The Strategic Plan doc covers the strategic thrust of the work of the Department in the 2008 – 2011 MTEF
Our work continues to be guided by the decision, priorities and policy guidelines emanating from the January Cabinet Lekgotla and the State of the Nation Address
The Strategic Plan document has thus been developed guided by the amended Chapter 5 of the Treasury Regulations in terms of Section 76 of the PFMA
Political guidance given by the Minister and Deputy Ministers has been invaluable in the development of the Plan
STRATEGIC THRUST OF DFA FOR 2008 - 2011
STRATEGIC THRUST OF DFA FOR 2008 - 2011
The work of the DFA remains anchored on the following overarching priorities
This work is supported by the following activities
Organisational Strengthening
Organisational Support
Rendering of Professional Services
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Consolidation of the African Agenda
SA’s work will continue to focus on the strengthening of African institutions both at regional and Continental level
AU and its structures
Implementation of NEPAD
Strengthening of SADC
Contribution to Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD)
Contribute towards peace, security and stability in Africa
Strengthen Bilateral Relations with all African countries
Support the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Consolidation of the African Agenda
On the strengthening of the AU and its structures- we will continue with efforts aimed at
Harmonisation and rationalisation of RECS
Consolidate support to PAP
Construction of the Building set to start in the current financial year
Need to also engage in evolving debate on the eventual role of PAP ( Advisory – legislative)
Operationalisation of AU Financial Institutions and African Courts
Engagement of the African Diaspora
SA to host Summit in October 08
Strengthen AU-EU Relations
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Support the implementation of NEPAD
Co-ordination internally in SA
Manage the African Renaissance Fund
Continue to advocate for the mobilisation of continental resources
SADC
SA is taking over as Chair of SADC in August 2008
This presents both opportunities and challenges as the region faces unique challenges as it advances regional integration
It is clear that we have to focus on strengthening bilateral ties with each SADC country as a pre-requisite for the success of our efforts
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Consolidation of the African Agenda
SADC
At a strategic level, SA has a vested interest in a successful integration agenda in the region
Individual SADC member states have to confront a variety of challenges largely imposed by their objective economic situations which are currently impacting negatively on the need for singularity of purpose and action to advance regional development
We also have a SADC that has residual areas of instability that require careful management as we move forward
By far - the most immediate challenges are to engage and redirect the Integration agenda so that it truly advances regional development and
Encourage peace and stability in the region
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Consolidation of the African Agenda
SADC
Focus of SA’s Chairship will thus be to contribute to the strengthening of SADC both in terms of capacity and implementation of its programmes
The current integration debate coupled with the developments around the EU-EPA negotiations will also be a key area of focus
Elections will also take place in several SADC countries in the MTSF – with Angola and Zimbabwe set to have their elections in 2008
SA will send its observers to these elections as part of the SADC contingent
Strengthen South South Co-operation
Strengthen South South Co-operation
Our work in this area will focus on the strengthening of SA’s engagement in multilateral organisations of the South such as the G-77 and China, and NAM
We will also engage with other south-south groupings such as IBSA, NAASP, IOR, FOCAC, and Africa-South America Forum
The growing interest amongst emerging developing countries to have structured engagements with the African continent has resulted to the formation of the Africa- India Forum – which will be inaugurated in April 2008 in New Delhi, India
Strengthen South South Co-operation
Strengthen South South Co-operation
More on IBSA
SA hosted 2nd IBSA Summit last October and will host a Ministerial Meeting in March 08 in preparation for the 3rd Summit to be hosted by India later this year
SA’s engagement with the North is largely informed by the
imperative of advancing the African Agenda as well as broader
development interest of the South
G-8
TICAD
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Participate in the Global System of Governance
SA’s engagement in the global system of Governance will continue to cover the political, economic and social spheres of our work
Whilst our engagement as non-permanent member of the UNSC will lapse at the end of 2008
We will continue to advance our engagements in other key areas of UN work
One of the key areas will be advancing the reform of the UN
Another key issue that is proving highly topical in multilateral debates especially due to its cross cutting nature and impact is Climate Change
