Title

Department of Higher Education & Training: Mobilising stakeholders for TVET Dual System

Budget

€ 85,000

Expenditure to date: € 10,000

Duration

Start date: 1 November 2017 - End date: 31 October 2018

Description

In South Africa, whilst there is an objective appreciation for the role of employers and unionists, there persists a culture of relative distrust and disengagement between these parties and between these parties collectively and the government. This culture is hampering the optimum rollout of TVET in the country. The Social Dialogue will seek to put selected EU country employer associations and trade unions in discussion with their counterparts in South Africa and in the process identify potential interventions that might accelerate the commitment of all parties in South Africa to collaborate for the achievement of national artisan goals.

Overall Objective

To accelerate the mobilisation of employers and trade unions behind the South African TVET system by exposing them to the experiences and lessons of counterparts in European countries where social partnership engagement is such systems is highly successful and to assist the South African government to create the correct enabling conditions for this to happen.

Specific Project Purpose

By identifying key challenges being faced by social partners in South Africa and then exploring the ways in which their European counterparts handle such issues, within the broader context of their European systems, it is hoped that South African actors will both help to create and then mobilise in support of a quality TVET system in South Africa.

Achievements

• 1. A list of primary concerns of employers and trade unions with regards to TVET in South Africa.
• 2. An understanding by South African social partners of the key features of the German Dual System at various levels (from policy to implementation) and how their concerns are addressed in this different context
• 3. A set of clearly articulated and agreed lessons / guidelines / principles which can help guide a successful TVET system implementation and roll out in SA.

Synopsis of methodology & Dialogue elements

Firstly each of the listed South African employer bodies and trade union federations should identify a list of about five key concerns which hamper their full involvement in TVET. Consolidated lists will form basis of a team of South African filmmakers who will be charged to make two videos in EU highlighting the role of employer associations (one video) and trade unionists (second video) in how EU stakeholders resolved similar challenges in their respective countries.

Project Status

Inception meeting was held with Business and Labour stakeholders to introduce the project and mobilise support for documenting stakeholder grouping challenges to form the basis of the videos. TVET Colleges were added as a stakeholder group at the steering committee meeting on 18 September 2017 3 x stakeholder workshops should be completed by 30 November 2017.

Planned activities in next reporting period 1 Nov 2017 – 30 April 2018

• 3 x Stakeholder workshops under independent facilitator to document key challenges.
• Develop video scripts based on stakeholder challenges
• Secure EU counterparts for video interviews – preparatory work for interviews
• Complete video interviews early 2018 and present first draft videos by end February 2018
• Completed videos by March 2018
• Stakeholder conference and public launching of videos April 2018 – project completed.

Partners

South African Partners:

Department Higher Education & Training with organised business, labour institutions and TVET Colleges.

European Union and Member State Partners:

Representatives drawn from selected EU employer associations and trade unions.

Title

SA Human Rights Council/Department of Justice & Correctional Services: Establishing the OPCAT NPM in South Africa

Budget

€ 44,000

Expenditure to date:

Duration

Start date: 1 November 2017 - End date: 31 October 2018

Description

The project is focused on investigating best practice around preventative detention monitoring and the implementation of NPM models in other jurisdictions, as well as promoting dialogue between SA and EU institutions around the most appropriate NPM model for South Africa. This SA-EU Dialogue will focus on the Establishment of the National Preventative Mechanism (NPM) in South Africa, as envisaged under the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). While South Africa has not yet ratified the OPCAT, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services (DOJCS) is currently investigating ratification and the establishment of an NPM, and has been in contact with the Commission about its role and will provide the opportunity for information-sharing between EU institutions and South African counterparts around good practice in relation to the establishment of an NPM in South Africa, including the designation of the SAHRC as an NPM or the SAHRC playing a coordinating role on behalf of other institutions.

Overall Objective

To engage with and learn from EU institutions and stakeholders around the different models of the National Preventative Mechanism (NPM) under OPCAT implemented in other countries, in order to develop and implement an NPM model that would be most appropriate in the South African context.

Specific Project Purpose

Improved understanding by relevant South African stakeholders of the OPCAT NPM and how it has been implemented internationally. Dialogue between different South African and EU stakeholders around the NPM in South Africa.

Achievements

• Informative factfinding study tour for the South African delegation to EU institutions
• Improved dialogue between South African and EU institutions working on detention monitoring
• Organisation of a follow up public seminar with a broader group of stakeholders

Synopsis of methodology & Dialogue elements

Undertake a policy dialogue process, which would include a five-day study tour to Europe at the end of 2017, in order for the SAHRC, DOJCS, JICS and IPID to investigate possible models for the NPM to be established in South Africa. The proposed dialogue includes the following activities, as outlined in the Call for Proposals: the facilitation and planning of meetings and conferences to create an opportunity for the exchange of information and create a platform for policy dialogue (in the proposed dialogue, around the prevention of torture and ill-treatment in places of detention and the establishment of an NPM in SA); a study tour; and the facilitation of exchange of experiences between the EU and SA relating to various sector topics.

