The Department of Foreign Affairs is at the coalface of our interaction with the world. Such an interface presents us with the opportunity to state what we unambiguously stand for and what kind of the world we aspire for. If we move from a premise, as we surely must that our foreign policy is anchored on our domestic policy, we will unequivocally state that we want a better world where there will be a "better life for all". In pursuit of this strategic objective our Department shall strive for the related and interconnected goal of peace, stability, democracy and development in an African continent, which is non-sexist, prosperous and united, contributing towards a world that is just and equitable.

As Government we are alive to the fact that South Africa’s progress in addressing issues such as poverty eradication, job creation, combating of crime and corruption, good governance, and respect for human rights and building a better world and better Africa demands that we work with others in a co-ordinated way. Consequently, we would conclude that our success and destiny as a country are inextricably interlinked with that of Africa and the countries of the South.

Pursuant to the attainment of the aforementioned, South Africa is committed to making its humble contribution. This ranges from participating actively in the Organisations of the South, to conceptualisation, formulating and ensuring the implementation of the New Africa Initiative. This also entails that we act to articulate and defend the interest of Africa and the developing South in the fora of the developed countries. We are also charged with the unique opportunity to provide the world with the leadership in the forthcoming World Conference Against Racism and the World Summit on Sustainable Development next year. Additionally, next year our country will also have the honour to play host to the first Summit of the newly established Africa Union.

As Africans we have also set ourselves the principal challenge of transforming our continent economically, socially, politically and culturally. We are working to change perceptions of our continent as the unfathomable disaster - the netherworld - into the continent of the future, equal to any other. In this respect, our Department has played an important role in shaping the New Africa Initiative. This blueprint of recovery drafted by Africans for Africa has as its key objective ownership of the development process in the continent. It is our hope that the international community will rise to the developmental challenge of Africa by playing their part in the continent’s recovery.

While Africa occupies the pride of place in our foreign policy because of our geography and the historical ties, other regions are equally important to us. Europe as our major trading region remains critical to our success as a country. It is also important that we continue to strengthen our excellent bilateral ties with countries in North America.

In pursuance of co-operation and the strengthening of the mutual bonds of friendship we have identified Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean as deserving our attention as well. The regions of Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean continue to play a decisive role in the growth of the global economy and in world affairs. The potential for co-operation in all areas with these regions is enormous. As a Department we are doing all we can to maximise co-operation both at bilateral and multilateral level.

Working together with other countries both developed and developing we will continue to work vigorously for the democratisation of governance of the international institutions to reflect the new realities of our time.

In the attainment of the above, the Department of Foreign Affairs has centred and anchored its strategy and foreign policy objective within South African context, taking into account our national interest, Government objectives, the African Continent and global context within which we carry out our business.

The four broad clusters of objectives (Sustainable Development, Peace and Security, Stability and Co-operation) are further elaborated into 18 specific objectives. In order to achieve each objective, a set of strategies, specific action plans within time frames have been developed. Not all the goals lend themselves to specific time frames as there are variables often beyond our influence which often make it difficult to work within set time frames.

The corporate service section defines the administrative, human resources, information and communications technology and other infrastructure required for the achievement of our goals. The support function plays a key role in continually aligning our capacity needs to ensure that the department is geared to deliver on its strategy. Our recent analysis in this area indicates that the department is grossly under-resourced and therefore unable to deliver on its mandate.

As the lead agency responsible for managing South Africa’s International Relations Programmes, the department requires a strong co-ordinating capacity and international presence. The Department of Foreign Affairs has as its core responsibility, the leadership and management of South Africa’s international efforts. It is the face of South Africa in the world. Consequently, it must function in a manner that inspires confidence, nurtures and cultivates goodwill in order to optimally explain the many opportunities it has in today’s world to advance our domestic interest, the vision of African Renaissance and the realisation of the dream of a better world. This means ensuring that we have the right people at the right places, with the necessary expertise, support and resources, to promote and advance our foreign policy objective.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the development, promotion and execution of all aspects of South Africa’s foreign policy as entrusted to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Minster of Foreign Affairs, in accordance with the recognised diplomatic practice, is in the first place charged with the responsibility of South Africa’s foreign policy, not only with regard to the political aspects thereof, but also insofar as the supervision and co-ordination of South Africa’s economical, trade, financial, military, agriculture, health, social culture and other relations which may have an impact on other countries. This mandate remains unchanged.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is therefore responsible for the administration of all aspects of South Africa’s foreign policy as entrusted to the Minister of Foreign Affairs by the President.