Govt is seized with the matter and necessary co-ordination with key Departments is done through the IRPS Cluster
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Briefly on SA’s focus in the 2nd year of UNSC seat
We will build on the achievements of 2007 which include inter alia:-
Leadership on African and thematic issues (Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire and the DRC)
Revitalisation of the debate on Chapter VIII institutions and the Council and the need for closer co-operation between the AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council
SA co-leadership of the Security Council Mission to Africa 2007
Focus on women in peace and security; small arms and light weapons
Promoted African perspectives on Security Sector Reform
Leadership on Timor-Leste
Active engagement in UNSC subsidiary bodies: e.g. Counter-Terrorism Committee and 1540 Committee on weapons of mass destruction and non-State actors
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Participate in the Global System of Governance
UNSC seat – 2008
Particular focus will be
To further advance the theme of enhancing co-operation between the United Nations and regional organisations in particular the AU
We will also continue to advocate for more transparent and democratic working methods and procedures in the UNSC
We are also continuously conscious of the setbacks we experienced in our first year – particularly the negative media coverage over SA’s positions (Myanmar, Iran, listing of South Africans on UNSC terror list)
A communications strategy has now been developed to address this challenge
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Key Substance Issues in 2008
Kosovo
Visit by Counter-Terrorism Committee’s expert support structure to South Africa (mid-2008)
Renewal of 1540 mandate
Iran; Middle East; Lebanon/Syria
DRC; Sudan; Western Sahara
Disarmament, Non-Proliferation & Arms Control
Disarmament, Non-Proliferation & Arms Control
Active role in disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control in relation to both WMD and conventional weapons
Promote and support non-proliferation of WMD, whilst guarding against controls becoming a means to deny countries access to advanced technologies
Active engagement in fora (IAEA; UNSC) dealing with situations of concern, including Iran and the DPRK
Promote principled positions on the inalienable right of all States to pursue advanced technologies for peaceful purposes; need to preserve the credibility of the relevant multilateral institutions (IAEA) and the UNSC; pursue peaceful, negotiated solutions to address security concerns
Middle East Peace Process
Middle East Peace Process
South African profile increased over the last year as witnessed in:
Hosting of the UN Africa Meeting on the Question of Palestine - May 2007
US invitation to attend the Annapolis Peace Conference November 2007
French invitation to attend the Paris Donors’ Conference in aid of Palestinian reconstruction and development – December 2007
Hosting of PNA caretaker Foreign Minister and Palestinian Ambassadors serving in Africa- scheduled for April 2008
Moving Forward
South Africa will remain involved in capacity and institution building in Palestine (On a bilateral basis as well as through the IBSA and NAASP forums)
DFA maintains that Palestinian unity is a pre-requisite for progress in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. Will engage with Hamas/Fatah based on the principals of the Spier process
South Africa will maintain pressure for Annapolis Process follow up Conference in Russia to take place and for the Israel-Syria negotiation track to be opened
Strengthen Political and Economic Relations
Strengthen Political and Economic Relations
Focus of SA’s bilateral engagements has traditionally been on the consolidation of political relations
With bilateral political relations largely solidified
Key challenge is to leverage SA’s extensive global diplomatic reach & international political standing to advance the country’s economic interests
The focus during the MTSF will be on strengthening of economic diplomacy in order to respond the government's priority of growing the economy to address our socio-economic challenges
Bilateral relations with partners both in developed and developing countries will continue to be utilised to identify opportunities for strengthening on co-operation
Strengthen Political and Economic Relations
Strengthen Political and Economic Relations
In order to advance this objective - it was imperative to harness our efforts across all spheres of govt
A co-ordination mechanism has now been established – which will pool our international engagement efforts in order to leverage resources better
We have also developed a marketing strategy framework which amongst others seeks to improve the projection of SA abroad
China has been identified as a first test case for country wide co-ordination of SA’s international work
Strengthen Political and Economic Relations
Strengthen Political and Economic Relations
With the engagement with China, three events have been chosen:-
2008 Celebrations of 10 years of SA-China diplomatic relations
