South Africa’s Parliament wants tougher action against countries that fail to repay money owed to the country.
The Standing Committee on Appropriations raised the issue during a meeting with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Parliament said diplomatic relationships should not prevent South Africa from recovering outstanding debts.
The committee also questioned DIRCO’s ability to recover money owed by foreign governments.
Parliament Questions DIRCO Over Unpaid Foreign Debts
DIRCO could not provide details about the countries that owe South Africa money.
The department cited confidentiality and sensitivity when explaining its decision.
However, lawmakers expressed concern about the lack of specific information.
They argued that DIRCO must account for public funds allocated to its operations.
The department receives R7.2 billion from the South African government.
Therefore, the committee believes it should know which countries owe money.
It also wants details about the amounts recovered from those outstanding debts.
Committee chairperson Mmusi Maimane said several debts had remained unpaid for years.
He questioned why previous diplomatic efforts had failed to resolve the problem.
“We cannot be naive; we are operating in a volatile and often unpredictable geopolitical climate. Tensions are escalating in various regions, and global realignment is taking place,” Maimane said.
The committee therefore wants DIRCO to develop stronger measures against persistent defaulters.
It believes diplomatic engagement must also support South Africa’s financial interests.
Zimbabwe’s SAA Debt Raises Further Concerns
The committee also highlighted a separate debt involving South African Airways (SAA).
Zimbabwe reportedly owes SAA approximately R1 billion in unpaid ticket-sale revenue.
The debt relates to flights operating to and from Zimbabwe.
Maimane said the committee wanted answers after the issue remained unresolved for an extended period.
He said lawmakers had therefore asked DIRCO to investigate the matter.
The committee also wants to know whether diplomatic intervention can finally recover the money.
“South African Airways is not operating profitably and is incapable of meeting some of its obligations, yet it is owed much-needed revenue by a neighbouring country. We should be discussing the fact that DIRCO facilitated commitments for this money to be repaid. Sadly, this has not happened,” he said.
Maimane stressed that SAA needs the outstanding revenue because of its financial difficulties.
The committee consequently called for stronger cooperation between DIRCO and the Department of Transport.
“We will continue to pursue this matter, with DIRCO assisting the Department of Transport in recovering unpaid revenue for SAA. SAA cannot be denied funds owed to it for the sake of diplomatic relations while it is in financial difficulty,” Maimane said.
Parliament now expects DIRCO to help establish a clearer recovery process.
The committee wants diplomatic relationships to coexist with firm action on unpaid debts.
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