ATC151026: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, dated 20 October 2015

International Relations

Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report 2014/2015
 

 

Chairperson: Hon S MASANGO
 

 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 The mandate of the Committee

1.2 The purpose of the BRR Report

1.3 The Department

1.4 Strategic priorities of the Department

 

2. Policy focus areas of the Department

 

2.1 Strategic Priorities of the Department

2.2 Measurable Objectives of the Department

 

3. Analysis of the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Department

 

3.1 Financial expenditure trends

3.2 Per programme financial spending trends

3.3 Non-financial service delivery

3.4 Public entity financial and non-financial expenditure

 

4. Consideration of the Report of the Auditor-General on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation 2014/15

 

4.1 The Department

4.2 The African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund

 

5. Findings by the Committee

 

6. Conclusions

 

7. Recommendations

 

 

 

Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, dated 20 October 2015

 

The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, having considered the performance and submission to National Treasury for the medium term period of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, reports as follows:

 

1. Introduction

 

1. The mandate of the Committee

 

The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation (the Committee) is a committee of Parliament mandated by the sections 55 and 92 of the Constitution of South Africa,[1] to oversee and ensure accountability in the formulation and conduct of South African foreign policy. Consequently, the Committee conducts oversight on activities of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (the Department), its policies, financial spending patterns, administrative issues, and it holds the Department accountable for its operations and functions. The Committee is an important mechanism for ensuring oversight over the conduct of South Africa’s international relations and cooperation policy.

 

1.2 Purpose of the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report

 

In accordance with section 5 of the Money Bills Procedures and Related Matters Amendment Act 2009 (Act No.9 of 2009), the National Assembly, through its committees, must assess service delivery performance of each national department and submit Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report (BRR Report) for each department, for tabling in the National Assembly. The process allows the National Assembly to evaluate the effective and efficient use and forward allocation of resources; and may make recommendations on forward use of resources. These reports will be considered by the Standing/Select Committees on Appropriations and Finance respectively when they make recommendations to the Houses of Parliament on the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS).

 

In compiling this report, the Committee as mandated by section 5 of the Money Bills Procedures and Related Matters Amendment Act 2009, based the assessment of the Department on its service delivery plan as outlined in the 2014 State of the Nation Address. The Committee linked domestic priorities to the Department’s Medium Term Strategic Framework for the period 2014 – 2019 and aligned the information to priorities and measurable objectives as set out in the strategic plan.

 

The Committee examined the expenditure report as published by the National Treasury, commonly known as section 32 Reports of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) 1999 (Act 1 of 1999). Reference was also made to the Auditor General’s report on the 2014/15 Budget Vote 5 and the Department’s Annual Report, which contains the Department’s service delivery information, reflecting its performance in 2014/15 reporting period.

 

1.3 The core function and mandate of the Department

 

The overall mandate of the Department is to work for the realization of South Africa’s international relations policy objectives. In terms of the provisions of the Constitution, the President of the Republic of South Africa bears the overall responsibility for the country’s foreign policy and international relations. However, the Department is entrusted with the formulation, application and implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy which is derived from South Africa’s domestic priorities[2].

 

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (the Minister) assumes overall responsibility for all aspects of South Africa’s international relations, albeit in consultation with the President. The Minister also liaises and consults with members of the Cabinet on overlapping issues and on the priorities and programmes of other departments that bear an international relations element. In the same breath, other Cabinet ministers are required to consult the Minister on their international role.

 

1.4        Measurable Objectives of the Department

 

The Department had identified the following strategic objectives for implementation during the reporting year, aimed at responding to the domestic priorities as announced by government for the reporting year as follows:

 

• Efficient, effective, economical and fully capacitated Department;
• Enhancing the African Agenda and Sustainable Development;
• Provide strategic Public Diplomacy direction nationally and internationally;
• Strengthening political and economic integration of the Southern African Development Community (SADC);
• Strengthening of South-South Relations;
• Strengthening of Relations with the formations of the North;
• Strengthening of Political and Economic Relations;
• Participation in the Global System of Governance;
• Provide strategic Public Diplomacy direction nationally and internationally;
• Provide effective Protocol Services
• Strengthen Multilateralism through financial contributions

 

During the reporting period, the thrust of the work of the Department remained anchored on these overarching priorities as confirmed by the January 2014 Cabinet Lekgotla and the 2014 State of the Nation Address (SONA). In its work on these priorities, the Department is supported by the following activities:

 

• Organisational support;
• Rendering of professional services and
• Organisational strengthening.

 

2.         Policy focus areas

 

2.1        Analysis of the Department’s prevailing strategic and operational plan

 

The Annual Report reflects the highlights of a number of diplomatic activities carried out by the Department including its Missions abroad. At the time of reporting, South Africa’s representative drive had grown from 34 in 1994 to 126 diplomatic missions in 2014/15, situated in 109 countries throughout the world.

 

During the reporting period, the Department remained focused towards Africa and South-South cooperation. It ensured that South Africa’s foreign relations contributed to an environment that is conducive to sustainable economic growth and development; and serve as a basis for addressing government’s identified urgent priorities. In support of government’s key targets, outlined in the medium term strategic framework, the Department’s priority was to pursue African development and enhanced international cooperation.

 

In his 2014 State-of-the-Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma directed that in their work the Department should include regarding Southern Africa and Africa as trade and investment zones. He further said foreign policy should be aligned to the National Development Plan (NDP); encouraged development of economic partnerships with developing countries; urged consideration of developed countries as economic partners; and emphasised the implementation of international agreements and obligations. The Indian Ocean region should be regarded as strategic for the realisation of the aspirations of ‘Operation Phakisa’ and the beneficial utilisation of the Blue Economy for South Africa’s growth.

 

The Department reported committed to continue to implement cost-containment measures in order to realise savings for the funding of priority projects in line with the Medium Term Strategic Framework. However, the Department remains vulnerable to foreign exchange volatility which necessitates a review on how the foreign operations are supported with regard to financial instruments that are available for the Department to mitigate such in order to address future unauthorised expenditure that might occur.

