Questions & Replies: International Relations & Cooperative B

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2014-03-10

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Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 3010(NW3654E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO 28-2014 OF 21 NOVEMBER 2014.

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

Whether, with regard to the implementation of the Use of Official Language Policy Act, Act 12 of 2012 and since the reply of the Minister of Arts and Culture to Question 990 on 6 June 2013, her department implemented the Act; if not, when will the Act be implemented; if so, which languages have been adopted as official languages of her department?

REPLY:

No,

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), is in the process of taking the requisite steps to comply with the deadline set by the Minister of Arts and Culture in his letter of 28 October 2014, for the adoption of official language policies.

The relevant Business Unit within DIRCO has been consulted on the matter and the existing policies are being updated in accordance with instructions of the Minister of Arts and Culture.

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 2976(NW3620E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 28-2014 OF 21 NOVEMBER 2014.

MR SM GANA (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether she intends to pay bonuses to staff in her department; if so,

a) What criteria has been used to award bonuses?

b) How many staff members will be receiving bonuses?

c) What total amount will be spent on staff bonuses?

d) Was this amount budgeted for?

REPLY:

Yes, the Minister intends to pay bonuses to staff;

(a) The criteria used to award performance bonus is twofold in that the performance appraisals or assessments concluded between the employees and their respective supervisors are moderated by moderating committees appointed by the Director-General. In addition, the moderated outcomes determine the recognition to be rewarded to employees, e.g. 115% to 167% is the cut-off point for awarding bonus to employees at levels 2-12 and 130% to 167% is the cut-off point for awarding bonus to SMS Members.

(b) Two hundred and twenty five (225) employees have thus far been awarded performance bonuses after their performance appraisals were moderated by moderating committees and finalised. There are eighty-seven (87) performance appraisals that are still to be moderated and finalised.

(c) An amount of R 5 759 961. 45 has been paid to the employees whose performance appraisals were moderated and finalised. In addition, the outstanding Performance bonuses estimated at R2 598 836.62 will be paid after the finalisation of the moderation process if the moderating committees concur with the performance appraisal presentations.

(d) An amount of R 8 502 776.57 has been budgeted for the payment of performance bonuses for the 2013/2014 performance cycle

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 2900(NW3543E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 28-2014 OF 21 NOVEMBER 2014

Mr SJ Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

What are the relevant details of the exact amounts of the African Renaissance Fund which were allocated to

(a) the Zimbabwe Economic Recovery Programme in the 2009-10 financial year;

(b) (i) the Cuba Economic Aid Package; and (ii) electoral assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 2011-12 financial year and

(c) (i) the funding of the presidential election in Guinea-Bissau; (ii) assistance to Malawi to purchase fuel; and (iii) humanitarian support to Lesotho in the 2012-13 financial year?" NW3543E

REPLY:

(a) the Zimbabwe Economic Recovery Programme in the 2009-10 financial year,

Answer: R300 million full grant

(b) (i) the Cuba Economic Aid Package; and

Answer: R100 million full grant

(ii) electoral assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 2011-12

financial year and

Answer: R125, 2 million full grant

(c) (i) the funding of the presidential election in Guinea-Bissau;

Answer: €1 million full grant

(ii) assistance to Malawi to purchase fuel; and

Answer: US$35 million full grant

(iii) humanitarian support to Lesotho in the 2012-13 financial year?"

Answer: R180 million full grant

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 2886(NW3529E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 28-2014 OF 21 NOVEMBER 2014

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

1) Whether, during her meetings with Nigerian officials between 11 and 14 November, she discussed the on-going inquest into the deaths of the worshippers on the precincts of T B Joshua's church in Lagos; if so, (a) did the officials give a timeline or estimation of how much longer the inquest would continue, (b) what assurances did the officials give regarding the objectivity of the inquest and (c) what are any other details that were discussed about the inquest's proceedings that were relevant to the deaths of the South African citizens? NW3529E

REPLY:

a) The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation did not meet with Nigerian Officials between 11 and 14 November. It will be recalled that President Zuma had appointed Minister J Radebe as his Special Envoy to Nigeria for the period 11 to 15 November 2014 to facilitate the speedy repatriation of the mortal remains of the South African citizens who died during the Lagos church tragedy.

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 2777(NW3429E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO. 27-2014 OF 14 NOVEMBER 2014.

MS L V JAMES (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether she received an invitation to the wedding of Vega Gupta and Aakash Jahajgarhia; if so,

(2) Whether she attended any of the wedding festivities between 30 April and 3 May 2013; if so,

(3) whether she stayed overnight at the venue; if so, (a) what accommodation did she use, (b) who paid for the said accommodation, (c) what mode of transport did she use to attend the wedding festivities and (d) who paid for the travel costs? NW3429E

REPLY:

(1) Yes

(2) No

(3) Not applicable

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 2736(NW3385E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 27-2014 OF 14 NOVEMBER 2014

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

Did (a) her department and/or (b) any of its entities owe money to any Gauteng municipalities at the end of the 2013-14 financial year; if so, in respect of each specified municipality (i) what is the name of the municipality, (ii) what was the total amount owed, (iii) what was the nature of the debt, (iv) for how long has the debt been outstanding and (v) what plans are in place to recover the debt owed to the municipality by (aa) her department and/or (bb) any of its entities?

Reply:

DIRCO did not owe any monies to Gauteng municipalities for its office operations at the end of 2013/14 financial year. (aa) and (bb) N/A

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 2599(NW3237E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 27-2014 OF 14 NOVEMBER 2014

MS SV KALYAN (DA) ASKED THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

(1) What amount her department has spent on promotional magazines in the (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14 financial years.

REPLY:

(1) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation produces a quarterly stakeholder publication, Ubuntu Magazine. The magazine, launched in August 2012 with a print-run of 5 000, has grown to a print-run of 15 000. It is distributed free of charge to research institutions, universities, libraries, South African embassies abroad, the diplomatic community and all VIP and business lounges at the major airports.

(a) During the 2011/12 financial year, Ubuntu Issue 1 (5000 copies) and Issue 2 (initial 5000 copies with an additional 2000 printed due to demand) were printed at a total cost of R305 006.61.

(b) During the 2012/13 financial year, Ubuntu Issue 3 (6000 copies), Issue 4 (8000 copies) and Issue 5 (10 000 copies) were printed at a total cost of R479 365.65.

