Department of Foreign Affairs: Strategic Plan 2008-2011

Meeting report

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Strategic Plan and Budget 2008-11
A delegation from the Department, led by Director General Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba, briefed the committee on the DFA's Strategic Plan for 2008-2011.

Dr Ntsaluba outlined the key overarching priorities for the DFA. These priorities included the consolidation of the African Agenda, Strengthening of South-South Co-operation, North-South Co-operation, participation in the system of governance and the strengthening of Bilateral and Economic Relations.

Support for peace, security and stability were the key priorities of South Africa on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). There had been active participation in South groupings to facilitate South-South Co-operation, including India hosting an Africa-India summit in August 2008. South Africa continued to support the United Nations (UN) reform process and would make this one of their key priorities when resuming the presidency of the UNSC. It remained fully committed to peace and stability in Africa through the strengthening of the African Union (AU) and all its organs. Political and security issues in global governance were a key part of South Africa's strategy, and continued involvement by South Africa in international governmental organisations was a top priority. South Africa’s involvement in North-South Dialogue, political and economic relations were further described.

The DG stressed that not all of the DFA's proposals for the funding of its strategy were met. The budgetary allocations were through four programmes of Administration, Foreign Relations, Public Diplomacy and International Transfers. The total allocation to the Department was R4.3 billion for 2008/2009, R5.1 billion for 2009/2010 and R 4.9 billion for 2010/11. There was a nominal increase this year of 5.4%. HE pointed out that the Department currently was managing 123 missions, which reflected a steady increase since the 2004/05 financial year. The number of these, and the fact that most of the expenses were incurred in foreign currency, meant that foreign exchange rates impacted heavily on the budget.

He noted that the DFA asked for R100 million from the Treasury to strengthen the DFA, but that this proposal was also turned down by the Treasury. He added that it was imperative for the DFA to get adequate funding to meet its goals on its Strategic Plan for 2008-2011.

Discussion
The Chairperson said in his opening remarks that the resource allocation process started at the Minister’s Council and that it seems that Ministers perhaps did not sound convincing enough as to what they needed in terms of resources.  He stated that perhaps this process or issue needed to be addressed in terms of the competing interests of governmental departments. He further commented that it was disappointing that the documents had been delivered late to the Committee.

Dr Ntsaluba apologised for the late delivery of documents, but said that the Strategic Document was tabled last week and that the DFA had ensured that copies were sent to the Committee Secretary as the DFA did not want to hamper the proceedings and workings of the Committee.

Mr M Ramgobin (ANC) noted that he supported government’s intended support for the ten year celebration of South African-Chinese diplomatic relations, but was interested in what initiatives the Department had taken in engaging with China on its human rights track record, as well as on China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Ambassador Abdul Minty, Deputy Director General, DFA, replied that the processes involved in discussing China’s human rights track record were complicated. He said that the DFA had engaged with China on a bilateral level on the issues of human rights and Tibet. The Chinese had not deviated from their stance that Tibet was and would always be part of China.

Mr M Sibande (ANC) reiterated the comments on late provision of documentation and asked that it be addressed.

Mr Sibande noted that 2008 marked the last year of South Africa being a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and in light of this it would be pertinent for the DFA to highlight South Africa’s role and achievements since becoming a member.

Mr Xolisa Mabhongo, Chief Director: Multilateral Relations, DFA, replied that South Africa’s main focus on the UNSC was to promote the African Agenda, which was central to South Africa’s Foreign Policy.  He said that at the moment there were twelve countries on the UNSC’s agenda and that South Africa’s continuous involvement in Africa on a diplomatic and economic level  - including involvement in DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Zimbabwe and others - had stood South Africa on good ground as the UNSC placed much emphasis on South Africa’s leading role within the African continent.

In 2007 South Africa became the first-ever serving non-permanent African country member to play a significant role in the UNSC’s visit to African states. This was done due to South Africa’s wish to be involved within these key processes and dialogue. 

Keeping in line with the advancement of the African Agenda on a multilateral level, South Africa ensured that pressing issues dealt with by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) were featured on the agenda at the UNSC, as well as greater cooperation between the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).

In retrospect, Mr Mabhongo added that challenges did occur, especially in relation to permanent members having bilateral relations with some African countries. This hampered effective dialogue on key issues concerning African countries.