The Head of a South African Mission is a representative of the Head of State and therefore the country. The Head of Mission represents South Africa in the full scope of international relations and serves as mouthpiece of the Head of State and Government. In fulfilling this mandate the Department and its missions abroad is guided by its Vision, Mission and Values as well as the country’s foreign policy objectives.

Vision

South Africa shall strive for peace, stability, democracy and development in an African continent, which is non-sexist, prosperous and united, contributing towards a world that is just and equitable.

Mission

The Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to promoting South Africa’s national values, the African Renaissance and the creation of a better world for all.

Values

In the realisation of its Vision and in the execution of its Mission, the Department of Foreign Affairs will be guided by the core values of loyalty, dedication, ubuntu, equity and professional integrity.

Our Foreign Policy objectives, priorities and activities although broad, nevertheless support the country’s five key strategic priorities, namely:

• speeding up delivery of basic needs and developing human resources;
• building the economy and creating jobs;
• combating crime and corruption;
• transforming the state;
• building a better Africa and a better world.

These fundamental priorities inform and direct the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs as we go about our business of projecting South Africa’s domestic values and national interests abroad. All these elements are captured within the holistic vision of an African Renaissance bringing in its wake peace, prosperity, democracy, sustainable development, progressive leadership and good governance.

The African continent and, in particular, the Southern African region, therefore commands the highest priority for the Department. Our focus is shifting from the conceptualisation of the African Renaissance to its operationalisation through the initiative currently known as "MAP" - the Millennium African Recovery Programme or the New African Initiative (NAI). South Africa has taken the lead in developing the MAP/NAI, and together with key African partners, is in the process of elaborating a programme of action for its practical implementation. Beyond Africa, the Department’s multilateral engagements and its leadership within the developing countries of the South, are driven by its desire to contribute towards the creation of a more equitable and humane world for all of humankind.

During 2000, the Department of Foreign Affairs engaged in an extensive strategic planning process to ensure that its policies, programmes and activities promote South Africa’s national interests internationally. This process culminated in the adoption of a cluster of four high level objectives with eighteen elements, which form the basis of the organisation’s strategies, activities and outputs. These priorities have been arranged according to four clusters (Calabashes), derived from the CSSDCA. The Calabashes are the following: Security, Stability, Development (Economic and Social) and Co-operation. The priorities per Calabash are the following:

Sustainable Development Calabash

• Trade
• Investment
• Integration and Co-operation
• Imaging and Branding
• Tourism

Security Calabash

• Peace and Security
• Conflict Management
• Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
• Arms Control
• Disaster Management

Stability Calabash

• Crime and Terrorist Threats
• Extremism and Terrorism

Co-operation Calabash

• Human Resource Development
• Health
• Poverty Alleviation
• People to People Co-operation
• Human Rights
• Sustainable Development
• Security Co-operation

3.1.1   The priorities and action plans to promote development in S A, the region and the continent more generally, are directly related to the government’s internal efforts to create jobs, build the skills required to compete in a globalising world, and a sound macro-economic framework to encourage foreign direct investment that will stimulate economic growth. The contribution of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to intervene in the global arena by addressing those factors that undermine Government’s national strategies, by building a supportive external environment. It does this by facilitating access to international markets, promoting equity within the world trading system, and addressing those factors that deter foreign investors from targeting South Africa. These activities will be undertaken in close collaboration with other government departments.

3.1.2   The Department’s priorities falling within this Calabash include:

• the promotion of sustainable growth and development through trade and investment;
• maximising S A’s competitive edge in the global economy through integration and co-operation among and between African regional and continental bodies;
• promoting equity amongst the world’s nations through multilateral co-operation with continental and global organisations that have a bearing on African development; and
• the promotion of job creation and economic development through tourism.

3.1.3   Key activities designed to achieve increased trade range from the facilitation of all aspects of export promotion; to participation in international trade fares; the development of industrial corridors in the region; to very specific interventions such as encouraging South African firms to tender for European Union (EU) financed projects in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.

3.1.4   Where investment promotion is concerned, the following are the main areas of activity: boosting departmental capacity to advise on international investment trends; the promotion of investor friendly environments in S A and other African countries; the regional harmonisation of investment strategies; addressing negative perceptions about the South African business community and the aggressive marketing of S A and the region.