(c) During the 2013/14 financial year, Ubuntu Issue 6 (8 000 copies) and Issue 7 (15 000 copies) were printed at a total cost of R517 667.00, while the projected cost of Issue 8 (15 000 copies) is R220 000.00.

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 2455(NW3048E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 25-2014 OF

7 NOVEMBER 2014

MR SV KAYLYAN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

How many work days has her department lost to (a) sick leave and (b) strike action in the (i) 2011-2012, (ii) 2012-13 and (iii) 2013-14 financial year? NW3048E

Reply:

(i) 2011/12:

(a) sick leave : 13 134 days

(b) strike action: 24 days

(ii) 2012/13:

(a) sick leave : 12 126 days

(b) strike action: none

(iii) 2013/14:

(a) sick leave : 14 949 days

(b) strike action: none

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 2422(NW3014E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 25-2014 OF 7 NOVEMBER 2014

2422. Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(a) What was the total remuneration of (i) board members, (ii) nonexecutive directors and (iii) executive directors of each entity reporting to her in the (aa) 2011-12, (bb) 2012-13 and (cc) 2013-14 financial years and (b) how many times did each board meet in the specified financial years? NW3014E

REPLY:

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation has one (1) entity, the

African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF), which reports to

her.

The ARF Advisory Committee consists of members appointed from DIRCO and National Treasury. Currently, no remuneration is payable to the appointed members of the ARF Advisory Committee.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO: 2283(NW2833E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 23-2014 OF 31 OCTOBER 2014

MR W MADISHA TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether the appointment of the Risk Management Committee, with an external Chair and Deputy Chair, has enabled her department to substantially strengthen its ethical governance capacity and reduce financial risk; if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether substantial improvements and accountability in Human Resource Management as well as Finance and Supply Chain Management are now evident; if not, why not; if so, what are the new gains of the action taken to reduce risks and improve all aspects of governance? NW2833E

REPLY:

(1) YES, the Risk Management Committee is appointed as a governance structure of the

Department to assist the Executive Authority and Accounting Officer to discharge his/her responsibilities for risk management.

(2) YES, the approved Risk Management Policy, Strategy and Implementation Plan are

developed and implemented in order to reduce risks and improve governance. The Department is continuously involved in creating awareness regarding the importance of Risk Management in our day to day management processes.

The Risk Committee being chaired by an external individual is a governance structure that allows the department to have a monitoring mechanism to provide oversight and managing its risks in an objective manner. It has assisted the department to improve its governance and accountability which is evidenced in the most recent MPAT scores.

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 2230(NW2774E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: NO.23-2014 OF 31 OCTOBER 2014

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

1) Will her department (a) support the planned civil claim by family members of at least eight South African citizens killed in the collapse of the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos, Nigeria on 12 September 2014 and (b) assist them in the legal processes should the claim proceed; if not, what are the reason(s) for not supporting and assisting them with the civil claims?

REPLY:

1) No, the Government can only provide support in the form of Consular assistance.

In terms of Customary international law and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 (VCCR) the State will not interfere in or attempt to influence the judicial processes relating to a South African national in another state.

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 2134(NW26056E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 21-2014 OF 24 OCTOBER 2014.

Mr H M Hoosen (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Were any discussions held between officials from her department and representatives of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama during the period 1 May 2014 up to the last specified date for which information is available; if so, in each case, (a) did the discussion take place (i) in person or (ii) over the telephone, (b) what was the purpose of the discussion, (c) what are the (i) names and (ii) positions of the officials present at the discussion and (d) what resolutions were reached;

(2) whether any visa application by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was withdrawn as a result of directive since 1 January 2014; if so, (a) on whose authority was such a directive given, (b) which departmental official(s) executed the directive and (c) on what date was said directive executed? NW2605E

Reply

(1) (a) (i) and (ii) Yes, discussion took place in person and over the

telephone.

(b) The purpose of the telephone call was to request a courtesy meeting. The meeting in person took place to formally welcome the new Head of the Office of Tibet in South Africa, and to get a briefing on the latest developments in Tibet.

(c) (i) Dr A Sooklal

(ii) Deputy Director-General: Asia and the Middle East

(d) To maintain regular contact and exchange information.

(2) No.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO: 2065(NW2532E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 21-2014 OF 24 OCTOBER 2014

MS SV KALYAN (DA) ASKED THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

(1) How many copies of the department's annual report for the financial years

(a) 2012/13 and

(b) 2013/14 were produced,

(i) At what cost and

(ii) To who were these reports circulated?

REPLY:

(1) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation produced

(a) a thousand (1000) copies of the departmental annual report in the 2012/13 financial years at a cost of R155 518.00 and

(b) is printing a thousand (1000) copies of the departmental annual report in the 2013/14 financial years at a cost of R173 034.00.

(c) This report is distributed to Parliament, South African embassies abroad, DIRCO senior management and other stakeholder on request. The reports are also available on the departmental website: www.dirco.gov.za.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO: 1960(NW2343E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 19-2014 OF 17 OCTOBER 2014.

Mr GG Hill-Lewis (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

What are the respective (a) details and

(b) costs of all projects funded by the African Renaissance Fund in the (i) 2009/10, (ii) 2010/11,

(iii) 2011/12, (iv) 2012/13, and (v) 2014/15 financial years? NW2343E

REPLY:

For the periods under review, the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, in consultation with the Minister of Finance as required by Section 5 (3) of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund Act, 2000, (Act No.51 of 2000), approved the following projects:

(i) 2009/10 financial year

(a) South Africa's participation in the AU Observer Mission to the Sudan general elections – R4 million.

(b) Cuban Medical Brigade in Sierra Leone – R24 million

(c) The establishment of the African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) – R3 million

(d) Zimbabwe Economic Recovery Programme - R300 million

(ii) 2010/11 financial year

(a) South Africa's participation in the African Union (AU) Observer Mission to the Sudan general elections - R4 million

During the year under review the Advisory Committee recommended projects to the amount of R141 million for approval by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and concurrence by the Minister of Finance.

It must be noted that as at the end of the financial year, concurrence letters were awaited from the Minister of Finance for these projects. Therefore, in compliance with the principle of accrual accounting these projects were not recognised as expenditure against the Fund. The expenditure is only recognised once concurrence is granted by the Minister of Finance.

