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Department of International Relations & Cooperation 2016/17 Annual Report Briefing to the NCOP Select Committee on Trade and International Relations. 8 NOVEMBER 2017. PRESENTATION OUTLINE. Part A – General Overview Part B – Service Delivery and Performance Information
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Department of International Relations & Cooperation 2016/17 Annual ReportBriefing to theNCOP Select Committee on Trade and International Relations 8 NOVEMBER 2017
PRESENTATION OUTLINE • Part A – General Overview • Part B – Service Delivery and Performance Information • Part C – Human Resource Management • Part D – Financial Reporting Information
GENERAL OVERVIEW • The Annual Report reflects the collective and tireless efforts for the realization of the department’s mandate as outlined in the Medium Term Strategic Framework based on the National Development Plan 2030 • During the reporting period, DIRCO’s international relations program continued to be implemented within the global environment that was characterized by unpredictability, insecurity, rise in terrorism, growing political volatility and right wing populism. • The international environment is compounded by the continuing hardships as a result of slow down in economic growth. 4. Notwithstanding these challenges the following notable achievements are recorded: • Southern African Development Community (SADC) region remains amongst SA’s biggest trading partner. Consequently, SA’s objective of regional integration within SADC remain a priority in line with the vision of an integrated continent consistent with AU Agenda (Vision 2063)
GENERAL OVERVIEW • South Africa remains actively engaged in peace building initiatives in the region. • SA’s leadership and participation in BRICS,IBSA,SADC, FOCAC, etc., SA contributed to the realization of the NDP and the Agenda 2063 goals. • SA continued to play an active and constructive role through its leadership and participation in various sub-regional, regional and international organisations • SA has continued to participate in the G20 to advocate the interests of Africa and the developing world. • SA continues as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council.
GENERAL OVERVIEW • SA, through its leadership of the G77, was key in the finalisation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the agreement on Financing for Development. • The breakthrough in the climate change in Durban COP17 laid the foundation for the successful adoption of the Paris Agreement. • SA has consistently advocated for greater understanding of SA’s foreign policy through a regular programme of media briefings, public participation programme (PPPs) and publications. • DIRCO continued to operate an internet based radio station with a growing listenership that extends across the Continent, and which is also available on DSTV’s audio bouquet Channel 888.
GENERAL OVERVIEW • DIRCO continues to provide consular services to SA nationals abroad through its missions as well as protocol services to the numerous visiting Heads of States and Government and foreign dignitaries and delegation. • During 2016/17 financial year, the construction of chanceries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Lilongwe, Malawi, as well as three staff accommodation units was completed.
PROGRAMME 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SOUTH AFRICA’S ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY
PROGRAMME 4: SUB-PROGRAMME 4.1: PUBLIC DIPLOMACY • 18 targeted media briefings; • 186 over the target of 160 media statements; • 14 over the target of 10 opinion pieces Setting the agenda • Five statutory and 10 internal publications produced • Nine over the target of four stakeholder publications produced • Ubuntu magazine available in digital format and SAA business lounges Own platforms PUBLIC DIPLOMACY Promotion and Branding SA and DIRCO • 19 over the targeted 12 Public Participation Programmes undertaken to create greater awareness of SA’s foreign policy priorities • Hosted the Annual Diplomatic Fair • Hosted the 3rd Annual Ubuntu awards
PROGRAMME 4 4.2: STATE PROTOCOL
Human Resource Management & Development • 84% (225 of 269) of eligible SMS performance agreements for 2016/17 were signed and submitted of which 66% (178) were submitted and filed by the due date • 83% (10 of 12) of disciplinary cases finalised within 90 days from date being initiated (improvement from 62,5% reported in the previous year) • 60% (12 out of 20) lodged grievances handled within 30 days (improvement from 47,2% reported in in the previous year) • Diplomatic Academy trained 974 officials from DIRCO and other government departments through different Foreign Service training programmes. Included in the training programmes is the preparation of heads of mission for their postings abroad as well as the training of young South African graduates in the Johnny Makhathini Ubuntu Diplomatic Corps Cadet Programme.
Human Resource Administration • Number of approved posts: 2442 (excluding Locally Recruited Personnel) • Number of filled posts: 2220 • Number of vacant posts: 222 • Vacancy rate: 9,09%(compared to 12,9% in the previous financial year) which demonstrate an achievement towards the national average
Employee Health and Wellness • Provided services to a total of 554 officials and family members who were referred to EHW during the 2016/17 financial year. • Provided primary health and pre-travel medical services to DIRCO employees and managers through the On-Site Occupational Health Clinic. • On average 673 DIRCO officials utilised the On-Site Clinic services during the 2016/17 financial year.
2016/17 PERFORMANCE OUTCOME • For the period under review, the Department reported a net shortfall of R6,3 million. • Compensation of employees reported an expenditure of R3,115 billion against the budget of R3,071 billion which represented a variance of 1,4%. • The Department will continue to work on the measures to reduce the salary bill in 2017/18 as part of fiscal consolidation. • Included in the financial report is an unauthorised expenditure amounting to R33,9 million as a result of an increase on the African Union assessed membership contribution, including the foreign exchange fluctuation. • The department continues to engage National Treasury on the need for an alignment between the Department’s budget planning cycle with that of the AU financial year, including the foreign exchange fluctuations.
2016/17 PERFORMANCE OUTCOME • The Department focused its energy in addressing the material findings, on Asset Management, in particular, Heritage Assets and Moveable Assets. • The identification of heritage assets was completed with the assistance of National Treasury and the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History. • The Assets register clean up was dealt with successfully • Accordingly, the Department received an unqualified audit opinion.
