SA closes 10 diplomatic missions and saves a bundle, Pandor says
International relations minister Naledi Pandor says the missions were closed in 2021
19 May 2022 - 13:04
byNivashni Nair
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International relations and co-operation minister Naledi Pandor. File picture: 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 in 2021.
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 saving 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.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
SA closes 10 diplomatic missions and saves a bundle, Pandor says
International relations minister Naledi Pandor says the missions were closed in 2021
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 in 2021.
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 saving 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.”
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