Ministerial Handbook - Parliamentary Monitoring Group

ANNEXTURE
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1.5. Arrangements should be made, as far as possible, in such a way that
Ministers/Deputy Ministers are not absent from office for a period of more
than two consecutive Cabinet meetings.
1.6. Ministers and their Deputies should as far as possible, not be abroad at the
same time.
1.7. The absolute minimum number of officials should accompany members.
Taking the necessity of financial discipline into account, Members should
exercise their discretion and apply their minds cautiously in determining the
number of officials, and the feasibility of their spouses accompanying them
abroad. South Africa Missions abroad are available, within the constraints of
their capabilities, to render support services to travelling Members, provided
prior notice of the visit is given.
1.8. International telephone calls from hotel rooms are subject to substantial
service charges, such calls should be limited to the minimum and only to
genuinely urgent cases. The facilities at South Africa Missions should, where
practical, be used for official calls.
1.9. The respective Provincial Executive Councils should put the necessary policy
framework in place with regard to official travel abroad, including arrangements
for an Acting Member of Executive Council, contact with the Department of
Foreign Affairs and other matters related to official travel abroad.
2. Security
2.1. Should the President so decide, on the advice of the South African Secret
Service (SASS), specially trained persons will be made available to accompany
Ministers/Deputy Ministers as security staff.
2.2. Security staff may travel in the same class as those whom they are
accompanying for protection and on board, trains and other types of public
transport.
2.3. In cases where travelling Ministers and Deputy Ministers administer a
security/intelligence Department, the Department concerned may provide the
Ministers with security staff.
2.4. Missions abroad should be advised in good time when security staff
accompanies Members in order to facilitate their entry into host countries.
Confidential
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