Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
7 June 2000
The Department of Foreign Affairs has noted with concern misconception and innuendo contained in Die Beeld edition of today, Wednesday 7 June, regarding the possible placement of Ms. Sebina Hlapolosa as Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Corporate Services.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirms that cabinet has in principle approved the appointment of Ms. Sebina Hlapolosa to the post of Deputy Director General within the organisation. However, discussions between Foreign Affairs, Eskom and Ms. Hlapolosa to effect the appointment are still to be finalised. Ms Hlapolosa is thus still in the employ of Eskom at this stage.
As and when she assumes her new responsibility Ms Hlapolosa will among others oversee the implementation and ensure compliance with government’s affirmative action policy within the department.
In this regard, it is critical to remember that affirmative action is government policy and is enshrined in the founding document of the country, the national constitution. The Department of Foreign Affairs will not relent in its efforts to redress the imbalances of the past as reflected in its current demographic profile in terms of race, gender and disability, as part of the general thrust of transformation.
Affirmative action remains an integral part of the broad transformation process of the country. The government, of which the Foreign Affairs Department is an element, has received an overwhelming mandate from the electorate to effect the fundamental transformation of all sectors of South African society.
To this end, the Department of Foreign Affairs will forge ahead with its plans to transform itself at home and abroad in order to reflect government policy and the constitution. In this context six inclusive and representative issue-based transformation task teams have been established within the department to help reposition the department to carry out its transformation mandate. These task teams include representatives of trade unions and staff associations and will present their reports later in the year.
For more information contact Ronnie mamoepa at 082-990-4853