 

During the reporting period, the Department continued to operate in an unpredictable and volatile world, characterized by the inexorable shift to a multipolar world with the rise of new powers in the South. It operated in an ever-changing environment but through a consistent and principled approach to the implementation of diplomacy. South Africa is now a respected member of the international community with a dynamic and independent foreign policy that speaks to domestic priorities. During this time, South African foreign policy and diplomacy had to respond to global drivers and trends that influenced both the international system and the pursuit of South Africa’s domestic priorities.

 

The emergence and growth of new economic powers continued to shift the balance of the global distribution of power. This continued to challenge the established political order and place pressure on international organisations to reflect new political and economic realities.

 

South Africa had to contend with regional security challenges, particularly the situation in Lesotho. South Africa continued to play a role towards the broader continental security agenda through its membership of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).

 

The major highlights of the Department’s activities were that during the reporting period, South Africa assumed the chairship of Group of 77 plus China for 2015 and undertook to contribute towards ensuring that gains and the work of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are utilised to build momentum towards the realisation of the Post-2015 Development Agenda. It continued to serve the second year of its three year term on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and advanced its position on the Post-2015 Development Agenda and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in support of, among others, the National Development Plan, Industrial Priority Action Plan as well as New Partnership for Africa’s Development programmes, focusing on development and regional integration.

 

South Africa continued to contribute towards entrenchment of democracy in Africa through participation in seven election observer missions. In an effort to promote the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, “The Africa we Want”, the Department facilitated a historic joint sitting of Parliamentary debate, convened a national consultation forum and hosted the consultative meeting of former African Heads of State and Government with the AU Commission on Agenda 2063. It contributed to regional peace and stability through collective interventions and as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security from August 2014.

 

3.         Overview and assessment of the financial and non-financial performance of programmes of the Department and its entity for the 2014/15 financial year

 

3.1        Financial expenditure trends of the Department and its entity

 

Department budget and expenditure summary

 

Table 1: Total expenditure for the 2014/15 financial year[3]

Programme (R'000)	Final Appropriation R’000	Actual Expenditure R’000	(Over)/Under Expenditure R’000
Administration	1 346 780	1 247 943	98 695
International Relations	3 122 924	3 119 882	4336
International Cooperation	485 329	485 154	187
Public Diplomacy and Protocol	286 579	275 861	9554
International Transfers	862 712	862 712	0
Total	6 104 324	5 991 552	112 772

Source: Annual Report of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation 2014/15

 

The Department continued to operate in an uncertain international environment and budget constraints. It received an appropriated allocation of R6, 104 324 billion for the 2014/15 financial year after the adjustment estimates. The actual expenditure for 2014/15 was 98 per cent amounting to R5, 991 552 of the final appropriation. This constituted a net underspending of R112, 7 million.

 

The Department recorded foreign exchange losses due to expenditure incurred in missions abroad and payment of membership contributions to international organisations of which South Africa is a member, amounting to R75 million and R47 million respectively. However, the Department also recorded underspending on its capital infrastructure projects due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.[4]

 

Departmental receipts

 

Departmental receipts are generated from the following: interest earned from Mission’s bank accounts; rent on state-owned property; refunds received through Value-Added Tax (VAT) returns from Missions related to purchases of previous financial years; foreign exchange rate gains; and proceeds of asset disposals. According to the Annual Report of the Department, in the 2014/15 financial year, the amount collected decreased from R36.6 million to R35 million in comparison with the estimated revenue due to the depreciation of the Rand. [5]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2        Analysis of financial performance of the Department and its entity for the 2014/15 financial year

 

Per programme spending trends aligned to service delivery of the Department and its entity

 

Programme 1: Administration

 

The Department reported that the expenditure for the programme was R1. 2 billion which represented a decrease of 1per cent as compared to the 2013/14 financial year. The decrease in expenditure is due to the delays in capital projects due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances as follows: The Hague Renovation Project, Chancery and Official Residence were delayed due to a dispute lodged by the contractor due to a variation request of more than 30 per cent of the award. In addition, the contractor discontinued the renovation work, sighting the uncovering of asbestos, which was part of the specification.

 

Dar es Salaam was delayed due to the dispute with the contractor on the payment of an advance (deposit) before construction could commence. This contributed to the late commencement of the construction and resulted in the revision of the milestone. Lilongwe was delayed as a result of flooding that Malawi experienced, which prevented any construction from taking place, which was unforeseen and became unavoidable.

 

Programme 2: International Relations

 

The Department reported that expenditure in this programme increased significantly from R2.9 billion in 2013/14 to R3.1 billion in 2014/15 at a nominal growth rate of 8 per cent. This is mainly attributed to the depreciation of the Rand against other major foreign currencies. The depreciation of the Rand resulted in high exchange rates, thus increasing operational costs incurred in missions abroad, including salaries and wages as well as lease payments for office and residential accommodation. Consequently, the expenditure for Programme 2 has exceeded the budget by R75 million. However, the budget shortfall was covered by the virement of funds from the underspending in Programme 1 and Programme 3.

 

Programme 3: International Cooperation

 

The expenditure increased from R451.7 million in 2013/14 to R485.1 million in 2014/15. The underspending is as a result of the office accommodation for the Pan-African Parliament that has not been concluded in 2014/15. This programme’s expenditure is also affected by foreign exchange fluctuations.

 

Programme 4: Public Diplomacy and Protocol Services

 

Expenditure for Programme 4 decreased from R281.6 million in 2013/14 to R275.9 million in 2014/15, which represents a decrease of 2 per cent as compared to the 2013/14 financial year. The underspending is as a result of the delay in the submission of re-imbursement claims by partner departments with regard to the facilitation of the hosting of the 2014 Presidential Inauguration with regard to the security services provided to the invited Heads of State and Government.

 

Programme 5: International Transfers

 

The expenditure for 2014/15 expenditure of R863 million has decreased as compared to the 2013/14 of R978 million. This was due to the Department containing cost in relations to voluntary transfer payments, which would have resulted in an unauthorised expenditure.

 

Virements

 

Virement of funds amounting to R114, 6 million was shifted from programmes1, 3 and 4. This was due to defrayment of over expenditure in Programme 2 and Programme 5 due the depreciation of the Rand against major foreign currencies. The situation increased operational costs incurred in missions abroad as well as the assessed contribution within Programme 5. The Department could not request additional funding from National Treasury as the depreciation of the Rand was after the adjustment estimates were concluded.

