Government's Programme of Action 2009
International Cooperation, Trade and Security
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Government's Programme of Action 2009 |
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| Actions | Indicators | Department | Timeframe | Report | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pursuing African advancement and enhanced international cooperation | ||||
| 1.1 | Continued prioritisation of the African continent: Strengthening the African Union and its structures | ||||
| 1.1.1 Advocate for the harmonisation and rationalisation of Regional Economic Communities, as well as for the regional integration processes. | SA contributed to the work of the Ministers of Integration and Implemented outcomes of Ministers of Integration meetings as endorsed by the Assembly. | DIRCO, NT, dti, Sector Depts. | Dec - 11 | SA has contributed to the work of the Ministers of Integration. Work on the implementation of the outcomes of Ministers of Integration meetings as endorsed by the AU Assembly is ongoing | |
| 1.1.2 Strengthen governance and capacity in the AU | Needs analysis and assessment of capacity requirements of the AU completed | DIRCO, NT, dti, Sector Depts. | Dec - 11 | Needs analysis and assessment of capacity requirements of the AU completed | |
| Framework for capacity development programme approved by AU Ministers of Public Administration | DPSA | Feb - 10 | The Capacity Development Framework and work plan were approved by AU Ministers of Public Administration. A meeting to review the programme and work plan was held in Nairobi 2 to 3 Nov-09 | ||
| AMCEN's integration within the relevant STC of the AU Authority strengthened during SA's Presidency (2008-2010) | DWEA | Jun - 10 | SA presented the recommendations of the 12th session of AMCEN and the 3rd Special Session of AMCEN to the AU Exco and Assembly for adoption which included the decision to integrate AMCEN as an STC of the AU approved by a previous resolution | ||
| 1.1.3 Operationalisation of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights | SA’s obligations regarding the Protocol facilitated | DoJCD, DIRCO | Dec - 09 | Ministers of Justice/Attorneys-General of the African Union adopted the Protocol on the African Court of Justice and Human Rights in Apr-09. SA’s signature and ratification of the Protocol to be facilitated | |
| 1.2 | Support the implementation of NEPAD | ||||
| 1.2.1 Facilitate the implementation of NEPAD priority sectors (infrastructure, agriculture, environment, tourism, ICT, health, human resources, and science and technology) | AMCEN's decisions and work programme realised and fully implemented during SA's Presidency (2008-2010) | DWEA | Jun - 10 | SA as chair of AMCEN assisted the secretariat to mobilise donor funding for the sub-regional climate change implementation plans which will form the basis for the AMCEN decision relating to the African Climate Change programme | |
| Africa’s 2nd Water Week hosted as an instrument to fast-track the achievement of the MDG’s | DWEA | Dec - 09 | SA scheduled to host the 2nd Africa Water Week from 9 – 13 Nov-09 in Midrand. The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs will assume the Presidency of AMCOW for the next two years during the 7th Ordinary Session of AMCOW | ||
| 1.2.2 Implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism | Second annual review report completed. | DPSA, DIRCO | Dec - 09 | The Focal Point is soliciting inputs from the various stakeholders in the APRM PoA. These inputs together will form the basis for the second annual report. Provincial consultations were undertaken to feed into this process | |
| Inter-departmental APRM co-ordinating committee established. | DPSA, Sector Depts. | Dec - 09 | Inter-departmental APRM Coordinating Committee meeting was convened in Jun-09 to nominate thematic focal points to lead reporting of the various departments identified as lead agencies in the national APRM Programme of Action. Work is continuing in this regard | ||
| Framework for country peer learning and exchange developed | DPSA, Sector Depts. | Dec - 09 | The Focal Point is planning to convene a Best Practice/Lessons Learned Forum with countries participating in the APRM process in order to share experiences before the end of the financial year | ||
| APRM National Governing Council (NGC) revitalised. | DPSA, Sector Depts. | Sep - 09 | The Focal Point is strengthening and restructuring the NGC. This includes revitalising the Provincial Governing Councils (PGCs) to ensure consultation and participation by all stakeholders including civil society, business and labour to support the Country APRM PoA | ||
| Communication strategy developed. | DPSA, Sector Depts. | Dec - 09 | A draft communications strategy is currently under consideration | ||
