Public Services & Government

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) aspires to be the apex organisation for science and scholarship in South Africa, recognised and connected both nationally and internationally. Through its membership, which represents the collective voice of the most active scholars in all fields of scholarly enquiry, ASSAf aims to generate evidence-based solutions to national problems. The mission of the Academy is to: recognise scholarly achievement and excellence in the application of scientific thinking for the benefit of society; mobilise members to ensure that they are available to contribute their expertise in the service of society; conduct systematic and evidence-based studies on issues of national importance, producing authoritative reports that have a significant impact on policy-making; promote the development of an indigenous system of South African research publications, increasing their quality, visibility, accessibility and impact; publish science-focused periodicals that will showcase the best of southern African research to a wide national and international audience; develop productive partnerships with national, regional and international organisations with a view to building its capacity in science and its application within the National System of Innovation (NSI); create diversified sources of funding for sustainable functioning and growth of a national academy; and communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders through various media and fora.

The mission of the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) is to serve the public interest by setting standards of Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) and providing guidance for financial and other performance information reported by the public sector. The Board has the following responsibilities: determine the work programme and approve the appointment of members of project groups; approve the standards to be issued as standards of GRAP for the preparation of annual financial statements of all spheres of government; prepare and publish directives, interpretations and guidelines concerning the standards of GRAP; recommend to the Minister of Finance effective dates for the implementation of these standards by different categories of institutions to which these standards apply; perform any other function incidental to advancing financial reporting in the public sector; and issue and publish recommended practices on its own authority, if satisfied as to need, usefulness and practicality, following a process of consultation with stakeholders.

The vision of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF) is a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, conflict-free, developmental African continent. The ARF is committed to promoting South Africa's national interests and values, the African Renaissance and the creation of a better world for all. In order to ensure that funding through the ARF is effective, the ARF has adopted the values of the Paris and Rome declarations on aid effectiveness. The ARF will ensure that the following key values are adhered to: the recipient country must take ownership of the process of determining the immediate-, medium- and long-term actions that will address the issues contained in its project proposal; the recipient country must achieve an understanding of the political, economic and security considerations; and a needs assessment should be conducted with direct involvement and ownership of the process by the country concerned. Integrated planning and coordination are critical in ensuring that South Africa's efforts are in line with the development needs of the identified country. In addition to the above, the ARF will conduct its business while constantly adhering to the values of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), namely: patriotism, loyalty, dedication, Ubuntu, constitutional values (Chapter 10) and Batho Pele. The aim of the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund is to: enhance cooperation between the Republic and other countries, in particular African countries, through the promotion of democracy, good governance, the prevention and resolution of conflict, socio-economic development and integration, humanitarian assistance and human resource development; to repeal three Acts; and to provide for matters incidental thereto.

Agrement South Africa (ASA) was established in terms of a delegation of Authority from the then Minister of Public Works in July 1969. The organisation is an entity of the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPWI), and its mandate is within the built environment domain. As such, the legislation and mandates that impact the built environment and public works guide the functioning and operations of Agrement South Africa. The organisation is a schedule 3A public entity under the Public Finance Management Act and is established under the Agrement South Africa Act 11 of 2015. Agrement South Africa's vision is to be the leading regulator on non-standardised construction-related products and systems in South Africa. The organisation's mission is to enhance its position as an impartial and internationally acknowledged South African centre of excellence to: provide assurance to specifiers and users of the fitness-for-purpose of non-standardised construction -related products or systems; support and promote integrated socio-economic development in the Republic as it relates to the construction industry; support and promote the introduction and use of certified non-standardised construction related products or systems in the local or international market; and support policymakers to minimise the risk associated with using non-standardised construction related products or systems. The core mandate of ASA is the technical assessment and issuing of approval of certificates for non-standardised construction-related products and systems for which there are no South African National Standards. Assess and, if satisfied, certify the fitness-for-purpose of a non-standardised construction-related product or system; issue, amend, suspend, reinstate, withdraw or renew an ASA Certificate; enter into an agreement with a person, entity or organ of the State whose services are required to achieve an object or perform a function of ASA or the Board; provide services about the objects of ASA to a person, entity or organ of the State; exercise any other power as may be prescribed or necessary to achieve the objects of ASA; the recognised South African National Government Body that issues eco-labels for building materials and products; and the recognised South African National Government Body that issues Green Building Ratings for Government Buildings.

The objective of the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) is to regulate the occupations of fresh produce, export and livestock agents and to maintain and enhance the status and dignity of those occupations and the integrity of persons practicing those occupations. The Council's mission is to: fulfil its mandate under the Act; protect against dishonest practices; uphold its responsibility to maintain and enhance the occupations of fresh produce, export and livestock agents; and position the Council to effectively contribute in the development and transformation of the agricultural sector. APAC's vision is to be an innovative, supportive, proactive and responsive regulatory body.

The mission of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is to be a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and fosters innovation to support and develop the agricultural sector. The ARC's main functions are to: undertake and promote research, technology development and technology transfer; utilise the technological expertise in its possession and make it generally available; publish information concerning its objectives and functions, and establish facilities for the collection and dissemination of information in connection with research and development; publish the results of research; establish and control facilities in the fields of research, technology development and technology transfer that the Council may determine from time to time; cooperate with departments of state, institutions, persons and other authorities for the promotion and conduct of research, technology development and technology transfer; promote the training of research workers by means of bursaries or grants-in-aid for research, technology development and technology transfer, and contribute financially; offer research, development and technology transfer programmes; hire or let facilities; and cooperate with persons and authorities in other countries conducting or promoting research, technology development and technology transfer in agriculture.

