ATC140320: Five-Year Review of the activities of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation (May 2009-March 2014) Adopted On 12 March 2014
International Relations
FIVE-YEAR
REVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
AND COOPERATION (May 2009-March 2014)
ADOPTED
ON 12 MARCH 2014
Executive summary
The Portfolio Committee on International
Relations and Cooperation (the Committee), based its work on its Strategic Plan
2009-2014. The plan was developed in conjunction with stakeholders with
interest in international relations, the priorities of government and the
strategic objectives of the Department of International Relations and
Cooperation (the Department). Each year the Committee would agree on its Annual
Business plan for guidance on its activities for the year. However, due to the
evolving nature of international relations, the Committee had to adapt to
urgent matters that emerged and adjusted the programme to accommodate the
changes. The Committee also received a number of delegations which were
conducting follow-your-aid tours to South Africa pursuant to bilateral
relations existing between their countries and South Africa.
1.
Reflection on
committee programme per year and on whether the objectives of such programmes
were achieved
1.1
2009 and 2010
Committee programme
The Committee has been seized with the issue of the
political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe and a variety of activities have been
held, including briefings and being part of Parliamentary observer missions for
a referendum and elections held in Zimbabwe.
Apart from involvement in Zimbabwes election
issues, the Committee has closely monitored developments in that country and
the South African Governments role in bringing about an amicable political
settlement.
Armed with a mandate from
SADC, South Africa facilitated dialogue between the conflicting parties. In
2008, this culminated in the signing of critical agreements that paved the way
for the formation of a government of national unity amongst others.
During this period the Committee further
received a briefing
from the Department on Amendments to the Convention on Prohibitions or
Restrictions on the use of Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) which may be
deemed to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects.
1.2
2011 Committee
programme
The focus
areas for the term were largely influenced by the developments in North Africa
and the Middle East. With regard to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, more
tensions were fuelled by the application by Palestine for full membership to
the United Nations. Israel did not agree with the bid, hence the Committee
focused on finding the best way to respond to the situation.
Relevant stakeholders were engaged, unique
forum was created where the ambassadors of both Israel and Palestine were openly
discussing their positions, with civil society in support of either side also
making an input.
The Committee was put
in a better and informed position to suggest a response for consideration by
Parliament.
South Africa
hosted the UN Conference on climate change (COP 17), 28 November-9 December
2011.
The Department was responsible for
logistical processes to ensure that COP17 achieves tangible results, on the
African soil.
The Committee undertook a
verification oversight visit to ensure that the venue, other processes and
South Africa as a country was ready to host COP17.
The Committee
further had a Briefing by the Department on the latest developments in
Swaziland.
The Committees
interest was that in its quest to have stability and prosperity along our
borders, South Africa should engage with Swazi authorities to ensure that the
political crisis in Swaziland was attended to through negotiations by all
concerned in that country.
The Committee held a Workshop on South
African Customs Union (SACU) jointly with the Portfolio Committee on Trade and
Industry.
The committee further received a
briefing by the Department on the
imprisonment in
Israel of Members of Parliament from the Hamas Legislative Council and on the
political developments in the Sudan and Cote DIvoire.
The Committee
further received a
briefing from the Department of International Relations
and Cooperation on
the recent political
developments in Egypt and Tunisia. It is in the interest of the Committee to
understand how these developments will influence the political landscape in
North Africa, and its impact on the Palestinian question.
In a nutshell,
the period was busy and fruitful in that the Committee has tangible results at
hand from its activities during this period.
1.3
2012 Committee
programme
During this period, the committee held a
workshop on processes regarding regional integration in the South African
Development Community (SADC).
The Workshop covered issues around regional
integration, which talked to, a deeper integration agenda in a new vision for
SACU, Assessing regional integration performance in East and Southern Africa:
success stories, challenges and what needs to be done; what South Africa stand
to benefit from these arrangements.
The Committee held a
workshop on the role of Parliament in treaty-making processes. The workshop was
held to explore options for early involvement of Parliament in the
treaty-making processes in South Africa; and to discuss modalities for
enhancing current mechanisms for scrutinising treaties and oversight on their
implementation.
The
Committee held a
Workshop on the framework for consideration of treaties
and oversight strategy on their implementation.
The Workshop entailed step by step
presentations , including what treaties are , why they are essential, treaty
terms, unpacking section 231 of the Constitution, comparisons of treaty making
procedures with other jurisdictions, when do we become bound, issues around
incorporation and implementation and samples of actual treaties.
