- DFA filled 429 posts during the reporting period, see next slide
ORGANISATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT
Establishment as at 31 March 2008
Head Office and Missions
ORGANISATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT
ORGANISATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT
Representivity: Employment Equity Table
DIPLOMAT OFFICERS RETURNED DECEMBER 2007
Number due to return December 2007 97
Number returned December 2007 61
Number of whose term was extended 36
Number of replacements identified 40
Replacement not identified 21
MEASURES TO FILL VACANCIES IN MISSIONS
Extensions
Advertisement
Intermission-Transfers.
Re-advertisement of remaining vacancies at end of January 2008
Talent Management
As part of its attraction and retention strategy, the DFA
participated in the following activities:
Employer Branding
DFA featured in journals on 2008 Companies of The Future as an employer of choice and was rated fourth amongst humanities students.
The SABC Career Fairs for Grades 10-12
Visits to institutes of higher learning
Career management and retention of talent.
Commenced with the design and development of a web-based Career Centre.
Consulted widely on the draft Retention Strategy.
Foreign Service Dispensation
Concluded the negotiations on the revision of the Foreign Service Dispensation
Implementation of the new Foreign Service Dispensation
Continued with negotiations for a single medical aid service provider to cover transferred employees.
Performance Management
Reviewed implementation of PMDS for LRP
Continued with training on PMDS to Head Office employees.
Performance Management (cont) Outcomes of PMDS
Employment Equity & Organisational Culture
Employment Equity Plan developed and implemented
Employment Equity measures focused on increasing representation of women at SMS level and people with disabilities
Organisational Culture and Climate survey feedback provided to Head Office
Employee Wellness
Developed and adopted the Employee Health and Wellness strategy.
Implemented the electronic health care system for all employees.
Conducted a survey on employees’ knowledge, attitudes, practices and behaviours (KAPB) on HIV and AIDS. The findings and recommendations informed the reviewed Departmental HIV and AIDS programme
Established the Wellness Committee comprising of different stakeholders within the Department.
Continues to implement programmes aimed at promoting health and wellness e.g. conducted health assessments for Senior Managers.
Labour Relations
Labour Relations Framework was adopted and implemented.
22 out of 34 disciplinary cases finalised
9 disciplinary cases have been finalised since April 2008
There are currently 12 disciplinary cases before the Department (See Table below)
16 out of 21 grievances resolved.
All 5 disputes finalised in favour of the Department, 6 disputes still outstanding.
The former Ambassador in Palestine returned to HO in 2006. Following consultation with him, no disciplinary action was deemed necessary
Labour Relations
Labour Relations
Labour Relations
LEGAL CASES THAT ARE BEFORE THE COURTS
Gangat v Minister of Foreign Affairs: Claim for contractual damages of R2,5 million in the Pretoria High Court for being recalled from Ramallah prematurely;
Sobazile v Minister of Foreign Affairs: Application in the Labour Court regarding promotion and reimbursement of money due in terms thereof;
Ngaki v Minister of Foreign Affairs: Application in the Labour Court regarding promotion and reimbursement of money due in terms thereof;
LEGAL CASES THAT ARE BEFORE THE COURTS
Pitso v Minister of Foreign Affairs: Application in the Labour Court to challenge his discharge from the public service for having absconded;
Minister of Foreign Affairs v Madigage: Application in the Labour Court to take an arbitration award on review;
Von Abo v Government of the RSA: High Court application for diplomatic protection regarding Von Abo’s dispute with the Zimbabwean Government relating to the expropriation of his farms;
LEGAL CASES THAT ARE BEFORE THE COURTS
Nogqala v Minister of Foreign Affairs: Application in the Labour Court to challenge his dismissal after having been found guilty of misconduct;
Holmes v Republic of South Africa: Claim for pension benefits instituted by a locally recruited personnel member in the Labour Court of Santiago against the South African Embassy;
HR: STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2008/9
Effective Organisational arrangements.
Efficient Recruitment, Selection, Placement and Induction processes.
Enabling Career Development and Succession Management.
