International Relations Committee Raises Concern Over Ambassador Sizani’s Absence
The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has expressed serious concern about the absence of His Excellency Ambassador Stone Sizani from a recent oversight session in Brussels, where no apology was given for his nonattendance.
This session formed part of the committee’s first-ever week-long oversight mission in Europe, during which it engaged with European High Commissions. The committee views Ambassador Sizani's absence as a lost chance to constructively interact with Parliament and explain how his work in Germany supports South Africa's foreign policy goals, especially in tackling key socio-economic issues and promoting redress.
Previous Instances of Limited Cooperation
This is not the first time the committee has encountered limited cooperation from Ambassador Sizani. In October 2023, during an oversight visit to Germany aimed at assessing two vacant state-owned properties in Bonn, the Ambassador again failed to attend and did not provide a formal apology for his absence.
Commitment to Oversight and Accountability
The committee reaffirms its commitment to its constitutional duty of oversight, ensuring accountability in South Africa’s foreign policy execution.
The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has expressed its grave concern over the nonattendance of His Excellency Ambassador Stone Sizani with no apology to the committee’s oversight session.
The committee considers this a missed opportunity for Ambassador Sizani to engage constructively with Parliament and to provide an account of how his work in Germany contributes to advancing South Africa’s foreign policy objectives.
Author's summary: The repeated absence of Ambassador Sizani from key oversight sessions undermines parliamentary accountability and oversight in managing South Africa's foreign relations in Europe.