name and details furnished) in respect of his intention to visit Israel; if so, what are the reasons for these policies;

3. (a) how and (b) on what date was this advice communicated to said person?

REPLY

1. Yes. South Africa established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1975 – 37 years ago.

2. South Africa maintains normal diplomatic relations with Israel, as evidenced by the presence of a resident South African ambassador in Tel Aviv and a resident Israeli ambassador in South Africa. The South African Government considers it important to continue high-level engagement with the Israeli Government on advancing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, leading to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognised borders, based on those existing on 4 June 1967 prior to the outbreak of the Arab-Israeli war that year, and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In considering the advisability of other high-level visits between South Africa and Israel for the purpose of expanding bilateral relations, the South African Government is however obliged to take into account the intransigence of the current Israeli Government in its refusal to halt the ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in what is regarded by most of the international community as occupied Palestinian territory, as well as its unrelenting blockade of the coastal Palestinian enclave of Gaza, which has prevented the unrestricted entry of goods and services into the territory and amounts to collective punishment of its inhabitants. The refusal to halt settlement expansion has been identified by the Palestinian leadership and major powers as one of the principal obstacles to substantial progress in Israeli-Palestinian talks aimed at ending the Israeli occupation.

Information to this effect was communicated to the MEC in question.

The South African Government, however, looks forward to the Israeli Government responding positively on the above issues, which would enable closer engagement on bilateral matters between our two countries.

3. (a) The Department learnt about the intention of the MEC to visit Israel by email on 18 April 2012 and was thereafter in telephonic and email contact with the relevant Western Cape Province authorities regarding the invitation, conveying South Africa's position on the issue.

(b) A letter from the Minister to the MEC was sent to his office on 11 May 2012.

UNQUOTE

Reply received: July 2012

QUOESTION NO: 1318 (NW1529E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13-2012 OF 18 MAY 2012

Mr IO Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

Whether the Government provides aid to any countries; if so, (a) in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 financial years, (aa) to which countries, (bb) how much money were extended to these countries in each case and (cc) what is the total monetary value of all aid provided to other countries?

REPLY

(1) As relates to the disbursement of aid under the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund, these are the amounts and countries that have received aid in the financial years stipulated.

2009-2010:

· R24 million to Sierra Leone to fund 20 Cuban doctors to offer medical services.

· R300 million to Zimbabwe contributed towards supporting the economic recovery programme.

· R3 million for the African Research Centre, which serves as a focal point for ombudsman offices in Africa.

2010-2011:

· R4 million for the AU Observer Mission to the elections in Sudan.

A further R141 million was recommended for other projects, but these were only followed through in the next financial year.

2011-2012:

· R15 million to the International Atomic Energy Agency for the improvement of veterinary laboratory capacities in Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, DRC and Senegal.

· R13 million for an International Diplomatic Training Programme at the DIRCO Diplomatic Academy. Countries that benefitted include South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Burundi, Rwanda, Mauritius and Comoros.

· R100 million towards supporting the economic recovery of Cuba following the 2008 hurricanes.

· R5 million for South Africa's participation in SADC and AU Observer Missions during the financial year. Observer Missions were sent for the elections in Seychelles, Zambia and the DRC.

· R10,6 million to transport humanitarian assistance donated by SADC Member States to the people of Somalia.

· R126 million to assist the DRC to undertake successful Presidential and Legislative elections in November 2011.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION NO: 1314 (NW1524E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13-2012 OF 18 MAY 2012

MR EH Eloff (DA) To ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

Whether staff members at (a) embassies and (b) consulates are trained to promote the tourism industry in South Africa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

The Department of International Relations and Co-operation trains all Foreign Service Officers, who are bound for transfers to South African Embassies and Consulates, also known as Missions, abroad in Tourism promotion.