Capital works projects (Bujumbura, SA House London, Lilongwe)
Fees to International Organisations (AU)
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS
Information Communication Technology (Almost complete deployment)
Head Office Building
Head Office Building
The scope of the project encompasses:
provision of office accommodation for the full Head Office staff complement
together with appropriate staff wellness facilities necessary for the Department of fulfil its mandate
a training facility to replace the present Diplomatic Academy
a conference centre seating 400 delegates to accommodate the many local and international conferences hosted by SA through the Department
the upgrading of the existing diplomatic guest house
the construction of a new guest house on the Soutpansberg site
Department engaged with Preferred Bidder and negotiated the project documentation
Draft documentation was submitted to National Treasury and inputs were received
Head Office Building
It is expected that Treasury Approval 3 and Financial Close will be reached during October 2008
Department entered into Early Works Agreement with contractor in order to fix the construction price, limit government exposure to forex changes and fix the project’s completion date
At the end of the Financial Year, bulk excavations were completed, basements were completed and the superstructure far advanced.
Management of Fixed Assets
Consolidation of all property related activities in newly created CD: Property and Facilities Management
Developed and commenced with implementation of a property acquisition strategy to guide acquisition of properties
Construction of Chanceries and Official Residences continued in (three) countries – Lesotho, Nigeria and Ethiopia
Projects in Design in 6 (six) countries – Mali, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Botswana and Swaziland
Acquired land in Riyadh for Chancery and Official Residence, identified a property in New York and purchased a Chancery in Brussels
Maintained, refurbished and performed minor and major construction works in 5 (five) countries - Zimbabwe, Namibia, Belgium, Brazil (Sao Paulo and Brasilia), Malawi
Management of Fixed Assets (Continued)
Opened missions in 3 (three) countries - Niger (Niamey), Mauritania (Nouakchott) and Guinea Bissau (Bissau)
Valued all land and buildings and updated the Fixed Asset Register. A phased approach to asset management has been progressing since the enactment of the PFMA
During the year under review, the Department continued to improve its progress in relation to Asset Management
The Department developed an Asset Management Strategy which led to a number of initiatives
Based on the Asset Management strategy the Department embarked on a special project with regard to the enhancement of the asset register
This project included finalising the asset management policy and procedures, verifying assets and updating the asset register, and valuing assets that have high value or assets that either retain or increase in value
During the financial year 2007/08 the Department also developed an Asset Management Strategy for the period 2008/9 to 2010/11
The strategy deals in the main with acquisitions and disposals, maintenance of properties and the valuing of high value assets
Programme of Action Related to shortcomings identified in previous Audit
Debt Management:
Continued with process of submitting claims to partner departments revamped; Memorandum of Understanding with departments developed, which provide payment of advances as well as dispute resolution mechanisms
Performance information:
Framework for monitoring of performance information designed. A committee to oversee this aspect appointed and Units are preparing their quarterly reports and a half yearly review for the department done. Quality Assurance Review Process.
Programme of Action
OTHER GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES
Accelerating: Policies, processes and procedures in Supply Chain Management and other areas within DFA
Risk management processes to be strengthened
Scheduled Audit Committee meeting and Ad-hoc Audit Committee meetings on ICT AND HR matters
Audit Steering Committee: Consolidated Internal Audit and A-G findings and recommendations to be implemented in all missions for uniformity and compliance with prescripts
ICT Steering Committee
African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund Annual Financial Statements as at 31 March 2008
Revenue and Expenditure
Income R 336,306 million
Expenditure R 352,172 million
Auditor-General’s Report
Unqualified Audit Report with no matters of emphasis
Consular Services
Completed the development and testing of four CMS processes (ROSA, Miscellaneous Case Management, Detainees/Prisoners and Process Work)
Piloted CMS in London and Washington involving 12 Missions
Trained 266 (Transferred and LRP’s) officials on CMS at Eskom Convention Centre
Legalised 21,611 South African public documents for submission in foreign countries by private individuals and business companies
Consular Services
Continued to provide consular services to SA citizens abroad. Highlights are:
Assisted with the repatriation of mortal remains from Cameroon of 2 SA citizens who died in a light aircraft accident
Assisted the Cameroon Government with identification of the mortal remains of passengers of a Kenya Airways aircraft
Assisted families of seven SA citizens and two citizens permanently residing in SA, who died in the Kenya Airways incident
Assisted in consultation with the Department of Social Development, families of prisoners abroad to return children born in prisons to South Africa.
