Total Cost for the Functions during the Budget Vote 2008 of the Department of Foreign Affairs 

QUOTE

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 1142

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 20 OF 27 JUNE 2008

MR AJ LEON (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

(1) Whether any function was organised to mark the occasion of the delivery of her budget vote in 2008; if so, (a) what total amount was spent on this function, (b) from which budget was the money allocated, (c) what amount was spent on (i) food and refreshments, (ii) venue, (iii) entertainment, (iv) staff and (v) transport and (d) how many persons were invited to attend this function?   

REPLY:

1. Yes:    

Two events were held to mark the occasion of the delivery of the Minister’s Budget vote in 2008. Both events were aimed at providing a platform for the Minister to engage with various audiences on issues raised in the speech to promote an understanding of South Africa’s foreign policy and the Department’s work at large. The first event was a dinner which the Minister hosted on the day after delivering her speech on 13 May 2008. It was held at the Parliament’s Old Assembly Dining Hall where Members of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs, DFA Senior Management, Academics and Civil Society were in attendance.

The second event was a Live Televised Breakfast Discussion hosted by the Minister on SABC Africa’s 180 Degrees Current Affairs show. This event allowed the Minister to explain issues raised in the speech and South Africa’s position on various issues. Guests invited included Members of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs, DFA Senior Management, Academics, Civil Society, Tertiary and High School Students. This event was aimed at reaching a wider audience (the general South African populace and beyond) on issues they are not ordinarily exposed to. The Live broadcast show allowed the Department to reach audiences even beyond South African borders.

Question A

The events were held at Parliament’s Old Assembly Dining Hall and The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) a total amount of R109 140.60 was spent on both events.

Question B

The money was allocated from 2008/09 Budget from Directorate Marketing within Chief Directorate: Public Diplomacy.

Question C

1. Food and Refreshments = R 92 640.60 (Both events)

2. Venue = included in the amount referred to in (i)

3. Entertainment = R16 500.00

4. Support Staff = 15 officials (11 Public Diplomacy and 4 Protocol)

Public Diplomacy R48 570.00 (S&T and Accommodation)
Protocol R18 825.00 (S&T and Accommodation)
Total = R67 395.00

1. Transport = R74 874.80 (Air and Ground)

Question D

Hundred and forty people were invited to attend the function. This number included Members of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs, Academics, Civil Society, Department of Foreign Affair’s Senior Management, Tertiary and High School Students.

UNQUOTE