Information on the South African Association of Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives which was launched on 16 July 2015

QUOTE

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 2880 (NW3353E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER OF 07 AUGUST 2015

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

(1) With reference to the launch of the South African Association of Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives on 16 July 2015,

(a) what are the names and
(b) current designations or former positions of each member of the association;

(2) What selection process did the members of the association have to undergo in order to gain membership to the association;

(3) Are any of the members of the abovementioned association receiving

(a) remuneration or
(b) benefits for their

(i) membership in,
(ii) affiliation to or
(iii) attendance of meetings related to the association; if so, how much is the specified remuneration;

(4) What is the association’s

(a) mandate and
(b) scope of interaction with regard to advising her department?

REPLY:

(1) (a) Please find enclosed (Annexure A) the list of South African Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives who participated at the founding meeting that was held from 15-16 July 2005.

(b) Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives

(2) Membership is open to former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives who are retired from public

(3) (a) No

(b) (i) No; (ii) No; (iii) No. However, it should be noted that on some occasions when specialist knowledge or institutional memory is required, the Department has, and will continue to, call upon former Ambassadors to assist on a particular issue, whether they are members of the Association or not. On such occasions, the normal consultancy rates are used for remuneration and the necessary assistance is provided to have these specialists participate in the requested role at DIRCO.

(4) (a) The main objective is to create a platform for former Heads of Missions to network and serve as a resource to the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation, and other government departments that have international relations responsibilities; to work with the provinces, especially the offices of the Premiers through their provincial officials, as well as local governments regarding relationships with their counterparts in foreign countries.

It will further offer its members’ diverse, extensive experience and institutional memory to key and relevant stakeholders and partners to promote awareness of, stimulate discussion and deepen the understanding of international relations and diplomacy, and support the institutions responsible for implementing South Africa’s foreign policy.

It will also create opportunities to exchange views with experts, academics, scholars of international relations sand other with an interest in diplomacy and foreign policy.

It is hope that is will also mentor young diplomats to achieve best practice in the execution of their roles and responsibilities.

(5) (b) The association is an independent non-profit organisation.

UNQUOTE


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FOUNDING DOCUMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN AMBASSADORS, HIGH COMMISSIONERS AND CHIEF REPRESENTATIVES

1. BACKGROUND

Many countries have established entities to tap into the institutional knowledge of their previous high-ranking diplomats and envoys after they have left specific posts and government service. The establishment of such a body in South Africa is a ground-breaking development that will enhance and uplift the country’s status internationally.  It will put South Africa on a par with others and help towards raising awareness and understanding of the complex issues confronting the practice of international relations and diplomacy.  In doing so it will draw on members’ diverse expertise, experience and institutional memory to enrich the formulation of foreign policy and underscore the country’s efforts to be a respectable member in the family of nations.

2. VISION

To contribute to the pursuit of South Africa’s national interest to achieve a prosperous, united, non-racist, non-sexist, democratic and peaceful South Africa and Africa, and for a just and better world.

3. MISSION

The Association seeks to maximize usage of its resources regarding the conduct of its foreign relations and the broad attainment of South Africa’s interests and foreign policy objectives. 

4. OBJECTIVES:

The main objective is to create a platform for former Heads of Missions to network and serve as a resource to:

• Have a constructive relationship with the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation, and other government departments that have international relations responsibilities; to work with the provinces, especially the offices of the Premiers through their provincial officials, as well as local governments regarding relationships with their counterparts in foreign countries.
  
  
• Offer its members’ diverse, extensive experience and institutional memory to key and relevant stakeholders and partners  to promote awareness of, stimulate discussion and deepen the understanding of international relations and diplomacy,  and support the institutions responsible for implementing South Africa’s foreign policy.
  
  
• Provide assistance to the Presidency, for example, by serving as Special Envoys.
  
  
• Create opportunities to exchange views with experts, academics, scholars of international relations sand other with an interest in diplomacy and foreign policy.
  
  
• Analyse global, regional and bilateral political, economic, peace and security, social and cultural trends in foreign relations and diplomacy.
  
  
• Mentor young diplomats to achieve best practice in the execution of their roles and responsibilities.
  
  
• Foster relations with relevant South African, regional and international organizations.

5. VALUES

Patriotism
Loyalty
Integrity
Professionalism

6. PROGRAMMES

The Association will fulfil its mission through programmes designed to educate, inform and interact with the public about key foreign policy issues affecting the national interest. Such programmes will include but not be limited to:

• Conferences, ambassadors’ fora and other means of public interaction around the country to enhance the public understanding of international issues affecting the national interest;
  
  
• Mentorships that foster and develop young students, particularly in international relations;
  
  
• An orientation programme for Heads of Mission;
  
  
• Availing its members to support the Presidency including, for example to serve as Special Envoys or support staff;
  
  
• Providing its membership and associates with information so they can fulfil the Association’s mandate.

7. FUNDING

The Association is a non-profit organization funded by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and other sources.

8. STRUCTURE

The Association is led by an Executive Committee to be elected by its members on a simple majority and by a show of hands for periods of two years.

The Executive Committee consists of a Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, plus three additional committee members elected for periods of two years.

The Executive Committee is further mandated to bring about appropriate administrative and support structures within the necessary and appropriate legal framework.

The association elected the following as an Executive:

9. MEMBERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Membership is open to former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives who are retired from public service and who meet its criteria and annual fee requirements, which will also be applied to any associate membership that may be established.

10. SYMBOLS.

The Association will make use of a symbol and logo for identification.

Annexure A

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