(iii) 2011/12 financial year

(a) Technical assistance to the mandate of the United Nations Independent Expert on Human

Rights and Extreme Poverty of the UN Human Rights – R1, 2 million

(b) Improvement of veterinary laboratory capacities in South Saharan African countries – DIRCO: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – R15 million

(c) South Africa's International Diplomatic Training Programme – R13,6 million

(d) Cuba Economic Aid Package – R100 million

(e) Participation in African Union (AU)/Southern African Development Community (SADC) Observer Missions – R5 million

(f) Humanitarian assistance to Somalia – R10,636,420 .00

(g) Electoral assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – R125,2 million

(iv) 2012/13 financial year

(a) Funding the Presidential Elections in Guinea-Bissau - €1 million

(b) DPSA DRC Public Census Project – R10 million

(c) Training of the DRC VIP Protection Unit by SAPS – R646, 979.00

(d) Funding the Project of the African Ombudsman Research Centre – R21,2 million

(e) Funding the African Capacity Building Foundation – R3,9 million

(f) Emergency Aid Relief to the Republic of Congo – R10,7 million

(g) DST African Very Long Baseline Interferometer Network – R120 million

(h) Funding the Food Security and Nutrition Project in Niger – R96 million

(i) Humanitarian assistance to the Sahel Region – R250 million

(j) South Africa's assistance to Somalia – R22 million

(k) Assistance to Malawi to purchase fuel – US$35 million

(l) Barbs-Ramkem Consortium Poultry Farming Project – R13 million

(m) SA participation in the AU/SADC Election Observer Missions R5 million

(n) Funding the SADC Mission to Transport humanitarian assistance to Somalia – R17,9 million

(o) Humanitarian Support to Lesotho – R180 million

(v) 2013/14 Financial Year

(a) Budget Support to Seychelles - US$820, 000

(b) Electoral Support to Madagascar – R16, 585,690.00

(c) SA participation in the AU/SADC Election Observer Missions 2013/2014 – R17 million

Reply received: October 2014

 

QUESTION NO: 1785(NW2004E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO: 14-2015 OF 15 MAY 2015

MR MA HOOSEN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

  1. Has South Africa, as a member of the BRICS bloc, signed any international agreements from 1 January 2010 until the latest specified date for which information is available, to aid any of the countries in the grouping with (a) military personnel, (b) military equipment and/or (c) intelligence services should any of the countries enter into an armed conflict; if so, what are the details of such commitments and/or agreements?     

REPLY:

No. There are also no agreements currently being negotiated. The BRICS intergovernmental grouping has no formalised cooperation in the area of defence and, therefore, no such agreements among BRICS countries as a group pertain.      

Reply received June 2015   

 

QUESTION NO: 1735(NW1875E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 18 -2014 OF 26 SEPTEMBER 2014

DR WG JAMES (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether her department and /or any entities reporting to it sponsored political party

(a) Advertisements,

(b) Events and / or

(c) Paraphernalia in the

(i) 2011-12,

(ii) 2012-13 and

(iii) 2013-14 financial years; if so,

(aa) for which political party and

(bb) what was the monetary value of the sponsorship in each case?

REPLY:

(1) No.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation and /or any entities reporting to it did not sponsor any political advertisements, events and/or paraphernalia in the 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-2014 financial years.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO: 1960(NW2343E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 19-2014 OF 17 OCTOBER 2014.

Mr GG Hill-Lewis (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

What are the respective (a) details and

(b) costs of all projects funded by the African Renaissance Fund in the (i) 2009/10, (ii) 2010/11,

(iii) 2011/12, (iv) 2012/13, and (v) 2014/15 financial years? NW2343E

REPLY:

For the periods under review, the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, in consultation with the Minister of Finance as required by Section 5 (3) of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund Act, 2000, (Act No.51 of 2000), approved the following projects:

(i) 2009/10 financial year

(a) South Africa's participation in the AU Observer Mission to the Sudan general elections – R4 million.

(b) Cuban Medical Brigade in Sierra Leone – R24 million

(c) The establishment of the African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) – R3 million

(d) Zimbabwe Economic Recovery Programme - R300 million

(ii) 2010/11 financial year

(a) South Africa's participation in the African Union (AU) Observer Mission to the Sudan general elections - R4 million

During the year under review the Advisory Committee recommended projects to the amount of R141 million for approval by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and concurrence by the Minister of Finance.

It must be noted that as at the end of the financial year, concurrence letters were awaited from the Minister of Finance for these projects. Therefore, in compliance with the principle of accrual accounting these projects were not recognised as expenditure against the Fund. The expenditure is only recognised once concurrence is granted by the Minister of Finance.

(iii) 2011/12 financial year

(a) Technical assistance to the mandate of the United Nations Independent Expert on Human

Rights and Extreme Poverty of the UN Human Rights – R1, 2 million

(b) Improvement of veterinary laboratory capacities in South Saharan African countries – DIRCO: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – R15 million

(c) South Africa's International Diplomatic Training Programme – R13,6 million

(d) Cuba Economic Aid Package – R100 million

(e) Participation in African Union (AU)/Southern African Development Community (SADC) Observer Missions – R5 million

(f) Humanitarian assistance to Somalia – R10,636,420 .00

(g) Electoral assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – R125,2 million

(iv) 2012/13 financial year

(a) Funding the Presidential Elections in Guinea-Bissau - €1 million

(b) DPSA DRC Public Census Project – R10 million

(c) Training of the DRC VIP Protection Unit by SAPS – R646, 979.00

(d) Funding the Project of the African Ombudsman Research Centre – R21,2 million

(e) Funding the African Capacity Building Foundation – R3,9 million

(f) Emergency Aid Relief to the Republic of Congo – R10,7 million

(g) DST African Very Long Baseline Interferometer Network – R120 million

(h) Funding the Food Security and Nutrition Project in Niger – R96 million

(i) Humanitarian assistance to the Sahel Region – R250 million

(j) South Africa's assistance to Somalia – R22 million

(k) Assistance to Malawi to purchase fuel – US$35 million

(l) Barbs-Ramkem Consortium Poultry Farming Project – R13 million

(m) SA participation in the AU/SADC Election Observer Missions R5 million

(n) Funding the SADC Mission to Transport humanitarian assistance to Somalia – R17,9 million

(o) Humanitarian Support to Lesotho – R180 million

(v) 2013/14 Financial Year

(a) Budget Support to Seychelles - US$820, 000

(b) Electoral Support to Madagascar – R16, 585,690.00

(c) SA participation in the AU/SADC Election Observer Missions 2013/2014 – R17 million

Reply received: December 2014

QUESTION NO: 1936(NW2319E)

PUBLISHED IN IQP NO.19-2014 OF 17 OCTOBER 2014

Mr C D Matsepe (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Did the relevant desk official request a legal opinion from the state law advisors to determine if the recent signed nuclear agreement with Russia is in line with international law; if so, what are the details of this legal opinion;

REPLY

In order to respond accurately to this question, further information is sought from the requester on the agreement which is referred to, including the title of the agreement, signed with the Russian Federation. Further clarity is also sought on which Department's relevant desk official, the requester is referring to.