Recently, tourism promotion has been strengthened through the expanded programme approved by Cabinet that instructed the Department of International Relations and Co-operation to conduct Economic Diplomacy training for all of its South African diplomats. Economic Diplomacy, therefore, incorporates trade and investment promotion, the South African brand (Brand SA) and tourism promotion. The Economic Diplomacy module is delivered in collaboration with the National Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, South African Tourism Services Association and other stakeholders in the tourism industry that includes provincial and local government. The programme is delivered by experts in the field that utilise their knowledge and skill to enable our diplomats to be fully functional in their area.

There is certainly room for improvement and discussions are ongoing with the National Department of Tourism to expand the programme outside of Economic Diplomacy to give more content or detail to tourism promotion.

In addition, officials abroad are also invited to attend annually the Tourism Indaba as part of their training on tourism promotion.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION NO: 1313 (NW1523)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13-2012 OF 18 MAY 2012

Mr EH Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Whether her department conducts any performance evaluations of ambassadors; if not, who monitors their performance; if so, what criteria are used in the evaluation of ambassadors

(2) whether her department undertakes any (a) development and (b) coaching programmes for ambassadors who fail to meet the minimum standards; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY

(1) DIRCO conducts performance evaluations for all employees including Heads of Mission by means of the approved Performance Management and Development System for SMS members as provided for in Chapter 4 of the SMS handbook.

(2) All Heads of Mission have over the past performance cycles performed satisfactory and therefore, did not require any special development programmes.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION NO: 1312 (NW1522E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 13-2012 OF 18 MAY 2012

MR EH ELOFF (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether her department has a set minimum criteria for candidate nominated for ambassadorial appointments; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) The Department provides the President with nominations for the appointment of career Ambassadors (Officials employed by DIRCO). In making these nominations the Department takes into account the following:

- Priorities and needs at Head Office

- Priorities at Missions

- Experience and profile of recommended officials.

However, the Heads of Mission (Ambassadors) represent the Head of State (President) abroad. Therefore, according to the Constitution, their appointments are the sole prerogative of the President.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION NO: 1233 (NW1430E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12-2012 OF 11 MAY 2012

Mr S Esau (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

What amount has her department spent on: (a) Catering; and (b) Entertainment (i) in the (aa) 2007/08; (bb) 2008/09, (cc) 2009/10, (dd) 2010/11 and (ee) 2011/12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012?

REPLY:

a. The item "Catering" is used to budget for National Day receptions at missions abroad in furtherance of South Africa's foreign policy. The Department has set a specific budget limit according to the categories of missions and the expenditure is capped within the approved limits.

b. Entertainment expenditure includes expenditure incurred at missions in furtherance of South Africa's foreign policy and in line with a Mission's approved Annual Performance Plan. Entertainment tariffs are set and revised annually.

In respect of previous financial years, the following expenditure has been incurred (in millions):-


Description	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11	2011/12
Catering	20,113	27,711	20,199	17,465	17,095
Entertainment	24,355	28,991	27,102	12,540	11,255
Total	44,468	56,702	47,301	30,005	28,350

With regard to the 2012/13 financial year, the Department has spent R8.6 million and R1.4 million on catering and entertainment respectively as at 31 May 2012.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION NO: 1174 (NW1367E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12-2012 OF 11 MAY 2012

Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Whether all South African ambassadors are required to declare their interest; if not; if so,(a) how frequently do they declare their interest,(b)what are the details of the process that is followed to review the declarations and (c) who is the authority in charge of overseeing the process;

(2) What are the detail of the process that must be followed when it is found upon review of such declarations that a conflict of interest exist?

REPLY

(1) (a)All SMS members (including South African ambassadors) are required to declare their financial interest annually as at 31 March of the particular year. This is done in line with Chapter 3 of the Public Service Regulations, 2001 as amended.

(b) A communication is annually issued to the Department requesting SMS members to submit their Financial Disclosure forms. Once the forms are received it is checked for correctness and submitted to the Ministry for signature. Upon receipt of the Ministerial signed forms, the forms are submitted to the Public Service Commission.