3.1.5   The IIC has been a vital instrument for gauging international investor sentiment about South Africa and the sub-region. Progress made so far needs to be built on. The IIC has given significant endorsements to South Africa’s economic policies and achievements. Follow-up actions by Missions in engaging members of the Council and ensuring that they are kept fully briefed on developments will continue to a priority.

3.1.6   Tourism promotion activities are clustered around the analysis of existing and potential markets; regional tourism policy harmonisation and co-ordination and targeted infrastructural development.

3.1.7   Integration and multilateral co-operation are underpinned by specific actions which include the following: implementation of the Abuja Treaty establishing the African Economic Community; effective implementation of relevant SADC protocols; promotion of the African Union and the implementation of the SADC Free Trade Protocol. A whole host of other activities are aimed at the reform and democratisation of IMF, World Bank and the World Trade Organisations.

3.1.8   MAP/NAI constitutes an important element of our objective towards integration and multi-lateral co-operation, but also relates to other broader objectives as outlined in the four calabashes. Its main champions are President Mbeki, President Bouteflika of Algeria and President Obasanjo of Nigeria. Together they have canvassed the Programme widely, and secured the commitment of key governments and multilateral institutions. Pledges of support for MAP/NAI have taken the form of Declarations of Intent and offers of political and material assistance that will advance its objectives. These would include the Cairo Declaration of the EU/Africa summit; the Skagen Declaration of the Nordic countries; the G8 with specific programmes such as the DOT Force and the health infrastructure development programme; as well as the Millennium Summit Declaration.

3.1.9   Some of the key elements of MAP/NAI include: debt cancellation for HIPC (Highly Indebted Poor Countries); improvement of market access for goods and services produced in Africa; increased foreign direct investment (FDI) into the continent; narrowing the digital divide; enhanced human resource development; the protection of the natural environment; and the attainment of peace and stability in Africa. In addition to participating in drafting and negotiating the formulation and language for the final proposal and programme, DFA will play a leadership role in marketing and mainstreaming MAP/NAI at both bilateral and multilateral levels as a principal support to the President.

3.1.10   Key Performance Indicators: Development Calabash:

• increase in foreign investment within the targeted period;
• increase in the number of markets to which S A has access and from which it can obtain services;
• increase in the number of tourist to S A and the region;
• Africa’s integration into the global economy;
• successful negotiation, ratification and implementation of multilateral environment agreements involving S A and Africa;
• success in stabilising and reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS in S A and the region through effective programmes to combat the disease; and
• ensuring sustainable development within the region through appropriate environmental management programmes.

3.2.1   The Continent continues to be afflicted by intra- and inter-state conflicts, which divert resources from development challenges and undermine investor confidence in the economies of, not only the region and affected countries, but S A as well. Lasting Continental peace and security therefore remains a vital component for sustainable socio-economic development and, ultimately, the realisation of the African Renaissance.

3.2.1   During 2002 to 2005, the Department will continue to work towards a peaceful, stable and secure region. In this regard, the focus will remain on assisting to resolve conflicts and contributing towards the attainment of sustainable peace and stability in the Southern African region and other African countries. The Government instituted specific programmes of action in 2001 to contribute to international and regional efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful resolution of conflicts in Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia and Eritrea. Great advances have been made which must be consolidated. Consequently, the Department will continue with these initiatives in its new programmes of action during 2002/3, and the remaining two years of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), should this be necessary.

3.2.3   In addition to these country specific programmes of action, South Africa also made its first contribution to personnel deployed in international and regional peacekeeping missions conducted under the auspices of the UN and the OAU in 2001, e.g. the MONUC in the DRC and UNMEE in Ethiopia and Eritrea. South Africa will increase its participation in these and other missions in the period of the MTEF.

3.2.4   The Department will also pursue the following key priorities during 2002-5 to advance our objectives of peace and security:

• protecting and assuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nation-states in the region;
• promoting the development of an effective security regime for the region and opposing the proliferation of, and illicit trade in arms;
• working towards the attainment of a peaceful, stable and secure region by promoting peace and stability, as well as by containing and working towards the elimination of state corruption in the Continent;
• the eradication of conflicts in the region by promoting a peaceful resolution of all conflicts and by laying the framework for durable and sustainable peace; and
• developing an effective, sustainable system and harmonised approach to averting and managing disasters.

