The German Embassy and the development cooperation with South Africa

The German Embassy, Pretoria, is the official representation of the Federal Government of Germany in South Africa. In July 2011 Dr. Horst Freitag, the new Ambassador Designate of the Federal Republic, arrived in South Africa. Since 1994 German Development Cooperation has supported South Africa in its endeavour to overcome poverty, violence and social inequality, and to provide more jobs and fair opportunities for everyone, regardless of skin colour, faith and origin. Furthermore, Germany promotes local policies on gender equity.

Despite the great progress it has made, the country remains a place of stark contrasts. Huge differences in income and high unemployment are problems which can be traced back to the decades-long policy of apartheid. Great social inequality, the growth in crime and the high HIV&AIDS rate are holding back development and investment. In addition, South Africa too has been affected by the general decline in the global economy since 2008. Germany is helping South Africa to overcome its social and economic problems.

Focal areas of German development Cooperation with South Africa:

• Governance and Administration
• Climate Change and Energy
• HIV&AIDS Prevention

The Economic Cooperation and Development Section is responsible for the central coordination of development policy-related activities between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of South Africa (diplomatic accreditation extends to the Kingdom of Lesotho). This means ensuring that there is a continuous exchange of ideas between all parties involved, and steering of the governmental implementing organisations (in conjunction with the BMZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the AA, Federal Foreign Office).

The Embassy is tasked with coordinating the preparation and implementation of the annual bilateral government negotiations and consultations. The Embassy is also an important development policy partner to the South African government and cooperates closely with the National Treasury, as well as with various ministries and government departments. It also administers a micro project fund through which local organisations can obtain financial support.

Cooperation in figures

Every two years negotiations between the Federal Government of Germany and South African take place. In 2010 the two governments agreed on projects amounted to EUR 112.5 million for technical and financial cooperation, of which EUR 75.5 million for the energy and climate range, EUR 20 million for combating HIV&AIDS and EUR 15 million for governance and communal developing. In addition, the BMZ supports activities of political foundations, churches and private/non-government organisations in South Africa. Until 2010 the total German commitment is amounted to more than EUR 650 million (including KfW market funds).

Contact

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

Stephan Klaus Ohme
First Counsellor, Head of Development Cooperation
E-Mail: wz-1@pret.auswaertiges-amt.de
Telefon: +27 (0)12 427 8915
Fax: +27 (0)12 344 5610

For further information please visit: www.pretoria.diplo.de