The Committee also held a Seminar on the
involvement of South African companies and personnel in security related
activities and business abroad.
The
seminar covered
discussions on the concept of a code of business conduct
for South African companies abroad; and the impact of their activities on the
conduct of foreign policy abroad. It further covered possible alternatives to
guide South Africas future business engagements on the continent, within the
confines of foreign policy.
The Committee adopted its review mid-term
strategic plan in 2012/2013. During the quarter; the Committee was able to
engage issues of relevance to the work of Parliament and South Africa as a
whole.
The Committee had a meaningful engagement
with a delegation from the Parliament of Namibia.
Their
purpose of meeting with the Committee was to acquaint themselves with the
mandate and activities of the Committee; and exchange ideas and share
experience in this regard.
The Committee also discussed an update on the
then political impasse in Mali and Syria and the events leading to the election
of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to the position of AU Chairperson.
1.4
2013 Committee
programme
During this period; the Committee held a
Round
table discussion on the participation of South Africa in the Brazil,
Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) forum. The roundtable sought to
examine
how
South Africas role in BRICS could strengthen economic
development within South Africa and Africa at large. It was further examined
how South Africas involvement in BRICS could benefit South Africa and its
economy, and assist in achieving the countrys developmental and security
goals.
The Committee received
briefing by the Department on the then
political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Committee
further discussed the conflict which was waging in the DRC and on the progress
of South Africa in its negotiations with the rebel group in DRC.
The Committee further held a dialogue
on South Africa-Cuba relations.
The meeting discussed how Cuba contributed to
the struggles of the peoples of the region (SADC), against domination and
apartheid. Furthermore, the Committee
discussed how Cuba had contributed towards addressing some of the South
African government's domestic priorities, such as in health, education, sport
and rural development. The meeting further discussed solidarity with Cuba
regarding the incarceration of the five Cubans in an American jail.
The Committee held a dialogue for a deeper understanding of the Middle
East region.
The
dialogue discussed the Middle East region, the
importance of its historical make over and the geo-political relations between
the countries of the region.
Other topics were:
The people of the region, recent regional
changes and their impact/s on the Pales
tine-Israel
Situation, South Africas foreign policy - Adapting to regional changes and
understanding the region.
1.5
2014 Committee
programme
During this period; the Committee held a
solidarity conference in support of the peoples of Cuba, Palestine and Western
Sahara.
The
solidarity conference was a first of its kind in Parliament. It was a
culmination of extensive work carried out by the Committee in response to the
call by President Zuma in his successive State of the Nation addresses since
2010. The Presidents message was that solidarity is and should feature as a
strong element of South Africas internationalism. The Committee has adopted
the report from the conference as a true reflection of what took place. The
Democratic Alliance reserved its position on the matter. Subsequently, the
Committee made its own recommendations on the matters emanating from the
report. The Democratic Alliance and the African Christian Democratic Party
dissented on the adoption of the recommendations; the Inkatha Freedom Party
abstained from the vote on the recommendations of the Committee.
2.
Committees focus
areas during the 4
th
Parliament
The work covered was in line with the 2009-2014
Strategic plan of the Committee, the strategic objectives of the Department and
the priorities of government. The following are the activities of the Committee
as oversight over the programmes of the Department.
a.
Programme 1: Administration
Issues dealt with under this programme
included ensuring strategic allocation of resources; ensuring there was
improvement on the financial management of the African Renaissance Fund, the
supply chain management, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) issues
and extension of Consular and civic services to South Africans abroad. The need
for a focused management of the Departments property portfolio and for human
resources which could strengthen the organisation became very important. The
activities of the Diplomatic Academy were examined to ensure it provided
strategic foreign policy recommendations by conducting research on global
trends and geostrategic shifts, for early warning purposes. The placement of
South African professionals in bodies to which the country is a member was
strongly advocated. The overall issue of concern was the heavily burdened
budget of the Department, not really increasing but the mandate was growing and
most of the activities were carried out abroad, with foreign exchange fluctuations
affecting it even more. The annual reports of the Auditor General of South
Africa on the performance of the Department and its agency, the African
Renaissance Fund were also discussed continuously through the term.
b.
