The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) hosts the South African Heads of Mission conference

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is hosting the South African Heads of Mission Conference (HoM) at its OR Tambo Headquarters, from July 11-15, 2011. The all-important Conference affords Heads of South African Missions and their Headquarters to exchange views, share ideas, compare notes and most importantly strategize on issues that relate to South Africa’s conduct of international relations and cooperation.

The five-day conference will deal with various aspects, including the unpacking of South Africa’s national priorities, by relevant national departments i.e. education, crime prevention, agriculture, economic growth and development. There will be panel discussions on issues that relate to Global Governance; Peace and Security; African Development; and the Building of South Africa’s Foreign Policy.

The conference will also benefit from a speech by the President of the Republic of South Africa, President Jacob Zuma, who will speak on the topic: “South Africa’s global role and expectations vis-à-vis our Foreign Policy”. The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will also be making a presentation that speaks to the “Role and expectations of Heads of Mission and Managers in carrying-out South Africa’s foreign policy”.

The last day of the HoM will see all Ambassadors and High Commissioners undertaking Provincial Visits that, it is anticipated, will assist them in re-connecting and interacting with ordinary South Africans and appreciating the challenges at the coal-face.

For further information please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
Private bag X152
Pretoria

11 July 2011