Ambassador Minty added that South Africa had experienced several problems with its partners in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in that South Africa would table the African Agenda to see who would support it. He said that the emphasis was as much on Africa's plan, even without getting support from the OECD countries.

Ms A Luthuli (ANC) asked how the DFA was handling the Palestinian issue in light of there being two “governments’, one in the West Bank and one in Gaza.

Dr Ntsaluba replied that South Africa did acknowledge Hama’s victory in the election, contrary to most Western powers casting doubts on the legitimacy of this victory. In light of recent developments, with the Palestine National Authority (PNA) assuming executive control, he stated that South Africa had called on both Fattah and Hamas to find a speedy resolution to the ensuing struggle between them.

Dr Ntsaluba added that in terms of the PNA constitution, President Abbas was within his rights to assume temporary executive control over Palestine and that it was that government that enjoyed current international recognition. At the forthcoming Palestinian-Africa summit, it would be the interim minister of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of President Abbas, who would represent the PNA.

The Chairperson added that a meeting was planned with the Palestinian ambassador accredited to South Africa.

Mr M Malahlela (ANC) noted that the DFA had not yet dealt with outstanding issues from last year and that it was important for it to do so.

In addition he asked whether the two Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs were answerable to the Chief Director (CD) tasked with Public Diplomacy, as was indicated in the hierarchy of the DFA.

Dr Ntsaluba replied that the DG and Deputy Ministers did not report to the CD: Public Diplomacy. This was situated in the Office of the Minister to ensure effective and timely communication on DFA policy and related matters. He explained that government established the Langa Task Team under the leadership of Mandla Langa to investigate how departments could better their communication channels to ensure effective and timely communication, and that this was the result of the task team recommendations.

The Chairperson asked whether South Africa was the only major contributor to the New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Secretariat.

Ambassador Minty added that South Africa contributed R30 million to NEPAD annually, of which R10 million went to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). He admitted that South Africa was the singular largest contributor to NEPAD and that countries like Ghana, Nigeria and Rwanda had pledged to contribute this year.

Mr Sithole asked for clarity on the African Renaissance Fund and the intended change in name of the Fund as well as the implications.

Dr Ntsaluba replied that the DFA had been in discussion with Treasury on this matter to ascertain whether South Africa could identify a certain percentage of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for developmental assistance to African countries. He said there ought to be better coordination between Treasury and the DFA and that the DFA budget line should not be removed.

Mr Sibande stated that the DFA needed to clarify developments and guidelines relating to Infraco.

Mr Mxolisi Nkosi, Deputy Director General, DFA, answered that nothing had changed and that America maintained responsibility due to the reluctance of many African countries to take over the responsibility for Infraco.

Ms Luthuli asked why South Africa chose to open a new mission in Liberia.

Mr Nkosi replied that Liberia was of strategic interest due to its post-conflict status. South Africa wanted to assist and guide Liberia in developing and fulfilling its full potential. Currently, the ambassador in Abuja, Nigeria was accredited to Sierra Leone, Liberia and Togo. This would alleviate the pressure on the Chancery in Nigeria.

Mr Malahlela asked why the DFA had a Chief Financial Officer being responsible for Corporate Services and what the designation was of that officer.

Dr Ntsaluba noted that the designation of the chief financial officer was a Deputy Director General (DDG) and that in the past the DDG for Corporate Services was in charge of Human Resources, Finance and ICT. Since then an Acting DDG was appointed to take care of Human Resources, whilst the Chief Financial Officer assumed the duties of Finance and Corporate Services and managing ICT to parliament.

The Chairperson asked how the DFA was bringing its policies in line pertaining to regional integration and the South African Development Community (SADC) and whether South Africa was the only country that was driving this goal.

Dr Ntsaluba replied that South Africa was asked by Southern African Development Community (SADC) to play a leading role in this discussion due to South Africa’s capacity. He said there was a conscious decision to join the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) processes and that South Africa was aware of the threats or challenges facing the South African Customs Union (SACU) and SADC. Meetings were held with the Department of Trade and Industry as well as with SADC ambassadors on regional integration. It was emphasised that South Africa would and must do everything possible to maintain cohesion and stability within the SADC region.

Ambassador Minty added that the issue of Peace and Security had been integrated into the AU. This function was first under NEPAD. On the issue of agriculture there had also been some movement with considerable integration into the AU.