Key strategic priorities for the reporting year were
Provide an effective visit management system
Effective management of intergovernmental liaison
Effective State Protocol Logistics Management System
SA’s international profile continued to grow during the reporting period with concomitant increase in the volume of interaction at all levels with the international community
In this regard, State Protocol coordinated a total number of 216 incoming and outgoing visits
Protocol and Public Diplomacy
State Protocol (cont)
Continued to provide support to Provinces and Local Municipalities on International programmes. In this regard, 235 outgoing international visits were facilitated
Similarly, State Protocol through its State Protocol Lounges situated in OR Tambo and Cape Town, facilitated a total number of 25 148 VIP guests
Finalised the construction and acquisition of the appropriate State Protocol Lounges and relocated in May of 2008
The Branch developed predictable systems and policies to ensure consistent and standardised protocols
Protocol and Public Diplomacy
State Protocol (cont)
2010 World Cup related projects were increasingly performed
Upgrading of Diplomatic guesthouse projects are in advanced stages
State Protocol has logistically arranged 1 Summit, 4 Ministerial Conferences and 4 Senior Official Meetings during this period
Protocol and Public Diplomacy
Regulating the Diplomatic Community
Approximately 10 330 diplomats, consular, administration and technical staff members with their dependants are currently represented in South Africa
3 Multilateral organisations opened offices in South Africa
Department of Home Affairs transferred issuance of Substitution Temporary residence permits for Diplomats to Department Foreign Affairs
SAPS Diplomatic Policing Unit was launched to improve protection and security of Diplomats in South Africa
Consolidation of the African Agenda
African Integration Process
SA actively participating in debates on harmonisation & rationalisation of RECs
South Africa hosted Brainstorming Retreat of African Ministers of Foreign Affairs, May 2007
Implementation of AU Gender Declaration
Coordinating SA’s Annual Activity Report on Implementation of AU Gender Declaration. Report due for Submission during Jan/Feb AU Summit
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Support Pan African Parliament
9th Session was successfully held & preparations for 10th session underway
Provided financial, technical & logistical support to PAP during its Bureau meetings & Sessions held in May & October 2007.
Design of new parliament adjudicated after a continent-wide design competition.
DFA design team has been appointed to oversee building construction
Engagement with African Diaspora
African Diaspora Regional Consultative Workshops held in London, New York, Bahamas, Paris & Addis Ababa during 2007.
Senior Officials & Civil Society conference held in November 2007.
Successfully hosted Africa Diaspora Ministerial at Gallagher Estate in November 2007.
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Hosted a technical workshop meeting comprising of technical experts from all over world
African Diaspora Summit postponed
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Promote the implementation of NEPAD
SA participated in NEPAD HSGIC & AU summit discussions aimed at integration of NEPAD into AU structures & processes – approved by AU in February 2008
SA continued to support implementation of NEPAD programmes in SA, SADC region & African continent, with emphasis on NEPAD priority sectors
National NEPAD Projects conference hosted in October 2007, focussing on rollout of NEPAD spatial & infrastructure development programmes, linked to implementation of SADC RISDP
SA peer review by APRM Forum conducted in July 2007. DFA supported DPSA in implementation of SA APRM Programme of Action
Internationally, SA played leading role in solidifying NEPAD global partnerships within South-South & South-North cooperation, i.e. UN (62nd Session), APF (May & November 2007), FOCAC (September 2007), IBSA (October 2007), TICAD (October 2007 & March 2008) & Africa-Europe (December 2007)
Consolidation of the African Agenda
African Renaissance Fund
SA continued to utilise African Renaissance & International Co-operation Fund (ARF) in support of African Renaissance vision, serving as a catalyst for development projects in African countries.
Key activities included:
Ongoing assistance to DRC including capacity building
Funding of projects in Comoros, Sudan & Western Sahara
Southern Sudan Capacity Building Project with UNISA
The demolition of unexploded ordinance devices in Mozambique
Humanitarian Assistance to Western Sahara
Contributing to SADC Observer Mission to Zimbabwe General Elections
Funding of African Economic Research
Consolidation of the African Agenda
African Renaissance Fund(cont)
Funding rice production & technical assistance projects in Guinea
Funding of anti-drug trafficking efforts in Guinea
Funding of continuation of Burundi peace process
Assistance in Hosting of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Republic of Uganda.