 

Rollover of funds

 

The amount of R 116,231 million was requested to finalise the capital infrastructure projects in The Hague; Dar es Salaam as well as Lilongwe. It also served to reimburse partner departments for the amount expended in relations to providing VIP protection services during the 2014 Presidential Inauguration.

 

Unauthorised, fruitless and wasteful expenditure

 

The Department did not incur an unauthorised expenditure during the financial year 2014/15. However, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Resolution has been awaited for the previous year’s unauthorised expenditure of R215 million as a result of foreign exchange losses due to the depreciation of the Rand against foreign currencies and R20.1 million which is attributable to the cost incurred with regard to the provision of protocol services provided to the visiting Heads of State/Government during the State Funeral.

 

Future plans of the department

 

The department is working on the preparation of a Foreign Service Bill for submission to Cabinet for approval and subsequent tabling to Parliament during the 2015/16 financial year. This Bill is aimed at, among others, the establishment of a single foreign service for the Republic of South Africa; for the administration and functioning of the Foreign Service; and for the establishment of mechanisms that enhance the execution of international relations.

 

Public-Private Partnerships

 

The Department continued to service the existing PPPA with Main Street 717 (Pty) Ltd, concluded in 2009. This is done through quarterly meetings of senior managers as well as monthly operational meetings for operational managers. In addition, the meetings also deal with other governance and operational issues. The term of the PPPA is 25 years, ending in 2034. The total cost incurred in relation to the agreement for the financial year 2014/15 is as follows: R 199 573 for 2014/15; and R189 344 for 2013/14.

 

New or proposed activities

 

Following the Organisational Functionality Assessment process, the organisational structure of the Department was reviewed and proposed changes made in accordance with the Minister of Public Service and Administration’s Organisational Development directive (2006). The organisational review allowed the Department to align the structure to its mandate. It also gave the Department an opportunity to amalgamate the several changes introduced to the structure since its last organisational structuring process in 2001. The reviewed structure was approved on 30 March 2015. The Department’s proposed organisational functional structure review was approved by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation on 31 March 2015. The structure will only be effective in the financial year 2015/16 and the department has adapted a phased-in approach to implement the structure.

 

In addition, the Department is continuing with plans to activate the South African Development Partnership Agency (SADPA) and finalise the Partnership Fund for Development Bill. The process is aimed at repealing the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund Act, 2000 (Act 51 of 2000), in order to support South Africa’s outgoing development cooperation policy by providing funding and technical support for the development initiatives. It is envisaged that SADPA Bill will be ready for tabling in 2016/17.

 

Events after the reporting date

 

In January 2015, during the AU Summit in Addis, it was announced that South Africa would host the AU Summit in June. The announcement to host the AU Summit was only made after the budget processes had been concluded and departments involved were to fund the operations within their baseline.

 

The African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF) is administered by the Department. In strengthening the governance issues of the ARF, the Department has developed an operational framework; appointed a full-time ARF secretariat; shared internal audit and appointed an audit committee; as well as developed a risk management plan.

 

The Department renders agency services on behalf of other departments, public entities and provinces that have staff members stationed abroad. Also where departmental delegations travel abroad for official purposes, including institutions like Unisa, the agency services are normally extended. In addition, it also renders agency services on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs in terms of immigration and civic services rendered abroad and locally.

 

The Department has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with different line departments. The purpose of the MOU is to set out the administrative arrangements concerning cooperation between the Department and the relevant departments at South African missions, including the payment of advance payments by partner departments.

 

Performance information

 

During the reporting year, the core of the Department’s work of conducting South Africa’s foreign policy remained predisposed towards Africa and South-South cooperation. The objectives described in its Annual Performance Plan (APP) 2014/15, are based on South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP), Vision 2030.

 

3.3        Analysis of non-financial service delivery performance of the Department and its entity for the 2014/15 financial year

 

The Committee considered and analysed the Annual Report of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for the 2014/15 financial year. In its analysis of the report, the Committee also enlisted input from the Department of Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation and the Office of the Auditor-General.

 

The focus of the assessment was on the performance of the key programmes of the Department comprising of Administration, International Relations, International Cooperation, Public Diplomacy and Protocol Services and International Transfers. The Department’s performance was measured against its own set targets as identified in the Strategic Plan of 2014-2019. It is also measured against Government’s key priorities identified in the President’s State-of-the-nation address (SONA) of February 2014 and the Government’s Medium Term Strategic Framework 2014-2019. Other key measures comprise of the moral values and principles that underpin the country’s foreign policy. The source documents for this analysis include the 2014 Estimates of National Expenditure (ENE); the 2014 State of the Nation Address; the Delivery Agreement for Outcome 11 (2014-2019) as well as the Department’s Strategic Plan 2014-2019.

 

The performance of the entity, the African Renaissance and International Co-operation Fund (the ARF) for 2014/15 is also assessed in this report.

 

3.4.       Non-financial performance per Programme: Achievements

 

3.4.1     Programme 1: Administration

 

Main objective: The purpose of the programme is to develop overall policy and manage the Department with the intention of ensuring an efficient, effective, economical and fully capacitated department.

 

The Department reported that in the 2014/15 financial year, the average time taken for filling vacant posts was reduced from 7 to 5.3 months. One hundred and sixty one posts were filled during the period under review, of which 81 posts were filled within the four-month turnaround time. In terms of Human Resource Management, the main challenge reported by the Department was meeting equity targets of representation of women at Senior Management (SMS) Level and people with disabilities.

 

The Department is contributing to the development of skills for graduates through an Internship Programme. For the period under review, 35 interns were appointed.

The Employee Wellness Centre continues to provide 24-hour support services to all employees and their family members both at head office and missions. Hundred per cent of all 617 referrals were attended to within 24 hours of receipt during the 2014/15 financial year.

 

There was notable improvement regarding performance agreements. During the reporting period, 99, 6 per cent of SMS members concluded and filed their performance agreements, which is 279 out of 280. Furthermore, 95 per cent (260 out of 274) of eligible SMS performance appraisals were conducted.