| 1.2.3 Work Towards the establishment of a South African Development Partnership Agency (SADPA) | Effective management of African Renaissance Fund (ARF) promoted. | DIRCO, NT, Sector Depts. | Dec - 11 | 3 new projects were approved for support in this period. The ARF Secretariat participated in training and exchange programmes to enhance capacity and technical skills in development policy and cooperation, and project management | |
| 1.3 | Contribute towards Peace, Security and Stability in Africa | ||||
| 1.3.1 Strengthen the capacity of the SADCBRIG as a building block of the African Standby Force (ASF) | Exercise Golfinho Completed: Admin and Logistics Conference by May 09, hosted final coordination conference by 7 Aug 09 and completed Field Training Exercise at Lohatla | DDMV, SAPS, Sector Depts. | Sep - 09 | Exercise Golfinho was completed with Field Training Exercises undertaken by the participating SADC Member States at Lohatla Military Base | |
| 1.3.2 Review the White Paper on Peace Missions | Review of the White Paper on Peace Missions finalised and submitted to Parliament. | DIRCO, Sector Depts. | Dec - 09 | The Study on Lessons Learnt from South Africa’s Participation in Peace Missions and recommendations thereof has been completed. Processing of the White Paper to Parliament to be facilitated | |
| 1.3.3 Continued RSA involvement in peacekeeping operations in Africa | Supported the stabilisation and peace building efforts of the African Union and the United Nations in Sudan (Darfur) by means of deployed military observers, protection forces, staff officers and headquarters staff to AMISOM in accordance with the Force Levels approved by Cabinet for FY 2009/10. | DDMV | Mar - 10 | SA supported the stabilisation and peace building efforts of the AU&UN in Sudan (Darfur) by deployment of military observers, protection forces, staff officers and headquarters staff to AMISOM in accordance with the Force Levels approved by Cabinet for FY 2009/10 | |
| Supported African Union stabilisation and peace building efforts in Ethiopia/Eritrea by means of deployed military observers to AUMEE in accordance with the Force Levels approved by Cabinet for FY 2009/10 | DDMV | Mar - 10 | The SANDF Mission in Eritrea was terminated in 2008 as there was no request for an extension by the UN | ||
| Supported stabilisation efforts in Central African Republic through bilateral defence cooperation activities in accordance with the Force Levels approved by Cabinet for FY 2009/10. | DDMV | Mar - 10 | SA supported stabilisation efforts in Central African Republic through bilateral defence cooperation activities in accordance with the Force Levels approved by Cabinet for FY 2009/10 | ||
| 1.3.4 Promotion of Regional and Continental Maritime Security | In cooperation with regional navies conducted African West coast maritime exercise | DDMV | Aug - 09 | The South African Navy conducted a patrol on the West Coast en route to Angola and contributed to Exercise GOLFINHO by transporting one platoon of Angolan soldiers to Walvis Bay as part of the Field Training Exercise | |
| In cooperation with regional navies conducted maritime exercise in preparation for 2010 FIFA World Cup | DDMV | Sep - 09 | The maritime exercises with regional navies are being developed and planned in the medium term. The SA Navy will conduct internal exercises in preparation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup | ||
| 1.3.5 Support the resolution of the Western Sahara issue | International efforts towards Western Sahara self-determination, in accordance with democratic principles and UN Resolutions on the matter supported and bilateral humanitarian assistance provided. | DIRCO | Dec - 11 | SA remained seized with the monitoring of and supporting international efforts to resolve the situation in Western Sahara | |
| 1.3.6 Contribute towards Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) in Africa | Supported post conflict reconstruction and development in the DRC (by means of troop contribution to MONUC, assisting with the integration of the remaining ex-combatants into the FARDC and providing specialist assistance to the FARDC High Command) in accordance with the Force Levels approved by Cabinet for FY 2009/10. | DDMV | Mar - 10 | SA supported post-conflict reconstruction and development in the DRC by contributing troops to MONUC and assisting with the integration of the remaining ex-combatants into the FARDC and providing specialist assistance to the FARDC High Command | |
| Supported the post conflict reconstruction and development of Burundi as part of the AU Special Task Force (AUSTF) supporting the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JVMM) in accordance with the Force Levels approved by Cabinet for FY 2009/10. Terminate the Mission by 31 July 2009 and commence the withdrawal process. | DDMV | Sep - 09 | SA supported the post conflict reconstruction and development of Burundi as part of the AU Special Task Force (AUSTF) supporting the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JVMM) Mission terminated on 31 Jul-09 | ||
| 1.4 | Develop a code of good business practice for SA companies doing business on the African continent | Code of Good Business Practice developed. | dti, DIRCO, Sector Depts. | Dec - 09 | Work towards the development of a Code of Good Business Practice is ongoing |
| 1.5 | Improving political and economic integration of the SADC | ||||
| 1.5.1 Contribute towards SADC Regional Economic Integration and Political Cohesion | Contributed to the harmonisation of policies and Sectoral strategies in SADC. | DIRCO, dti, NT | Dec - 11 | SADC Summit in Sep-09 adopted the Declaration on Regional Cooperation in Competition and Consumer Laws and Policies. The draft Protocol on Industrial Policy is currently still in the process of being developed by member states | |
| Projects for the North-South Corridors prioritised and packaged. | dti | Dec - 09 | A High-Level Tripartite Investment Conference on the North-South Corridor was held in Lusaka, Zambia, on 6 – 7 Apr-09, and focused on energy, transport and trade facilitation.The Joint Task Force will finalise projects and programmes for financing | ||
| SADC FTA strengthened through the implementation of the SADC Trade Protocol. | dti | Dec - 11 | 29th SADC Summit considered the Report of the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration and noted progress made in addressing outstanding issues in the implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) | ||
| UNIVISA and VISA Exemption Agreements implemented. | DHA | Dec - 11 | An implementation plan for the UNIVISA system in the region was crafted in Jun-09 and revised Aug-09 by the Working Groups comprising participants from Member States. UNIVISA Workshop was held on 29 Sep-09 | ||
| 1.5.2 Strengthen governance and capacity in SADC, especially in the Secretariat | SADC Framework on governance and public administration presented to the SADC Ministers of Public Administration | DPSA, DIRCO, Sector Depts. | Dec - 09 | A meeting of senior officials from SADC Member States’ Public Services is being considered as one of the mechanisms to address hindrances to the implementation of the SADC Governance and Public Administration Programme | |
| 1.5.3 Support the implementation of the Zimbabwe Global Political Agreement and the economic recovery programme of the Inclusive Government. | Zimbabwe's Short Term Emergency Recovery Programme (STERP) supported. | DIRCO, NT, Sector Depts. | Dec - 11 | SA government has drawn up a financial aid package to assist with Zimbabwe’s economic recovery focusing on direct budgetary support to sectors identified in the Inclusive Government’s economic recovery plan and opening of credit lines | |
| 1.5.4 Work towards the full implementation of the RISDP focusing on regional infrastructure development | Strategic Spatial Development Initiatives (SDI) and TFCAs in the region supported | DIRCO, dti, DWEA, DoE | Dec - 11 | The Secretariats of COMESA, EAC and SADC participated in a high-level pilot conference on the North-South Corridor from 6-7 Apr-09 under the ambit of the Tripartite arrangement. Boundless Southern Africa Expedition successfully undertaken from 11 May - 19 Aug-09 | |
| 1.6 | Strengthen South-South co-operation | ||||
| 1.6.1 Strengthen India, Brazil, South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA) | Implementation of IBSA Agreements and Action Plans monitored and pursued | DIRCO, DDMV, Sector Depts. | Dec - 11 | SA participated in the 6th IBSA Trilateral Ministerial Commission Meeting held on 31 Aug-09 to 1 Sep-09. The Meeting, amongst others, reviewed progress on implementation of Trilateral Agreements and Action plans | |
| 1.6.2 Active engagement with Organisations of the South within the multilateral system, such as NAM and G77+China, etc. | Comprehensive South African policy directives finalised in order to direct delegations to the regular general debate of the UN, and other multilateral, intergovernmental and group interaction. | DIRCO, Sector Depts. | Aug - 09 | SA participated in the XV NAM Summit held on 11-16 Jul-09, guided by the priorities of consolidating the African agenda, and strengthening South-South co-operation. The Declaration on Nelson Mandela Day was adopted unanimously | |
| 1.6.3 Support Multilateral efforts aimed at finding a lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East | SA position and efforts to strengthen the Middle East Peace Process articulated through Bilateral and Multilateral mechanisms. | DIRCO | Dec - 11 | The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation led engagements is support of such efforts, including participating in the NAM Committee of Palestine | |
| 1.7 | Strengthen relations with strategic formations of the North | ||||
| 1.7.1 Strengthen relations with Group of 8 (G8) | Implementation of the G8 Africa Action Plan and other commitments made by the G8 on Africa monitored and advocated. | DIRCO, NT | Dec - 11 | In the wake of the financial crisis which continues to impact heavily on Africa, SA’s position is that the implementation of the Action Plan must be accelerated in line with Nepad priorites | |
| Continued implementation of SA position on the engagements with the G8 outreach processes. | DIRCO, NT, Sector Depts. | Dec - 11 | SA participated in the Outreach Sessions (G5 Outreach and Africa Outreach) held on 9 and 10 Jul-09. SA continues to participate in the Heiligendamm and L’Aquila Process | ||
| 1.7.2 Work towards consolidation of engagement with OECD | SA-OECD Partnership Strategy developed. | NT, DIRCO, Sector Depts. | Sep - 09 | Inter-Departmental discussions continue to finalise the Strategy | |
| 1.8 | Strengthen political and economic relations | ||||
| 1.8.1 Alignment and coordination of South Africa’s international engagements amongst and between all spheres of Government and between public and private sectors | Curriculum on Economic Diplomacy training for all spheres of government developed. | DIRCO, dti | Dec - 09 | The development of curriculum on economic diplomacy for all spheres of government has been initiated and it is currently undergoing reviews at DIRCO for final approval | |
| Measures and Guidelines communicated to all stakeholders and its adherence promoted. | DIRCO, GCIS, dti, Sector Depts. | Dec - 09 | The Consultative Forum on International Relations (CFIR), as one of the Measures identified for enhanced co-ordination, met in Tshwane on 25 Aug-09. The Meeting served to formalise and to begin the implementation and popularisation of the Guidelines | ||
| 1.8.2 Address the weaknesses identified in the communication of South Africa’s foreign policy positions, both in the foreign arena and domestically. | Communications Strategy implemented. | GCIS, DIRCO, Presidency | Dec - 11 | This work is ongoing and part of the government’s overall communication strategy, as led by the GCIS | |
| 1.8.3 Support activities in observation of Nelson Mandela Day | Activities in observation of Nelson Mandela day supported | DIRCO, Sector Depts. | Aug - 09 | Nelson Mandela Day held on 18 Jul-09, 31 South African Missions abroad undertook activities to celebrate this day.This included fundraising for charity organisations, cleaning of street, donations of goods, and visits to charity organisations | |
| 1.9 | Participate in the global system of governance | ||||
| 1.9.1 Engagement with the International Financial Institutions and active participation in the Global Economic Governance | SA’s and Africa's agenda on Global Economic Governance Reform promoted. | NT, DIRCO | Dec - 11 | SA continues to actively participate in deliberations on global economic governance particularly in the context of the G20 (including the Summits), the IMF and World Bank | |
| SA's common position on the global governance reform developed | NT, DIRCO | Dec - 09 | Inter-Departmental discussions are ongoing | ||
| 1.9.2 Promote multilateralism, respect for international law and strengthening of the role of the United Nations | The Ezulwini Consensus promoted in intergovernmental negotiations in respect of the reform of the UNSC | DIRCO | Dec - 11 | Informed by the Ezulwini Consensus, SA has reiterated that comprehensive reform of the Security Council entails an enlarged Council both in the permanent and non-permanent categories and that it would include a review of work methods and procedures | |
| SA position in UN debates on terrorism promoted. | DIRCO | Dec - 11 | Preparations are currently underway for a follow-up workshop promoting awareness and implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in South Africa scheduled for the first quarter of 2010 | ||
| 1.9.3 Contribute to debates on Climate Change | SA’s negotiating positions for UNFCCC COP15 drafted and approved | DWEA, Sector Depts. | Nov - 09 | SA's position papers for the post 2012 negotiations in the Ad hoc Working Group under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP) 7&8, Ad hoc Working group on Long Term Cooperative Action (AWG-LCA) 5&6, SB30 of the UNFCCC are finalised and awaiting Cabinet approval | |
| Progress with the implementation of the AMCEN decisions on Climate Change including: i) an African common position for COP 15 adopted by the AU Summit in July 2009; ii) development of a framework of African Climate Change Programmes regularly reported upon | DWEA, Sector Depts. | Dec - 11 | SA convened & chaired the 3rd AMCEN Special Session on Climate Change which focused on the further development of the African common position & approved the conceptual framework of African Climate Change programmes | ||
| African programmes prioritised in Board meetings and Working Groups of the Adaptation Fund. | DWEA, Sector Depts. | Dec - 11 | SA elected as co-chair of the Adaptation Fund Board's Finance and Ethics Committee. The Adaptation Fund has monetised CER's to the tune of US$18.3million.The Adaptation Fund Board is still in process of setting up to be fully operational |