About government - Programme of Action 2008 - International Relations, Peace & Security Cluster

1

CONSOLIDATION OF THE AFRICAN AGENDA

1.1

Strengthen the African Union and its Structures

1.1.1

Mobilise support for the harmonisation and rationalisation of Regional Economic Communities, as well as for the regional integration process

DFA, DME, DTI, DWAF, Housing, NT, Health

Ongoing

President Motlanthe participated in the first COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit on 22 Oct-08 in Uganda. This served as a platform for the harmonisation of regional integration programmes amongst the three regional organisations

1.1.2

Strengthen governance and capacity in the AU

DFA, DPSA, DTI, NT

Ongoing

The 2nd Ordinary Session on the Conference of African Ministers of Culture took place 19-23 Sep-08 in Algiers. The aim was to identify challenges and constraints in promoting African culture

1.1.3

Support the Pan-African Parliament (PAP)

DFA, DPW, Sector Depts

Ongoing

The 10th session of the PAP took place from 27 Oct-08 to 7 Nov-08. Most of the necessary preparatory processes for the construction of the permanent building of the PAP have been completed

1.1.4

Operationalisation of the African Court of Justice and the African Court on Human and People's Rights

DoJCD, DFA

Ongoing

Work in Progress

1.1.5

Active engagement in the Pan African Ministers Conference for Ministers of Public Service Civil Service

DPSA, Sector Depts

Dec-08

President Motlanthe participated in the first COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit on 22 Oct-08 in Uganda. This served as a platform for the harmonisation of regional integration programmes amongst the three regional organisations

1.1.6

Operationalisation of the AU Financial Institutions

NT, Sector Depts

Ongoing

Work in Progress

1.1.7

Engage the African Diaspora

DFA, DAC

Dec-08

Following consultations with the AUC and the South African government the African Diaspora Summit was postponed

1.1.8

Monitor migration issues

DHA, DFA

Ongoing

SA participated in the SADC UNIVISA Task Force Meeting in Gaborone, Botswana 25-28 Sep-08. A report was adopted, which specifies activities and timeframes for the implementation of the UNIVISA system by Mar-09

1.1.9

Advance AU-EU Relations

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

The 10th Africa-EU Ministerial Troika Meeting was held in Brussels 16 Sep-08. It was agreed that the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the African and EU Troikas will be held from 20-21 Nov-08 in Africa

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) and their integration with AU and SADC processes

DFA, DEAT, DHA, DME, DoE, DPSA, DTI, DWAF, Housing, NT, Health

Ongoing

The 35th NEPAD Steering Committee Meeting took place at Midrand in Aug-08. The discussions focused on NEPAD integration into the AU, the 11th AU Summit on NEPAD issues and the outcomes of the G8 Africa Outreach in Hokkaido, Japan

1.2.2

Operationalisation of the African Peer Review Mechanism

DPSA, DFA

Dec-08

Progress has been made in ensuring that a full-inclusive process is undertaken in South Africa with regards to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Programme of Action of the African Peer Review Mechanism

1.2.3

Management of International Development Assistance

DFA, NT, Sector Depts

Ongoing

The Third High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness was held in Accra, Ghana 2-4 Sep-08. Ministers of developing and Donor countries endorsed the Accra Agenda for Action, which aims to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness

1.2.4

Chairing of the African Ministerial Conference of the Environment (AMCEN)

DEAT, Sector Depts

Dec-08

South Africa together with the AMCEN Secretariat attended the international conference on Climate Change in Accra, Ghana in Aug-08 where the African Roadmap for climate change was further elaborated upon

1.3

Southern African Development Community (SADC)

1.3.1

Contribute towards SADC Regional Economic Integration

DFA, DTI, NT

2008-2016

The 28th Ordinary SADC Summit took place in Aug-08 in Sandton, Johannesburg where South Africa assumed the Chairship of the organisation. The highlight of the Summit was the launch of the Free Trade Area

1.3.2

Work towards the full implementation of the RISDP

DFA, DTI, NT, Sector Depts

Ongoing

The Sandton Summit urged member states with a cereal surplus to encourage regional sales to facilitate regional food security, and all member states to take advantage of the rising food prices to stimulate growth within the agricultural sector

1.3.3

Strengthen governance and capacity in SADC, especially in the Secretariat

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

The Integrated Committee of Ministers was abolished during the Sandton Summit and replaced by the Sectoral and Cluster Ministerial Committees whose main responsibility will be to supervise activities of integration and cooperation in priority areas

1.3.4

Continue to facilitate resolution of political challenges facing Zimbabwe (A 21)

