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).