Minimum Criteria for Candidates nominated for Ambassadorial Appointments by the Department on International Relations and Cooperation

QUOTE

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

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.

UNQUOTE