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

In Sep-08, ZANU-PF and the two MDC formations signed a power-sharing Agreement ending a process of negotiations facilitated by South Africa. South Africa, SADC and the AU are the guarantors of the implementation of the Agreement

1.4

Contribute towards Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) in Africa

1.4.1

Sudan

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

Former President Mbeki undertook a working visit to the Sudan from 15-16 Sep-08. On 23 Aug-08 SA delivered a humanitarian consignment to Juba for Abyei victims. 59 GOSS Officials were trained in SA in the area of the Judiciary and Correctional Services

1.4.2

Democratic Republic of Congo (A 22)

DFA, Sector Depts

2008-2009

The 6th SA-DRC Bi-National Commission Meeting will be held on 31 Oct-08 in Kinshasha. This will be preceeded by the Senior Officials meeting on 27-29 Oct-08 and the Ministerial meeting on 30 Oct-08

1.5

Contribute towards Peace, Security, and Stability in Africa

1.5.1

Contribute to the establishment of the African Standby Force

DOD, DFA, SAPS

Ongoing

The planning for multinational Exercise GOLFINHO began in Jul-08. Its main objective is to prepare the SADCBRIG for multi-dimensional Peace Support Operations in accordance with the AU Standby Force Roadmap

1.5.2

Review of the White Paper on Peace Missions

DFA, DCS, DOD, DoJCD, NICOC, SAPS

Dec-08

Work in progress

1.5.3

Support stabilisation efforts in Western Sahara

DFA

Ongoing

Negotiations between the Polasario Front and the Kingdom of Morocco have reached an impasse. The mandate of UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy expired in Aug-08 and processes are underway to appoint a new special envoy to the position

1.5.4

Support Peace efforts in Cote d'Ivoire

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

Political parties are preparing themselves for presidential elections scheduled for 30 Nov-08

1.5.5

Contribute to the stabilisation of Somalia

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

The Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the Re-liberalisation of Somalia signed a peace agreement in Djibouti in Aug -08. The two parties subsequently met to discuss the modalities for the implementation of the agreement

1.5.6

Support peace efforts in Ethiopia Eritea

DFA, DOD, Sector Depts

Dec-08

The United Nations Security Council in its resolution 1827-08 terminated the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE). UNMEE personnel are currently being repatriated

1.5.7

Support the strengthening of peace and stability in Burundi

DFA, DOD, SAPS, Sector Depts

Dec-08

The Ngozi Agreement was recently signed by President Nkurinziza and the President of the PALIPEHUTU-FNL, Agathon Rwasa whereby both parties committed to the negotiated resolution of disputes. Demobilisation of ex combatants also resumed

1.5.8

Support stabilisation efforts in the Comoros

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

Attempts to stabilise the situation in the Comoros are being made through the envisaged Inter-Comorian Dialogue (ICD). The African Union will provide support and will play a facilitating role in the Dialogue

1.5.9

Central African Republic (CAR)

DFA, DOD, Sector Depts

Ongoing

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon proposed on 17 Sep-08 that the UNSC considers sending 6000 UN troops to replace EUFOR in eastern Chad and north-eastern CAR

1.5.10

Promotion of Regional and Continental Maritime Security

DOD

Ongoing

During a Defence Committee Meeting held in Maseru, the SA Navy undertook to support the Lesotho Defence Force in the creation of a swimming and diving capability. The SA Navy participated in SADC Standing Maritime Committee that took place in Angola

1.6

Strengthen Bilateral Relations

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

South Africa continues to strengthen its bilateral relations with African countries through the conclusion and implementation of various bilateral, trilateral, Joint Bilateral Commissions and Bi-national Commissions

2

STRENGTHEN SOUTH-SOUTH CO-OPERATION

2.1

Strengthen India, Brazil, South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA)

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

Sectoral Working Group meetings were held in India and South Africa during Aug-08 and Sep-08, in preparation for the 3rd IBSA Summit which was held Oct-08 in India. The Working Groups also prepared the agreements that were signed at the Summit

2.2

Active engagement in the New Africa Asia Strategic Partnership (NAASP)

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

Co-Chairs Meeting of Senior Officials took place in Aug-08 in Bali, Indonesia to discuss the NAASP Ministerial Summit and the outcomes of the Palestinian Capacity Building Conference

2.3

Implementation of the Beijing Action Plan in the Forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

DFA, Sector Depts

2008-2009

The 6th Senior Officials Meeting of FOCAC was hosted by the co-chair Egypt in Oct-08. The meeting was in preparation for the 4th FOCAC Ministerial Meeting to be held in 2009

2.4

Active engagement with Organisations of the South (NAM, G77+China, etc)

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

The XV Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Conference was held in Iran in Jul-08. State parties looked into the possibility of establishing a dispute settlement mechanism and the use of political and economic tools to prevent intra-state aggression

3

STRENGTHEN NORTH-SOUTH CO-OPERATION

3.1

Strengthen relations with Group of 8 (G8)

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

The G8 Summit in Hakkaido, Japan during Jul-08 reaffirmed its commitments to Africa and announced a range of support measures but failed to address the long standing question of implementation of commitments made to Africa

3.2

Work towards consolidation of engagement with OECD

NT, DFA

Dec-08

Work in Progress

3.3

Active engagement in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD)

DFA, Sector Depts

Dec-08

Work continues towards the implementation of commitments made at the TICAD IV Summit held in May-08

4

PARTICIPATE IN THE GLOBAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE

4.1

Active participation as non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2007-2008)

DFA

Dec-08

SA participated at the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in Sep-Oct-08. SA also took part in Security Council debates on Lebanon, Iraq, Sudan and in the 8th Security Council emergency session on the conflict in Georgia

4.2

Active engagement in the G20 as part of the Troika

NT, DFA

Dec-08

Work in Progress

4.3

Contribute to debates on Climate Change

DEAT, DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

Negotiating positions for the Fourteenth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the 4th Meeting of the Parties of the Kyoto Protocol, have been drafted in consultation with relevant stakeholders

4.4

Contribute to debates on Terrorism

DFA, DME, SAPS

Ongoing

The draft report on South Africa's anti-terrorism architecture prepared by the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) was discussed by the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Ministerial cluster in Sep-08

4.5

Promote South Africa's position on Disarmament

DFA, DME

Ongoing

The latest report on Iran by the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Iran has not suspended its enrichment and reprocessing activities contrary to its obligations under the United Nations Security Council resolutions

4.6

Contribution towards the Middle East Peace process

DFA

Ongoing

SA continues to support efforts towards a long-term solution to the conflict

4.7

Follow up to the Implementation of outcomes of major international conferences

4.7.1

Participate in preparations for the Review Conference on WCAR (2009)

DFA, DoJCD, DSD

2008-2009

Preparations for South Africa's participation at the Review Conference on WCAR (2009) continues

4.7.2

Consolidate African positions for CSD 16 and CSD 17

DEAT, DFA, Sector Depts

2008-2009

Preparations are underway for South Africa's participation in CSD17

4.8

Work towards a developmental outcome of WTO negotiations

DTI, DFA, NT

Ongoing

SA participated in the Jul-08 Doha Round negotiations and through the DTI, is in the process of comprehensively evaluating the status of the Round and SA's participation

4.9

2010 FIFA World Cup

SRSA, DFA

Ongoing

Construction programmes for both 2009 Confederations Cup stadia and the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadia are on track and it is expected the FIFA deadlines will be met

4.10

Support the utilisation of sport as an instrument for Peace and Development

SRSA, DFA, DOD, Sector Depts

Ongoing

Work on the African Legacy Programmes and the Outreach Programme continues

5

STRENGTHEN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS

5.1

Strengthening co-operation with the EU

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

SA-EU Migration Dialogue meeting was held 11 Sep-08 and outcomes will be discussed at the Joint Cooperation Council Meeting scheduled for Oct-08

5.2

Engage with the SADC- EU EPA negotiations

DTI, DFA, Sector Depts

Dec-08

Following the SADC-EC EPA negotiations held in Botswana (Jul-08), internal SADC EPA consultations were held in Swaziland from 8-12 Sep-08

5.3

Continue participation in the SACU- India PTA negotiations

DTI, DFA

Ongoing

Discussions continue towards an agreement for the Memorandum of Understanding between SACU and India

5.4

Work to improve SACU- China trade relations

DTI, DFA

Ongoing

SACU is in the process of consolidating findings of various studies undertaken to begin constructing an approach to advancing engagement with China

5.5

Work towards the finalisation of SACU- Mercosur PTA

DTI, DFA, Sector Depts

Dec-08

A Mercosur Technical Team visited South Africa 17-18 Sep-08. It is expected that the SACU-Mercosur PTA will be signed in Dec-08

5.6

Stepping up engagements with major powers, particularly those having a major influence in the Continent

DFA, Sector Depts

Ongoing

SA continues to engage major powers to promote Africa's development goals and support for NEPAD and AU programmes. Bilateral meetings were held on UNGA sidelines in Sep-08 between Minister Dlamini Zuma and a number of her counterparts

5.7

Strengthen Economic Diplomacy and Market SA Abroad (A 23)

DFA, DEAT, DTI, GCIS, Presidency, Sector Depts

Ongoing

The Guidelines for the Conduct of South Africa's International Relations were finalised and approved by the IRPS DG Cluster (Oct-08). The guidelines will be submitted to Cabinet for approval