Programme 2: International Relations and Cooperation
This programme carried the bulk of the
activities of the Department, and had the bigger share of the budget over the
five years, and therefore the Committee had to dedicate a lot of time dealing
with the items under this programme. The programme entailed: enhanced African
Agenda and sustainable development; strengthening political and economic
integration in the Southern African Development Community (SADC); strengthening
South-South relations; strengthening relations with the strategic formations of
the North; participation in the global system of governance; and strengthening
political and economic relations. The African Agenda became the main activity;
with political developments and holding of elections in different parts of Africa
taking center stage. The other issues included economic integration of SADC;
the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD)
Presidential infrastructure projects; peace and security issues and South
African troops involvement in SADC, the AU and the United Nations (UN)
peace-keeping missions including humanitarian assistance.
The activities of the African Renaissance Fund
in promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts and work towards Post-Conflict
Reconstruction and Development formed part of the debates. Oversight was
conducted around the activities of South Africa after it joined the BRICS
formation; and the 3
rd
summit was held in Durban on 27 March 2013.
Discussions were also made on the India, Brazil and South Africa forum (IBSA)
issues. A number of trade agreements were approved for ratification aimed at
strengthening strategic formations of the North. The Committee kept its finger
on the pulse of activities by South Africa and performance of the Department in
multilateral forums in furtherance of participation in the global system of
governance such as in the UN, AU, UN agencies, its two tenures in the UN
Security Council, and in SADC. The Committees oversight on the hosting a
climate change conference was of great significance.
c.
Programme 3: Public Diplomacy and State Protocol
Public diplomacy became an issue of continuous
discussions on the importance of a strategic approach to dissemination of
information to the general public both local and international. The need for a
proactive public diplomacy was a key issue for oversight. The issue was also
extended to include outreach programmes where the perceived elitist nature of
South African foreign policy was discussed with the general public. Branding of
the Department with the Minister as the face of South Africas foreign policy
was part of the many recommendations made. Oversight on State protocol was
conducted through assessing the readiness and functionality of State Protocol
lounges at international airports in the country, only Durban was inspected for
the period.
d.
International Transfers
Oversight was conducted on how well and timely
South Africa paid its dues to the international organisations the country is
party to. The issue of quotas for employment of South Africans in these
organisations was a key factor. The concerns relating to the Department paying
for portfolios of other departments in international organisations was also
raised.
3.
Highlights in general
·
From the onset, the Committee had a common understanding that with
matters of foreign policy, there could be no conflicting messages to the
outside world. As a result, debates in the Committee meetings were still along
party positions as is the practice in Parliament, but the outcome on a policy issue
would have sufficient consensus on the message to be communicated or advanced
on the conduct of South African foreign policy.
·
Oversight was conducted on the deliverables under the African Agenda,
covering activities under the policy in five economic regions of Africa:
northern, western, central, eastern and southern. African Agenda was carried on
through political, economic and social activities. Discussions on peace keeping
and mediation also formed part of the highlights. The Committee addressed the elitist
perception of the foreign policy and the alignment of foreign policy to
domestic priorities.
It ensured that Africa was a priority in terms of economic growth, peace
and stability, humanitarian assistance and focused on the economic integration
of SADC. It discussed South-South cooperation; North-South relations; human
rights issues especially affecting the right to self-determination and right to
free economic participation; financial matters of the Department;
administrative matters; training and development matters affecting staff of the
Department; matters regarding the activities of the African Renaissance Fund
and training of members in parliamentary diplomacy and protocol. It held
outreach programmes, dialogues, symposia and a solidarity conference. When
South Africa was in the UN Security Council twice, the Committee continuously
advised on the importance of proactive communication on the various principled
positions taken or to be taken.
·
Involvement in Committee deliberations of civil society in all its
formations was its huge achievement. Outreach programmes were held in two
provinces and a decision was taken that treaties be centrally managed by the
Committee. A number of dialogues were held to discuss foreign policy issues of
interest and which the public had different viewpoints; a solidarity conference
was also held in support of Cuba, Palestine and Western Sahara. The perception
that foreign policy was elitist was addressed through allowing public input
into Committees discussions.
·
A workshop was held where issues around the access for South African
companies to make inroads into Africa was discussed, and companies made aware
they were also bearers of the foreign policy flag which include promotion of
human rights, good work ethics and respect for internal laws of countries they
would be doing business from, and weighed the pros and cons of having a code of
conduct for such companies. The oversight activities were advanced around the
African Agenda relating to political developments and peace-keeping efforts in
every region of Africa. Fruitful engagements advocated the placement of
qualified South African citizens in strategic positions within international
organisations that the country is party to.
