Cape Town – International Relations and Co-operation Minister Naledi Pandor has expressed concern over “strained” relations around the world, saying this was worrying, as it threatened smaller economies.
Pandor said this as she delivered her 2023/24 budget vote speech in Parliament on Wednesday.
She told MPs that the world had become increasingly fractured and complex, while global relations remained strained and divided from the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs).
“The most powerful economies are in a fractious trade conflict that threatens all the smaller economies.
“The result has been increased economic risks for the most vulnerable, low growth levels in much of the globe, and neglect of those in the greatest need.
“Food inflation and high-energy prices have strained incomes and resulted in high debt costs and persistent uncertainty. This is not the world many hoped for when the Cold War ended,” said Pandor.
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Meanwhile, she said negotiations were imperative for ending this terrible strife and urged all parties to pursue diplomacy.
On the BRICS group of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Pandor said the partnership had resulted in tangible benefits in many sectors.
She said the total with BRICS countries had increased from R487 billion in 2017 to R702 billion in 2021.
“We have received funding of over US$5 billion from the New Development Bank for key infrastructure projects in renewable energy, water, and other sectors.”
“The result has been increased economic risks for the most vulnerable, low growth levels in much of the globe, and neglect of those in the greatest need. Food inflation and high-energy prices have strained incomes and resulted in high debt costs and persistent uncertainty. This is not the world many hoped for when the Cold War ended,” she said.
Pandor also spoke about her her department’s budget allocation increase from R6.8 billion to R6.9 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year, saying it will go towards the filling of critical vacant posts.
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Pandor said the department’s staff component went up 5% from R3 billion in the past financial year to R3.2 billion in 2023/24.
“The increase will allow the department to fill critical vacant positions. The goods and services budget increased by 4% to R2.5 billion in 2023/24. This welcome support will enhance our ability to implement our key programmes and improve the work of all our missions,” the minister said, as she delivered her department’s 2023/24 budget speech in Parliament on Wednesday.
She described the past financial year as “tumultuous” for international relations.
“We had thought Covid-19 had put us through the most difficult time, but the conflict in Europe has introduced more difficulties for all of us who work in international relations,” she said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