Project Status

Inception meeting held with SAHRC and DoJCS with PMU

Planned activities in next reporting period 1 Nov 2017 – 30 April 2018

• First workshop with APT will take place on 23-24 November 2017
• Study tour planned for March 2018

Partners

South African Partners:

SA Human Rights Commission, DOJCS, the Judicial Inspectorate on Correctional Services (JICS) and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Parliament, African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF)

European Union and Member State Partners:

Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), a Global Alliance of NHRIs representative and possibly members of the Committee Against Torture (CAT), as well as representatives of EU country NHRIs and PMs

Title

National Department of Health: Application of the Regulatory Framework for Medical Devices & Article 58 Procedure in South Africa

Budget

€ 33,000

Expenditure to date:

Duration

Start date: 1 November 2017 - End date: 31 October 2018

Description

This dialogue project will provide an opportunity for mutual learning in that the South African Regulatory Authority will gain tremendously from the knowledge and experience of the EMA, and identified Member States. The dialogue will allow the EU counterparts to get a comprehensive understanding of the South African regulatory environment as well as industry activities, considering that the majority of the medical devices imported into South Africa are from Europe. Through peer-to-peer exchange, South Africa can understand basic level controls and progress to expanded-level control and transition successfully from an unregulated market to a comprehensive framework which provides for an effective regulatory system; an essential component of health system strengthening.

Overall Objective

To inform the roadmaps for the effective implementation of the regulatory framework for medical devices and the implementation of the Article 58 procedure in South Africa.

Specific Project Purpose

A documented desk review gap analysis will inform themes for the Dialogue Workshop. SA will be exposed to EU best practices through the dialogue Workshop. SA to EU study tour for experiential learning pertaining to the matured regulatory frameworks that exist in EU.

Achievements

Dialogue on EU best practices to develop an appropriate mechanism to facilitate the use of reliance and regionalisation concepts put forward in the Article 58 procedure will be determined. Capacity building in terms of evaluation of medical device registration applications and accreditation of conformity assessment/notified bodies.

Synopsis of methodology & Dialogue elements

Desk Review focusing on regulatory implementation Gap Analysis - EU and SA subject matter experts Dialogue Workshop to facilitate support for South Africa to tap into the experience of the EU in regulating medical devices. Study Tour - SA to EU to gain first-hand experience in the practical application of regulatory tools used by mature agencies in the EU and Member States within the ambit of medical device regulation and the Article 58 procedure.

Project Status

PMU & EUD held a meeting with the NDoH 7 Nov. 2017

Planned activities in next reporting period 1 Nov 2017 – 30 April 2018

• EU and SA consultant to perform Desk review Gap Analysis
• Identify and invite speakers from EU and SA for workshop in South Africa, encompassing effective dialogue and fruitful peer-to-peer exchange
• Prepare workshop report providing recommendations for study tour

Partners

South African Partners:

South African National Department of Health and South African Regulatory Authority.

European Union and Member State Partners:

European Medicines Agency; SwissMedic in Switzerland; Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) in the United Kingdom; Dutch Healthcare Authority in the Netherlands; Health Products Regulatory Agency (HPRA) in Ireland; and EU Commission.

Title

Department Arts & Craft: Craft Development Policy

Budget

€ 56,000

Duration

Start date: 1 November 2017 - End date: 31 October 2018

Description

The dialogue aims to come up with a craft development policy framework that has taken into consideration all the work that has been done beginning with the 1996 White Paper on Arts and Culture, the 1998 Cultural Industries Growth Strategy (CIGS) Craft Report, the 2001 Craft Strategy workshop, The Department of Trade and Industries’ (DTI) Craft Customised Sector Programme (CSP) including its latest review, the DAC’s craft strategy workshop recommendations of 2014, and the current review of the White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage, as well as all strategy and policy recommendations undertaken at national, provincial and local level. The envisaged support of the SA-EU Dialogue Facility would be used to facilitate the contribution and participation of experts and role players from targeted European and African countries whose experiences in the craft policy development space could add value and enrich the South African experience.

Overall Objective

The South African craft sector has operated without a policy framework (although various targeted policies on aspects of the sector do exist). This policy dialogue project is intended to culminate with the promulgation of a policy for the sector which will in turn define the institutional framework for the sector and resourcing for the long term development of the sector.

Specific Project Purpose

In the medium term the policy dialogue will result in a policy framework which must be completed by end of November 2018. This policy framework will go a long way in re-engineering how the craft sector, as well as other creative sector, will be organised/coordinated and resourced. The immediate behaviour change of this project is focus on policy development rather than the current focus on projects to the neglect of policy development.

