The ACDP recognises that a major shift in global economic and social dynamics - a realignment of new economic powers, new media and social networks, new innovations, environmental change and formations of new economic and political groupings - has challenged the established political order. This requires South Africa to adapt and shift focus in line with trends. With South Africa being called upon to play a higher- profile role in world diplomacy, capacity and resources will be necessary. This budget will be expected to facilitate an enormous mandate. Yet the proposed budget has decreased, which is a tremendous challenge.
The ACDP would like to see a greater effort being made by our Minister and the department to engage with and inform the public of current positions being taken by the South African government and interventions being considered with regard to international situations, conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts. It is important not only because what happens in other parts of the world and our response to what happens impact on South Africa, but also because South Africans should be given the opportunity to decide how best they can help where governments are perceived as abusing human rights and where conflicts are tearing families apart.
From a country perspective, ensuring that foreign relations contribute to sustainable economic growth, development and job creation in South Africa is a major priority, which the ACDP supports. Regionally, efforts to strengthen the political and economic integration of the SADC are not looking too good, as deadlines and targets are not being met. An intra- Africa trade record of 12% is not ideal for economic development in Africa, and more must be done to understand and address the prohibiting factors. The ACDP commends continued diplomatic efforts by government regarding Zimbabwe and Madagascar.
The African agenda is understandably high on any agenda where South Africa has representation, be it Brics, Ibsa or any other platform. It would be interesting to hear the Minister's take on the suggestion made by Professor Daniel Bradlow that South Africa should play a role in global economic governance reform by helping find the next World Bank president. South Africa, he says, is a leading voice in Africa and a respected participant in the institutions of global economic governance and should therefore be consulting key African allies to identify the most suitably qualified African candidate. It must be a person committed to making a complex institution more responsive to the evolving needs of all of its debtor and creditor member countries and their citizens, who are the intended beneficiaries of the bank's operations. It should be a person who will find growth strategies that reduce poverty, inequality and unemployment within the constraints created by climate change and other environmental stresses. This is an interesting thought!
The ACDP supports the candidacy of hon Nkosazana Zuma for the AU Commission. We also welcome the opportunity for South Africa to host the African Union Diaspora Summit in May 2012. We congratulate former Speaker, Ms Baleka Mbete, on her appointment.
The ACDP will support this Budget Vote and wishes the Minister and her department every success in making it stretch to do the impossible.