2010 Shanghai World Expo
Partnership for Growth and Development (led by dti)
Strengthen Political and Economic Relations
Strengthen Political and Economic Relations
China - 2008 Celebrations of 10 years of SA-China diplomatic relations
Three phased approach
Phase I : SA Weeks 07 to 29 April 2008
Cultural events in 4 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou) ; Political Seminars; Celebrations of the South African National Day,
Phase II : SA participation in Beijing Olympics during August 2008
Hosting of SA hospitality suite branded eKhaya, at one of the main venues (led by Sports and Recreation)
eKhaya will serve to promote SA and sustain the momentum of the Celebrations
Phase III : October – November 2008
The final phase will take place in October to early November 2008 during President Mbeki’s State Visit
The President’s State Visit will coincide with Trade Expos, to be held in Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai
Strengthen Political and Economic Relations
Strengthen Political and Economic Relations
Overall the focus of our bilateral engagements is on strengthening of political relations
We will use the infrastructure of our Missions in every region
In Africa (46 Missions in 43 countries)
In Asia (18 Missions in 14 countries)
In the Middle East (12 Missions in 10 countries)
In Europe (26 Missions in 22 countries)
In the Americas (17 Missions in 10 countries)
We will also engage with representatives of these countries in SA
The approved MTEF budget allocations for the department is as follow:
2008/09 R4 340 708 billion
2009/10 R5 162 615 billion
2010/11 R4 983 406 billion
2008 MTEF ALLOCATIONS
2008 MTEF ALLOCATIONS
The non granting of the requested amount by National Treasury will impact on the Department’s ability to achieve its priority objective of strengthening and expand our representation in Asia and Africa
Furthermore R100 million was requested because the department has over the years experienced significant expansion especially between the years 1994 and 2001. Consequently cabinet approved in 2001 an organisational structure reflective of the capacity needed to discharge on the department’s mandate. The department has carefully analysed its baseline and realised that given the ongoing filling of vacant posts, the operational budget is insufficient to support the current establishment
PROPERTY AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
PROPERTY AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
The Department operates both in South Africa and in 105 countries and 121 diplomatic missions abroad
The geographic spread and inherent complexities place high demands on the Department to provide accommodation, facilities, goods and services to enable staff to function optimally
Two Chief Directorates were created to manage the processes around accommodation, facilities and the provision of goods and services:
The Chief Directorate: Property and Facilities Management deals
with all aspects relating to property management.
The Chief Directorate: Supply Chain Management manages the
sourcing and provisioning of goods and services and the
management and safekeeping of these goods and services
PROPERTY AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
PROPERTY AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Key focus areas of the Asset Management Plan
New Head Office
Department had obtained approval to construct HO under PPP
Construction of the new Head Office commenced in September 2007 under an early works contract
PPP contract negotiations are in the final stages
TA III approval is expected at end of March 2008
Construction will be completed in March 2009
The facility will be occupied by the Department in March 2009
ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN
ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN
Challenges facing the Department with new HQ project
Numerous issues raised by Treasury in December 2007 that impacted on finalisation of the PPP agreement
The securing of adequate funding to continue with the early works until TA III approval and financial close is achieved
For missions abroad three types of accommodation are provided:
Chanceries or office accommodation
Official Residences for Heads of Missions
Staff housing for all other transferred officials
The majority of these properties are currently rented
Current rental costs are considerably high and are expected to increase significantly in the future
A strategy was approved to methodically purchase properties abroad
ASSET MANAGEMENT
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Focus of the property acquisition strategy
P5 (UN Security Council), G8
Cities where multilateral organisations are located
SADC and other strategic partners
Strategic partners, e.g. IBSA
In 2008/09 properties will be acquired in India, Kenya, USA and Japan.
Refer to page 55 of the Strategic Plan for more details
For details of acquisitions in 2009/10 and 2010/11 refer to pages 57 and 59 of the Strategic Plan
ASSET MANAGEMENT
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Maintenance of State-owned properties
More resources have been allocated to address maintenance of state owned properties abroad.