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Promote Regional Integration and Development through SADC and SACU
Regional Integration remained a priority in SADC agenda during 2007/8
The task team from dti, dfa & Treasury prepared positions & co-ordinated SA’s interventions on regional economic integration
SADC established SADC Brigade & moved significantly towards establishing Regional Early Warning Centre
Democratisation process in DRC & political situation in Zimbabwe dominated SADC’s political agenda
SA supported the creation of an additional post of Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for regional integration as well as review of the SADC Secretariat structure
Consolidation of the African Agenda
Peace Building
Effective support provided to the Facilitator of the Burundi PeaceProcess, Minister Charles Nqakula, and the Political Directorate in peace-making efforts in Burundi, to bring the Palipehutu-FNL back into the peace process, and in facilitating negotiations between the two conflicting Parties
Preparation for post-conflict projects in support of the immediate post-conflict phase of peace-building in Burundi.
Preparation for trilateral cooperation projects in the medium and long term phases of peace-building in Burundi.
The provision of a South African presence in Goma in the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) in support of peace-making efforts in the Eastern DRC, in accordance with the commitments of the Nairobi Communiqué
Contribution to election monitoring in the Zimbabwe election.
Strengthen South-South Co-operation
Active Engagement in the NAM and G77 and China
SA used these fora to promote, inter alia,
the African Agenda,
work towards the attainment of the UN Millenium Development Goals
advocate the reform of the UN and its organs and
promote and protect human rights
Strengthen South-South Co-operation
SA advanced the development agenda of the South through active participation in south groupings such as:
IBSA
SA hosted the 2nd IBSA Summit in Tshwane
The 2nd IBSA Summit in 2007 saw the conclusion and signing of 7 Trilateral Agreements and MoU’s
Public Administration and Governance; Customs and Tax Administration; Cultural Cooperation; Higher Education; Wind Resources; Health and Medicines; and Social Development
The scope of Trilateral cooperation was widened and deepened through the establishment of additional intergovernmental working groups on Human Settlement Development as well as on Climate Change and Environment, and the establishment of Civil Society trilateral interactive Fora in a Women’s Forum, a Parliamentary Forum; and a Business Council, aside from Academic Seminar and Civil Society Seminar.
Strengthen South-South Co-operation
NEW ASIAN AFRICAN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP (NAASP)
Egypt withdrew its offer to host the NAASP Ministerial Meeting and it was agreed by the Co-Hosts (SA and Indonesia) that SA will host the next Ministerial Meeting back-to-back with the 2nd NAASP Summit in SA, but work at officials level continues
SA and Indonesia agreed to Co-Host a NAASP Palestine Capacity Building Project in July 2008
North-South Dialogue
G8
SA actively engaged with the G8 to galvanise support for Africa and NEPAD
SA participated in the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, where the G8, inter alia, committed US$ 60 billion to strengthen health systems in Africa
G8 adopted a Declaration of “Growth and Responsibility in Africa” which spells out detailed interventions to support the Continent
Establishment of the Heiligendamm Dialogue Process that brings together the G8, SA, Brazil, China, India and Mexico, to generate consensus on issues of energy, innovation, investment and development, with regard to Africa
The Minister attended a TICAD IV Ministerial Summit in Libreville, Gabon in March 2008 to finalise the “Yokohama Declaration” in anticipation of the TICAD Summit of 2008
SA focused on African issues that are on the agenda of the SC in line with its foreign policy objectives to support conflict resolution, reconciliation, reconstruction and development activities in Africa
SA sought to help improve the working methods of the SC, including its transparency and accountability vis-à-vis the UN membership
SA positively influenced a number of Council resolutions and presidential statements on issues relating to Sudan, Somalia, Western Sahara et al
Re Cote d’Ivoire, SA contributed to secure the support of the SC for the Ouagadougou Agreement between the Ivorian parties
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Participation as a non-permanent member of the UNSC (cont)
In Sudan, SA was involved in efforts to secure the deployment of a hybrid AU/UN peacekeeping operation
In Rwanda, it succeeded in persuading the Council to lift some of the residual sanctions
SA was instrumental in arranging a joint meeting between the AU’s Peace and Security Council and the UNSC in Addis Ababa
SA pursued discussions on ways to strengthen the relationship between the UN and regional organisations, in particular the AU
SA was appointed the lead nation in the SC on Timor-Leste.