Achievements

The direct tangible deliverables from by the project include procurement of expertise to conduct a desk review of current policy/strategy related documents dating back from initial white paper to the current review of the white paper, securing of experts from targeted European and African countries, and from India to participate and input into the dialogue.

Synopsis of methodology & Dialogue elements

The focus will be on best practice drawn from international partners to inform a South African craft policy development which will inform specific legislative recommendations. A pre-dialogue desk review of possible countries from which best practice lesson can be drawn and whose participation and inputs would be required for the planned dialogue/conference. The second aspect is the actual Conference: delegates would be invited include all countries that share borders with South Africa. This would be valuable for these delegates to share their experiences in terms of craft poly development in their countries. The proposals envisages that about eight or nine experts could be invited, four from Europe, one from India and another for from Africa

Project Status

PMU Inception meeting held with DAC on 10 Nov DAC secured written approval of counterpart funding for the EU funding in project.

Planned activities in next reporting period 1 Nov 2017 – 30 April 2018

• Develop ToR for desk review expert
• Contract expert to complete desk review
• Start planning for conference to be held end June - early July 2018.

Partners

South African Partners:

Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) institutions such as the National Arts Council (NAC), Business Arts South Africa (BASA), The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) Cape Craft & Design Institute, The Bokone-Bophirima Craft & Design Institute (BBCCDI)

European Union and Member State Partners:

Belgium, France, Ireland: relevant policy development stakeholders in arts councils and institutions.

Title

Department of Arts & Culture: Shukuma Mzansi Community Arts Centre Policy

Budget

€ 85,000

Duration

Start date: 1 November 2017 - End date: 31 October 2018

Description

The Department of Arts and Culture is committed to the Community Arts Centres as they are the backbone of nation building and the bedrock for the creative industries. This Dialogue outcomes will help shape future actions to the benefit not only of artists but also communities, especially young people, women and children who are the main users of the community centres. Shukuma Mzansi II will contribute to developing an actionable policy-framework. The aim of the dialogue is to strengthen local relationships as well as those with France, Flanders, Ireland and the EU, which has worked in South Africa for many years to help Community Arts Centres contribute to the dream of a democratic society.

Overall Objective

Strengthening of an ongoing dialogue and creating new ones in the field of community arts contributing to policy development for SA CAC’s and greater multilateral sectoral understanding; and in doing so mobilise as a sector to ensure that the sector is able to fulfil its vital mandate and assist in realising NDP priority areas.

Specific Project Purpose

Promotion of mutual understanding, cooperation and respect across borders through CAC policy dialogue and knowledge exchange leading to a policy-driven sector focused on good governance. Better informed and knowledgeable A&C officials (provincial &local) and CAC managers who will steer policy-driven and improved CAC’s

Achievements

Well-attended dialogues, informative fact-finding study-tour sand community arts policy knowledge exchange between SA & EU officials and CAC managers. Recommendations and a framework for the national Community Arts Centres & Programming Policy. Peer-to-peer learning, experience and expertise sharing dialogue in SA to be held at the Sibikwa Arts Centre of Excellence. Study tour by 9 Sa CAC representatives to Ireland.

Synopsis of methodology & Dialogue elements

The dialogue-workshop will mainly focus on policy development and intensifying cooperation between the CAC’s and contribute to overall capacity building of youth in the community arts landscape through dialogue with the EU counterparts who all have ample knowledge and expertise of and long-standing experience in policy research and –development. The Irish Arts Council will host the study-tour. Participants: 6 junior and senior CAC managers (with a focus on junior managers sourced from the Capacity Building Programmes recently conducted), 4 EU delegates (2 from France, 2 from Flanders), one DAC official, one SA policy specialist and one project manager.

Project Status

PMU has an inception meeting with Sibikwa Arts Centre 10 Nov. 2017

Planned activities in next reporting period 1 Nov 2017 – 30 April 2018

• Meetings with SA & EU officials, partner verification of workshop & study-tour dates
• Pre-production Dialogue Workshop
• 3-day SA community arts policy dialogue workshop.

Partners

South African Partners:

South African Department of Arts and Culture, Pretoria in cooperation with the Sibikwa Arts Centre NPC, Benoni.