Mr C D Matsepe (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(2) Did the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor receive (a) a draft text of the President's minute, (b) an explanatory memorandum of the agreement, (c) the final text of the agreement, (d) a copy of the legal advice of the Department of Justice and Correctional Services and (e) a copy of the legal advice of the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor in her department; if so, on what date or dates were the specified documents received respectively? NW2319E

REPLY

Without further information on the signed agreement, it is not possible to answer this question.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO: 1476(NW1842E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO: 16-2014 OF 12 SEPTEMBER 2014

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

What is quantum of funds spent by her department on all advertising for each financial year between 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

RESPONSE:

Since, 1 April 2010 to date, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has spent

R 876 723.47 for radio and print advertising. The financial figures are exclusive of advertising for Human Resources and Supply Chain Management as reflected in the Annual Reports.

Reply received: November 2014

QUESTION NO: 1444(NW1809E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 16-2014 OF 12 SEPTEMBER 2014

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

(1) Which travel agents has her department used during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what is the quantum of funds spent with each of the specified travel agents in the specified period? NW1809E

REPLY:

UNQUOTE

Travel agents

Period

Amount

  • Travel with Flair

01 April 2012 to 31 June 2013

R 82 720 411.52

  • Magic Travel

01 July 2013 to September 2014

R 35 194 516.80

  • Wings Naledi Travel

01 July 2013 to September 2014

R 77 751 837.44

Total spend

01 April 2012 to September 2014

R 195 666 765.76

Reply received: September 2014

 

QUESTION NO: 1429(NW1642E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQPNO: 10-2015 OF 17 APRIL 2015

PROF B BOZZOLI (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

Does her department have a Regulatory Burden Reduction strategy in place; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the strategy.                                                                                                             

REPLY:

DIRCO does not have a Regulatory Burden Reduction Strategy in place and currently manages this issue through established internal processes.

Reply received June 2015

 

QUESTION NO: 1315(NW1611E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 14-2014 OF 05 SEPTEMBER 2014

Ms S V Kalyan (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

1. What is the monthly rental costs for the PAP and the detailed breakdown of these costs

2. How much has been spent by her department on (a)car hire for the President of the PAP and (b) the cost of running the official residence for the President of the PAP in the 2011-12,2012-13,2013-14.

3. Who provides IT services to the PAP at present and how much has been spent on IT services in 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 financial years.

4. What (a) other expenses is South Africa responsible for in terms of the PAP host agreement and (b) what are the details of the expenditure for each expense?

REPLY:

1. The Monthly rental to the PAP is R3 550 472.09 p/m and R42 605 665.08 p/a

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is the responsible entity for signing the lease agreement, rent payment and municipal charges. Below is the breakdown of the space under rental and related municipal chargers and cost.

Floor area of (14 352 m²) occupied by PAP:

Chambers – 3 565 m²

Plenary – 350 m²

Break-away areas - 250 m²

Boardrooms – 350 m²

Offices – 9 587 m²

Catering facilities – 250 m²

Municipal charges; water, electricity and refuse

R404 842 p/m

R4 858 103 p/a

2. (a)The PAP is responsible for transport provision for its President regarding all his non-statutory visits to South Africa. As per an agreement reached between the PAP and DIRCO's Corporate Services Unit, it is the responsibility of the PAP to provide transport for the above-stated visits and submit reconciled expenditure records of transport cost to the DIRCO for possible refund. Thus far, no records for refund have been submitted to the DIRCO.

(b)The residence of the PAP President is the property of government and the Department of Public Works is responsible for its maintenance.

3(a) As per the Host Country Agreement signed between the AUC on behalf of the PAP and the Republic of South Africa, the DIRCO through either issuance of a tender or deployment of DIRCO ICT officials, renders support to the PAP.

(b) The DIRCO has been engaged in the process of sourcing a Service Provider for scheduled upgrade of the entire ICT infrastructure at the PAP. There is a budget set aside for this exercise and the DIRCO ICT unit is busy with needs analysis and tender processes.

Previously, Integ8te Inc was appointed through a tender process and a Service Lease Agreement (SLA) was entered into to provide ICT support to the PAP. From the period July 2011 until February 2012, an amount of R736 081.70 on a monthly basis was paid to Integ8te Inc. As things currently stand, the PAP is responsible for the maintenance of its ICT infrastructure with intermittent support from the DIRCO ICT when required. The DIRCO is in the process of finalising a settlement for the renewal of Microsoft licences for the PAP. The cost supplied by the PAP and Microsoft to the DIRCO for this purpose is $172 832, 36.

4 As per the provisions of the Host Country Agreement, the DIRCO is further responsible for the provision of the following:

· Interpretation and Translation Facilities, for the period 2012- April until 2015 an amount of R2 761 992 was disbursed for this purpose.

· The DIRCO is responsible for the provision ground transport for Members of Parliament including the Bureau during statutory Sessions. For the past three Sessions (4th Session of the Second Parliament and the 1st and the 2nd Session of the Third Parliament, DIRCO spent through a tender an amount of 3,6 Million Rand). These Sessions covered the period October 2012 until March 2014.

· The DIRCO is also responsible for the Provision of Security and Accreditation Facilities to the PAP during Sessions. This service is provided by the competent State Institutions at a cost to the DIRCO.

· The DIRCO maintains the CCTV and Scanners at the PAP buildings. These were not maintained in the period under request.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO: 1180(NW1418E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 12-2014 OF 29 AUGUST 2014

MR S MOKGALAPA (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether (a) she and (b) the Deputy Ministers has each employed a ministerial special advisor; if so,

(2) (a) what is the name of the special advisor, (b) when was the advisor appointed, (c) what are the duties of the advisor, (d) at what post level was the appointment made, (e) what is the salary level of the advisor, (f) what is the duration of the employment contract entered into with the advisor and (f) why was it necessary to appoint this advisor? NW1418E

REPLY:

(1) (a) Yes

(b) No

(2) (a) (i) Prof. E.D. Maloka

(ii) Prof. D.D. Tladi

(b) (i) 01 July 201

(ii) 22 August 2014

(c)The Public Service Act, 1994 (as amended), Section 12A (1) provides that Special Advisers

may be appointed:

(a) to advise the executive authority on the exercise or performance of the executive

authority's powers and duties;

(b) to advise the executive authority on the development of policy that will promote the

relevant department's objectives; or

(c) to perform such other tasks as may be appropriate in respect of the exercise or

performance of the executive authority's powers and duties.

(d) (i) Special Adviser IV (full time)

(ii)Special Adviser II (part time)

(e) (i) Level 16.

(ii) Level 14.

(f) Both Special Advisers are appointed for a fixed term running concurrent with the term of office of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

(f)The Special Advisers are appointed to assist the Minister in performing her duties as

outlined in (c) above.

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION NO: 942(NW1089E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 10-2014 0F 22 AUGUST 2014

Ms M Moonsamy of (EFF) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) What is the purpose of the African Renaissance Fund and which of the goals set out have already been achieved; (2)

(2) how is this fund monitored;

(3) what is the finding of the audit committee of the African Renaissance Fund as to whether the management report and the audit report are a true reflection of the financial state of affairs? NW1089E

REPLY:

(1) The purpose of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund is to enhance co-operation between the Republic and other countries, in particular African countries; and the promotion of democracy and good governance; the prevention and resolution of conflict; socio-economic development and integration; and humanitarian assistance and human resource development.

Since its inception in 2001, the abovementioned goals of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund have largely been attained through various projects undertaken with our partners using financial support from the Fund.

(2) Like all public entities, the Fund is monitored through various means such as regular reporting to the executive authority, regular audit by the Office of the Auditor-General South Africa and other relevant institutions as well as regular reporting to the South African Parliament.

(3) The Audit Committee concurs with the management report and audit report of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION NO:803(NW890E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO:6-2014 OF 25 JULY 2014

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

(1) Whether (a) she, (b) the Deputy Ministers, (c) the Director-General or (d) any of her staff (i) attended, (ii) accepted an invitation and/or (iii) received tickets to the 2014 Soccer World Cup in their official capacity; if so, what are the relevant details including the (aa)(aaa) names and (bbb) positions of those who attended and (bb) breakdown of the amounts spent by his department on (aaa) travel, (bbb) accommodation, (ccc) entertainment and (ddd) any further specified expenses;

(2) What is the breakdown of the amount spent by her department or any persons accompanying (a) her, (b) the Deputy Ministers, (c) the Director-General or (d) any of her staff to attend the 2014 Soccer World Cup including (i) travel, (ii) accommodation, (iii) entertainment and (iv) any further costs? NW890E

REPLY:

(1) Minister ME Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, attended the 2014 FIFA Soccer World Cup Final as part of the official delegation of President JG Zuma, who was invited to attend the final by the President of Brazil.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane attended the Soccer World Cup Final on the side lines of the 6th BRICS Summit which took place from 15-16 July 2014 in Fortaleza and Brasilia respectively.

(2) Financial implications

There were no financial implications.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION NO: 754 (NW841E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO: 6-2014 OF 25 JULY 2014
Ms SV Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:


(1) (a) How many (i) judgment and (ii) court orders were made against her Department in the (aa) 2010-11, (bb) 2011-12, (cc) 2012-13 and 2013-14 financial year and (b) in each cases, (i) how many of these (aa) were implemented and (bb) await implementation by her Department and (ii) what was the nature of the (aa) of the judgement and/or (bb) court order?

REPLY:

(1) (a) (i) & (ii) (aa) None
(bb) Two
(cc) One
(dd) One

(b) (i) (aa) One
(bb) Two

(ii) (aa) and (bb): Transfer of ownership dispute;
Labour law related dispute;
Labour law related dispute; and
Labour law related dispute.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION NUMBER: 669(NW753E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO.5-2014 OF 18 JULY 2014

MR S MOKGALAPA (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether there was an investigation launched into the conduct of the High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms JE Ndhlovu; if so (a) when did the investigation begin and has the investigation been finalised; if so, (i) what were the findings, (ii) when were the findings sent to the Director General and (iii) what actions have been taken as a result, if not, (aa) by when will the investigation be finalised?

REPLY:

1. Yes, there was an investigation launched into the conduct of the High Commissioner to Ghana Ms JE Ndhlovu. (a)The preliminary enquiry started on 15 July 2013 and the full investigation in January 2014, the investigation has been finalised (i)The findings are that the disciplinary action be instituted against the High Commissioner (ii) A Charge sheet was completed and served on the High Commissioner on 29 May 2014 with a scheduled date of the hearing of 1 July 2014. The date was to coincide with the High Commissioners assumption of duty at Head Office (iiia) A formal hearing process was initiated on or about 1 July 2014, the matter is therefore still pending and sub-judice (iiiaa) Not applicable as the investigation is finalised and the disciplinary hearing is now pending.

Reply received: October 2014

QUESTION NO: 614(NW697E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO: 5-2014 OF 18 JULY 2014

Ms S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) How many (a) international and (b) domestic hotel bookings were made by (i) her, (ii) her predecessors and (iii) department officials attending (aa) workshops, (bb) seminars, (cc) oversight visits or (dd) any other relevant meetings of the portfolio committee in Parliament from 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) in respect of each specified booking, what was the (a) date, (b) name of the hotel, (c) number of delegates, (d) cost of the hotel booking for each delegate and (e) the nature of the relevant portfolio business dealt with? NW697E

REPLY:

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, her Deputy Ministers, Director-General, as well as DIRCO officials, did not make any international hotel bookings during the 2013/14 Financial Year, in order to attend workshops, seminars, oversight visits or any other relevant meetings of the Portfolio Committee in Parliament.

