Bisho
The Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, has expressed shock and serious concern over reports of the recent visit by officials of the Embassy of Israel to public institutions within the province, including healthcare facilities and Walter Sisulu University, without the knowledge, consent, or support of the Provincial Government.
Premier Mabuyane has strongly condemned the actions of the Israeli Embassy, stating that they constitute a clear breach of diplomatic protocol and undermine cooperative governance as well as the sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa. “The actions of the Israeli Embassy, in conducting engagements with provincial institutions outside of these established frameworks, constitute a clear breach of diplomatic protocol and undermine cooperative governance as well as the sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa,” said Premier Mabuyane.
The Premier noted that the authority to negotiate cooperation resides with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), and the King has no mandate to interfere in the management of hospitals, including sourcing of foreign assistance. The cooperation between government and international partners should be initiated and managed by DIRCO in conjunction with the National Treasury.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government remains firmly committed to advancing international partnerships that support development, investment, innovation, and service delivery for the benefit of the people of the province. “The conduct of foreign relations is a constitutional competency vested in the national sphere of government. Accordingly, any engagement between foreign diplomatic missions and organs of state must occur through established diplomatic channels and in line with national protocols, in close coordination with both national and provincial authorities,” emphasized Premier Mabuyane.
The Premier emphasized that no external entity has the right to bypass legitimate governmental structures or to engage with public institutions in a manner that meet the standards of good governance and accountability. “The actions of the Israeli Embassy, in conducting engagements with provincial institutions outside of these established frameworks, constitute a clear breach of diplomatic protocol and undermine cooperative governance as well as the sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa,” said Premier Mabuyane.
Premier Mabuyane has directed the MEC for Health to investigate how departmental health officials reportedly accepted donations without following proper channels. The Eastern Cape Provincial Government will engage relevant stakeholders, including national authorities, to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the integrity of government processes, protect public institutions, and prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government said it remains resolute in defending constitutional governance, institutional integrity, and the dignity of the people of the Eastern Cape.