4.
Key areas for future
work
·
Discuss and use the paper on the role of the Committee regarding its
oversight over the Department.
·
Orientation of members on the mandate of the Committee.
·
Address the Parliamentary oversight model and its impact on the mandate
of the Committee.
·
Strategic plan session for 2014-2019 in collaboration with stakeholders.
·
Continued collaboration with the non-governmental stakeholders with
interest in foreign policy issues.
·
Training for Members on development diplomacy, peace-keeping diplomacy,
economic diplomacy, parliamentary diplomacy, public diplomacy, environmental
diplomacy. These are the new and trendy international relations focus areas for
multilateral and bilateral cooperation.
·
Oversight strategy on the implementation of the policy on aligning
foreign policy to domestic priorities through economic diplomacy.
·
Oversight strategy on the activities of the South African missions and
embassies abroad relating to implementation of their mandate.
·
Enhance the role of South African missions abroad, to balance their act
in terms of strengthening economic relations to be at par with political
relations with strategic countries/partners.
·
There is a need to advocate the importance of closer collaboration
between government and business in furtherance of the economic diplomacy drive.
·
Oversight strategy on ensuring the prioritisation of Africa as a key
deliverable in the conduct of foreign policy.
·
Oversight strategy on the implementation of economic diplomacy policy,
through monitoring activities on bilateral commissions of cooperation with
different countries.
·
Oversight strategy on the implementation of international agreements
under the purview of the Department.
·
Continuation of the Outreach programme in the other seven provinces to
demystify foreign policy. Only Limpopo and Western Cape were visited.
·
Need for a research based foreign policy, from the departmental
institutions, such as the Diplomatic academy and the Research and Development
unit, which should adapt to emerging trends in international relations.
·
Focussed oversight over the financial and non-financial activities of the
African Renaissance Fund.
·
Implementation strategy for implementation of Parliamentary resolutions
on treaty processes in Parliament.
·
Examination of all policies for the administration of foreign policy,
such as the, consular assistance policy.
·
Examination of legislation under the purview of the Department to
identify areas that might need improvement.
·
Finalisation by the Department of issues around the South African
Development Partnership Agency (SADPA), Foreign Service Bill, South African
Council of International Relations (SACOIR).
·
Continuation of outreach programmes, awareness campaigns on knowledge of
foreign policy issues as per lessons learned from solidarity conference.
5.
Key challenges emerging
·
Parliamentary oversight model posed challenges regarding intended
oversight programmes of the Committee. The uniqueness of the foreign policy
portfolio is that the conduct of foreign policy is carried out by the
headquarters of the Department in South Africa, and the bulk of the work is
discharged by the many South African missions abroad. This phenomenon demands
that the Committee
conducts oversight on the activities of the South
African missions abroad; and assess South Africas performance in international
organisations party to. The oversights could not be undertaken abroad as they
would have to be regarded as study tours, and subject to the frequencies
prescribed in the current oversight model.
·
The alignment of foreign policy to domestic imperatives is yet to be
understood in such a way that results on the ground point to the linkages
needed.
·
Due to the technical nature of the issues on the mandate of the
Committee, the need for designation of members to lead a subject matter is
pertinent to ensure deeper understanding around the issues.
·
The membership of the Committee changed a number of times, including the
Chairperson, thus affecting continuity.
·
Attendance of meetings was not so regular, thus affecting adoption of
minutes and reports.
·
The Committee tended to deal with an issue in more than one sitting,
resulting in other issues having to be taken out of the programme.
·
It was not always possible to adhere to the annual business plan, the
programme changed often due to the evolving nature of the mandate.
Body of the report
1.
Introduction
1.1
Department/s and
Entities falling within the committees portfolio
a)
Department of
International Relations and Cooperation:
The core mandate of the Department is to create a better South Africa
and contribute to a better and safer Africa in a better world. It protects and
consolidates South Africas national interest and constitutionally entrenched
values through targeted bilateral and multilateral engagements; contribute to
continental and global development, security and human rights for all through
identified processes, mediation, peace support, post-conflict reconstruction
efforts of multilateral institutions, structured bilateral mechanisms and
multilateral engagements; promote multilateralism to secure an equitable
rules-based global system of governance responsive to the needs of Africa and
the developing world.
b)
Entities:
The African Renaissance
and International Cooperation Fund is
established through
the African Renaissance and International
Cooperation Fund
Act,
2001 (Act 51 of 2001)
to enhance cooperation between the Republic
and other countries, through the promotion of democracy, good governance, the
prevention and resolution of conflict, socio-economic development and
integration, humanitarian assistance and human resource development.
