Chair, Ministers, the ACDP notes that the Department of International Relations and Co-operation has been allocated R4,8 billion in this financial year, a 22% decrease. This department is tasked with advancing a robust programme of international engagement and maintains a presence in 107 countries through its 123 missions with extremely limited resources. How much will financial limitations impact on the effectiveness of the department, hon Minister?
Trade and economic issues are at the very centre of international relations and are central to the modern diplomat. Steps must therefore be taken to ensure that South African representatives abroad are well versed in economic and trade matters.
The ACDP supports efforts to secure improved investment and trade links worldwide by developing links with established trading and investment partners, encouraging new links with emerging markets, representing the interests of the South in international forums, and extending assistance to Southern Africa in the interests of stability and development.
Closer relations with neighbouring states are essential as Southern Africa's economic, political and security status will always impact heavily on South Africa. South Africa therefore stands to benefit if it facilitates growth, development and security in these countries.
The ACDP calls on government to actively pursue the establishment of common security arrangements in Southern Africa to develop a co-ordinated approach to cross-border trafficking in small arms, human trafficking and refugees.
The ACDP believes that environmental issues and their impact on society should not be taken lightly as people living in South Africa, present and future, have a right to a safe and healthy environment and a life of wellbeing. We must not allow our country to become a dumping ground for toxic waste.
Sustainable development is of critical importance in terms of global policy, but this should not be in the guise of population control in Africa, as it has been, with conventions being signed that discriminate against the most vulnerable of all human beings: unborn babies.
The world is witnessing a tragic rise in the tide of refugees, and the ACDP strongly supports the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Xenophobia is on the rise globally and it is a constant threat to peace and security within our borders. Hon Minister, to what extent does this situation impact on the work and budget of the department?
South Africa must have a professional diplomatic service independent of the narrow confines of party politics. State protocol services are set to be in high demand during this financial year, owing to the projected increase in the number of international dignitaries that will travel to South Africa for the 2010 Fifa World Cup and related activities. The ACDP notes that the increase in the protocol and diplomatic budget is estimated at 86,5% in order to provide this service.
We are pleased to see that the department has upgraded its information and communication technology infrastructure. The project was costly, but the department and government will benefit in time from savings on communication costs and there is likely to be improved service delivery.
The new state-of-the-art head office campus now houses the department's officials who were previously scattered throughout the City of Tshwane in seven rented buildings. This should also increase efficiency greatly.
The ACDP will support this budget, despite our concerns regarding government's often short-sighted and biased approach to the Middle East conflict. I thank you.