 

Of the seven disciplinary cases that were initiated and finalised during the period under review, only 25 per cent (two out of seven) were completed within the prescribed period of 90 days. With regard to grievances, of the 46 cases handled and finalised, only 21.7 per cent (10 out of 46) were concluded within the prescribed 30 day period.

 

The Policy, Research and Analysis Unit (PRAU) continued to provide strategic foreign policy research on global trends and intensified engagement with stakeholders, including academics, business, labour and civil society. Stakeholder engagements will be further enhanced through the launch of the Cabinet-approved 19-member South Africa Council on International Relations (SACOIR).

 

ICT has provided connectivity to eight additional sites. During the period under review, ICT refreshed 3 321 out of 4 514 computers at head office and missions. ICT infrastructure maintenance was also performed during the refreshing of computers at various missions.

 

South African missions abroad assisted and provided consular assistance to 823 reported South African nationals in prisons abroad. A total number of 3 478 South African nationals registered on the Registration of South Africans Abroad (ROSA).

 

3.4.2     Programme 2: International Relations

 

Main objective: The purpose of this programme is to promote policies, strategies and programmes to advance South Africa’s national priorities through strengthened political, economic and social relations with targeted countries.[6]

 

South Africa conducted a range of bilateral engagements through Africa; Asia and the Middle East; Americas and the Caribbean; and Europe. In terms of the Africa sub-Programme there were engagements in each region. In Southern Africa, South Africa remained engaged in a Bi-national Commission at head of state level with Botswana. President Jacob Zuma also had consultations with the newly elected President of the Republic of Zambia, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who paid a courtesy call on President Zuma on 24 February 2015.

 

With regard to East Africa region, South Africa’s foreign policy remained on the support for the consolidation of peace and political stability. In line with the objective of intensified economic diplomacy and the realisation of the high economic growth rate in certain East African economies, the Department has aimed its economic efforts at further increasing intra-African trade.

 

South Africa’s economic footprint in the Central Africa region has improved significantly during the period under review with the launch of the South Africa-Congo Joint Economic Commission. There was also the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Cooperation between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea as well as a MoU on Defence Cooperation with Chad.

 

The Department was involved in a series of engagements in North Africa. President Zuma sent the Minister in The Presidency, Hon Jeff Radebe, as his Special Envoy at the inauguration of President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi in Cairo, Egypt, on 8 June 2014. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane participated in the Cairo Donors’ International Conference on Palestine and the Reconstruction of Gaza that took place on 12 October 2014. The Minister reminded the conference, among others, that at the height of the recent attack on Gaza, President Zuma was swift and spontaneous in pledging US$1 million towards humanitarian assistance; and further appointed special envoys to give impetus to the political negotiations on this protracted political conflict.

 

In terms of West Africa, President Zuma received President Ibrahim Boubaccar Keita of the Republic of Mali on 13 October 2014, and Bala G Jahumpa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Gambia, as the Special Envoy of President Sheik Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh on 23 October 2014. In November 2014, President Zuma appointed Minister Radebe as a Special Envoy to Nigeria to meet with the Governor of Lagos and President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, regarding the repatriation of the mortal remains of 85 South African nationals who lost their lives when a building belonging to a church in Nigeria collapsed. This visit resulted in 74 of the bodies being repatriated to South Africa on 16 November 2014. The remaining 11 bodies of deceased South Africans were repatriated on 6 February 2015.

 

In terms In the Central Asia region, trade relations between South Africa and Kazakhstan are still developing. Economic opportunities for South Africa in Kazakhstan include infrastructural development; mining technology; energy exploitation; related mining and engineering technology; agro processing expertise and export; infrastructure for adventure; and ecotourism.

 

In the East Asia region, South Africa and China enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership. South Africa hosted the opening of the “Year of South Africa in China” in 2014. The official launch of the 2015 “Year of China in South Africa” was held on 15 March 2015. Economic trade relations between South Africa and China are on a sound footing. China is South Africa’s largest trading partner, while South Africa is the largest trading partner for China in Africa. Total trade between South Africa and China in 2014, amounted to R261 789 806 498, with a trade deficit of negative R73 392 758 970 for South Africa.

 

Japan is South Africa’s third-largest trade partner globally. It is also a key provider of official development assistance (ODA) and technical cooperation, including to the rest of Africa, via the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process.

 

The Republic of Korea (ROK) is South Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner in Asia, and South Africa is the ROK’s largest trading partner in Africa. Trade between South Africa and the ROK encompasses a broad range of products from minerals and semi-finished products, to sophisticated high-technology electric and electronic products.

 

In terms of South Asia, South Africa and India maintain a strategic partnership. This extends to collaboration at multiple fora and areas of cooperation aligned to South Africa’s national priorities and global reform agenda. During her visit to India from 7 to 8 January 2015, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane met with her counterpart and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was agreed to expand cooperation to include support for Blue Economy projects, infrastructure development, mining and business process outsourcing.

 

With regards to South-East Asia, South Africa and countries in the South-East Asian region continued to enjoy strong bilateral relations underpinned by strong people-to-people contact. There were a number of exchanges of study and official visits at national government, provincial and parliamentary levels during the year.

 

In Oceania, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand continued to enjoy solid cooperation on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. Cooperation was at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

 

With regard to the Middle East region, South Africa’s relations with the Gulf States are managed through structured bilateral mechanisms such as Joint Commissions, partnership forums and bilateral consultations.

 

The pursuit of South African domestic priorities in the Levant continued to face challenges. These were caused by political tension and sectarian violence, the continuing civil strife and humanitarian crises in Syria. The situation in Syria has impact on the region and has further been compounded by the expanding footprint of extremist groups such as ISIS. The ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine and Israel’s incursion into the Gaza Strip during mid-2014 hampered any form of progress with regard to the Middle East Peace Process.

 

In the Americas and the Caribbean, South Africa’s bilateral relations with North America remained cordial and continued to strengthen. South Africa’s partnership with countries of the North is a pillar of its foreign policy and has continued to expand during the last year. South Africa’s engagements with the United States of America (USA) were conducted through structured mechanisms. The USA/Africa Leaders’ Summit, which was convened in the USA in August 2014, represented the first-ever major gathering of African leaders with a sitting US President. African leaders utilised the occasion to advocate for Africa’s development and how the US Administration, Congress and the private sector could support the continent’s initiatives.