(2) In terms of Chapter 3(G), the Public Service Commission is responsible to scrutinise such declarations.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO: 1129 (NW 1220E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12-2012 OF 11 MAY 2012

Mr LS Ngonyama (COPE) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(ii) Whether any persons were held accountable for such failure in the specified financial years; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(i) The Department can indeed confirm that it has achieved all its objectives since 2008. The Annual Report for 2011-2012 is currently being finalised for auditing purposes by the Auditor-General. There is every reason to believe that we will once again achieve our predetermined objectives. We have in the past always briefed the relevant Portfolio Committee on the outcomes as stated in the various Annual Reports and no concerns have been raised in the past that the Department did not meet its predetermined objectives.

(ii) No persons were held accountable given the aforesaid.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO: 1096 (NW1284E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11-2012 OF 4 MAY 2012

Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) (a) What are the (i) yearly rental and (ii) floor space of the (aa) current and (bb) previous premises occupied by her department's head office and (b) when (i) was the current building occupied and (ii) does the current lease expire;

(2) whether her department publicly invited tenders prior to the leasing of the current premises; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) where was it published and (c) which (i) companies and (ii) properties were shortlisted;

(3) what was the (a) floor space and (b) annual rental offered by each shortlisted (i) company and (ii) property?

Reply:

(1) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation entered into a Public Private Partnership Agreement (PPP) for the finance, design, construction, maintenance and operation of its Head Office building and two guest houses in 2009. A Unitary Fee of R156 144 399 (excl VAT) is payable in the 2012/13 financial year, which amount is adjusted annually with CPI increases for a total of 141,733 square meters of constructed area. The PPP Agreement will expire in September 2034. Please note that the Unitary Fee includes the capital repayment, maintenance and operational costs of the Head Office and guest houses. Prior to the Department's relocation to its new accommodation, 7 different buildings in the Pretoria CBD with a total floor space of 50,077 square metres was rented at a cost of R 68,218,781 per annum.

(2) A public tender process for the PPP was followed in compliance with Treasury Regulation 16 and the necessary Treasury approvals for the project and specifically the procurement phase thereof, was obtained in 2005 – 2006.

(3) Not applicable.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION NO: 1024 (NW1172E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 11-2012 OF 4 MAY 2012

Mr DJ Maynier (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Whether her department has investigated allegations that a certain Ambassador (name furnished) (a) traded in influence and (b) received a payment from a certain company (name furnished); if so ,what are the relevant details; if not, why not;

(2) whether her department sanctioned any remunerated work by the Ambassador; if so (a) what type of work (b) what was the (i)name and (ii) type of business activity of the employer, (c) what amount of remuneration was received and (d) when was the work sanctioned;

(3) whether (a) the Ambassador submitted a financial discloser form for each specified financial year in which he was employed by her department and (b) the form was submitted to the Public Service Commission; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

REPLY

(1) Yes. The Department has instituted an investigation into the allegations that a certain ambassador received payment from a certain company.

(2) No. The Department did not receive a request from a certain ambassador to allow the ambassador to do remunerative work outside the Public Service.

(3) Yes. A certain ambassador has submitted since the ambassador's employment in the Department each financial year Financial Discloser forms as per requirement by the Public Service Commission. Each financial year's Financial Discloser form has been submitted to the Public Service Commission.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO:927 (NW1109E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9-2012 OF 20 APRIL 2012

Mr EH Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(a) Why did the Government apologise to Nigeria for its decision to deport its citizens;

(b) Whether this incident will have any impact on the diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what steps does she intend to take to restore relations?

REPLY:

(a) There were procedural flaws in the manner in which visitors were denied entry into South Africa by Port Health officials and subsequently returned to the country of origin (not deported).