3.2.5   South Africa will also promote the development of an effective security regime for the region, which curbs arms proliferation and eliminates the illicit trade in arms. This priority will be pursued by undertaking actions to identify states in and outside of Africa perceived to be proliferating and accumulating weapons and thereby threatening Africa’s security. Additional activities will include efforts to intensify campaigns surrounding the issues of proliferation and excessive accumulation of conventional and small arms and illicit trade thereof; and work towards the finalisation of the "Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and other related materials in the SADC region".

3.2.6   The Department will also contributes to the eradication of conflicts in the region by participating in the development of frameworks for durable and sustainable peace, through the following initiatives:

• analysis of information and advising political principals of appropriate responses to South Africa’s participation in peace missions;
• facilitation of political dialogue aimed at preventing, as well as resolving conflicts peacefully;
• encouraging co-operation and compliance with international expert panels (established in terms of international law) tasked with investigating the violation of international sanctions, resolutions and measures;
• co-operating and complying with international humanitarian law and related instruments;
• co-operating with states and relevant international organisations and agencies; and
• developing systems for the monitoring, evaluation and effective response to issues affecting regional security.

3.2.7   With a view to minimising and managing the impact of natural and human-made disasters, the Department will support the development and implementation of appropriate policies and mechanisms to deal with disaster situations. The Department will undertake additional activities such as to encourage the establishment of institutional capacity to manage and co-ordinate responses to these disasters, as well as to provide appropriate humanitarian, logistical, technical and other support. The Department will interact with international humanitarian agencies to improve the provision of basic social infrastructure and services to refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons.

3.2.8   The Department will also protect South Africa’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by promoting the peaceful co-existence of states and good neighbourliness; support the establishment of maritime borders where they do not exist; and encourage the implementation of relevant OAU declarations and international law instruments.

3.2.9.   Key Performance Indicators: Security Calabash

• number of dialogue and security co-operation agreements and protocols entered into to be to the advantage of the country will be increased;
• reduction in the number of conflicts over a targeted time-frame;
• early warning systems and policies and a pro-active approach to incipient conflicts to be in place;
• improved departmental capacity for analysis, negotiation and facilitation within a targeted period;
• effective regional disaster preparedness and management policies and mechanisms in place;
• compliance with existing protocols and co-operation treaties encouraged so that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nation states in the region are protected.

3.3. Stability Calabash

3.3.1   Threats to the internal stability of countries on the Continent have transfrontier effects that cause instability and conflict elsewhere. Refugee flows, arms trafficking, regional conflicts and environmental degradation are but some of the spillover consequences of domestic instability which ultimately impact on South Africa’s well being. Such instability also undermines the regional integration project and the political values that South Africa and like-minded countries on the Continent are trying to nurture.

3.3.2   The Department plays a supporting role in matters pertaining to the enhancement of internal stability that would otherwise be threatened by, amongst other things: poverty, crime, arms proliferation, corruption, domestic and international terrorism and extremism and inadequate criminal justice systems.

3.3.3   To this end, interventions on numerous fronts have been planned. Some of these are aimed at tackling transnational crime by assisting relevant government departments and agencies to promote inter-governmental liaison, the strengthening of regional and continental criminal justice systems through exchange programmes; improved customs monitoring at borders (through capacity building initiatives) and the building of networks to counter terrorism and extremism.

3.3.4   In addition, the promotion of stability in certain countries is also a key priority, since some of these are experiencing particular difficulties.

3.3.5   In order to promote peace and stability in the Continent, the Department will undertake the following strategic actions during 2002 to 2005:

• gather, analyse and share information on issues affecting peace and security;
• build the capacity of government and civil society to facilitate or mediate between groups and states;
• support credible and legitimate leadership on the continent;
• condemn governments who come to power by unconstitutional means;
• provide pre-election assistance, as well as monitors and observers for elections;
• develop, review and implement regional and continental instruments to address the issue of mercenaries; and
• strengthen South Africa’s participation in anti-corruption initiatives.

3.3.6   Key Performance Indicators: Stability Calabash

• improved co-ordination within the IRPS Cluster towards the alleviation of poverty within targeted period;
• improved operational intelligence and early warning systems in place to combat international crime syndicates using S A as a base;
• number of and the appropriateness of protocols and co-operation agreements against the proliferation and illicit trade in arms;
• implemented and monitored protocols to counter threats by domestic and international terrorism and extremism; and
• achieving food security in the region during the target period, thereby eliminating one of the most serious threats to stability.