On occasion, as requested by the Portfolio Committee, the Director-General, as well as DIRCO officials, travelled to Cape Town during the 2013/14 Financial Year to brief the Committee on issues identified by the Committee, such as the Briefing on DIRCO's Annual Performance Plan (APP) 2013/14 and the Strategic Plan 2013/18.

During such briefings, the Minister, Deputy Ministers and the Director-General made use of private accommodation whilst in Cape Town, whereas departmental officials, who travelled to Cape Town in support of the Principals, were accommodated in hotels as per approved departmental norms and standards.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION NO: 485(NW564E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO: 4-2014 OF 11 JULY 2014
Mr S Mokgalapa of (DA) to as the Minister of International Relations and cooperation:


(1) who were the South African delegates who attended the 23rd African Union Summit from 20 July in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea;
(2) whether the South African delegation objected to the presence of a Jewish delegation at the specific Summit; if so; on what grounds;
(3) whether any action has been taken by her department in this regard; if so, what action? NW564E

REPLY

1. The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr JG Zuma, led the South African delegation to the 23rd Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly which took place on 26 and 27 June 2014 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The South African Ministerial delegation accompanying the President included: Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr J Radebe, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation; Ms N Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans; Mr C Chabane, Minister of Public Service and Administration; Mr S Zokwana Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Mr D Mahlobo, Minister of State Security; and Ms T Joemat-Petterson of Energy. The Presidency and the above-mentioned Departmental political heads had several Senior Officials and support staff in attendance to provide the necessary support services required at Summit of the stature of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

2. It was not for South Africa to either object or acclaim.

3. No action was taken by both the Department and indeed the entire government delegation.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO. 436 (NW519E AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO 3-2014 OF 04 JULY 2014
MR S MOKGALAPA (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:


(a) What steps have been taken by the Government to curb the increasing impact of terrorism in Africa and (b) how has the Government engaged the African Union in this regard? NW519E

REPLY:

(a) South Africa continuously engage through existing African Union structures in dealing with the impact of terrorism on the continent. South Africa ratified in 2002 the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism of 1999. The protocol was then ratified in 2007. The fight against terrorism required a collective approach and we are supporting a call to advocate continental wide ratification and implementation of these instruments which are critical in reducing the scourge of terrorism and related violence. SA has called for the strengthening of the necessary African Union and Regional Instruments to tackle this emerging threat to peace and security and the matter was discussed with both the European Union Peace and Security Committee, as well as the United Nation Peace and Security Council during the AU PSC's annual consultative meeting on 15 May 2014 and 6 June 2014 respectively.

(b) How has the Government engaged the African Union in this regard (NW519E)?

South Africa has used its membership in the African Union Peace and Security Council to encourage engagement by AU members on terrorism and related issues. We also support existing mechanisms aimed at assisting the African Union to address the challenges of terrorism such as the Peace and Security Council sub-committee on counter-terrorism. Furthermore, the Government, during the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, called for th AU to strengthen its effort to address terrorism, especially through the adoption of specific measures to enhance the exchange of information and intelligence as well as the recommendations of the 5th meeting of Heads of Intelligence and Security Services of Countries of the Sahelo-Saharan region that took place in Ouagadougou, on 19 and 20 May 2014.

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION NO: 435(NW518E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 3-2014 OF 4 JULY 2014

MR S MOKGALAPA (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(a) What is the role of the Government in resolving the conflict in the Central African Republic and (b) how has the Government encouraged the engagement of the African Union on this issue? NW518E

REPLY:

(a) What is the role of the Government in resolving the conflict in the Central African Republic?

The South African Government has continued to play an important role in the resolution of the conflict in Central African Republic through its participation in the International Contact Group on Central African Republic (ICG-CAR), an international group formed to follow the evolution of the situation in the CAR and ensure the resolution of the conflict from a humanitarian, political and military perspective under the Chairpersonship of the President of the Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso. The ICG-CAR has met 5 times since its inaugural meeting, which President Zuma attended. The most recent meeting was on 7 July 2014 in Addis Ababa.

The South African Government has also pledged support of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA) during the donors' conference held at Heads of State and Government Level in February 2014.

(b) How has the Government encouraged the engagement of the African Union on this issue?

Furthermore, the South African Government continues to provide political direction to the Central African Republic's interim authority through South Africa's participation on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC). Since South Africa has taken its seat on the AU PSC in April 2014 the PSC has discussed the matter of CAR on 9 April 2014, related to the withdrawal of Chadian troops and in support of the work of MISCA; on 15 May 2014 where it inter alia discussed the matter with the European Union Political and Security Committee; and on 6 June 2014 amongst other issues the matter was discussed with the United Nations Security Council and at each occasion the necessary political pressure was maintained on both the transitional authority as well as the region and international community to ensure an end to the crisis in CAR.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO.433 (NW516E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO.3-2014 OF 04 JULY
MR MOKGALAPA TO ASK THE MINISTEROF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:


(1) What actions has she taken to help resolve the abduction of girls by Boko Haram in Nigeria and (b) what is South Africa's stance on (i) the matter and (ii) any possible intervention by the African Union (AU)? NW516E

REPLY:

(1) South Africa has directed its support to the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the AU initiatives.

(2) We remain concerned about the fate of the abducted school girls from Chibok in Nigeria and the continued extremist activities perpetrated by Biko Harma which continue to claim many lives of innocent civilians.

(3) In this regard, we reiterate our condemnation of all forms and manner of terrorism from whichever quarter. South Africa will continue to support the actions taken by the African Union in support of Nigeria and other countries where the scourge terrorism and armed groupings impact on the lives of innocent people and impede development.
 

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO. 303 (NW383E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO. 2-2014 OF 27 JUNE 2014

Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) What are the details of office furniture ordered and or purchased for the use of her and/or her staff since 1 May 2014;

(2) in respect of each piece of furniture, (a) what is the description, (b) what is the breakdown of the costs, (c) where will each piece of furniture be used and (d) who will use each piece of furniture;

(3) what are the details of furniture disposed of;

(4) in respect of each piece of furniture disposed of, (a) what is the description, (b) original purchase costs and (c) on what date was it purchased;

(5) (a) how was this furniture disposed of, (b) what disposal method was used, (c) what is the name and contact details of person/s to whom it was disposed and (d) at what price was it disposed of?

Reply:

DIRCO has not ordered or purchased any new furniture nor did the Department dispose of any

existing furniture for the Minister and/or her staff since 1 May 2014.