Refer to page 55 of the Strategic Plan for details
Asset Disposals
The Department of Public Works is authorised to dispose off State-owned properties abroad
The following properties were identified for disposal in 2008/09
Chancery and official residence -Germany, Bonn, Official residence –Switzerland, Zurich, Official residence Brazil, Sao Paulo, Staff housing - Namibia, Windhoek and Walvis Bay, Parking bay - France, Paris
These properties were handed over to DPW for disposal
- Project plan developed and discussed with National Treasury
Asset Categories to be valuated
- Phase 1 (2008/2009): Land and Buildings, Motor Vehicles, Paintings, Sculptures, Oriental Carpets, and any other
works of Art
Phase 2 and 3: (2009/2011): Computer Hardware, Furniture and Equipment (Office and Domestic), Audio Visual Equipment, Gardening Equipment, and other Equipment
Valuation will be conducted according to regions in the following sequence:
2008/2009: Head Office together with Europe and Americas
2009/2010: Asia and Middle East
2010/2011: Africa
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY PLAN
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY PLAN
The focus of the Department for 2008 -2011 will be:
Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
Windows 2003 Advance Server
Business Process Management (BPM)
- CMS
- Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges (DIAP) system
Business Intelligence (BI)
Modernise DFA’s Information Technology
(Refer to page 64 - 65 of the Strat Plan document)
CONSULAR SERVICES
CONSULAR SERVICES
Priority areas in the next 3 years
To launch and roll-out the Consular Management System (CMS) to missions with VoIP;
To launch the ROSA (Registration of South Africans Abroad) application as well as to market and promote the usage of ROSA by citizens travelling abroad;
Establish and operationalise the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to deal with emergencies, involving SA citizens abroad;
Continue to provide Consular Services to SA citizens; and
Accredit the Consular Training to SAQA standards
SECURITY
SECURITY
Continue to vet all departmental officials during the MTEF period
Ensure the security of people, information and assets/facilities of the department
Roll out of a security awareness programme to all departmental officials (MISS)
REORGANISATION OF BRANCH HCM
REORGANISATION OF BRANCH HCM
Expanding work of the Department
Increasing International demands
Increasing numbers in the Department +/- 5 200 employees (including Locally Recruited Personnel in Missions)
Increased scope of Training and Development
In order to meet the above-mentioned challenges, the Branch: HCM was split into Branches namely, Human Resources; and Training and Research
People Management
People Management
Effective and efficient processes
Building Human Resource Capacity
Establishment as at 31 December 2007
Establishment as at 31 December 2007
Head Office and Missions
Representivity: Employment Equity Table
Representivity: Employment Equity Table
Employment Equity & Organisational Culture
Employment Equity & Organisational Culture
Implement and monitor the Employment Equity plan
Share the survey results in Missions, for both transferred employees and the Locally Recruited Personnel.
Develop and implement interventions to enhance the organisational culture of the Department. (Head Office and Missions)
Facilitate the implementation of the Departmental Service Delivery improvement Plan
Talent Management
Talent Management
Develop and implement the DFA HR Capacity Building project
Flexible organisational arrangements e.g. specialised Units
Succession plan
Strategic Language Development Plan
Implement the career management framework and establish a web-based Career Centre
Design and implement the career paths for the first 5 years in DFA e.g. Cadets and Line function new entrants.
Implement the pre and after posting debriefing sessions for families
Improve processes and programmes to intensify support to transferred employees and their spouses
Implement an on-line health and wellness programme called e-Care system
Implement the results of the HIV and AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) survey
TRAINING AND RESEARCH BRANCH
TRAINING AND RESEARCH BRANCH
Two Chief Directorates – FSI and PRAU are in process of being reconstituted into a single Branch
Proposed new name - Diplomatic Academy
TRAINING AND RESEARCH BRANCH
TRAINING AND RESEARCH BRANCH
The Branch will pursue the following two main objectives:
Train and develop employees of the DFA to contribute to Government’s priority programmes and to contribute to the enhancement of individual and organisational programmes; and
To conduct research and analysis on issues pertaining to South Africa’s foreign policy
These objectives are underpinned by the following strategic priorities for the next three years:
Training and Development of competent diplomats;
Research and Analysis on issues pertaining to South Africa’s foreign policy;
Networking and Partnership with relevant stakeholders;
Capacity Building and Development for SADC and the AU; and
Retain intellectual capacity and develop mentoring and coaching mechanisms
Internal Audit
Internal Audit
Our work in the Dept is supported by a strong internal audit system
Our Internal Audit Unit assists with facilitating Risk Assessment
This work is supported by a very committed Audit Committee which plays a very critical monitoring and evaluation role in ensuring full compliance to the PFMA and other related performance obligations and requirements
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
As indicated in pages 50-52 – The Department has also developed a Service Delivery Improvement Plan for 2008/9 which is meant to address implementation issues as we advance our work
This presentation only lifted some key issues of our work and could not cover everything in the time allocated
The DFA Team that has accompanied me will also be available to assist in responding to questions
