Question NW118 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
30 April 2024 - NW118
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) What is the breakdown of the costs for each line item of the Republic’s litigation in the South Africa vs Israel case at the International Court of Justice and (b) from which departmental budgets were the funds sourced?
Reply:
(a) Three government Departments namely, the Presidency, International Relations and Cooperation and Justice and Constitutional Development had legal representation for the ICJ case argued on 11 and 12 January 2024.
I am only able to respond with regard to the Counsel and costs falling under the Department I am responsible for.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development briefed three legal practitioners / counsel - a senior and 2 juniors who acted on a pro bono basis for the application and hearing on 11 and 12 January 2024.
The costs in respect of travel for:
- Legal team is R277 083.
- Minister is R443 442.
- State Officials is R1025 359, (this includes the VIP Protector who is employed by SAPS, so considered an official)
The total costs for accommodation:
- Legal team is R73 420.
- Minister is R43 999.
- State Officials is R58 115. (this includes the VIP Protector who is employed by SAPS, so considered an official)
Subsistence Allowance for Minister & Officials
- R34 080,42
(b) The above funds were sourced from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.