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Control
SA participated in meetings of the IAEA. Most important issues considered by the IAEA Board included the implementation of NPT safeguards in Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
SA participated in meetings of the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BTWC)
SA continued to participate in global efforts aimed at addressing the issue of cluster munitions “that cause unacceptable harm to civilians”
SA participates in the Group of Governmental Experts deliberations of High Contracting Parties to the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention (CCW) which has been mandated to “negotiate a proposal to address the humanitarian impact of cluster munitions”
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Chairing of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
SA hosted the NSG Plenary meeting in Cape Town in April 2007 as a member of the Troika until 2009. SA continues to actively participate
Reform of the UN System in order to strengthen multilateralism
In September 2007 SA, Sweden, Thailand and Chile (Four Nations Initiative) presented 32 recommendations to Members of the General Assembly, aimed at contributing to the debate on promoting enhanced transparency and accountability in the activities of the UN Secretariat
The initiative formed the basis of further informal debates initiated by the President of the General Assembly in furthering the debate on Management and Secretariat reform
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Adherence to and Promotion of International Law
The Office of the Chief State Law Adviser (International Law) attended to, inter alia, the amendment of the 2001 Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, as well as various aspects relating to the International Criminal Court, the Law Of the Sea, climate change and terrorism
SA is preparing its claim for an extended continental shelf in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
The Legal Office has been reconfirmed by Cabinet as the custodian of the official SA Treaty Register
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Promotion of SA candidacies for election to international organisations
A database, to enable all stakeholders to take informed and co-ordinated decisions on candidatures, has been established.
SA continued to contribute to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). SA currently serves as vice-chair to the CERF Advisory Group
SA participated in a debate on the reform of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) aimed at making the FAO more effective in dealing with food security issues, especially in Africa
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Human Rights and the implementation of Humanitarian Law
The dfa co-hosted the Seventh Regional International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Seminar on the implementation of International Humanitarian Law during June 2007
SA facilitated the visit of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Adequate Housing to SA during April 2007
SA hosted the 4th World Congress of Rural Women in Durban from 20 – 25 April 2007
SA ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol on 30 November 2007
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Environment
SA continued to contribute to the accomplishment of the MDGs, in particular poverty reduction, through participating in various UN Conventions for the environment, such as UNFCC (Climate Change)
During the Conference of the Parties of CITES, SA and its SADC partners obtained international approval to trade in elephant tusks with Japan as the only trading partner
SA participated in the 13th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 3rd Meeting of the Parties of the Kyoto Protocol during December 2007 in Bali, Indonesia. The Bali Roadmap sets the framework and end date of 2009 for negotiations towards strengthening the climate regime post 2012
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Middle East Peace Process and Iraq
SA remains committed to supporting international efforts aimed at bringing about the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, existing side by side in peace with Israel within secure and internationally recognised borders
SA’s efforts to achieve this objective were severely hampered by the conflict between Fatah and Hamas in the West Bank and Gaza and the allegations of corruption against then Israeli Prime Minister Olmert resulting in his stepping down as leader of the Kadima Party and the new leader, ex Foreign Minister Livni, having to try and form a new coalition government
SA’s commitment to the MEPP is illustrated by the hosting of a UN Africa Conference on Palestine in May 2007, the Minister attending the Annapolis Israeli-Palestinian Peace Conference in November 2007 and South Africa pledging financial assistance for the reconstruction of Palestine, both bilaterally and through IBSA, at the Paris Donor Conference in December 2007
Participate in the Global System of Governance
Middle East Peace Process and Iraq(cont)