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO.269(NW348E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO.2-2014 OF 27 JUNE 2014.

Ms S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) What are the details of motor vehicles ordered and/or purchased for her use since May 2014;

(2) (a) what is the (i) make, (ii) model, (iii) total cost and (iv) breakdown of the cost of each motor vehicle and (b) where will each motor vehicle normally be stationed?

Reply:

DIRCO has not ordered or purchased any new vehicles for the Minister since May 2014

Reply received: August 2014

QUESTION NO:238(NW316E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 2-2014 OF 27 JUNE 2014

MR S MOKGALAPA (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

What is the Government's role in the South Sudanese peace talks?

REPLY:

(1) Following separate requests from President Salva Kiir and the leader of the SPLM-in-Opposition Dr Riek Machar to assist and facilitate dialogue in the current conflict in South Sudan, President Jacob Zuma appointed Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa as Special Envoy for South Sudan. The Special Envoy has started in earnest with his assignment to the extent that he has visited South Sudan and neighbouring countries on two occasions for consulations with the President, Mr.Salva Kiir and the Leader of the SPLM-in- Opposition, Mr Riek Machar as well as a number of other stakeholders in South Sudan and regional leaders. His engagement is aimed not only at facilitating political dialogue between President Kiir and Dr. Machar, but also at complementing the regional conflict resolution and mediation efforts under the leadership of the relevant Regional Economic Community, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other international efforts. The South African Government, through the Special Envoy, plans to continue these engagements in pursuit of a negotiated and peaceful resolution of the current conflict in South Sudan.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO.178(NW227E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO.1-2014 OF 17 JUNE 2014

Mr J H Steenhuisen (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) What are the details of all the costs of the maintenance of the pot plants in her (a) departmental offices and (b) official residence (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12, (dd) 2012-13 and (ee) 2013-14 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2014;

(2) in respect of the pot plant maintenance, (a) what is the (i) address and (ii) name of the office where they were/are displayed, (b) for whose benefit are these pot plants, (c) what was/is the value of maintenance for each office and (d) what are the details of any contracts and/or plans for the maintenance of these pot plants in the future?

Reply:

DIRCO has not ordered or purchased any pot plants for the Minister of International Relations for her (a) departmental office and (b) her official residence. As such, no maintenance activities are undertaken.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO: 144(NW157E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO:1-2014 OF 17 JUNE 2014

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

(1) What are the details of all expenditure that was found to have been (a) irregular and (b) wasteful in her department for each year from 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) in respect of each such finding of (a) irregular and (b) wasteful expenditure, (i) what (aa) is the description thereof, (bb) is the value thereof and (cc) action has been taken against the persons accountable thereof and (ii) how much thereof (aa) has been recovered and (bb) from whom? NW157E

REPLY:

UNQUOTE

(1) (a) Irregular Expenditure

2008/09 None

2009/10 None

2010/11 None

2011/12 R 1.6 million

2012/13 R10.9 million

2013/14 R23 million

(2) The details of irregular expenditure are outlined below:

· An amount of R1.6 million was spent in 2011/12 and reported as irregular due to services rendered in relation to procurement done in missions abroad without obtaining the minimum number of quotations required, due to the limited number of suppliers that are willing to work on a quotation basis as well as sole service providers. The amounts were analysed and approved for condonment as the services were regular and it was also established that no financial loss was suffered by the department.

· An amount of R10.9 million reported in 2012/13 financial year was due to services rendered in relation to procurement done in missions without obtaining the minimum number of quotations required, due to the limited number of suppliers that are willing to work on a quotation basis as well as sole service providers. The amounts were analysed and approved for condonment as the services were regular and it was also established that no financial loss was suffered by the department.

· An amount of R23 million worth of expenditure was reported in 2013/14 financial year as irregular due to services rendered in relation to procurement done in missions abroad without obtaining the minimum number of quotations required, due to the limited number of suppliers that are willing to work on a quotation basis as well as sole service providers. The amounts were analysed and approved for condonement as the services were regular and it was also established that no financial loss was suffered by the department. Thus the department is working with National Treasury to develop guidelines to address the department's unique environment in relations to foreign procurement, which is not covered within the current procurement framework

(1) (b) Wasteful Expenditure

2008/09 None

2009/10 None

2010/11 None

2011/12 None

2012/13 R1.1 million

2013/14 R23 000

(2) The details of the wasteful expenditure are outlined below:

2012/13 R1.1 million

· Penalty charges for cancellation as per the contractual obligation for accommodation and ground transport services which were unavoidable.

· Final settlement of finance lease and this was a contractual obligation. No disciplinary steps taken as this was a contractual obligation.

· Duplicate payments as per invoices submitted for payment. The amount has been recovered from the service provider concerned.

2013/14 R23 000 (twenty three thousand Rand)

· Penalty charges for cancellation of services as per the contractual obligation. Investigations are underway.

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION NO 117: NWl22E
Mr T Botha [Cope) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:


Whether the dominance of former liberation movements in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has any influence on the participation of independent voices and opposition parties; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the relevant details and (b) room is there for democratic participation within SADC structures? NW122E

QUOTE

REPLY:


7. Within SADC, participation of independent voices and opposition parties is encouraged. This is based on the agreed values, norms and principles as contained in the SADC Treaty, the Strategic Indicative Program of the Organ and the SADC Guidelines and Principles Governing Democratic Elections.

2. The SADC Treaty enjoins Member States to amongst other things apply the following principles and norms.

▪ Article 4 (c) human rights, democracy and the rule of law
▪ Article 5 (b) promote common political values, systems and other shared values which are transmitted through institutions which are democratic, legitimate and effective
▪ Article 5 (c) consolidate, defend and maintain democracy, peace, security and stability

3. Furthermore the Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO), as the implementation framework of the Protocol, emphasises the need for democratic consolidation in the region. It stipulates in its Article 2 (g) promote the development of democratic institutions and practices within the territories of State Parties and encourage the observance of universal human rights as provided in the Charters of the AU and UN respectively.