 

Despite a challenging global outlook for commodities in 2014, South Africa managed to grow her exports to countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Chile. In 2014, Mexico and Brazil remained prominent trade partners while emerging economies such as Colombia, Peru and Chile also contributed to increased bilateral trade. In addition, bilateral investments in several sectors, notably in agriculture and in the food industry, continued to demonstrate increased investor confidence in South Africa.

 

Cooperation between South Africa and Cuba intensified in 2014. This resulted in an increase of South Africa’s medical and engineering students studying in Cuba.

 

In strengthening bilateral relations with Europe during the 2014/15 financial year, South Africa specifically focused on advancing the priorities of government as envisaged in the NDP. The strategic approach taken was to use the planned structured engagements as a platform to identify key sectors in which Europe offers comparative advantage, such as innovation and research. Focus was placed on sectors such as renewable energy, skills and vocational training, science and technology.

 

One of the new Government priorities that show particular potential for engagement with European countries is the Blue Economy. It was factored into discussions during several structured engagements.

 

President Zuma undertook a Working Visit to the Russian Federation to meet with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, from 24 to 27 August 2014. President Zuma met with President François Hollande of France on the margins of the G20 Summit in November 2014. They focused their discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, peace and security and the need for reform of the institutions of global governance. President Zuma also met with Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2015.

 

The Department also reported on a series of bilateral meetings held by Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane with counterparts from Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.[7]

 

3.4.3     Programme 3: International Cooperation

 

The purpose of this programme is to facilitate participation in international organisations and institutions in line with South Africa’s national values and foreign policy objectives[8].

 

This programme has the following sub-programmes and strategic objectives:

 

3.4.3.1  Sub-programme: Global System of Governance

 

In its multilateral activities, the Department participated in forums focusing on among others, promotion and protection of human rights, where it negotiated and influenced the adoption of resolutions on the right of Palestinian people to self-determination; on the implementation of the International Decade of People on African Descent.

With regard to issues of disarmament, the Department continued in its efforts for the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and safety and security of nuclear energy.

 

In approaching the Post-2015 Development Agenda, South Africa has maintained that the UN development agenda beyond 2015 should be closely aligned with, and build upon, existing development programmes and agendas, including the unfinished business of the MDGs. Furthermore, the eradication of poverty and hunger, as well as combating inequality at all levels, were essential to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

 

President Jacob Zuma led the South African delegation to the General Debate of the

69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014. His participation was marked by, among others, his articulation of South Africa’s position on the Palestinian question and Western Sahara; reform of the United Nations Security Council.

 

On climate change, South Africa sought to secure the twin imperatives of ensuring environmental integrity and protecting the right of development of developing countries. This would be achieved through the adoption of a legally binding, fair and ambitious instrument at COP21/CMP11 in Paris in December 2015. President Zuma also participated in the G20 Summit resulting in the adoption of the Brisbane Action Plan.

 

In 2014, South Africa was unanimously elected as Chair of the G77 for the year 2015. During its term as chair, South Africa was prominently positioned as the voice of developing countries. This grouping constitute two-thirds of the UN membership, on key development issues facing the global community, including eradicating poverty, unemployment and inequality.

 

South Africa’s chairpersonship took place at a crucial juncture in the global community’s efforts to agree on the development priorities and goals needed to take the work of the MDGs forward. It was also at the right time to transform development beyond 2015 and the international community’s response to climate change beyond 2020.

 

3.4.3.2  Sub-programme: Continental Cooperation

 

Strategic Objectives: Enhance the African Agenda and Sustainable Development; and Strengthen political and economic integration of SADC.

 

During the reporting period, South Africa supported the development and aims of the AU’s Agenda 2063 in the context of promoting and supporting the building of a better Africa. The pursuit for a better life for all South Africans is intertwined with the country’s pursuit of a better Africa in a better world. Consequently and following the decisions by the AU summits of 2014 January and June 2014, the South African Government undertook national consultative activities on Agenda 2063. The Parliament of South Africa also held a debate on the AU’s Agenda 2063.

 

South Africa continued to play an important role in the pursuit of regional peace and stability, and regional integration to bolster socio-economic development. A key milestone was its unanimous election as chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. In this position, South Africa actively participated in regional initiatives in support of peace-building and security as well as efforts to deepen democracy. In this regard, South Africa led successful Election Observer Missions to Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, Zambia and Lesotho.

 

3.4.3.3Sub-programme: South-South Cooperation

 

President Jacob Zuma participated in the Sixth BRICS Summit, held in Fortaleza, Brazil, on 15 July 2014. The most important outcome of this summit was the signing of the first formal BRICS intergovernmental agreements, namely the Agreement on the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Treaty establishing a BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). The NDB will have its regional centre in South Africa.

 

South Africa contributed to the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) fund. The contribution was a timely response for projects on rebuilding Palestine as well as aid to Ebola affected countries.

 

South Africa assumed Vice Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and hosted the first international workshop on Blue Economy Contact group. The South African delegation was led by Deputy Minister Nomaindiya Mfeketo.

 

The Department used the United States-Africa summit to position South Africa as a key trade and investment destination. It also negotiated the renewal of South Africa’s participation in the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

 

 

 

3.4.3.4  Programme 4: Public Diplomacy and State Protocol

 

The strategic objectives of this programme are as follows:

 

• To provide strategic public diplomacy direction nationally and internationally to ensure a better understanding of South Africa’s foreign policy;
• To advance a positive projection of South Africa’s image through communication strategies on South Africa’s foreign policy positions and programmes nationally and internationally.[9]
• To provide effective State Protocol services.[10]

The Department continued to implement its robust Public Diplomacy Strategy, which further contributed to a positive projection of South Africa’s image. Seventeen public participation programmes (PPPs) were undertaken by principals to educate and inform the public at home and abroad about the mandate, engagements and the underlying foreign policy principles which South Africa stands for. Public diplomacy exceeded its annual plans in terms of coverage and dissemination of the good work being done in the conduct of South African foreign policy.