3.4. Co-operation Calabash

3.4.1   It is self-evident that South Africa’s future survival and prosperity is inextricably linked to that of the Continent with which is has close geographic and historical ties. The need for co-operation, not only with the mother Continent but also with multilateral entities, has been made even more imperative by the challenges of globalisation. The fields of co-operation are vast, but the following have been prioritised: human resource development; health; poverty alleviation; people to people co-operation; human rights; sustainable development and security co-operation.

3.4.2   The alleviation and eventual eradication of poverty ranks amongst the most important priorities for the Department. The mobilisation of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), lobbying for improved market access for developing countries; the promotion of African procurement of ODA projects and co-operation with multilateral organisations such as FAO and the World Food Programme are some key interventions. In addition, the Department will work towards the creation of an enabling environment for SMMEs (Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises); the linkage of investments to employment creation initiatives in co-ordination with key African and other role players.

3.4.3   The key priority in respect of human resource development is to enhance the development of quality skills by undertaking the following: ensuring the effective participation of all sectors of society in education and training; sharing South African expertise with African partners; using FDI strategically to engender skills development and technology transfer; encouraging applied research development and the exchange of technology and expertise; and the harmonisation of regional resource development policies and strategies.

3.4.4   People to people co-operation occurs largely on a bilateral basis and is important in forging the closer ties that support cohesion at a political level, particularly within the context of South-South collaboration. Moreover, such co-operation serves to build and project a positive image of S A. The development of bilateral mechanisms for cultural, scientific, technical, sporting and other exchanges is paramount. The use of high-level visits abroad, and the co-ordination of funding for promotion and marketing activities serve to counter-Afro-pessimism both on the Continent and abroad.

3.4.5   The priority in the health sector is to improve the quality of health by preventing and combating disease through improved access to quality health care systems. The accompanying action plans for the period 2002-5 would include: facilitation of technical exchanges and research between institutions; the mobilisation of national and international resources; engaging in discussions with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and all manner of bilateral, regional, continental and global engagements.

3.4.6   The promotion of a culture of human rights and fundamental freedoms has been a key priority in post-apartheid foreign policy. Our numerous achievements in this field will be further advanced through various activities, including:

• the promotion of the rights of migrants, displaced persons, refugees etc in terms of international law;
• The protection and enforcement the rights of women, children, youth and people with disabilities;
• participation in the follow-up activities of the World Conference Against Racism;
• supporting the ratification of human rights instruments; and
• encouraging compliance with international expert panels tasked with investigating the violations of international resolutions and measures.

3.4.7.   The last priority is to assure sustainable development for future generations. The measures to achieve this are firstly through enhanced African participation in international negotiation, ratification and implementation of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). This will be further supported through adherence to OAU approved conventions and co-operation in respect of eco-tourism, nature conservation and rural development.

3.4.8.   Key Performance Indicators: Co-operation Calabash

• increased number of appropriate bilateral and multilateral protocols and agreements for co-operation;
• number of international institutions that have made appropriate changes to their policies, programmes and rules regarding quality health care after successful negotiations;
• increased access for S A and Africa to appropriate skills, knowledge and resources within the target period;
• positive outcome of the WSSD i.e. firm global and regional commitments on priority social, economic, environment and gender issues as contained in MAP/NAI, IRPS programme etc.

3.5 Public Diplomacy

3.5.1   During the target period, the Department intends to expand its activities within this traditional area of diplomacy in order to derive the maximum benefit for the country. The main priority is the positive projection of South Africa. This will enhance our image, with a view to exploiting all the possible opportunities that are critical to our development. Consequently, our strategies will embrace four key areas: investment promotion, trade promotion, tourism promotion and improving the general understanding of South African society. The scope of activities to be undertaken will include the following:

• ensuring that South African marketing campaigns are properly co-ordinated as an inter-departmental and national effort;
• missions in strategic countries to undertake major positioning initiatives;
• influencing local and foreign media reporting on South Africa;
• improving relations and co-operation with business, civil society, media and the labour movement within the targeted period; and
• the implementation of a pro-active communications strategy within the Department for all international visits.

3.5.2  Key Performance Indicators

• Improve the accuracy and frequency of media reporting of South Africa and its achievements at home and in the international arena in the targeted period.
• Improved relations and co-operation with business, civil society, media and the labour movement within a targeted period
• Defined responsibilities, within an overall marketing strategy, for the role players in government communications, so that a positive image of South Africa and its successful leadership is projected abroad
• Successful implementation of proactive communications strategy for all international visits
• Communications technology meets departmental needs
• Consistent and co-ordinated communications between all role players within the Department, especially between head office and missions

3.6 Improving bilateral relations

A key challenge for South Africa in the next three years will be building and consolidating relations with key strategic countries of the North and the South.

