DIRCO Annual Report

Date of the Meeting/workshop

Agenda: Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation

3 March 2021

A briefing on South Africa’s performance during its dual tenure both in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) (2019 – 2020) and in the AU (2020). As a non permanent member of the UNSC, South Africa was regarded as having worked hard to show its refined positions and voiced its interventions as an African team member. As the Chair of the AU, South Africa streamlined its work with a theme to Silencing the Guns and ushering in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to ensure Africa’s economic development A briefing on: • South Africa’s readiness for the implementation of the AfCFTA. The department presented alongside with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition • Progress regarding the relocation of two missions in New York. Select Committee on Security and Justice

16 March 2021

29 July 2020

Briefing on the TAC in Southeast Asia

14 October 2020

A briefing on the ratification of international agreements, protocols and treaties

8. SCOPA RESOLUTIONS

In addition, the following measures are in place to strengthen internal control across the spectrum of the department: • the Mission Performance Reporting Framework to ensure that there is uniformity in reporting • the Mission Monitoring Schedule to ensure that there is standardisation of understanding and uniform implementation of internal control • the Bid Specifications Committee is in place to assist the department in ensuring that specifications on tender documents are standard and comply with National Treasury Regulations prior to presentation to the Departmental Bid Adjudication Committee • both the Departmental Bid Evaluation and Bid Adjudication committees have been centralised to reinforce compliance with Supply Chain Management prescripts and minimise the risk of irregular expenditure • the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee is in place to ensure uniformity and quality of reporting on predetermined objectives.

None

9. PRIOR MODIFICATIONS TO AUDIT REPORTS

None

10. INTERNAL CONTROL UNIT The Internal Audit Unit provides the department with assurance and consulting services, conducting its affairs in terms of an approved Internal Audit Charter. During the year, Internal Audit, in consultation with all the relevant stakeholders, developed a risk-based three-year strategic rolling plan and annual operational plan. The plans were formally adopted and approved by the Audit Committee. Progress reports on the implementation of the Annual Operational Plan were presented to the Audit Committee meetings during the year.

Annual Report 2020/2021 I Vote No. 6

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