Government's response to Democratic Alliance parliamentary question

26 March 2012

Government has noted the parliamentary question posed by the Democratic Alliance regarding travelling expenses of government officials to Bloemfontein in December 2011 and January 2012.

Government would like to place on record that it is committed to responding to parliamentary questions as these are an important and necessary tool for Parliament to execute its oversight role as well as for keeping the general public informed about government's programmes and processes in a transparent manner.

In relation to the particular question raised by the DA, government asserts that throughout the year government officials ranging from junior officials up to Directors-General (DGs) and Political Principals are often required to travel around the country to communicate government programmes to various communities and stakeholders. These travels and engagements are aimed at working together with these stakeholders to improve service delivery amongst other things. The engagements also create opportunities for face-to-face interactions to communicate information which enables citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

The ANC Centenary Celebrations in Mangaung earlier this year marked a significant part of the South African history of oppression by a system of apartheid that was declared by the United Nations (UN) a crime against humanity. Government officials who were in Mangaung at the time, attended this historic event that was graced by many African Heads of State, amongst others and were afforded an opportunity to learn more about the history of our country. Government is confident that their Mangaung experience will help shape them into public servants that serve the country with passion and humility.

The Centenary Celebration was not only an ANC event, but also an event of national significance which celebrated unity among the people of South Africa in particular and the world in general, against the evils of apartheid.

For enquiries, please contact:
Jimmy Manyi (Cabinet Spokesperson)
Cell: 082 379 3454

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)

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