1.2
Functions of
committee:
Parliamentary committees are mandated to:
·
Monitor the financial and non-financial
performance of government departments and their entities to ensure that
national objectives are met.
·
Process and pass legislation.
·
Facilitate public participation in Parliament
relating to issues of oversight and legislation.
In
particular, the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation
oversees and ensures accountability in the formulation and conduct of South
African foreign policy.
1.3
Method of work of the
committee
The Committee engaged with the Department through briefings as is normal
in Parliament. However, the Committee soon gathered a perception that foreign
policy was regarded elitist, and the impact of activities in conducting foreign
policy was not immediately felt by the people within South Africa. Therefore in
order to ensure that foreign policy matters found resonance with the South
African people, the Committee took a conscious decision to, for the first time,
collaborate with a wider section of the society. This was the highlight in the
work of the Committee.
A database of stakeholders was
developed, from it; a classification was made as to which stakeholders would be
engaged for different topics before the Committee. The database enabled the
Committee to engage with civil society organisations, research institutions,
academia, faith-based groups, international pressure groups, ambassadors,
media, students and the general public. The Committee adopted a two-way
approach to its engagement with stakeholders: it would call upon individuals to
give expert analysis or their research findings on technical issues before the
Committee; and it would also hold dialogues, symposia and a solidarity
conference to bring together people with opposing views on specific
subject-matters before the Committee.
Because of the perceived elitist
nature of foreign policy, outreach programmes were held in Limpopo and the
Western Cape for input by members of the general public on foreign policy
issues, and also to increase awareness,
For oversight purposes, due to the uniqueness of its mandate in that it
would have to assess implementation of policies outside the borders of South
Africa, the Committee conducted one oversight abroad on the mission in Addis
Ababa, coupled with the performance of South Africa as a member state of the
African Union. Three oversight visits were conducted in Pretoria in the
boardrooms of the headquarters of the Department. Two study tours were
undertaken to Gaza and to Israel and the West Bank. On an investigative mission
on the situation relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
1.4
Purpose of the report
The purpose of this report is to provide an
account of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperations
work during the 4
th
Parliament and to inform the members of the new
Parliament of key outstanding issues pertaining to the oversight and
legislative programme of the Department of International Relations and
Cooperation and its entities.
This report provides an overview of the
activities the committee undertook during the 4
th
Parliament, the
outcome of key activities, as well as any challenges that emerged during the
period under review and issues that should be considered for follow up during
the 5
th
Parliament. It summarises the key issues for follow-up and
concludes with recommendations to strengthen operational and procedural
processes to enhance the committees oversight and legislative roles in future.
2.
Key statistics
The table below provides an overview of the
number of meetings held, legislation and international agreements processed and
the number of oversight trips and study tours undertaken by the committee, as
well as any statutory appointments the committee made, during the 4
th
Parliament:
Activity
|
2009/10
|
2010/11
|
2011/12
|
2012/13
|
2013/14
|
Total
|
Meetings held
|
10
|
16
|
17
|
19
|
18
|
80
|
Legislation processed
|
None
|
|||||
Oversight trips undertaken
|
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
|
6
|
Study tours undertaken
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
2
|
International agreements processed
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
5
|
Statutory appointments made
|
None
|
|||||
Interventions considered
|
None
|
|||||
Petitions and Motions considered
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
3.
Committee
strategic plan
The Committee had two sessions with stakeholders dedicated to its
strategic plan. The first was in 2009 for formulating its strategic plan for
2009-2013; the next round was in 2012, when it reviewed the plan to align it
with the emerging priorities on focus areas as dictated by the government
priorities over the five years. So, it seems from inception the Committee work
has been shaped in collaboration with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, which is
the major highlight for the Committee taking into consideration the
peculiarities around the nature of its mandate.
4.
Briefings and/or
public hearings
Highlights
from briefings by the Department on various issues were around the clean audit
of the Department for the five years in its operations, and that it generally
met its objectives as supported by the given budget. Performance of the
Department has been good overall and in line with its mandate stipulated in the
Outcome 11 agreement. The analyses of issues by the various branches of the
Department were valuable to the Committees understanding of the issues, and
facilitated subsequent debates in the Committee.
