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Department of Foreign Affairs. Strategic Plan 2008-2011 Presentation to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs 12 March 2008. DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011. INTRODUCTION
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Department of Foreign Affairs Strategic Plan 2008-2011 Presentation to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs 12 March 2008
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 INTRODUCTION • The Strategic Plan doc covers the strategic thrust of the work of the Department in the 2008 – 2011 MTEF • Our work continues to be guided by the decision, priorities and policy guidelines emanating from the January Cabinet Lekgotla and the State of the Nation Address • The Strategic Plan document has thus been developed guided by the amended Chapter 5 of the Treasury Regulations in terms of Section 76 of the PFMA • Political guidance given by the Minister and Deputy Ministers has been invaluable in the development of the Plan
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 STRATEGIC THRUST OF DFA FOR 2008 - 2011 • The work of the DFA remains anchored on the following overarching priorities • Consolidation of the African Agenda • Strengthening of South-South Co-operation • Strengthening of North-South Co-operation • Participation in the Global System of Governance • Strengthening of Bilateral and Economic Relations • This work is supported by the following activities • Organisational Strengthening • Organisational Support • Rendering of Professional Services
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Consolidation of the African Agenda • SA’s work will continue to focus on the strengthening of African institutions both at regional and Continental level • AU and its structures • Implementation of NEPAD • Strengthening of SADC • Contribution to Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) • Contribute towards peace, security and stability in Africa • Strengthen Bilateral Relations with all African countries • Support the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Consolidation of the African Agenda • On the strengthening of the AU and its structures- we will continue with efforts aimed at • Harmonisation and rationalisation of RECS • Consolidate support to PAP • Construction of the Building set to start in the current financial year • Need to also engage in evolving debate on the eventual role of PAP ( Advisory – legislative) • Operationalisation of AU Financial Institutions and African Courts • Engagement of the African Diaspora • SA to host Summit in October 08 • Strengthen AU-EU Relations
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Consolidation of the African Agenda • Support the implementation of NEPAD • Co-ordination internally in SA • Manage the African Renaissance Fund • Continue to advocate for the mobilisation of continental resources • SADC • SA is taking over as Chair of SADC in August 2008 • This presents both opportunities and challenges as the region faces unique challenges as it advances regional integration • It is clear that we have to focus on strengthening bilateral ties with each SADC country as a pre-requisite for the success of our efforts
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Consolidation of the African Agenda • SADC • At a strategic level, SA has a vested interest in a successful integration agenda in the region • Individual SADC member states have to confront a variety of challenges largely imposed by their objective economic situations which are currently impacting negatively on the need for singularity of purpose and action to advance regional development • We also have a SADC that has residual areas of instability that require careful management as we move forward • By far - the most immediate challenges are to engage and redirect the Integration agenda so that it truly advances regional development and • Encourage peace and stability in the region
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Consolidation of the African Agenda • SADC • Focus of SA’s Chairship will thus be to contribute to the strengthening of SADC both in terms of capacity and implementation of its programmes • The current integration debate coupled with the developments around the EU-EPA negotiations will also be a key area of focus • Elections will also take place in several SADC countries in the MTSF – with Angola and Zimbabwe set to have their elections in 2008 • SA will send its observers to these elections as part of the SADC contingent
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Strengthen South South Co-operation • Our work in this area will focus on the strengthening of SA’s engagement in multilateral organisations of the South such as the G-77 and China, and NAM • We will also engage with other south-south groupings such as IBSA, NAASP, IOR, FOCAC, and Africa-South America Forum • The growing interest amongst emerging developing countries to have structured engagements with the African continent has resulted to the formation of the Africa- India Forum – which will be inaugurated in April 2008 in New Delhi, India
