Premier

The Western Cape Provincial Government, in accordance with Schedule 4 Part A of the South African Constitution, shares concurrent powers with the national government over ‘Trade’ as well as ‘Regional Planning and Development’, with the goal being of course to advance both, towards ‘securing the well-being of the people [of our province] and the progressive realisation of their constitutional rights’, including the redress of poverty, which is a country wide objective.

The ANC national government’s support of Russia is contrary to the latter outcome as a result of placing key trade agreements, such as African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), at risk. If AGOA were to be withdrawn, it would have a devastating effect on employment in our province, and South Africa.

The USA and the EU remain the most important trading partners to the province. Russia ranks 13^th.

According to Wesgro, the EU is the Western Cape’s largest export partner with a total of R34.57 billion in 2021 which is an increase of 13.24% from the previous year. Foreign direct investment (FDI) from the EU has created more than 4 800 jobs in the last 10 years.

 Crucially, the EU has also invested more than R10 billion in renewable energy projects which have become more important as the energy crisis in South Africa worsens.

The USA is the largest export market for South African goods and services as well as being the top investor in the Western Cape in terms of FDI. Of the 68 FDI projects brought to the Western Cape, 82% are new investments creating more than 4 300 jobs. Exports to the USA increased by 54.14% from R11 billion in 2020 to R16.96 billion in 2021.

 In contrast, exports to Russia accounted for just R3.7 billion in 2022. Exports between the Western Cape and the USA and the EU are 4.5 and 9.3 times greater than with Russia. 

1.  if not, under whose mandate and policy were the Premier’s utterances made; if so, (a) what are the relevant details

See above.

and (b) what are the powers and mandate of the LEAP officers in so far as the arrest of President Putin and/or any other international dignitary is concerned;

LEAP officers are Law Enforcement Officers, and designated Peace Officers. They have affected over 15 000 arrests to date.

2. whether the Premier has attended any diplomatic events in the last six months, if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) whether the conflict between Ukraine and Russia arose in any discussions at these events?

(228)

b) whether the conflict between Ukraine and Russia arose in any discussions at these events?

The relevant topic of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine was discussed at the meeting with the EU parliamentarian delegate on the 5^th of April 2023. The discussion was centred around the consequences of the conflict and the impact it had on the cost of fuel, energy, and inflation of food prices.

Each of these aspects has a direct impact on the lives of the residents of the Western Cape. In particular, the most vulnerable and poor residents have been disproportionally affected by the rising cost of living due to the conflict in the Ukraine.