SA has saved millions of rand by closing 10 diplomatic missions across the world.
International relations and co-operation minister Naledi Pandor said in reply to a parliamentary question that the missions were closed last year.
They were the SA representative office in Minsk (Belarus), embassies in the Holy See (The Vatican), Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), Helsinki (Finland), Muscat (Oman), Bucharest (Romania), and Lima (Peru), the consulates-general in Chicago (US) and Milan (Italy), and the high commission in Suva (Fiji).
Pandor said the expected savings for 2022/2023 was more than R161m.
“The process of closure of these diplomatic missions included political engagements with the host countries as well as official diplomatic communication and facilitation of the change of diplomatic and civic, immigration and consular accreditation to new non-resident countries.
“Formal requests for non-residential accreditation and concurrence were submitted to 25 countries and organisations, which all have their own internal processes and procedures pertaining to accreditation. The finalisation of non-residential accreditation of seven countries is still in process.”
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
SA saves millions on closure of 10 diplomatic missions abroad
Image: EDUARDO MUNOZ
SA has saved millions of rand by closing 10 diplomatic missions across the world.
International relations and co-operation minister Naledi Pandor said in reply to a parliamentary question that the missions were closed last year.
They were the SA representative office in Minsk (Belarus), embassies in the Holy See (The Vatican), Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), Helsinki (Finland), Muscat (Oman), Bucharest (Romania), and Lima (Peru), the consulates-general in Chicago (US) and Milan (Italy), and the high commission in Suva (Fiji).
Pandor said the expected savings for 2022/2023 was more than R161m.
“The process of closure of these diplomatic missions included political engagements with the host countries as well as official diplomatic communication and facilitation of the change of diplomatic and civic, immigration and consular accreditation to new non-resident countries.
“Formal requests for non-residential accreditation and concurrence were submitted to 25 countries and organisations, which all have their own internal processes and procedures pertaining to accreditation. The finalisation of non-residential accreditation of seven countries is still in process.”
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
MORE:
LISTEN | Forget R50m, Dirco planning to give R350m to Cuba: AfriForum
'You will not be drunk in foreign streets': Pandor lectures SA diplomats
SA diplomat who left luxury apartment in Vienna in tatters should pay R700k bill, says DA
It’s Rodeo Drive or bust for 'uncouth' LA consul-general Thandile Sunduza
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos