430 likes | 575 Views
South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs Analysis of the DFA 2008-2009 budget and programmatic alignment Wednesday 7 May, 2008. Presented by Tim Hughes. The Brief Given to SAIIA.
E N D
South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Foreign AffairsAnalysis of the DFA 2008-2009 budget and programmatic alignmentWednesday 7 May, 2008 Presented by Tim Hughes
The Brief Given to SAIIA • Provide a critical view on the previous and current budget, as well as the strategic objectives. • Are the set objectives achievable in the current allocation?
DFA Programmes • Programme 1: Administration • Programme 2: Foreign Relations • Programme 3: Public Diplomacy and Protocol • Programme 4: International transfers
DFA Programme 1: Administration • “Conduct the overall policy development management and management of the department.”
DFA Programme 2: Foreign Relations Objectives • Consolidation of the African Agenda • Strengthen South-South economic and political relations • Strengthen North-South economic and political co-operation • Promote South Africa’s interests internationally
...Foreign Relations Objectives ctd. • Increase foreign representation in Asia and Africa • Strengthen the governance, structures and capacity of the African Union • Support SADC and its structures • Support the development of the African continent
DFA Programme 3: Public Diplomacy and Protocol Objectives • Provide logistical, media and communication support to the Ministry • Provide protocol and diplomacy services, e.g. Diaspora Conference, NAASP Summit, NEPAD Heads of Implementation Committee, African Ministers Meeting and during SA’s Chairing of SADC commencing August 2008
DFA Programme 4: International Transfers • Fund membership fees and transfers to international organisations
Expenditure Estimates: A Breakdown Expenditure Estimates 2006/07 Expenditure Estimates 2010/11
Departmental strategic alignment? • Is the DFA’s Strategic Plan and Budget aligned with South Africa’s interests?
DepartmentalCapacity Alignment? • Does the Department have the capacity to achieve its complex and expanding objectives and commitments?
Departmental Transformation • Has the Department transformed?
Questions for consideration • Why was the R100m requested for Organisational Strengthening refused by Treasury? • Why was only R22million of R74 million approved for strengthening Missions in Asia and Africa? • Why was only R18 million of R35 million approved for Chairing SADC 2008/09?
....Questions for consideration ctd • Is Foreign Service Institute producing the calibre of diplomat required, with the range of skills required? • Is the PRAU producing relevant, high quality policy research? • Can we achieve institutional continuity? • Do our diplomats have the requisite policy skills and understanding to strengthen SA’s economic diplomacy? • Do our diplomats have the required language skills?
....Questions for consideration ctd • Are we being realistic in REC harmonisation timelines? • Are our African Missions equipped to strengthen NEPAD? • What role do our military attaches play (early warning & intel?) • Is DFA planning and building capacity to tackle the new emerging threats to Africa, viz climate change, energy security, water stress, migration?
The impact of domestic politics on DFA Presidential succession Institutional flux or continuity? New Ministers and DG Foreign Affairs priorities post 2009? Role of Presidency and PCAS? Relationship between Presidency, DFA and parliament?