Some of
the challenges that emerged were with regard to the Auditor Generals reports
from 2010-2012 relating to the financial and non-financial performance of the
African Renaissance Fund, the criteria for funding projects and verification of
funded projects in countries that made requests. The reactive nature of public
diplomacy strategy was also a concern, especially regarding communication with
the public on principled policy positions taken in multilateral forums. The
coordination with other spheres of government on activities of a foreign policy
nature was found to require political buy-in. The availability of the Minister
to address the Committee was raised.
The
concern around the elitist nature of foreign policy was mooted; the members of
the public had a little understanding of foreign policy and how it relates to
their day to day lives. Communication with the Committee on issues of a foreign
policy nature before being picked up by the media was raised as a concern.
Presentation documents were often sent late, not allowing the Committee enough
time to study and scrutinise the issues for discussion. With regard to
performance of the missions abroad, it has not been possible for the Committee
to verify information received through briefings by the Department because the
institution would not allow such oversight visits to be undertaken, due to
challenges posed by the current Parliamentary oversight model.
Due to
the fact that the Committee received no requests for consideration of
legislation, no public hearings of that nature were undertaken. However, the
Committee creatively organised outreach programmes to gather views of the
general public on their understanding of foreign policy and where it should
focus in the future. Furthermore, the Committee held open dialogues, symposia
and a solidarity conference, which in essence were public hearings and
submissions were made to the Committee (in the form of recommendations,
resolutions and declaration) on issues it wanted to have a position on with the
benefit of input from the South African public.
5.
Legislation
No pieces of legislation were referred to the
Committee during the 4
th
Parliament. However, as per the Strategic
plan of the Department 2012-2017, the Committee was expecting the following
three pieces of legislation to be tabled during the 4
th
Parliament:
(i) Southern African Development Partnership Agency Bill; (ii) Foreign Service
Bill; and (iii) African Renaissance Fund Bill.
6.
Oversight trips
undertaken
The following oversight trips were undertaken:
Date
|
Area Visited
|
Objective
|
Recommendations
|
Status of Report
|
18-22 November 2010
|
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
|
Oversight over the activities of the mission in the conduct of foreign
policy; oversight on South Africa participation in the African Union
|
Active bilateral cooperation was encouraged. A friendship bilateral
was encouraged.
|
Adopted by the Committee, ATCed and adopted by the House
|
28-30 July 2010
|
Limpopo province
|
Outreach how the
public understood foreign policy; their input into how it should impact on
their lives.
|
There was interest in foreign policy issues. People in Limpopo were
not xenophobic, but feared that foreigners came to take their jobs.
|
Adopted by the Committee and ATCed
|
5 August 2011
|
Cape Town, University of Cape Town
|
Outreach: same
as for Limpopo
|
The academia understood elements of foreign policy. Their main input
was for a closer collaboration between Parliament, government and research
institutions in building a strong basis for foreign policy.
|
Adopted by the Committee on 23 February 2011 and ATCed
|
14 November 2011
|
Durban, South Africa
|
COP17: to assess the state of readiness for hosting the COP17
conference.
|
South Africa was ready. Government urged to work towards realising
tangible results on benefits for the developing countries.
|
Adopted by the Committee 30 November 2011 and ATCed
|
14 November 2011
|
Durban
|
State Protocol lounge: to assess the state of readiness to process
VIPs passing through the international airport.
|
The lounge was then not fully operational. A second visit was
recommened.
|
Adopted by the Committee 30 November 2011 and ATCed
|
29-30 January 2013
|
DIRCO headquarters in Pretoria
|
The Committee had made recommendations in
its 2012 Budget Review and Recommendation Report (BRRR) which the Office of
the Speaker had already communicated to the Department for necessary action.
The Committee resolved to conduct oversight on the Department to assess how
far the processes were in response to the Committees recommendations.
|
Proper and fit financial management of the activities of the ARF.
Supply chain management needed proper monitoring. Public diplomacy strategy
be developed and constantly reviewed.
|
Adopted by the Committee 14 August 2011 and ATCed on 10 September 2013
|
a)
Challenges emerging
The following challenges emerged during the
oversight visit:
·
Technical/operational challenges
The late response and confirmation by the
Department on the request by the committee for oversight visit often poses a
challenge.
