DIRCO Annual Report

4. REPORT OF THE ACTING ACCOUNTING OFFICER

Overview of the operations of the department: The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the globalised world and its impact has affected diplomatic operations across the world, as meetings, conferences and other major international events were postponed or cancelled. In an effort to contain the spread of the virus, most countries introduced travel restrictions and resorted to digital means to conduct their business. South Africa, with its large diplomatic footprint abroad, was also affected and the restrictions had a profound impact on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and its operations. During the year under review, Africa remained the focal point of South Africa’s foreign policy. South Africa’s one-year term at the helm of the African Union (AU) concluded at the 34th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held virtually on 6 and 7 February 2021. The AU’s theme during the past year was: “Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development”. The priorities announced by South Africa at the beginning of its AU Chairship had to be modified, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As far as was possible, within the new restrictive and novel environment, the priorities for South Africa’s Chairship announced by the President continued to receive high consideration. These included an AU Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion Strategy, advancement of the AU Convention on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), as well as projects that had been identified by departments that could be defined as legacy projects for South Africa’s Chairship, e.g., the Pan-African Payment and Settlement Systems Project and the African Green Stimulus Programme. During its Chairship of the AU during 2020, South Africa actively sought to promote equal access for all African countries to COVID-19 vaccines. The 34th Ordinary Assembly of the AU appointed President Cyril Ramaphosa as the Champion for the COVID-19 vaccine strategy and acquisition. In his role as the Champion, the President will be expected to advocate for equitable and timely access to the COVID-19 vaccine for all AU member states, which will require additional mechanisms to ensure at least 60% of the continent’s population is vaccinated.

AMBASSADOR NN LOSI ACTING ACCOUNTING OFFICER

Annual Report 2020/2021 I Vote No. 6

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