 

Protocol Services were rendered to the President and Deputy President during 26 incoming and 44 outgoing State and Official Visits. The Department also facilitated international travelling by provinces and local municipalities for 185 outgoing visits and six incoming visits. A total of 28 174 VIPs were assisted through the State Protocol Lounges and the department facilitated 148 ceremonial events.

 

3.4.3.5  Programme 5: International Transfers

 

The purpose of this programme is to honour South Africa’s financial obligations and voluntary contributions to international organisations.[11] Under this programme, the Department reported that South Africa diligently honoured its dues and on time.

 

3.5.       Public Entity: Overview of the Annual Report 2014/15 of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund

 

The Department, in consultation with the National Treasury, is responsible for the administration of the African Renaissance Fund, which was established in terms of Act 51 of 2000. This fund is under the control of the Director-General of the Department who must account for all payments into and out of the fund. An Advisory Committee was appointed to make recommendations to the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and Finance on the disbursement of funds, as provided for in the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund Act, 2000.[12]

 

The objectives of the ARF are to promote economic cooperation between the Republic of South Africa and other countries by granting loans and/or rendering other financial assistance in respect of development projects in such countries. Therefore, the ARF enables the South African Government to identify and fund, in a proactive way:

• cooperation between the Republic of South Africa and other countries, in particular African countries
• promotion of democracy and good governance
• prevention and resolution of conflict
• socio-economic development and integration
• humanitarian assistance
• human resource development.[13]

 

The ARF Secretariat continued to facilitate contracts, agreements and procurement processes for approved projects as required by the ARF Act, 2000 (Act 51 of 2000) and the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999), as amended. These undertakings have resulted in the ARF disbursing R49 714 million in the 2014/15 financial year as compared to R229 149 million in the 2013/14 financial year.[14]

 

During the year under review, the ARF recorded an expenditure of R189 million as compared to R41 million in the 2013/14 financial year. The significant increase was attributed to a greater need for humanitarian assistance in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and an outbreak of Ebola in West Africa.[15]

 

During the current financial year, the Fund incurred irregular expenditure of R1,2 million (2014: R25 million). This was attributable to non-compliance with the supply chain management process during the initiation of the projects. The expenditure was subsequently condoned by the relevant authorities with an exception of R 141 000 which was identified during the audit process.[16]

 

4.         Report of the Auditor-General of South Africa, the Financial and Fiscal Commission 2014/15 on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and its entity

 

The findings of the Auditor-General on the overall financial performance of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has remained good, in terms of its financial statements, in all material respects reflecting an alignment of expenditure to the pre-determined objectives. There have been, however, issues of concern persistently highlighted by the Auditor-General which seemingly gradually affected the findings over a period of six years.

 

There has been a trend however in the Auditor-General’s audit opinions. There has been a noted regression from ‘clean audit opinion in 2009/10, to ‘unqualified audit opinion with findings on pre-determined objectives and/or compliance with laws and regulations’ in 2010/11; 2011/12 and 2012/13. For the 2013/14 and 2014/15 reporting years, the Auditor-General has expressed a ‘qualified audit opinion’.

 

4.1        The Department

 

Regarding the financial statements of the Department as at 31 March 2015, the Auditor-General expressed a qualified audit opinion. The overall financial performance of the Department was reported as good, with issues which the Auditor-General advised should be addressed. These were as follows:

 

In the 2014/15 financial year, the Auditor-General was of the opinion that the financial statements presented fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Department as at 31 March 2014; and its financial performance and cash flows for the year.

 

The Department has as part of its assets, a number of original works of art and paintings by renowned South African artists. Some of these paintings exhibit the characteristics of heritage assets as described by the Modified Cash Standard as well as section 3(2)(i)(v) of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999). The Department has not undertaken a comprehensive assessment of all works of art and paintings currently included as part of movable assets in the furniture and office equipment category to determine which of these assets meet the criteria to be recognised as heritage assets.

 

Additionally, works of art and paintings acquired before 1 April 2002 have been incorrectly reflected at fair value amounts of R166 703 024 (2013-14: R167 870 290) in the furniture and office equipment category, in contravention of the Modified Cash Standard which states that the fair value measurement requirement does not apply where the moveable asset was acquired before 1 April 2002. These assets must be measured at cost and, if cost is not available, at R1. As a result, furniture and office equipment is overstated by R166 702 562 (2013-14: R167 869 810).

 

The Department did not maintain an updated asset register in accordance with the requirements of the Modified Cash Standard. This, together with the ineffective system of control over assets had an impact on the amounts recognised as tangible capital assets and minor assets. Consequently, tangible capital assets and minor assets were understated by R21 611 183 (2013-14: R24 938 000).

 

Goods and services with a transaction value below R500 000 were procured without obtaining the required price quotations, as required by treasury regulation 16A6.1.

 

Goods and services of a transaction value above R500 000 were procured without inviting competitive bids, as required by treasury regulation 16A6.1.

 

The accounting officer has been slow in addressing the significant deficiencies noted over his oversight regarding financial reporting, compliance and related internal controls due to an overall lack of accountability.

 

The lack of implementation and enforcement of a consequence management process within the department has resulted in repeat audit findings without any consequences for employees who continuously fail to execute their allocated job responsibilities, breach legislative prescripts and fail to honour commitments made to address findings.

 

Key officials involved in the financial reporting process lack the required competencies to fully comply with the requirements of the Modified Cash Standard.

 

A special audit was made on the administration processes at the South African High Commission in Ghana in order to determine the facts around the allegations made.

The investigation was completed on 31 October 2013 and resulted in disciplinary proceedings being instituted against one employee. These proceedings are closed and criminal proceedings have been instituted against this employee.

 

The accounting officer has requested an investigation into allegations of impropriety at the Public Diplomacy branch. This investigation is currently in progress.

 

The accounting officer has requested an investigation into the allegations of theft of $32000 and local currency at the South African Consulate General in South Sudan.

This investigation is currently in progress.

 

The Department undertook to address the issues raised. It committed to ensure that the same concerns do not recur in the following financial year.