These bilateral relations will enable us to develop strong partnership, with others in the world to achieve the objectives outlined in the four calabashes. In pursuit of this, South Africa will be opening no less than ten additional Missions in the period of the MTEF.

3.7.1   Clearly, South Africa cannot succeed in isolation. Consequently, the appropriate positioning of the region and the continent is intended to take advantage of globalisation, and will be critical to our success. Therefore, one of the key activities in this regard, will include the transformation of SADC and its related institutions.

3.7.2   In addition, we will encourage the ratification of the SADC protocols. The expeditious establishment of the SADC Free Trade Area, one of the critical and priority protocols, for instance, will require the commitment of all SADC member states. South Africa intends to play an important role in developing policies and programmes emanating from important SADC Declarations such as the "Agenda for Integration" and the Millennium Summit, that are likely to have a bearing on the region.

3.7.3   Some of the key initiatives on the Continent that stand to enhance the African Renaissance include the establishment of the African Union and its related organs and the consequent transformation of the OAU. This initiative includes the ratification of the Constitutive Act by member states, the establishment of improved administrative and policy implementation institutions, the Pan African Parliament for advocacy and public dialogue, and the consolidation of the regional economic blocs. These are all critical processes for the smooth and stable transition from the OAU to the African Union, which if not properly managed, could leave the continent with a leadership void that would have adverse consequences.

3.7.4   The Conference on Security, Stability, Development and Co-operation in Africa (CSSDCA) has focused the programmes of the OAU and clustered them into four overlapping categories called "Calabashes". Through these, important programmes covering the Calabashes of the CSSDCA have been developed. South Africa would seek to host the Development Calabash and different countries will likewise host others. In this manner, South Africa would be able to meaningfully contribute to the development of a common developmental agenda for the continent. This would be consistent with our role in MAP/NAI. At the same time, our active participation in the work of other Calabashes would enhance our ability to influence their outcome.

3.7.5   The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), will be one of the largest and most important United Nations summits of this decade. The summit, which will be at the level of heads of state, will seek to advance the implementation of sustainable development - especially in developing countries. South Africa’s hosting of the Summit is an undertaking of global significance, both in terms of effective logistics and South Africa’s expected role, as host and chair of the summit, to facilitate positive and tangible outcomes. South Africa will play a leadership role in preparations through its participation in the SADC, Africa, G77 and China preparatory processes and during the Summit itself.

3.7.6   MAP/NAI will inform South Africa’s policy interventions in the WSSD. The Summit will provide a major opportunity to promote the principles and objectives of the MAP/NAI.

3.7.7   Other key priorities in the field of Co-operation that should be mentioned are the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the International investment Council (IIC). Preparations for a new Round of global trade negotiations at the WTO are underway, which it is hoped will be launched at the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Doha in November. Market access is one of the key economic issues for South Africa, as indeed it is for Africa, and it is vital that a broad-based, development-focused Round be launched. Africa risks further marginalisation unless it is given the opportunity to negotiate better access at such a Round. Forging consensus on an African position has proven difficult thus far. Division in the OAU ranks on this issue means that urgent lobbying has to be undertaken in order to convince other African countries that a new Round is in their best interest. The process will first be taken to the SADC Ministers, and then to key partners elsewhere in Africa and the South. Even after the Doha Round, the Department will in the ensuing years be very occupied with implementing new protocols and the further development of African and south positions on contentious trade issues.

3.7.8   The reform of the United Nations (UN) and its various organs, including the Security Council, remains a priority on which the Department of Foreign Affairs will focus in the future. Over the last decade, the UN has undertaken reviews and has implemented measures to reform practically every aspect of the Organisation, including management and planning, staffing and recruitment, budgeting and finances etc. However, one specific area – the reform of the UN Security Council - has recorded little or no progress despite eight years of continuous negotiations.

The current composition of the Security Council is not representative of the changed international environment which has witnessed a dramatic rise in the number of UN members from the developing world, in particular from Africa. This deficiency continues to harm the legitimacy and credibility of the UN Security Council and the wider UN. S A will continue pursuing the following objectives:

• actively engaging member states within the UN Open-ended Working Group on Security Council reform, and in the bilateral context raising the issue frequently with key countries at a senior political level; and
• promoting the African position that the Continent should be accorded equal representation on a reformed Security Council.