European Union and Member State Partners:

Ministère de la culture et de la communication, Paris, France, IFAS, French Institute of South Africa, Federation des Maisons des Jeunes et de la Culture, Paris, France, Irish Arts Council, Dublin, Ireland, Ministerie van Cultuur, Media en Jeugd, Brussels, Belgium, (Federation of Cultural and Community Centres), Brussels, Belgium

Title

ARC/Univ. Stellenbosch: Soil Information for sustainable development, agricultural, conservation and land use policies in South Africa (SINFOSA)Dialogue on Implementation of rules of origin cumulation provisions

Budget

€ 72,000

Duration

Start date: 1 December 2017 - End date: 30 November 2018

Description

The dialogue will focus on the legislative framework for soil data collection and data sharing between government and private data owners. The EU experience is particularly important to facilitate interaction and collaboration between different government departments and industry partners at national and provincial level in SA focused on land use. Best practice examples from the EU should be carefully studied along with best practice shown at national and provincial level in RSA. Awareness of the value of soil information has to be improved across the SA government departments dealing with land use. A new strategy is required to facilitate the use of existing and collection of new soil information. Capacity building in government departments and training of technical staff is necessary to ensure well-informed evidence-based decision making in the matters of land utilization.

Overall Objective

The long-terms change is expected through a development of policy on soil information in SA, which will enable broader use of soil information for planning of sustainable development, water supply, conservation and land restitution efforts.

Specific Project Purpose

A new strategy on soil information will be developed based on the European experience, particularly the legal framework existing in France, which allows government institutions (e.g. INRA) on the basis of confidentiality to access and use privately-held information for provincial and national needs including research and development. The legal framework for such access does not exist in SA.

Achievements

• 1. A strategy on soil information use and new data collection in SA
• 2. Improved networking between the government departments through capacity building to interpret and use soil information
• 3. Initiative for a legislative effort to regulate the acquisition and sharing of soil information in SA

Synopsis of methodology & Dialogue elements

The kick-off stakeholder workshop is to bring the parties together to initiate the discussion on soil information in SA and introduce the European experience. The second step is selecting a group of government representatives and organizing a fact-finding mission to Brussels, ISIRC, the Netherlands’ INRA, France and JRC, Italy. The final step is a field workshop in Limpopo, South Africa to observe the use of soil information for upliftment of an irrigation community in Giyani local municipality through a Public-Private partnership. The final workshop should culminate in adoption of strategy document outlining the steps for a new legislation on soil information in SA

Project Status

The PMU has met with ARC and Univ. Stellenbosch project leaders on 12 September 2017 and 24 October 2017. PSC still awaiting letter of support from Department Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) which is pre-condition for project funding award – to be submitted before 30 November 2017.

Planned activities in next reporting period 1 Nov 2017 – 30 April 2018

• Secure DAFF letter
• First stakeholder workshop planned for 25 January 2017
• ARC and Univ. Stellenbosch to compile stakeholder invitation list and key EU experts for 1st workshop.

Partners

South African Partners:

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF); Agricultural Research Council, Department of Soil Science, Stellenbosch University.

European Union and Member State Partners:

Joint Research Centre, EU (JRC-EU); International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC), Institute National pour la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), France.

Title

Department of Science & Technology: Open Source Science Policy

Budget

€ 75,000

Expenditure to date: € 12,000

Duration

Start date: 1 October 2017 - End date: 30 September 2018

Description

Through the sharing of Open Science policy interventions and experiences, the dialogue will not only create opportunities for policy learning between SA and the European Union (EU), but will also assist the scientific community and Government to identify interventions, which could create a more enabling environment to support Open Science partnerships between SA and EU scientists and the public sector. The Open Science dialogue is therefore not only aligned with major South African and EU policies but also with the high level objectives for SA-EU cooperation. It would also be easier for the EU researchers to collaborate with South African researchers on the various innovation and research EU programmes when there is an Open Science policy in place. The output of the dialogue will be a framework outlining challenges and gaps that require policy intervention, as well as suggestions of the possible policy interventions that would be necessary in institutionalising Open Science.

Overall Objective

To foster a policy dialogue and facilitate capacity building activities between the South Africa and the European Union to draft a National Open Science Framework that will serve as foundation for the development of a South African National Open Science Policy.

Specific Project Purpose

• 1. Create a platform for policy learning and knowledge exchange.
• 2. Identify interventions/ key issues/ legislation to create a more enabling environment for Open Science.
• 3. Involve relevant stakeholders in SA and EU to identify policy interventions for more enabling environment
• 4. Create partnerships between SA and the EU.
• 5. Draft Open Science Framework that will eventually feed into an Open Science Policy.

Achievements

• 1. Setting up of task team to lead the dialogue planning process
• 2. Set up of the Steering Committee to guide, steer and approve the work of the Task
• 3. Workshop 1: organise a workshop to share and provide a platform to discuss a framework for Open Science
• 4. Workshop 2: endorse the draft document
• 5. Reports synthesise the information obtained and outline all the key inputs received from participants.