South Africa has become actively involved in the national reconciliation process in Iraq through hosting two delegations from that country
A high level Iraqi parliamentary delegation is expected in early 2009
Bilateral Relations
Africa
SA continued its role as Facilitator to the SADC-mandated mediation process on Zimbabwe
Missions were opened in Guinea-Bissau, Benin, Niger and Mauritania
SAA launched flight routes between Libreville, Gabon, and Johannesburg in September 2007
SA provided humanitarian assistance to Madagascar
Signing of Agreements with various countries: Seychelles, Sudan, Ethiopia
Financially assisted Seychelles with infrastructure development
Bilateral Relations
Africa - Structured Bilaterals
SA and Malawi signed the JCC in May 2008
The 6th Session of the SA-Botswana JPCDS was held in Botswana during October 2007
The 2nd Session of the SA-Botswana JPCC was held in SA during November 2007
The 3rd Session of the SA-Zimbabwe JPCDS was held in SA during November 2007
A Heads of State Economic Bilateral Forum with Mozambique was held in SA during September 2007
The SA-Tanzania Presidential Economic Commission took place in Tanzania during April 2007
A Ministerial Session of the JCC with Angola was held in Luanda during November 2007
Bilateral Relations
Africa: Structured Bilaterals (cont)
The SA-Namibia Joint Co-operation on Defence meeting was held in SA during September 2007 and the SA-Namibia Heads of State Economic Bilateral meeting was held in SA during October 2008
The 4th Session of the BNC with the DRC was held in Kinshasa during August 2007
SA and Ethiopia launched a JMC in March 2008
The 7th Session of the SA-Nigeria BNC was convened during the period under review
The inaugural Session of the JCC between SA and the Republic of Ghana was held in May 2007
The 7th JBC with Egypt took place in February 2008
Bilateral Relations
Asia and the Middle East
The first SA High Commissioner to Sri Lanka was appointed
Preparations are underway to open a High Commission in Wellington with effect from Jauary 2009
SA launched the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with China
SA and China cooperated through the Forum for China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC)
SA and China agreed on the Partnership for Growth and Development (PGD) whose main thrust is to increase the value of SA exports to China
In February 2008 the Minister signed an agreement with the League of Arab States (LAS), allowing the League to open a Mission in SA.
Bilateral Relations
Asia and the Middle East - Structured Bilaterals
The inaugural SA-Vietnam Partnership Forum was held in Hanoi during May 2007
The inaugural SA-Indonesia JC was held in February 2008
The 7th Session of the India-SA JMC was held in Pretoria during February 2008
Re China, the BNC, as well as the Strategic Dialogue, were held
Bilateral Relations
Americas
A Suriname Diplomatic mission was opened in South Africa
Americas - Structured Bilaterals
The SA-USA Annual Bilateral Forum was held in June 2007
The 4th Annual Consultations between SA and Canada took place at Senior Officials’ level in Ottawa in May 2007
The 5th JBC between SA and Cuba was held in Cape Town during November 2007
Bilateral Relations
Europe
The SA-EU Strategic Partnership was adopted. The Strategic Partnership complements and strengthens the existing TDCA
It also complements the Africa-EU Strategy, aimed at enhancing political dialogue between Africa and the EU.
The Africa-EU Summit held in Lisbon in December 2007 adopted the EU Strategy for Africa as a joint Africa-EU Strategy
SA continued to participate in negotiations of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) at the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific level
Bilateral Relations
Europe - Structured Bilaterals
SA-Belgium JC: October 2007
SA-Sweden BNC: October 2007
SA-France Forum for Political Dialogue: February 2008
The 3rd and 4th SA-Russia ITEC Intersessionals were held in Sochi in July 2007 and in Moscow in February 2008
The Belarusian-SA Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Co-operation was inaugurated in Minsk in July 2007
The JC for Defence between SA and Ukraine was held in Kyiv
The 1st JEC with Turkey was held in SA in March 2008
Meetings of the SA-EU JCC were held during the reporting period
CHALLENGES
Challenges with respect to the Co-ordination of SA’s International Work amongst all spheres of Government
The July 2007 Cabinet lekgotla approved a Strategic Document on the co-ordination of our International Work and the Marketing of SA abroad, to advance our economic interests
As a result the Consultative Forum on International Relations (CFIR) was established and held two workshops during 2008
Served as a platform to conduct consiltations amongst all spheres of government on SA’s International engagements, and to
Finalise the required guidelines on international visits as mandated by Cabinet
A document entitled “Measures abd guidelines for the Enhanced Co-ordination of SA’s International Engagements”, which is a product of extensive consultation through the CFIR and the IRPS, was finalised and will be tabled to Cabinet soon