 

4.2        The African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF)

 

The purpose of the ARF is to promote economic cooperation between the Republic of South Africa and other countries, by granting and/or rendering of other financial assistance in respect of post conflict development projects in such countries. Loans or other financial assistance are granted in accordance with an agreement entered into by the country in question and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (the Minister). Assistance granted is subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by that country and the Minister, acting in each case in consultation with the Minister of Finance.[17]

 

The activities under the ARF are governed by the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund Act, 2000 (Act 51 of 2000) (ARF Act).

 

Organisational Structure of the Fund

 

An Advisory Committee has been established to manage the Fund and also to make recommendations to the Minister and the Minister of Finance on the disbursement of funds through loans, grants or other financial assistance. The Advisory Committee consists of the Director-General (DG) of the Department or the delegate of the DG, three officers of the Department appointed by the Minister, and two officers of the National Treasury appointed by the Minister of Finance. The recommendations of the Advisory Committee are sent to the Minister for approval.

 

The Minister then writes a letter seeking concurrence from the Minister of Finance. Once concurrence is secured, the funds are disbursed as per the arrangements in the project proposal. At the start of the 2012/13 financial year, the ARF Advisory Committee made recommendations pertaining to the areas of focus.[18]

 

The Fund is managed by the Department and payments are made on behalf of the Fund by the Department once concurrence is received from the Minister of Finance. This has resulted in the opening of control accounts (Payables and Receivables) in the accounting records of the Department and these accounts are reconciled to the records of the Fund. The financial statements of the Fund are prepared separately from the Department as the Fund is registered as a Schedule 3A Public Entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 1999 (Act 1 of 1999). All transactions and information arising from the work of the Fund are audited by the Auditor-General South Africa on an annual basis.[19]

 

The Director-General (DG) is the Accounting Officer of the ARF in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The DG has established a Secretariat to assist with disbursement of the funds as well as monitoring an evaluation. The Secretariat provides administrative support to the Advisory Committee.

 

The Findings of the Auditor-General on the ARF

 

The accounting authority did not take adequate and effective steps to ensure compliance with National Treasury Practice Note No. 8 of 2007-08. Supply chain prescripts were not followed and deviations were not documented and properly motivated.

 

The accounting authority did not take adequate and effective and appropriate steps to prevent and detect irregular expenditure as per requirements of section 51(1)(b)(ii) of the PFMA.

 

Effective and appropriate disciplinary steps were not taken against officials who incurred and/or permitted irregular expenditure, as required by section 51(1)(e)(iii) of the PFMA.

 

Allegations against officials for failure to comply with the supply chain management system were not investigated, as required by treasury regulation 16A9.1 (b).

 

The entity did not develop and document policies and procedures that could provide a framework on how its operational activities should be conducted for a substantial part of the year, as required by section 51(1)(a)(i) of the PFMA. The adoption of the Department’s policies and procedures only took place on 20 January 2015.

 

Section 51(1)(b)(i) of the PFMA prescribes that the accounting authority must take effective and appropriate steps to collect all revenue due to the public entity. The accounting authority failed to collect promptly the appropriation due from the Dirco. The appropriation was drawn by Dirco in July 2014 and was only transferred to the ARF in March 2015. R168 795 000 of the Dirco receivables has remained outstanding for more than three years.

 

As the appropriation amount due to the entity was not timeously followed up, the amount was not timeously invested.

 

The Department has undertaken to address the concerns raised.

 

5.         Findings by the Committee

 

After due deliberations on the contents of the Annual Report of the Department and its entity, the Committee made the following findings:

 

1. The overall service delivery performance of the Department was commendable. The Department has to carry out its mandate within an unpredictable, at times turbulent, external environment to advance South Africa’s national priorities. Its budget is continuously under pressure and exposed to Rand fluctuations despite the fact that its mandate continued to grow.

 

1. The Department has received a qualified audit opinion for the second year running in 2014/15.

 

1. The Auditor-General’s audit findings for 2014/15 have expressed a qualified audit opinion with regard to the Department’s performance. The Auditor-General has recommended steps to be taken to rectify the situation in areas reported on such as asset management, ICT issues, internal control, addressing incompetence by officials, leadership and compliance with laws and regulations.

 

1. During the reporting year, the Department did not incur an unauthorised expenditure. However, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Resolution has been awaited for the previous year’s unauthorised expenditure of R215 million as a result of foreign exchange losses due to the depreciation of the Rand against foreign currencies, and R20.1 million which is attributable to the cost incurred with regard to the provision of protocol services provided to the visiting Heads of State/Government during the State funeral.

 

5.     The Department had to shift funds among programmes, these virements amounted to R114, 6 million. It could not request additional funding from National Treasury as the depreciation of the Rand was after the adjustment estimates were concluded.

 

6.     The Department’s proposed organisational functional structure review was approved by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation on 31 March 2015. The structure will only be effective in the financial year 2015/16 and the Department has adapted a phased-in approach to implement the structure.

 

7.     The Department supported negotiations on the Tripartite Free Trade Area, and participated in its launch during the African Union Summit. The purpose of the Tripartite Free Trade Area is to advance regional economic integration.

 

8.     The Department is working on the preparation of a Foreign Service Bill for submission to Cabinet for approval and subsequent tabling to Parliament during the 2015/16 financial year. The Bill is aimed to create a single foreign service system, leading to improved efficiency, cost effectiveness and enhanced service delivery.

 

9.     The Department has heritage assets in the form of works of art and paintings acquired before 1 April 2002. According to the Modified Cash Standard system, all heritage assets acquired before 1 April 2002, must be measured at cost and, if cost is not available, at R1. The Department believes the costing of all these assets would be very costly. Treasury is however to train chief financial officers in government on how these heritage assets could be assessed and consequently recorded in accordance with the requirements.

 

1. In order to track progress and or challenges with regard to the performance of the Department to address some of the challenges raised, quarterly meetings between the Committee and the Internal Audit Committee would be of importance.

 

1. There is an urgent need for a dedicated training programmes for the officers responsible for financial statements, procurement, supply chain management and asset management.

 

1. Asset management deficiencies continue to negatively influence the outcome of audit reports of the Department. The asset management strategy was not an appropriate fit for the huge property portfolio, in 126 missions, under the control of the Department.

 

1. The Department’s ICT infrastructure remained outdated, exposing foreign policy related information to related risks including cyber-crime.

