The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in South Africa has revealed that it needs over R300 million annually to maintain its foreign mission buildings abroad. According to DIRCO, at least 30% of its overseas property portfolio is in a poor state. This revelation was made during a briefing to Parliament's Standing Committee on Appropriations.
DIRCO's property portfolio comprises 174 state-owned properties and 666 rented buildings occupied by foreign missions across more than 100 countries. The department attributed the poor state of its properties to a lack of resources, including insufficient funds, human resources, and technical capacity. When DIRCO took over the responsibility for managing the government's overseas property portfolio from Public Works in 1999, it was not provided with a budget or the necessary manpower.
The mismanagement of DIRCO's assets, valued at at least R5 billion, has led to another qualified audit opinion for the department for the 2025/26 financial year. DIRCO currently has only seven people managing its vast property portfolio. The department ranked only 28% of its properties as being in good condition, citing ageing infrastructure and heritage requirements, particularly in Europe, as major contributors to the maintenance challenges.
Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Andrew Bateman criticized DIRCO, stating that the department was making excuses and should find ways to save within its budget. Bateman suggested that DIRCO could consider closing diplomatic missions that were not cost-effective. He expressed concern that the department's negligence was allowing its property portfolio to deteriorate.
In response to the challenges, DIRCO has obtained approval to sell off 18 properties, with National Treasury approval pending for further sales. The department is also proceeding with the construction of new missions in New Delhi and Riyadh. DIRCO's efforts aim to address the maintenance backlog and improve the condition of its foreign mission properties.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is working to address its maintenance challenges, but the process is complex. Factors such as ageing infrastructure and heritage requirements must be considered. DIRCO's ability to manage its properties effectively will be crucial in preventing further deterioration.
DIRCO's maintenance backlog has significant implications for South Africa's diplomatic efforts. The department's ability to maintain its foreign mission properties is essential for the country's international relations.
Key points
- DIRCO requires R300m annually to maintain its foreign mission properties.
- 30% of DIRCO's overseas property portfolio is in a poor state.
- DIRCO has only seven people managing its vast property portfolio across more than 100 countries.