Synopsis of methodology & Dialogue elements

The rationale for the dialogue is to draw on extensive experiences and expertise from the EU in the area of Open Science. The main aim of the dialogue will be to contribute to the first steps of developing a much-needed South African policy on Open Science. Openness in research communication, as well as collaboration between countries (and within), in analyzing open online data to solve societal problems across the globe, have become a necessity. Institutionalising free access to the latest research results from across the world will enable South African researchers and scientist to become more effective members of the global research community.

Project Status

• Inception meeting held with DST. Development of ToR for Task Team comprising 2 x EU and 2 x SA experts.
• The 4 experts were selected and contracted on 18 October 2017.
• Inception meeting held with TL (Skype) on 20 October - focus on planning for workshop 30 Nov - 1 Dec planned.
• ASSAF managed invites and RSVPs - confirmed 69 participants as on 20 October 2017.
• PMU assisting with logistics - venue booked and finalising flights for participants.

Planned activities in next reporting period 1 Nov 2017 – 30 April 2018

• First workshop to held 30 Nov - 1 Dec in Pretoria.
• Task Team to develop draft policy framework from 1st workshop discussions - for discussion at 2nd workshop.
• Planning of second workshop for April 2018 - smaller group of targeted experts that were at the first workshop.

Partners

South African Partners:

Department Science & Technology with Department of Higher Education and Training, ASSAf, the DIRISA and the National Research Foundation.

European Union and Member State Partners:

Open Science unit of the Directorate-General: Research and Innovation (DG RTD). The EC unit also chairs the G7 expert group on Open Science.

Title

Curriculum Development for Social Dialogue to develop a methodological guide on the development of artisans using the dual systems framework that trades based on the "Active" learning model

Budget

€78,964

Duration

Start date: 14 November 2016 - End date: November 2017

Description

An international peer-to-peer dialogue with organisations and higher / further education experts from the European Union that will contribute to the conceptualisation of a framework for the development of new dual curriculum for training of artisans. The dialogue will support the framework development as well as facilitating an understanding on the roles and functions of various stakeholders that will have responsibility for implementing the curriculum. Stakeholders include the Department, TVET colleges and industry. Four sectors (and 13 trades) will be addressed in this project:

• Manufacturing (welder, boiler maker, pipe fitter)
• Mechanical (fitter and turner, rigger, automotive mechanic, diesel mechanic)
• Electrical (millwright, electrician, mechanical fitter)
• Civil (plumber, bricklayer, carpenter/joiner).

Achievements

• Workshop 1 completed on 8-9 June 2017 held at University Pretoria
• Workshop II to be held at TUKS Monate on 25 October 2017
• GUIDELINE DOCUMENT: QUALIFICATION DEVELOPMENT TO EXTERNAL INTEGRATED SUMMA-TIVE ASSESSMENT

Project Status

Project successfully completed

Partners

South African Partners:

Department of Higher Education and Training

European Union and Member State Partners:

Germany, Austria and Finland

Title

South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) collaborating with the Department of Energy

Strategic National Smart Grid Vision for the South African Electricity Industry

Budget

€125,911

Duration

Start date: 14 November 2016 - End date: 30 November 2017

Description

Dialogue purpose is support to close the identified gaps within the draft Smart Grid Vision for South Africa through a three-tiered approach, employing strategic workshops, a study tour leading to capacity building and technical assistance. The expected output of the assignment is a widely-endorsed Smart Grid Vision for South Africa to create an efficient, reliable, self-healing, and responsive electricity grid, especially in the current environment where renewable energy sources are also being introduced.

Achievements

• Workshop 1 completed on 27th March 2017
• Workshop 2 completed 20th April 2017
• Study Tour completed 12th to 16th June 2017 for 8 officials from South Africa to Germany, France and Belgium.
• Final workshop held on 3rd November 2017
• South African Smart Grid Vision document (still to be approved by the DoE)

Project Status

Project successfully completed

Partners

South African Partners:

South African National Energy Development Institute and the Department of Energy

European Union and Member State Partners:

EU Directorate-General for Energy, France, Germany, Denmark and Belgium

Title

SARS/Dti: Dialogue on EU-SADC EPA Rules of Origin Implementation

Budget

€ 33,000

Expenditure to date:

Duration

Start date: 1 November 2017 - End date: 31 October 2018

Description

The project seeks to establish a dialogue between the European Union (EU) and South Africa (SA) relevant authorities to develop a common understanding on the interpretation of Protocol 1 on Rules of Origin under the EU and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) states. The Agreement entered into force on 10 October 2016. The Rules of Origin embedded in the agreement, and in particular the provisions on diagonal cumulation, is the key instrument to support regional integration. For South Africa, the Agreement replaced the trade chapter of the Trade and Development Agreement (TDCA). The trade chapter of the TDCA foresaw the application of diagonal cumulation with ACP countries and full cumulation with SACU members but these provisions never entered into force.

