Reassessing SA's diplomatic missions: balancing budget cuts and economic growth

IN THE MIDST of budget pressures, calls have been made by political parties to close some South African diplomatic missions across the world. This has been done previously by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

- ZINGISWA LOSI

The danger of such a blunt approach is that in pursuit of saving a few million in a budget of R2.6 trillion, we may actually do more harm than good to our fundamental task of stimulating economic growth and creating decent jobs. Is there a need to reconfigure and reposition our diplomatic presence? Without a doubt. This should be done in a way that attracts investment and boosts export opportunities and tourism for our economy.

Politicians are correct to demand savings across our diplomatic missions. Many of the buildings are too large and expensive. More affordable ones should be secured.

Should many of our diplomats spend less time at cocktail functions? Without a doubt. All departments should seek consistently to reduce wastage and improve efficiency, especially in the context of fiscal constraints and the need to ensure allocations to protect the poor, invest in critical infrastructure, and stimulate growth are prioritised.

What we need to avoid is a rush to close diplomatic missions in pursuit of saving money today but foregoing future investments and trade opportunities. Years of blunt budget cuts have shown the real dangers and unintended consequences of decapacitating the state.

The dangers of this will arise when South Africans are stranded overseas without access to an embassy to help them or issue an emergency passport, or South Africa being caught unaware of trade or political disputes at great cost to local industries.