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Strengthen South South Co-operation • More on IBSA • SA hosted 2nd IBSA Summit last October and will host a Ministerial Meeting in March 08 in preparation for the 3rd Summit to be hosted by India later this year • Marked expansion of areas of co-operation • People to people dimension include • Women’s Forum • Parliamentary Forum • Journalist Programme • Social Development/ Civil Society Forum • Also academia and Business
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Strengthen North South Co-operation SA’s engagement with the North is largely informed by the imperative of advancing the African Agenda as well as broader development interest of the South • G-8 • TICAD
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Participate in the Global System of Governance • SA’s engagement in the global system of Governance will continue to cover the political, economic and social spheres of our work • Whilst our engagement as non-permanent member of the UNSC will lapse at the end of 2008 • We will continue to advance our engagements in other key areas of UN work • One of the key areas will be advancing the reform of the UN • Another key issue that is proving highly topical in multilateral debates especially due to its cross cutting nature and impact is Climate Change • Govt is seized with the matter and necessary co-ordination with key Departments is done through the IRPS Cluster
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Participate in the Global System of Governance • Briefly on SA’s focus in the 2nd year of UNSC seat • We will build on the achievements of 2007 which include inter alia:- • Leadership on African and thematic issues (Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire and the DRC) • Revitalisation of the debate on Chapter VIII institutions and the Council and the need for closer co-operation between the AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council • SA co-leadership of the Security Council Mission to Africa 2007 • Focus on women in peace and security; small arms and light weapons • Promoted African perspectives on Security Sector Reform • Leadership on Timor-Leste • Active engagement in UNSC subsidiary bodies: e.g. Counter-Terrorism Committee and 1540 Committee on weapons of mass destruction and non-State actors
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Participate in the Global System of Governance • UNSC seat – 2008 • Particular focus will be • To further advance the theme of enhancing co-operation between the United Nations and regional organisations in particular the AU • Under SA’s Presidency of the UNSC in April 2008 – a joint meeting of the UNSC and the AUPSC has been organised • We will also continue to advocate for more transparent and democratic working methods and procedures in the UNSC • We are also continuously conscious of the setbacks we experienced in our first year – particularly the negative media coverage over SA’s positions (Myanmar, Iran, listing of South Africans on UNSC terror list) • A communications strategy has now been developed to address this challenge
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Participate in the Global System of Governance • Key Substance Issues in 2008 • Kosovo • Visit by Counter-Terrorism Committee’s expert support structure to South Africa (mid-2008) • Renewal of 1540 mandate • Iran; Middle East; Lebanon/Syria • DRC; Sudan; Western Sahara
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Disarmament, Non-Proliferation & Arms Control • Active role in disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control in relation to both WMD and conventional weapons • Promote and support non-proliferation of WMD, whilst guarding against controls becoming a means to deny countries access to advanced technologies • Active engagement in fora (IAEA; UNSC) dealing with situations of concern, including Iran and the DPRK • Promote principled positions on the inalienable right of all States to pursue advanced technologies for peaceful purposes; need to preserve the credibility of the relevant multilateral institutions (IAEA) and the UNSC; pursue peaceful, negotiated solutions to address security concerns
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Middle East Peace Process South African profile increased over the last year as witnessed in: • Hosting of the UN Africa Meeting on the Question of Palestine - May 2007 • US invitation to attend the Annapolis Peace Conference November 2007 • French invitation to attend the Paris Donors’ Conference in aid of Palestinian reconstruction and development – December 2007 • Hosting of PNA caretaker Foreign Minister and Palestinian Ambassadors serving in Africa- scheduled for April 2008 Moving Forward • South Africa will remain involved in capacity and institution building in Palestine (On a bilateral basis as well as through the IBSA and NAASP forums) • DFA maintains that Palestinian unity is a pre-requisite for progress in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. Will engage with Hamas/Fatah based on the principals of the Spier process • South Africa will maintain pressure for Annapolis Process follow up Conference in Russia to take place and for the Israel-Syria negotiation track to be opened