·
Content-related challenges
The South African mission in Addis Ababa was
not very clear of the oversight role that the Committee plays on it. This is so
even to the branches of the Department; the underlying role of the Committee is
not readily understood.
b)
Issues for follow-up
·
.The issue of active bilateral cooperation with Ethiopia was raised as
important to advance trade and investment, and needed follow-up. The friendship
group with the Parliament of Ethiopia was then proposed; follow-up with the
Speakers office was necessary. The strengthening of the structures of the
African Union was also raised; the Department needs to give an update. The
issue of visas obtained through dubious means by some citizens of Ethiopia was
to be followed up with Home Affairs.
·
In the outreach programmes, the main issue was the need to understand how
the international agreements being signed will benefit the people on the
ground; and why funds were being spent in foreign countries while there were
challenges at home such as the activities of post conflict reconstruction in
Africa under the African Renaissance Fund. Outreach programmes should also be
undertaken in other provinces.
·
Another visit should be undertaken to Durban airport and the remaining
international airport for assessment.
The 5
th
Parliament should consider the following concerns that
arose:
·
Running an awareness campaign with the Department on the role of the
Committee and how it extends to the activities of South African missions
abroad, as the implementing agencies of the Department.
·
Outreach programmes should continue to other provinces.
7.
Study tours
undertaken
The following study tours were undertaken:
Date
|
Places Visited
|
Objective
|
Lessons Learned
|
Status of Report
|
7 to 11 December
2011
|
.Study tour to
Gaza, Palestine,
|
To understand the way Palestinians lived day
to day; and how the blockade of Gaza by Israel has affected the livelihood in
Gaza.
|
|
The report was ATCed and adopted by the House in 2013
|
31 March to 5 April
2013
|
Study tour to Palestine
and Israel,
|
To understand the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and how both countries
view a path to a permanent resolution of the conflict.
|
South Africa should continue being involved in the international
processes towards a lasting solution on the Israeli/Palestine conflict.
|
The report was ATCed and adopted by the House in 2013
|
a)
Challenges emerging
The following challenges emerged during the study tours:
·
Technical/operational challenges
The delay in approval of political
applications causes a range of logistical issues which eventually have a
profound impact on the entire trip. As a result Parliament is unable to secure
comprehensive Embassy support for the delegation upon arrival, which is
necessary to ensure certain issues are dealt with and that no crises emerge to
put the delegates at risk.
The delay of political parties confirming
representatives to be part of delegations, subsequently leads to delay in
applying for visas and making logistical arrangements such as flights and
accommodation.
The 5
th
Parliament should consider
taking study tours relating to the operations of SADPA, for comparison on the
elements of the Foreign Service Bill and comparison relating to how other
similar committees conduct oversight and study tours.
8.
International
Agreements:
The following international agreements were processed and reported on:
Date referred
|
Name of International Agreement
|
Objective
|
Status of Report
|
Date of approval by Committee
|
|
Accession to the 1
st
Revision of
the Cotonou agreement
|
It included human rights issues such as
fight against terrorism and cooperating in countering proliferation of arms
and Weapons of Mass Destruction
|
Approved by the
House
|
Nov 2009
|
2 February 2010
|
Ratification of the Amending agreement to the SA-EU Trade, Development
and Cooperation agreement (TDCA)
|
To include banning of proliferation of arms with the responsibility
not to arm belligerency.
|
Approved by the House
|
8 September 2010
|
22 October 2010
|
Ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and
Governance
|
African Union Charter governing rule of law and deepening democracy in
Africa through holding of elections
|
Approved by the House
|
November 2010
|
|
Acceptance of amendments to the Convention on Prohibitions and
restrictions on the use of certain conventional weapons which may be deemed
to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects, also known as
the Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW)
|
Prohibition of such weapons
|
Approved by the House
|
September 2010
|
4 September 2012
|
Ratification of the 2
nd
Revision of the Cotonou agreement
|
Adapted the EU-ACP Partnership agreement to include current global
challenges, such as climate change, food security, regional integration and
aid effectiveness
|
Approved by the House
|
September 2012
|
25 October 2012
|
Agreement
amending for the second time the Partnership Agreement between the members of
the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the
European Community and its member states, of the other part, dated
|
Allowing South Africa to continue participating in the ACP-EU forum
for broader trade and political cooperation.
|
Approved by the House
|
24 October 2012
|
a)
Challenges emerging
The following challenges emerged during the
processing of international agreements:
·
Technical/operational challenges
The late tabling of the agreements by the department left little time for
the committee to adequately process the agreement before the expiry date.