Overall Objective

To provide rules of origin administrators with the correct interpretation of Protocol 1 on diagonal cumulation including the proofs of origin/documentary evidence, how to calculate the value addition over the three countries, record keeping and verifications. Possible enhancements to the customs system.

Specific Project Purpose

• Outcome 1: Dialogue between EU relevant authorities and South Africa to establish a common understanding on the interpretation of Protocol 1 on Rules of Origin of the SADC EU EPA.
• Outcome 2: Capacity building for SA Customs through a study tour to one of the EU’s Customs Authorities.
• Outcome 3: Following outcome 1, increase awareness and understanding of the Rules of Origin protocol in the EPA through the design of an exporters guide.

Achievements

The final output would be a guide setting out this system for exporters and other stakeholders.

Synopsis of methodology & Dialogue elements

• 1. The final output would be a guide setting out this system for exporters and other stakeholders.
• 2. Four South African Customs Administrators, two from Business systems and two from Rules of Origin Administration, will visit Netherlands Customs Authorities for two weeks and whatever appropriate period for fact finding mission and first-hand and experience.
• 3. Four (4) focused interactions between SA-EU customs experts to record progress, challenges and milestones achieved. The interaction will take place through three (3) video conferences and one (1) visit by experts from Netherlands Customs Authority.
• 4. Development of an Exporters’ guide.

Project Status

PMU & EUD had an inception meeting with SARS/Dti on 6 Nov 2017

Planned activities in next reporting period 1 Nov 2017 – 30 April 2018

• Activity 1: Dialogue between EU relevant authorities and SARS to establish a common understanding on the interpretation of Protocol 1 on Rules of Origin of the SADC EU EPA.
• Activity 2: Comprehensive pre-study tour/fact finding mission in the EU customs territory by four (4) Customs officials.

Partners

South African Partners:

South African Revenue Service (SARS), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

European Union and Member State Partners:

On EU side, the stakeholders are EU delegation, EU Commission, DG Trade, DG TAXUD and the Netherlands Customs Authority.

Title

Department Trade & Industry & Black Management Forum: Contribution of EU Investment to Inclusive Growth in South Africa

Budget

€ 80,000

Expenditure to date:

Duration

Start date: 1 November 2017 - End date: 31 October 2018

Description

The project will focus on exploring and to better understand the "Contribution of EU Investment to Inclusive Growth in South Africa" and ways to leverage off those findings. Private sector is regarded as a key actor to achieve SDGs and NDP objectives not only because of its financial contribution to infrastructure and productive projects but also because of the transformative effect that enterprise can have on communities, the environment and the society at large. The European Union (EU) represents South Africa’s largest foreign direct investor and trading partner (roughly 77% of all FDI). The project design builds on agreement achieved by representatives of DG Trade and the DTI, who "recognised the contribution which can be made by investment to sustainable economic growth" during the South Africa -European Union Trade Cooperation Committee (TCC) Meeting on 17 November 2016.

Overall Objective

To provide policy makers with an understanding in relation to the degree of contribution of EU-related Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in South Africa to Inclusive Growth and Transformation

Specific Project Purpose

To accomplish a preliminary baseline analysis (Foundation Report) of existing EU investments and their contributions measured by their most recent BEE Certificates and Employment Equity Reports to sufficiently inform a meaningful policy dialogue between SA and the EU on effective policy instruments towards attracting more investments, which contribute to Inclusive Growth and Transformation.

Achievements

• Improved understanding of the current nature of EU-FDI
• Interrogation of the BEE Certificate, Employment Equity Report and corporate data ("Deep Dive") dialogues
• Sharing of findings and recommendations 1-day FDI Contribution Dialogue Conference.

Synopsis of methodology & Dialogue elements

Establishment of a fact-based foundation which includes the identification of EU investors in South Africa, i.e. a representative sample of 1,100 companies, and capture core corporate data as well as their BEE Certificate elements and Employment Equity Report as a reflection of their contribution to Inclusive Growth and Socio-Economic Transformation in South Africa. Explore commonalities and deviations in the raw data sample and develop Raw Data Executive Summary Report to be discussed in a series of Deep Dive Workshops with European companies in SA, which in turn will inform an "EU FDIs Contribution to SA - Dialogue Conference", The conference will coincide with BMF Annual Conference in 2018. A final project and conference report will be published.

Project Status

PMU & EUD held an inception meeting with BMF 13 Nov. 2017

Planned activities in next reporting period 1 Nov 2017 – 30 April 2018

• Raw data capturing and subsequent data analysis and graphs
• Drafting of raw data summary report
• Planning and conduct of 5 Deep Dive Workshops.

Partners

South African Partners:

Department Trade & Industry & Black Management Forum.

European Union and Member State Partners:

DG Trade or EU SME Development initiatives.