(b) The incident has had an impact on the diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria; in March 2012 South Africa issued a Media Statement and sent Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula as a Special Envoy to the Nigerian authorities.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION NO: 862 (NW1039E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 9-2012 OF 20 APRIL 2012

MR IO DAVIDSON (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone (lDZ), with respect to the Public Participation Programme (PPP) hosted by her department on 20 March 2012, is an official DIRCO programme; if not, why not; if so, (a) how does the Saldanha lDZ relate to DIRCO's mandate, (b) what were the costs incurred to host these events in (i) Saldanha and (ii) St Helena and (c) who authorised these expenses;

(2) whether the invitation to these events was printed on official departmental correspondence; If not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the Deputy Minister (i) submitted any travel claims and (ii) made use of official vehicles as part of this programme; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the total of the claims submitted?

REPLY

1) The programme in respect of the Saldanha IDZ was an official public participation programme hosted by DIRCO

1a) The Saldanha programme was directly related to the work and mandate of DIRCO. One of the key policy directives of DIRCO is to ensure that South Africans know and understand the country's foreign policy, the principles underpinning it, its thrust and objectives and how this links with South Africa's national interest. Economic diplomacy is an important element of this. The Public Participation Programme serves as a platform to engage and interact with South Africans in an effort to explain how the execution of South Africa's foreign policy impacts on them and the direct benefits thereof. Projects like the IDZ project in Saldanha can be understood within this context, hence the choice of venue for this PPP. One of the main objectives of this engagement was to identify challenges currently being experienced by the local communities/stakeholders and to find innovative ways to address these challenges.

1.b. i) R15 750.00 – Saldahna Bay

1. b. ii) R 41 434.00 - St Helena Bay

1.c The associated expenses were authorised by the Branch Public Diplomacy.

2) Yes, the invitations were issued on departmental letterheads, since the function was a departmental event.

3 i) No travel claims were submitted.

3ii) An official vehicle was used in line with provisions in the Ministerial Handbook.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO: 846 (NW1023E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9-2012 OF 20 APRIL 2012

Mr E.H Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Whether, since her reply to question 293 on 6 March 2012, any instalments of the Government's proposed R2.5 billion rescue grant to Swaziland has been paid; if not, why not; if so, what are relevant details?

(2) What were the precise conditions attached to this grant?

(3) Whether all conditions to the grant has been met; if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusions reached?

REPLY:

(1) No. No agreement to this effect has been signed.

(2) If and until an agreement has been signed, it would not be possible to list conditions.

A Memorandum of Understanding was not finalised and signed.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION NO: 845 (NW1022E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9-2012 OF 20 APRIL 2012

Dr W G James (DA to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

With reference to her reply to question 87 on 30 March 2012, what are the full details of internationally accepted protocol for visiting heads of state and government?

REPLY:

The Vienna Convention of April 1961 is a cornerstone of modern international relations. It is instructive in terms of providing guidance on internationally accepted protocol. Each country establishes courtesies within their capacity and extends it within the context of reciprocity. It is accepted internationally that the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations forms a guide and minimum standard with regard to the conduct of international relations.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is responsible for managing all aspects of South Africa's relations with the world including facilitating direct interaction between the President or Deputy President and other foreign Heads of State or Government.

Branch: State Protocol is responsible for the management, organisation, co-ordination of all protocol activities including logistics for incoming visits to South Africa by foreign Heads of State or Government, former Heads of State or Government, Kings/Queens, Ministers or Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs and their spouses as well as outgoing visits by the South African President, Deputy President, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and the spouses of the President and Deputy President.

Beyond these services, State Protocol also extends its reach to visits by Heads of regional and multilateral organisations such as the United Nations, African Union, Southern African Development Community, the Commonwealth, the European Union, Arab League and the Economic Community of West African States.

State Protocol is mandated to uphold diplomatic practice, in order to advance South Africa's national interests and values through bilateral and multilateral interactions.

2012-12-31

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