·
Content-related challenges
The agreements were tabled late, not allowing
enough time for the Committee to be well briefed and scrutinise the content and
what national interest the agreements were addressing.
The Committee is unable to oversee the
ratification process of international agreements approved by Parliament. This
information is essential in terms of international obligations and to ensure
that South Africa domesticates these obligations timeously.
b)
Issues for follow-up
The 5
th
Parliament should consider
the following concerns that arose:
·
Oversight should commence on the actual implementation of the said
agreements and how they impact on domestic priorities.
·
Conferment among committees on treaties with cross-cutting elements, and
referral of treaties to committees needs to be managed.
·
Parliament should consider informing the Committee of when an
international agreement has been approved by both Houses. Furthermore, it
should request that the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation
informs the Committee of when an instrument of ratification is deposited and
when an agreement comes into force for South Africa.
9.
Statutory
appointments
Not applicable
10.
Interventions
Not applicable
11.
Petitions and Motions
The following petitions were referred to and considered by the
Committee:
Title
|
Date referred
|
Current status
|
Petition: People against Suffering and
Poverty (PASSOP)
|
Unsolicited petition on Zimbabwe handed over
to Parliament on 1 March 2011 by PASSOP.
|
The 45 Zimbabweans detained were released
thereafter; the Committee could not proceed with the requested intervention.
|
Motion: Free State Legislature
|
13 March 2013
|
The Committee held two dialogue sessions on the economic embargo
against Cuba and considered the situation around the issue of the Cuban Five.
The House has taken resolutions on the matter. Further to that, a solidarity
conference was held where a declaration on the issues affecting Cuba was
adopted. Communication has to be made to the Free State Legislature on the
processes relating to their request for a motion on Cuba.
|
a)
Challenges emerging
The following content-related challenges were
experienced during the processing of petitions:
·
PASSOP was picketing outside Parliament on 1 March 2011 and handed over
the unsolicited petition. Their main aim was to call for intervention, by the
South African government and Parliament, in any further action that the
government of Zimbabwe would take against 45 people arrested in Harare for
watching a video on popular uprisings in Egypt. A few days thereafter, through
the intervention of SADC Facilitation Team and the South African government,
the detainees were released. The challenge was the petition was handed over to
the Presiding Officers as is the practice; however the petitioners were unaware
of internal processes that the Committee would only become aware of it on
referral.
There are no issues for follow up.
12.
Obligations conferred
on committee by legislation:
The Committee has been reporting on the BRRR
processes since 2009/10 to 2012/2013. The Committee has made recommendations to
the House for the Department to take certain action towards enhancing the
conduct of foreign policy. The Committee subsequently followed up on its
recommendations through oversight to the headquarters of the Department. It was
not possible to do a follow up on the last report-2012/13.
·
Technical/operational challenges
The time given for preparation of the BRRR
process poses a challenge.
a)
Issues for follow-up
Follow up oversight visit should be
undertaken. Matters pertaining to the financial management of the African
Renaissance Fund, as highlighted by the report of the Auditor General be dealt
with.
13.
Summary of
outstanding issues relating to the department/entities that the committee has
been grappling with
The following key issues are outstanding from the
committees activities during the 4
th
Parliament:
Responsibility
|
Issue(s)
|
The Department of
International Relations and Cooperation
|
Finalisation of
processes towards the establishment of the South African Development
Partnership Agency (SADPA); the Foreign Service Bill; operationalisation of
the South African Council of International Relations (SACOIR); implementation
of the Coordination mechanism on foreign relation activities by South African
agencies; completion of a public diplomacy strategy.
|
Portfolio
Committee
|
Continue outreach
programmes; oversight on legislative mandate; oversight on policy mandate of
the Department; oversight on the implementation of international agreements;
address the financial management issues with regard to the African
Renaissance Fund. Examine how the African Renaissance Fund could also
proactively fund projects elsewhere; this would enable it to have some form
of a strategic plan which would allow room for emergency requests that would
not necessarily be foreseen.
|
Parliament of
South Africa
|
The Committee
should request a review of the Parliamentary oversight model as it relates to
the mandate of the Committee.
|
Documents
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