Reply received: September 2014

QUESTION NO: 112(NW122E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP NO: 1-2014 OF 17 JUNE 2014
Mr D America (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:


(1) What are the details of the official credit cards issued to (a) her and/or (b) her staff;

(2) in respect of each credit card, (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) organogram position of the user, (b) what is the (i) maximum permissible value of each purchase and (ii) total credit limit of the card, (c) what are the details of permissible purchase for which the credit card may be used and (b) may alcoholic beverages be purchased;

(3) in respect of purchase made with each credit card during the period 8 May 2014 and/or thereafter up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) organogram position of the user, (b) what is the (i) value of each purchase made, (ii) what are the details of each item purchase and (ii) for what purpose was each purchase made and (c) were any alcoholic beverages purchased; if so, (i) what are the (aa) details and (bb) value of these purchases and (ii) for what purpose was each purchase made?

NW122E

REPLY:

National Treasury issued a notice amend Section 15.10.3 of the Treasury Regulations with the following additions:

(i) With effect from the 15th November 2013, no department or constitutional institution may obtain a credit or debit card, whether in the name of the institution or any office bearer or official of the department or constitutional institution.

(ii) The accounting officer of the department or constitutional institution must cancel each credit or debit card issued before the 1st December 2013 and valid on that date.

The department has adhered to the National Treasury notice and all the credit cards issued to the principals were cancelled with effect from the 15th November 2013.

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION NO. 111 (NW116E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1-2014 OF 13 FEBRUARY 2014
MR LS NGONYAMA (COPE) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:


(1) With reference to the Western Sahara conflict, why is the African Charter on Human and People's Rights not applied as the key instrument to resolve the dispute?

REPLY:
Quote
(1) Western Sahara is a decolonization issue, driven by a United Nations Processes. Therefore the African Charter on Human and People's Rights cannot be applied as the key instrument to resolve the dispute.

UN General Assembly resolution 34/37 (1979), among other things, describes Morocco's presence in Western Sahara as: a continued occupation". The legal status of Western Sahara in the 4th Committee of UNGA is clear; it is a non-self-governing territory awaiting decolonization through a referendum on self-determination.

Reply received: March 2014

FOR WRITTEN REPLY FOR QUESTION NO. 110 (NW115E) AS APPEARED IN
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY NO.l-2014 OF
13 FEBRUARY 2014

MR LS NGONYAMA (COPE) TO ASKTHE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether she is aware that Morocco has issued exploration licences to two companies (i) France's Total and (ill US explorer Kosmos to hunt oil In Atlantic waters off Western Sahara, if not, why not; if SO,

(2) Whether this represents a serious attempt by Morocco to resolve the conflict; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) Yes.

(2) South Africa continues to urge Morocco to desist from exploiting the resources in the occupied territories of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, if it is not to benefit the people of Western Sahara. The ongoing economic exploitation of the resources of the territory continues to hamper the resolution of the conflict and extends the protracted impasse between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Saharawi Arab Democratic, Republic.

In a legal opinion published in 2002, Hans Correll: UN Under Secretary General for Legal Affairs determined that in non-self-governing territories, like Western Sahara, the administering powers should take into account the interests and benefits of the people of the territories when exploiting the natural resources of this particular region.

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO 79 (NW87E) AS PUBLISHED IM IQP N0.i-2014 OF 17 JUNE 2014
Mrs A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and
Cooperation:

(I) How many (a) international and (b) domestic flights ware undertaken by (i) her and (ii) her predecessors using (aa) aircraft operated by the military, (bb) aircraft chartered by the military or (cc) commercial aircraft during the period 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; in respect of each specified flight, what was the (a)(i) date and (ii) place of (aaa) departure and (bbb) arrival and (b){i) total cost and (ii) breakdown of such costs?

Unquote


REPLY:


1. The Minister bas undertaken 33 international visits and 3 domestic destinations in the period in question(a) No domestic and international flight were undertaken by the Minister with an aircraft operated or chartered by the Military at any time during the period in question(b)(i)(ii). Various visits were undertaken by the Minister using commercial flights and in some instances a country was visited more than once in this period as from 01 April 2013 until 31 May 2014 including domestic travel to 3 provinces (cc)

2. The Minister undertook visits from South Africa to the various destinations for official engagements (a) In total domestic and International visits amounted to R 2 372 571 for the period specified(b)(i). A breakdown of costs and dates is appended as annexes (A and B) (b)(ii).

END


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This section should include additional information especially in the case of ORAL REPLIES, where Members of Parliament has the option to ask 3 / 4 supplementary questions related to the question. This part will not be submitted as part of the reply handed in to Parliament. I.E. not for publication. The discussion section should not exceed 3 pages.

Attached please find here: A breakdown of cost for International and Domestic Flights undertaken by Minister ME Nkoana-Mashabane in the period 1 April 2013 to 31 May 2014

Reply received: July 2014

QUESTION NO 40 (NW46E) AS PUBLISHED IN IQP N0.1-2014 OF 17 JUNE 2014
MR M H WDELINGHUYS PA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COOPERATION:


(1) What is the Government's position with regard to the death sentence imposed on the eight months pregnant Sudanese Christian woman, Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, who was convicted of apostasy and adultery on 11 May 2014?

REPLY:

South Africa welcomes the release of the Sudanese Christian woman, Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, who had been arrested and convicted on charges of adultery and apostasy which are punishable by death in Sub. However, we recall that Sudan's interim constitution is emphatic in its guarantee of the freedom of religion. We further recall that Sudan has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and hence is obligated to protect the right to freedom of religion and belief Thus, South Africa is satisfied with the judicial outcome as per the right of the accused person to appeal her sentence. We call for a speedy and just conclusion regarding Ibrahim's recent re-detention, together with her family, over queries related to her travel documentation.

Reply received: March 2014

QUESTION NO.38 (NW39E) AS APPEARED IN INTERNAL QUAETION PAPER: NA NO. 1-2014 OF 13 FEBRUARY 2014

Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

1. How much does the department is plan to spend on (a) advertising, (b) communication and (c) marketing between 1 January 2014 and 30 April 2014, (i) in total and (ii) a breakdown thereof;

2. What mediums is the department going to used and each in case (b) who is the service provider to be used?

3. What is the main message that the department plans to communicate during this time?

RESPONSE:

1. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation and/or any of its entities has no plan to spend any money on (b) communication and (c) marketing between 1 January and 30 April 2014. It will only spend money on advertising regular posts (recruitment).

In this regard, it has from January to 16 March 2014, it has spend: R 220 132.15

It is projected that by April 30, 2014, DIRCO would have spent: R 18 701.93

2. Newspapers: City Press (Rapport) and Sunday Times

3. None