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ActionSA is deeply concerned by the revelation that South Africa spent a staggering R3.45 billion on foreign missions in the previous financial year, maintaining 115 embassies, high commissions, and consulates across the globe in what appears to be an unfocused and excessive diplomatic footprint.

According to a recent reply to a parliamentary question by ActionSA, in the 2023/24 financial year the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spent R950 million in Africa, R900 million in Asia and the Middle East, R813 million in Europe, R465 million in the Americas, and R325 million on global governance and multilateral missions – all without any system to review the cost-effectiveness of these operations.

Among the most unjustifiable are embassies in countries where South Africa has limited or no clear strategic or trade relations, yet spends disproportionately. In Bangui (Central African Republic), taxpayers footed a R25.7 million bill last year. Nouakchott (Mauritania) cost R16.1 million, and Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) over R15.6 million. These amounts cannot be justified in a country that struggles to fund basic services.

Even more alarming is that South Africa continues to fund operations in conflict or crisis zones – including Damascus, Tehran, Ramallah, and Tel Aviv – where meaningful diplomatic activity is unlikely. The mission in Tel Aviv, despite being marked as non-operational, still cost the country R27.2 million in 2023/24.

Duplication of missions in single countries adds another layer of waste. South Africa operates two or more embassies in 11 countries, including four in the United States alone. It maintains costly duplications in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Jeddah), India (New Delhi and Mumbai), and even in unstable or low-yield countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa and Lubumbashi). Most of these functions could be managed with leaner alternatives – such as consulates, shared services, or rotational envoys – at a fraction of the cost.

Most damning of all is that when ActionSA asked whether the Department had any measures in place to evaluate the value of these missions, the reply was a flat “No.” This government is flying blind with taxpayer money. 

At a time of fiscal crisis, ActionSA maintains that government must CUT THE FAT. We reiterate our call for urgent fiscal discipline and demand a comprehensive review of all foreign missions to ensure that every cent spent abroad delivers value for the people back home.

Issued by ActionSA President Herman Mashaba