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Strengthen Political and Economic Relations • Focus of SA’s bilateral engagements has traditionally been on the consolidation of political relations • With bilateral political relations largely solidified • Key challenge is to leverage SA’s extensive global diplomatic reach & international political standing to advance the country’s economic interests • The focus during the MTSF will be on strengthening of economic diplomacy in order to respond the government's priority of growing the economy to address our socio-economic challenges • Bilateral relations with partners both in developed and developing countries will continue to be utilised to identify opportunities for strengthening on co-operation
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Strengthen Political and Economic Relations • In order to advance this objective - it was imperative to harness our efforts across all spheres of govt • A co-ordination mechanism has now been established – which will pool our international engagement efforts in order to leverage resources better • We have also developed a marketing strategy framework which amongst others seeks to improve the projection of SA abroad • China has been identified as a first test case for country wide co-ordination of SA’s international work
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Strengthen Political and Economic Relations • With the engagement with China, three events have been chosen:- • 2008 Celebrations of 10 years of SA-China diplomatic relations • 2010 Shanghai World Expo • Partnership for Growth and Development (led by dti)
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Strengthen Political and Economic Relations • China - 2008 Celebrations of 10 years of SA-China diplomatic relations • Three phased approach • Phase I : SA Weeks 07 to 29 April 2008 • Cultural events in 4 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou) ; Political Seminars; Celebrations of the South African National Day, • Phase II : SA participation in Beijing Olympics during August 2008 • Hosting of SA hospitality suite branded eKhaya, at one of the main venues (led by Sports and Recreation) • eKhaya will serve to promote SA and sustain the momentum of the Celebrations • Phase III : October – November 2008 • The final phase will take place in October to early November 2008 during President Mbeki’s State Visit • The President’s State Visit will coincide with Trade Expos, to be held in Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 Strengthen Political and Economic Relations • Overall the focus of our bilateral engagements is on strengthening of political relations • We will use the infrastructure of our Missions in every region • In Africa (46 Missions in 43 countries) • In Asia (18 Missions in 14 countries) • In the Middle East (12 Missions in 10 countries) • In Europe (26 Missions in 22 countries) • In the Americas (17 Missions in 10 countries) • We will also engage with representatives of these countries in SA
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-20113 YEAR SPENDING PATTERN OF THE DEPARTMENT
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 2008 MTEF BUDGET ALLOCATIONS The approved MTEF budget allocations for the department is as follow: 2008/09 R4 340 708 billion 2009/10 R5 162 615 billion 2010/11 R4 983 406 billion
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 2008 MTEF ALLOCATIONS The non granting of the requested amount by National Treasury will impact on the Department’s ability to achieve its priority objective of strengthening and expand our representation in Asia and Africa Furthermore R100 million was requested because the department has over the years experienced significant expansion especially between the years 1994 and 2001. Consequently cabinet approved in 2001 an organisational structure reflective of the capacity needed to discharge on the department’s mandate. The department has carefully analysed its baseline and realised that given the ongoing filling of vacant posts, the operational budget is insufficient to support the current establishment
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 PROPERTY AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT The Department operates both in South Africa and in 105 countries and 121 diplomatic missions abroad The geographic spread and inherent complexities place high demands on the Department to provide accommodation, facilities, goods and services to enable staff to function optimally Two Chief Directorates were created to manage the processes around accommodation, facilities and the provision of goods and services: The Chief Directorate: Property and Facilities Management deals with all aspects relating to property management. The Chief Directorate: Supply Chain Management manages the sourcing and provisioning of goods and services and the management and safekeeping of these goods and services
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 PROPERTY AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Key focus areas of the Asset Management Plan New Head Office Department had obtained approval to construct HO under PPP Construction of the new Head Office commenced in September 2007 under an early works contract PPP contract negotiations are in the final stages TA III approval is expected at end of March 2008 Construction will be completed in March 2009 The facility will be occupied by the Department in March 2009