 

1. Property maintenance activities continued to be managed by individual missions abroad through annual maintenance plans. Execution of such plans could not be verified.

 

1. There were challenges with regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on revenue management and collection on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs for agency services rendered by the Department in the missions abroad.

 

1. Consequence management was not effectively applied. Wrongdoers were not immediately subjected to requisite disciplinary measures.

 

1. The finalisation of the Foreign Service Bill and the operationalisation of the South African Development Partnership Agency (SADPA) will be effected in 2015/16 and 2016/17 respectively.

 

1. The Committee noted investigations were underway regarding alleged misconduct affecting the ex-High Commissioner in Ghana; impropriety in the Public Diplomacy branch and disappearance of monies in the embassy in Juba, South Sudan.

 

1. South Africa’s contribution to peace, security and stability on the continent continued to grow considerably. The country has been supporting the African Union, United Nations and SADC efforts aimed at promoting peace and security.

 

1. Increased research capacity in the Department was welcomed as a positive development for purposes of early warning regarding developing trends and threats to the health of South African foreign policy.

 

1. The Employee Wellness Centre continued to provide 24-hour support services to all employees and their family members.

 

1. The Department had a challenge meeting equity targets of representation of women at Senior Management Service (SMS) level and people with disabilities.

 

1. Not all junior level officials were subjected to performance assessments in line with the Performance Management and Development Systems.

 

1. Officials posted as Corporate Services managers at South African Missions are not capacitated for the kind of work they are expected to do.

 

6.         Conclusions

 

Overall performance by the Department in the reporting year has been commendable. The Committee is encouraged by the efforts undertaken to contribute towards a better life for all in South Africa; striving for a stable and secure continent; and creating a better, humane, just and equitable world order.

 

The Committee unanimously expressed satisfaction that the Department has utilized its budget in accordance with its plans for 2014/15, and it had spent 98 per cent of its budget. The Department was regarded as having demonstrated full accountability to Parliament and the people of South Africa on resources spent, both human and financial, and how it contributed in the achievement of South Africa’s national priorities. The Department was applauded for continuing to position South Africa as a respected member of the international community, with a dynamic and independent foreign policy that speaks to the country’s domestic priorities.

 

The Committee noted serial weaknesses highlighted by the Auditor General. It further welcomed the acknowledgement and commitment by the Department, to improve in the scores of the Department for good management practices measured against the standards set in the Management Performance Assessment Tool Framework, issued by the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency.

 

The Department also expressed determination and undivided attention to pursue best practices in the areas of human resources, financial, supply chain, asset management and information and communications technology, as raised by the Office of the Auditor-General. The Committee noted that there is room for improvement with necessary adjustments in service delivery.

 

7.         Recommendations

 

The Committee is of the opinion that overall the Department has performed according to the goals it had set itself for the 2014/15 reporting period. The 2014/15 budgetary allocations of the Department were aligned to the national strategic priorities outlined in the 2014 State-of-the-nation address, as well as its strategic direction in terms of its Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

 

The unpredictable foreign exchange portfolios have been negatively affecting the operations of the Department, especially in the Missions where the bulk of its activities take place. The Department has accordingly operated within a tight budget despite its growing responsibilities.

 

In order to further assist the Department to enhance its performance, the Committee recommends that the Minister ensures that the Department implements the following and report to the Committee within three months of the adoption of this report by the National Assembly:

 

1. Follow up with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and National Treasury is needed in order to obtain confirmation condoning the expenditure recorded as unauthorized expenditure attributable to costs incurred with regard to the provision of protocol services provided to visiting Heads of State/Government during the State funeral of former President Mandela.

 

1. Deal with serial recurring issues raised in the Auditor-General’s report, especially on supply chain, ICT, asset management and consequence management, compliance with rules and legislation.

 

1. Administer appropriate and adequate training capacity and competence for all officials in units of the finance portfolio.

 

1. Develop a turnaround strategy for proper and efficient asset management at headquarters and in the Missions abroad.

 

1. Finalise processes to operationalise SADPA in order to address structural and operational challenges facing the ARF.

 

1. Maintenance plans for assets in the missions should be met with adequate resources.

 

1. The Department should engage Treasury and the Department of Arts and Culture for assessing and classifying heritage assets and works of art kept at headquarters and missions abroad.

 

1. The Department should request additional funds from Treasury to augment its budget and the Committee supports the need for additional funds. The Department requested R800 million but received R720 million.

 

1. In order to track progress on identified challenges with regard to the performance of the Department, quarterly meetings should be facilitated between the Committee and the Internal Audit Committee.

 

1. The Department should conduct awareness-raising sessions with supervisors and employees on both the Performance Management and Development Systems, and its processes; as well as consequence management and disciplinary actions that need to be implemented.

 

1. The office of the Chief Operations Officer should be empowered to expeditiously address the serially occurring operational issues affecting the Department.

 

1. The equity targets of representation of women and people with disabilities should be met.

 

Report to be considered.

 

 

Sources

 

• Annual Report 2014-2015 Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
• Strategic Plan, 2014-2017, Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
• National Treasury, Vote 5: International Relations and Cooperation, Estimates of National Expenditure 2014.
• Zuma, J.G. 2014, State of the Nation Address at the Joint Sitting of Parliament. Cape Town.
• The African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund Act, 2000
• Standing Committee on Appropriations: 4th Quarter Expenditure Report 2014/15 financial year.
• Presentations by other departments.

 

 

 

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[1] Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996

[2] Department of International Relations and Cooperation Annual Report 2014-2015 p20

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid

[5] Annual Report 2014/15 of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

[6] Department of International Relations and Cooperation Annual Performance Plan 2014-2015

[7] Ibid

[8] Department of International Relations and Cooperation Annual Performance Plan 2014-2015

[9] Ibid

[10] Annual Report 2013/14 of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

[11] Department of International Relations and Cooperation Annual Performance Plan 2014-2015.

[12] Annual Report 2014/15 of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

[13] Annual Report 2014/15 of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund

[14] Ibid

[15] Ibid

[16] Annual Report 2014/15 of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund

[17] Ibid.

[18] Ibid.

[19] Annual Report 2012/13 of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund.