b) It is in the Committee's interest to establish whether 'soft power' as a resource and a core concept in public diplomacy is being used effectively by the department. DIRCO must submit a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative report on the degree to which South Africa's cultural assets, political ideals and policies inspire respect or affinity on the part of others. It is important to understand whether DIRCO has developed tools of listening and conversation; and what tools of persuasion are put in place to achieve this.