. There had been major challenges; it was explained, with the outside funding into the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF). Treasury had to be involved in the transfer of such funds into South Africa. It was reported that the process of handling of these funds by Treasury required a service commission, which in turn brought about shortages on the amount given and raised concerns by donors around the service fee. It was believed that the creation of SADPA as an entity would surpass some of the red tape, hence the intention to phase out ARF in the wake of SADPA. SADPA was to operate as a partnership, not a donor, for development and mutual benefit for the region.