Chair, the Committee on International Relations and Co- operation has the following to say. Overall the department has performed according to the goals it set itself for the 2010-11 reporting period. The 2010-11 budgetary allocations of the department were generally aligned to the national strategic priorities outlined in the 2010 state of the nation address, as well as its strategic direction, in terms of its Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.
The unqualified audit report with emphasis of matter, when rectified, will still be a positive indication of commitment of purpose by the Department of International Relations and Co-operation to its mandate. The committee acknowledges that, in general, there are challenges facing the department which can have a bearing on its service delivery programme in the midst of a global meltdown in the international environment. The missions abroad have to deal with decreased support for development assistance from co- operating partners.
The portfolio committee has the following issues to raise: that in pursuit of an African Renaissance Fund, activities in Africa and elsewhere and in the context of post-conflict reconstruction and development, the department should conduct a review of the involvement on the continent to draw lessons and identify areas of focus for future engagements in terms of the African Renaissance Fund or the South African Development Partnership Agency, Sadpa, when it takes over. We are also saying that in its multilateral agreements, the department must seek concrete action on international commitments on programmes such as Nepad and projects as espoused by the European Union, as well as the United Nations.
Lastly, in light of recent natural and man-made disasters, there is a need for a vigorous popularisation campaign of Rosa, which is the Registration of South Africans Abroad, in order to be informed of the presence of South African citizens in areas of accreditation. All the parties in the portfolio committee agreed on the report. I therefore present the Report for adoption by the House. I thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
Hon House Chair, after a peaceful coup and distinguished service as acting Chief Whip of the Majority Party, no-one can doubt the credibility of her report, and I move:
That this House adopt the Report.
[Applause.]
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.