3.7.9   The Department has used its strong bilateral relations with various European countries to strenuously lobby for the advancement of S A’s interests relating to the European Union (EU). The Department will intensify its efforts to ensure that this policy approach is maintained by the EU in order to derive the following:

• EU support for the African Renaissance and the Millennium Action Plan;
• commencement of consultation among African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) members in preparation for negotiations with the EU on implementation of the Cotonou Agreement;
• engaging the EU to derive maximum benefit from the Cotonou Agreement;
• lobbying in EU capitals for the speedy ratification of the Trade and Development Co-operation Agreement (TDCA) by their national parliaments;
• completing negotiations for the Fisheries Agreement; and
• completing negotiations for the Wines and Spirits agreement.

3.7.10   Key Performance Indicators

• Sustained progress with transformation of SADC, in particular towards establishment of Directorates within SADC Secretariat and finalisation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan within target dates;
• Completion of the amendment of the SADC Treaty and related Protocols, and implementation thereof, as well as implementation of existing SADC Sectoral Protocols;
• Operationalisation of the African Union (key organs Assembly, Executive Council and Commission) in preparation for the inaugural Summit of the Union in South Africa in 2002;
• Operationalisation of the CSSDCA process (establishment of CSSDCA Unit within OAU Secretariat, completion of Calabash experts meetings and Ministerial Review meeting) in preparation for the inaugural CSSDCA Summit in South Africa in 2002 (to coincide with the 1^st African Union Summit); and
• Successful mobilisation of support and participation of developing countries and relevant UN Agencies in the preparatory process for the 2002 WSSD.
• Leadership gained by SA in hosting a meeting of ACP Trade Ministers in South Africa (April 2001) built upon by continued engagement with ACP Ambassadors in Brussels; specifically attendance and role of SA Ambassador in regular meetings of ACP Ambassadors.
• The EU’s agreement, to support and provide funds for ACP countries preparing for negotiations, implemented.
• Ratification process monitored and reported on issue kept on the agenda for continuing bilateral talks at all levels (i.e. BNC, State Visits, Official Visits and regular consultations at official’s level.
• Progress of negotiations on sectoral agreements carefully monitored to determine timing of more concerted lobbying action.

Protocol is responsible for management of protocol related matters regarding:

• Incoming state / official / working / visits for foreign heads of states / Government and foreign ministers
• Outgoing state / official / working / for President, Deputy President and Foreign Minister,
• Protocol advice to other governmental departments
• State protocol lounge
• Services at International conferences and receptions of foreign visitors
• Processing appointments of Foreign and South African Heads of Mission
• Receive and manage information (note verbals) on behalf of Republic of South Africa
• Service Foreign Missions in South Africa.

• Legally accredited foreign representatives and households in South Africa in possession of legal diplomatic identity documents within three days of their arrival in South Africa, passports and visas prior to the arrival in South Africa
• Legally registered and licensed diplomatic motor vehicles on South African roads
• Authorized and certified documents for duty free imports in respect of goods
• Updated reciprocity register and date in respect of VAT and petrol refunds
• Updated database of incidents involving diplomatic community
• Security project plan for managing the incidents of the diplomatic community developed and implemented successfully
• Constant and accurate advise/information given to the 2^nd and 3^rd tier of Government on protocol related matters, incoming and outgoing international visits, twinning agreements, international relations between South Africa and other countries
• Protocol training schedule planned and communicated to all relevant stakeholders
• Properly managed households and maintenance of all the households in the following areas : catering and banqueting services, cleaning services, spousal support
• Properly managed guesthouses and maintenance of all the guesthouses in the following areas : catering and banqueting services, cleaning services, meetings, conference, boarding and lodging at the Diplomatic Guesthouse for incoming foreign visits

Corporate Services function within the Department of Foreign Affairs exist to provide an infrastructure that enables the achievement of organisational objectives and strategies. It works and Business plans are informed by the broader strategy of the Department and by the needs of Line function branches of the department.

5.1 From a strategic point of view, developing capacity internally becomes critical. The quality and calibre of people required to implement the strategies outlined is of importance. Human Resources will focus on ensuring that the Department attracts and retains competent employees. Our workplace skills plan will guide and inform our Human Resource Development plans over the next three years. Focus of Human Resources development will be both on ensuring officials obtain required diplomatic skills and other generic competencies in the areas of management, supervision and leadership.