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN Challenges facing the Department with new HQ project Numerous issues raised by Treasury in December 2007 that impacted on finalisation of the PPP agreement The securing of adequate funding to continue with the early works until TA III approval and financial close is achieved
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 ASSET MANAGEMENT Key focus areas Acquisition of properties For missions abroad three types of accommodation are provided: Chanceries or office accommodation Official Residences for Heads of Missions Staff housing for all other transferred officials The majority of these properties are currently rented Current rental costs are considerably high and are expected to increase significantly in the future A strategy was approved to methodically purchase properties abroad
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 ASSET MANAGEMENT Focus of the property acquisition strategy P5 (UN Security Council), G8 Cities where multilateral organisations are located SADC and other strategic partners Strategic partners, e.g. IBSA In 2008/09 properties will be acquired in India, Kenya, USA and Japan. Refer to page 55 of the Strategic Plan for more details For details of acquisitions in 2009/10 and 2010/11 refer to pages 57 and 59 of the Strategic Plan
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 ASSET MANAGEMENT Maintenance of State-owned properties More resources have been allocated to address maintenance of state owned properties abroad. Refer to page 55 of the Strategic Plan for details Asset Disposals The Department of Public Works is authorised to dispose off State-owned properties abroad The following properties were identified for disposal in 2008/09 Chancery and official residence -Germany, Bonn, Official residence –Switzerland, Zurich, Official residence Brazil, Sao Paulo, Staff housing - Namibia, Windhoek and Walvis Bay, Parking bay - France, Paris These properties were handed over to DPW for disposal
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 ASSET VALUATION Valuation Strategy and Project Plan : 2008 - 2011 - Project plan developed and discussed with National Treasury Asset Categories to be valuated - Phase 1 (2008/2009): Land and Buildings, Motor Vehicles, Paintings, Sculptures, Oriental Carpets, and any other works of Art Phase 2 and 3: (2009/2011): Computer Hardware, Furniture and Equipment (Office and Domestic), Audio Visual Equipment, Gardening Equipment, and other Equipment Valuation will be conducted according to regions in the following sequence: 2008/2009: Head Office together with Europe and Americas 2009/2010: Asia and Middle East 2010/2011: Africa
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY PLAN The focus of the Department for 2008 -2011 will be: Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Windows 2003 Advance Server Business Process Management (BPM) - CMS - Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges (DIAP) system Business Intelligence (BI) Modernise DFA’s Information Technology (Refer to page 64 - 65 of the Strat Plan document)
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 CONSULAR SERVICES Priority areas in the next 3 years To launch and roll-out the Consular Management System (CMS) to missions with VoIP; To launch the ROSA (Registration of South Africans Abroad) application as well as to market and promote the usage of ROSA by citizens travelling abroad; Establish and operationalise the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to deal with emergencies, involving SA citizens abroad; Continue to provide Consular Services to SA citizens; and Accredit the Consular Training to SAQA standards
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 SECURITY Continue to vet all departmental officials during the MTEF period Ensure the security of people, information and assets/facilities of the department Roll out of a security awareness programme to all departmental officials (MISS)
DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011 REORGANISATION OF BRANCH HCM Expanding work of the Department Increasing International demands Increasing numbers in the Department +/- 5 200 employees (including Locally Recruited Personnel in Missions) Increased scope of Training and Development In order to meet the above-mentioned challenges, the Branch: HCM was split into Branches namely, Human Resources; and Training and Research
People Management Effective and efficient processes Building Human Resource Capacity People Development Diplomatic and General Training Policy Research and Analysis Co-operation with other Diplomatic Academies DFA STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011Branch HCM (what was) Human Resources Branch (Current) Training and Research Branch (Current)
ORGANISATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT • Establishment as at 31 December 2007 • Head Office and Missions
ORGANISATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT • Representivity: Employment Equity Table * The total number 2211 excludes 3 Political Office Bearers