He said that there had been a great deal of coordination between NEPAD and the AU and that a subcommittee was tasked to look at African integration. This subcommittee was asked to join a brainstorming session between Heads of State, before their proposals could be accepted. The President of Senegal, Abdullah Wade, said that his country would host and facilitate this brainstorming session.

The Chairperson also asked what South Africa was doing in terms of assistance and dialogue with the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Western Sahara.

Dr Ntsaluba said that South Africa would step up its continued support to Timor-Leste and that the South African embassy in Indonesia served as a micro-chancery for Timor-Leste as well. He stated that South Africa did receive a request from them for assistance and that a plan was being developed to address these issues. The South African government had been actively involved, through the African Renaissance Fund, in humanitarian and capacity building initiatives. On a political level there was constant dialogue between South Africa and Western Sahara and Western Sahara would be discussed during South Africa's second round as president of the UNSC.

Ms Luthuli expressed her disappointment at the equity distribution within the organisational structure of the DFA. She asked why it was difficult for the DFA to employ more women in senior positions.

Ms Mathu Nompozolo, Acting DDG: Human Resources, DFA, apologised for the fact that percentages were not included in the report on equity pertaining to women in the DFA. She said that the current percentage of women employed in the DFA stood at 33 %. She noted that the DFA was aware of the recent Public Service Commission report on gender equity, but that the DFA had done extremely well, considering that the DFA had decided not to fill its various Chief Director vacancies when it did not get enough suitable female candidates to apply. Ms Nompozolo said that the DFA would continue to look for suitable female candidates to fill these positions.

Mr Malahlela alluded to the comments on the request for R100 million being turned down by the Treasury. He asked why the DFA had needed this money.

Dr Ntsaluba replied that the money was intended to be used for the strengthening of the DFA’s human capital management programme, as well as other programmes that would have been of benefit to the smooth running of the DFA.

The Chairperson asked what South Africa’s position was in terms of the Outreach 5 of the G8 and IBSA.  He noted that this concerned the trilateral and developmental initiative between India, Brazil and South Africa to promote South-South cooperation and exchange.

Dr Ntsaluba replied that IBSA had provided a platform for India, Brazil and South Africa to work together in assisting not only each other, but also those countries poorer than themselves, in addressing developmental issues. South Africa had continually pushed the idea for the Outreach 5 to have a say on the G8 Agenda, but so far this request had fallen on deaf ears.  He said that these Outreach countries had an ongoing process of engagement on issues of concern.

Mr Malahlela asked how the DFA was faring in terms of its preparations to prepare young spouses and spouses in general for foreign service.

Ms Nompozolo replied that the DFA implemented a programme that dealt with the specific needs concerning preparations for foreign service. There were compulsory workshops in place to deal with culture shocks as well as workshops for families when they returned from foreign service. The DFA also embarked on a project that would aim to help those that returning from foreign service to update their CV's and there were talks of assisting them in finding jobs when they returned from foreign service. There was also continuous contact via letters between families and the DFA. The talks on health, wellness and parenting were held regularly.

Ms Luthuli asked whether the nuclear superpowers were also going to put a stop to developing nuclear weapons and would be disarming completely in light of their efforts to have third world countries disarm.

Ambassador Minty replied that Ms Luthuli was correct in her assertion that these superpowers also needed to disarm. However, they were still developing nuclear weapons and had no commitment towards the nuclear proliferation. He noted that prominent Americans such as Henry Kissinger and other former high ranking US individuals were constructively engaging with their government on disarming completely and that the Norwegian and British government were looking at technical ways of how to dismantle their nuclear weapons. In the United Kingdom there had been developments, with Prime Minister Brown stating that the need for nuclear weapons would be reviewed and that the real test would come in 2010 when countries met to discuss the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty. He stressed that there had also been engagement with democratic presidential candidates on this issue.

The Chairperson again emphasised the importance of Members getting the required documents for the meetings. On the issue of Iran, he said that the UN Ambassador was contradicting himself in a letter he wrote to the Committee as to why South Africa voted the way it did, and that clarity would have to be provided by the DFA on this issue. He also added that DFA needed to make sure that parliamentarians were treated with respect when they visited foreign countries as he had had a “distasteful stay” in Algeria. He further noted that the DFA should have elaborated more on Kosovo and the developments there, as well as the outstanding issues from last year.

Dr Ntsaluba replied that the DFA would look at the proposals made and would engage with the Committee on all these matters.

The meeting was adjourned.