Title

Case Study for Leadership Development Dialogue

Description

The National School of Government (NSG) provides education, training and development to public service officials and institutions at all levels of Government. Chapter Four, Section 11 of the Public Administration Management Act (19th December 2014) sets out the mission and mandate for the School. The National School of Government is creating and developing a case study repository that would reflect themes and issues from across South Africa. This will be used for research as well as teaching and learning purposes, particularly in leadership development programmes. In order to build greater local appreciation and understanding of the case study methodology and the utilisation of case studies, the NSG has been engaging with partners who have experience in this sphere. Following approval by the Dialogue Facility Programme Steering Committee (June 2014) of its application for support under the Rapid Response Service, the NSG embarked on a short but intense dialogue with EU partners on the identification, preparation and application of case studies in public sector teaching, training and learning. With the assistance of the European Union Delegation in Pretoria and subsequently the European School of Administration, the School was able to make contact with a number of peer institutions in Europe. These were the Institute of Public Administration (Ireland), Valsts Administracija Skola (Latvia) and l’École Nationale d’Administration (France). Dialogue Facility support for the project also made it possible for the School to engage several local institutions, including the School of Government at Witwatersrand University in researching and preparing locally relevant case studies which were peer reviewed and later presented at the Case Study Colloquium in February 2015. The dialogue took place around a series of interactions – short study tour to the three partner institutions in December 2014, preparation of four new and peer reviewed case studies, an international colloquium on the methodologies and application of case studies in leadership development programmes, workshop for trainers in teaching leadership through case studies. The NSG is preparing a comprehensive peer reviewed publication on the theme for April 2015.

Partners

National School of Government (NSG)

Title

Customs - Preferred Traders

Description

SARS were seeking to develop trading and customs policies that comply with the EU policies and those of the WCO SAFE Protocol. The project included exchanges in SA, Brussels and London on European experiences of adopting preferred traders and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) schemes which are already securing supply chains and creating effective tax reporting and payment systems for selected importers and exporters.

Partners

SARS / DG TAXUD

Customs: Tariffs

The project involves four exchanges to establish how policies and procedures, relating to tariffs, valuation and rules of origin are developed and implemented in Europe in accordance with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) standards. The project involves study visits from the UK, Brussels and the Netherlands to SA and vice versa.

SARS / DG TAXUD

Customs - Rules Of Origin and Valuation

Assessments of capacity and competency in customs administration around valuation and rules of origin to help ensure future standards equivalent to WCO and mutual recognition

SARS / DG TAXUD

Tax – Mobilisation Of Domestic Resources

Strengthening the capacity of Revenue Authorities in Kenya, Malawi and Rwanda. Trilateral approach to increasing, and mobilising domestic resources.

SARS / DG TAXUD

Title

New Skills For New Jobs

Description

Exchanges on policies and methodologies to establish a framework for the development of new skills for new jobs in the infrastructure arena in South Africa, including passenger rail (signaling, rolling stock and stations / depots) and high er education (new materials and energy efficient and environmentally friendly university and college campuses).

Partners

DHET / DG EMPL

National Skills Plan

Exchanges around the establishment of a National Skills planning institution and the relevant policy and regulatory framework for such an institution.

DHET / DG EMPL

Effective Delivery Of Social Grants

Exchanges with European (and other) institutions to inform existing strategies on organisation, systems, costs for future effective delivery of Social Grants in South Africa

DSD / SASSA / DG EMPL

Developing a Human Resources Development Strategy for public entities skills needs

Dialogue to improve sectoral policy dialogue and cooperation between South Africa and European Union in areas of Human Resource Development to contribute towards building a skilled and capable public service workforce to meet the priorities as set out in the South African Government’s National Development Plan (NDP). Participating SA Agencies: Special Investigations Unit (SIU), National Youth Development Agency and Productivity SA participated.

Public Sector Education and Training Authority / SIU / NYDA

Title

Renewable Energy Conference

Description

This allowed for the provision of expert EU inputs to the Renewable Energy Conference held in the Eastern Cape (Nov 2012).

Partners

DOE / DG ENERGY

Title

Green Growth and Green Jobs Workshop

Description

This dialogue included a review of current policies in the EU and in SA and exchanges in approaches, methodologies and experiences, including sustainable green job creation, culminating in a Workshop in SA in March 2011 to disseminate findings and determine a way forward to develop effective green growth policies.

Partners

DEA / DG ENV / DG CLIMA

Post COP 17 Road to Rio + 20

The project facilitated a team of experts (EU & SA) to identify, investigate and develop four key themes, from COP 17 (Dec 2011), to allow SA to construct a “road map” and a draft policy around climate change issues in readiness for the RIO +20 Climate Conference in 2012. Four Workshops took place in late March / early April 2012.

