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 CoOperation, 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:
•
Chairperson
•
Deputy Chairperson
•
Secretary
•
Treasurer
•
Additional Members
Amb W Nhalpo
Amb. M Rakwena
Amb. T Skweyiya
- Amb G Nene
-Amb. J Bardil
- Amb F Land
-Amb M Moopeloa
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
List of Ambassadors
Designation
Ambassador
Ambassador
1
2
Initials & Surname
Abba Omar Y
Chikane M
3
4
5
Chiliza TH
Coovadia I
Crewe-Brown L
Ambassador
Ambassador
High Commissioner
6
De Swart I
Ambassador
7
Dietrichsen PR
Ambassador
8
Dr Kekana I
Ambassador
9
Funde E
Ambassador
10
Gantso
Ambassador
11
Jacobs D
Ambassador
12
Janse van Rensburg JG
Ambassador
13
January-Bardill N
Ambassador
14
January-McLean T
Ambassador
15
Khasu MJ
Ambassador
16
Kilian J
Ambassador
17
18
Kotane J
Kotane SS
Ambassador
Ambassador
19
Kubheka TMN
Ambassador
20
21
Land F
Lujabe-Rankoe T
Ambassador
Ambassador
22
Mabude NI
High Commissioner
23
24
25
Mabuza L
Magugu Z
Manley AL
Ambassador
Ambassador
Ambassador
26
Maqetuka M
Ambassador
27
Matabane
Ambassador
28
Mathoma TP
Ambassador
29
Mavimbela DJ
Ambassador
30
Mazibuko-skweyiya
Ambassador
31
Mbatha KZ
Ambassador
32
33
Mdlalose F
Meyer DN
Ambassador
Ambassador
34
Mfenyana S
Ambassador
35
36
Mngqikana LMS
Modise BIL
Ambassador
Ambassador
37
Moloi S
Ambassador
38
Mongalo ALCK
Ambassador
39
Moolla M
Ambassador
40
41
Moopela
Msimang
Ambassador
Ambassador
42
Nene SG
Ambassador
43
Ngakane LD
Ambassador
44
Ngubane BS
Ambassador
45
46
Nhlapo WAW
Olivier GC
Ambassador
Ambassador
47
48
49
50
Pekane LST
Phologane
Pitso J
Rakwena M
Ambassador
Ambassador
Ambassador
Ambassador
51
Roux JP
Ambassador
52
Saloojee YM
Ambassador
53
Schoombie N
Ambassador
54
Shaik M
Ambassador
55
Sigwela EM
Ambassador
56
Sisulu BR
Ambassador
57
58
Sisulu SM
Skweyiya ZST
Ambassador
Ambassador
59
Tsheole N
Ambassador
60
Visser TG
Ambassador
61
Wheeler TF
Ambassador
62
63
Zazeraj VJ
Zulu VT
Ambassador
Ambassador