5.2 While performance management on a day to day basis is the responsibility of the line managers, support services, in particular human Resources will be focusing more and more on refining and institutionalising the performance management system in the entire organisation. This will ensure that we are at all times aware of our progress with regard to the achievement of objectives and that there is common understanding of our level of performance

5.3 Underpinning our ability to function effectively and efficiently is the utilisation of information technology. Following a thorough analysis of our information and communication technology, over the next three years there will be concerted effort on upgrading and integrating all our information systems focus will be on ensuring that there is quick information flow, which is shared across the organisation and is online. This is critical to facilitating our operations and the interface between Head Office and our missions

5.4 Our missions abroad are platforms through which South Africa interfaces with the rest of the world. The extent to which they are functioning properly impacts on our ability to achieve Foreign Policy Objectives. For this reason a unit within Corporate Services has been created to focus solely on increasing the effectiveness of our missions abroad. Over the next three years this unit will focus on providing support to all our Missions and ensuring that quality standards are maintained

5.5 Taking advantage of the PFMA, over the next three years, financial policies, internal prescripts will be further developed and refined to ensure proper management of financial resources within the Department. Our Internal Audit will be developing a risk assessment and fraud prevention plan, which has to be implemented. Overall the activities of the unit will be around monitoring that the whole Department complies with the PFMA, Treasury Regulation and internal prescripts.

5.6   One of our policy objectives is that of marketing of South Africa internationally. Corporate Services through the Communication section will develop strategies and action plan to ensure that this objective is realised. There will also be focus on internal communications. The need for that is becoming more apparent given the challenges that are facing the department to play a leading role in International Relations. In supporting the Department’s increasing work politically and economically.

5.7 Corporate Services will focus on the implementation of an appropriate organisational structure that facilitates the achievement of objectives that enables us to deliver on objectives. This also means having the right people, quantitatively and qualitatively in our missions and in Head Office and providing a stable and reliable Information and Communication Technology that facilitates workflow, information flow and information sharing

It is quite apparent that our need as a Department to play a leading and co-ordination role in International Relations requires that the Department strengthen itself on the above mentioned issues. To do that the Department will need additional financial resources.

5.8   Priorities and Activities

The focus of support services over the 2002-5 period will be on the following priorities:

• Proper implementation of Public Finance Management Act and Public Service Regulations;
• Provision of a stable and adequate Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Implement Human Resource Development
• Effective Performance Management System
• Attraction and retention of competent people
• Decentralisation of decision making in order to improve efficiency
• Improving customer service delivery
• Ensuring integrated and optimum functioning of our missions abroad
• Ensuring that transformation of Department of Foreign Affairs is inline with and in support of the mandate of government.
• Developing and implementing an ITC to facilitate delivery of objectives

• Trained competent officers employed that are optimally used
• Streamlined work processes and appropriate policies
• Efficient financial and HR system in place
• Compliance with the regulatory frame work(PFMA,EEA,SDA,)
• Accessible information
• Efficient performance management system
• Culture of performance
• Optimum support for Missions to function efficiently

The monitoring of progress and performance is further enhanced by the following systems:

• Head Office Business Unit business plans and quarterly reports
• Mission business plans and quarterly reports
• Six-monthly reviews of the Operating Environment and priorities
• Performance Management System at all levels
• Departmental in-house six-monthly/annual strategic review
• Management Consultancy Unit to monitor and improve Mission performance

These systems are further integrated and co-ordinated by a process of Departmental Management Committees to ensure a coherent and focused approach.

In order to align our objectives to the new strategic plan and for parliamentary oversight, the envisaged programme configuration is as follows:

Programme 1 : Administration

AIM: To conduct the overall policy development, execution and management of the Department.

Programme 2 : Foreign Relations

AIM: To promote relations with foreign countries, and to participate in international organisations and institutions, in pursuit of South Africa’s national values and foreign policy objectives.

Programme 3 : Public Diplomacy and Protocol

AIM: To market South Africa’s Foreign Policy Objectives, project a positive image of South Africa and Africa, and provide State Protocol services.

Programme 4 : Foreign Properties

AIM: Provision, maintenance and management of immovable properties abroad.

Programme 5 : International Membership and Support

AIM: Payment of membership fees to international organisations and provision of financial aid and other assistance.