DEA / DG ENV / DG CLIMA

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), DPME, Trade Industrial Policy Strategies, Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, and UNISA’s Development Institute

What it means for SA to implement a sustainability transition in the context of the post 2015 Development Agenda

The South Africa - European Union (SA-EU) Sustainability Transition Dialogue will focus on the implementation of the NDP and tracking its progress in realisation of the SDGs. Specifically, it will focus on two key issues: the most appropriate metrics and indicators that could be used to track South Africa’s sustainability transition progress; and enhancing political dialogue and cooperation on regional, African and global issues through structured dialog on issues of mutual interest

DEA / DPME / Trade Industrial Policy Strategies / Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection / UNISA’s Development Institute

Title

Technical Vocational Education and Training

Description

The project brought together Vocational Education and Training (VET) experts from the EU and elsewhere to attend and contribute to a policy dialogue conference which took place in early 2012. The policy dialogue has been informed by seven papers on approaches and methodologies relating to VET. The papers and the conference are informing policy discussions and debates which are, in themselves, informing the current green paper for post school education and training.

Partners

DHET / DG EAC

Title

National Health Insurance Policy

Description

The project facilitated a team of experts (EU & SA) to identify, investigate and develop four key themes, from COP 17 (Dec 2011), to allow SA to construct a “road map” and a draft policy around climate change issues in readiness for the RIO +20 Climate Conference in 2012. Four Workshops took place in late March / early April 2012.

Partners

DoH / DG DEVCO

National Institute Of Regulatory Sciences

The establishment of a National Institute of Regulatory Sciences, including capacity development within the public sphere and focusing on Health related sciences.

DOH / DG DEVCO

Title

Broadband Rollout and Universal Access

Description

The project will facilitate exchanges between EU and SA experts on methodologies and approaches to roll out broadband with the aim of creating universal access. Discussions will also focus on licencing, spectrum management and agreements with private sector providers. The dialogue process includes, study tours to Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Romania and Bulgaria in June / July 2012 and an International Conference in September 2012.

Partners

DoC / DG CNECT

Migration from Analogue to Digital Signals

The project is facilitating events where experiences and ideas are exchanged between SA and EU experts in Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria on the migration from analogue to digital signals in SA. SA is seeking support to help manage the migration by 2015 based on the experiences in the EU and elsewhere.

DoC / DG CNECT

National E-Skills Action Plan

Exchanges on E-Skills policies and strategies with EU Member States and with DG CNECT. In particular, implementation models for e-awareness and e-skills development in South Africa, resulting is a collaborative national e-skills action plan.

DoC / DG CNECT

Title

Support To The Kimberley Process

Description

Exchanges with the EU, through dialogue, to encourage the “footprint” on Kimberley Process countries - for example: Mali and Burkina Faso. In 2013 SA is the Chair of the Kimberley Process

Partners

DMR / EEAS

Title

Research Infrastructure Road Map

Description

The DST are aiming to put in place policies which will enhance the current SA post-doctoral applied research infrastructure so that it will be comparable to that found elsewhere (EU). The project is facilitating a research study in SA by both EU and SA experts and formal exchanges involving the SA research infrastructure community and EU experts. The aim is to have an agreed “road map” by end 2013, for the next ten years to ensure an enhanced and competitive research infrastructure environment in South Africa.

Partners

DST / DG RTD

National Innovation Policy

Exchanges with the EU on Policies and systems around innovation. Particularly around the alignment between innovation and socio economic development and growth. Six Workshops during 2013 and 2014. Themes include, intellectual property, enterprise and industry development, the knowledge triangle, mainstreaming innovation, innovation support and advisory and support services

DST / DG RTO

Department Science Technology (DST)

Policy dialogue between SA and EU Chambers on how to engage with private sector and encourage investment in research, development, and innovation.

Policy dialogue between the South African and the European Business Chambers and Associations (B&CAs) interested in cooperation and promotion of investment in Research, Development and Innovation (RDI). The main aim of the dialogue is to learn how B&CAs engage with the private companies, and encourage them to prioritise investment in RDI.

DST

Title

Transition of EGNOS Satellite System

Description

Workshops in the EU and SA. Focus on the policy enhancement role of the satellite (EGSA) in terms of data to inform policy in areas such as exploration, climate change, disease management, land planning and transport planning.

Partners

DST / DG ENTERPRISE

Title

Bilateral Community Arts Centres Conference March 2017

Description

The purpose of the Shukuma Mzansi Bilateral Community Arts Centres Conference is to instigate dialogue forums which will assist in realizing the National Development Plan priority areas, namely youth, economic growth and job creation, rural development, health, education and skills development. Findings from the study tours will be shared with South African Community Arts Centres during a Community Arts Centres Conference contributing to continuous capacity building and development in this area.

Partners

Department of Arts and Culture / Sibikwa Community Arts Centre / Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality