DIRCO Derives Its Mandate From

DIRCO Derives Its Mandate From

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), with an introduction from the Deputy Minister, briefed the Committee on its Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan and budget.



Deputy Minister Landers said that the DIRCO derived its mandate from the Constitution and the National Development Plan, but it was facing several challenges as a result of budget cuts, and the African Union Summit currently being held in Sandton was an unfunded mandate, with South Africa stepping in at the last minute to host the Summit.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO) vision is championing an African continent, which is prosperous, peaceful, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and united and which aspires to a world that is just and equitable.



Mission

DIRCO’s mission is to formulate, coordinate, implement and manage South Africa’s foreign policy and international relations programmes, promote South Africa’s national interest and values and the African Renaissance (and create a better world for all).



Strategic Priorities

  • Through bilateral and multilateral interactions protect and promote South African national interests and values
  • Conduct and coordinate South Africa’s international relations and promote its foreign policy objectives
  • Monitor international developments and advise government on foreign policy and related domestic matters
  • Protect South Africa’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
  • Contribute to the formulation of international law and enhance respect for the provisions thereof
  • Promote multilateralism to secure a rules based international system
  • Maintain a modern, effective and excellence driven department
  • Provide consular services to South African nationals abroad
  • Provide a world class and uniquely South African State Protocol service.

Values



The Department of International Relations and Cooperation adheres to the following values:

  • Patriotism
  • Loyalty
  • Dedication
  • Ubuntu
  • Batho Pele
  • Constitutional Values (Chapter 10).