Statement by the Presidency on Further Media Queries with regard to the Visit of the Deputy President to Abu Dhabi

In response to further media queries pertaining to the visit of the Deputy President to Abu Dhabi The Presidency would like to put the following on record:

1. With regard to the movement of the President and Deputy President, security considerations are determined in terms of government's Security Manual and the Risk Management System, both passed by Cabinet. In terms of these, their movement remains at all times a security matter and their physical security a permanent responsibility, rather than a benefit.

2. The movement of the President and Deputy President is the responsibility of both The Presidency and the SAPS and the President and Deputy President do not themselves decide on the manner or modalities of movement. These decisions are routinely taken by representatives from the responsible offices.

3. In respect of the visit of the Deputy President to Abu Dhabi, the responsible officials made the required determinations.

4. In terms of Cabinet resolution, the SANDF provides air transport to the President and Deputy President on request of The Presidency.

Issued by The Presidency

For further information contact Mr Murphy Morobe: 082 463 9334