The mission of Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Ltd (ATNS) is to provide safe, expeditious and efficient air traffic management solutions and associated services while ensuring long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability. ATNS is responsible for air traffic control in approximately 6% of the world's airspace. Their services extend further than the familiar air traffic control service, into the provision of vitally important aeronautical information used for all flight planning purposes, as well as search and rescue coordination activities and the maintenance of a reliable navigation infrastructure. Their operations also include the supply of aeronautical information services, technical maintenance and aerodrome services; alert, search and rescue coordination services; management of the flexible use of airspace through the Central Airspace Unit (CAMU); support for special events, and special requirements such as test flights and demonstration flights; the implementation and maintenance of a terrestrial-based navigational structure; and the training of licensed air traffic controllers and technical staff through the Aviation Training Academy (ATA).

The mission of Airports Company South Africa SOC Ltd (ACSA) is to develop and manage world-class airports for the benefit of all stakeholders. The Company's strategy is built on collaborative and coherent engagements with its stakeholders. The Company focuses on strengthening its internal business processes and making the most of its bespoke information technology. ACSA directs its efforts towards improving its employees' skills and understanding as part of its effort to build human capital.

The mission of Alexkor SOC Ltd is to operate a growing, profitable and sustainable mining organisation that contributes to the developmental needs of the communities. Alexkor's objectives are: turning Alexkor around into a viable dynamic mining company; focusing on organic growth at Alexander Bay; acquisition of new opportunities; creating a sustainable, healthy, safe and environmentally responsible organisation; caring for people, providing sound leadership and building credible processes; and building strong relationships with all strategic partners.

Amatola Water is an essential services utility operating in the water sector in the Eastern Cape. Established in terms of the Water Services Act 108 of 1997 and accountable to the Minister of Water and Sanitation as its Executive Authority, the Water Board's primary function is the provision of bulk water supply and sanitation services in order to advance the socio-economic potential of the people of the Eastern Cape. In addition, as stipulated under the provisions of Section 30 of the Act, the utility also offers services in: operation and maintenance of water treatment works and dams; management services to water services institutions; project implementation; concessions; and advisory services.

The vision of the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd (ARMSCOR) is to be the strategic partner of choice for defence and security solutions. Armscor is renowned for its acquisition expertise in providing defence turnkey solutions, which encompass technology development, product development and support, product upgrading, as well as disposal of equipment. Its research and development focuses on producing cutting-edge technology products. The organisation prides itself on maintaining high-quality international standards through rigorous testing and evaluation processes on all its technology management projects. Armscor is committed to driving creativity and innovation in collaboration with strategic partners. The organisation also provides marketing support to the South African Defence Industry (SADI).

The mission of Blind SA is to promote the interests of all blind people by: combating poverty; empowering blind people by, amongst others, the provision of Braille, the distribution of information, and the provision of other developmental services (members of member organisations of Blind SA enjoy preference); and acting as a pressure group with regard to any matter concerning blind people. Blind SA's objectives are to: focus on a specific topic and target a particular sector, over and above general awareness raising, by using its own publications, the public media, serving and networking with other organisations, participating in public forums, and making representations to government, including submissions on legislation; assist workers to sustain their jobs and to gain promotion through appropriate training and acquisition of work-related equipment and information; help blind students to obtain special equipment, study material, transport and reader services, and bursaries; make interest-free loans available from its revolving fund for the purchase of word- and study-related equipment and for household goods; produce Braille to order for schools, university students and individual adults in all the official languages of South Africa, and produce other important products, including magazines, calendars, postal code books, timetables, broadcasting and motor rally schedules, agendas, minutes, and reports; offer a Braille tutoring service; provide orientation and mobility training; provide appropriate, reliable information about the world around us by using Braille, ink print, audio tape, the Internet, the telephone and computer discs; provide Blind SA publications; provide various forms of social and cultural activity and upliftment; look after the interests of retired workers and of the large number of South Africans who lose their sight in later life; cater for the needs of elderly persons; and address all issues regarding the education of blind and partially sighted learners.

The mission of the Border Management Authority is to be a credible provider of highly efficient, integrated, well-coordinated, and technology-driven border law enforcement services that contribute to national security and socio-economic development by inculcating a culture that empowers teams for service excellence. In pursuit of the mandate, vision and mission, the Border Management Authority focuses on being a world-class integrated border law enforcement authority partnering for a safe and prosperous South Africa.

The mission of Boxing South Africa (BSA) is the effective and efficient administration and regulation of professional boxing, by: ensuring and safeguarding the health, safety and general well-being of professional boxers; promoting, marketing and sanctioning quality boxing events and tournaments to increase the sport's popularity with athletes, supporters and sponsors; credibly rating boxers and training licensees; positioning Boxing South Africa as a point of reference for international sanctioning bodies in South Africa and ensuring that BSA fulfils its role as a custodian of the best interests and concerns of all South African boxers at home and on the international front; improving the stature of national and provincial titles; and coordinating the activities of all boxing stakeholders in the country for the purposes of unifying the sporting codes and managing their expectations with integrity. Boxing SA's statutory mandate is to: give effect to the provisions of the Constitution; regulate, control and exercise general supervision over professional boxing at tournaments in the country; protect and regulate the interests and organizational rights of boxers, trainers, mangers, promoters, officials and stakeholders involved in professional boxing matters; and promote orderly collective action, boxing in the country, and the effective resolution of boxing disputes.

Brand South Africa is the country's official marketing agency appointed to promote the nation's brand reputation. The primary objective of Brand South Africa is to develop and implement proactive marketing and communication strategies for South Africa, with and through stakeholders, to promote South Africa's competitiveness and attractiveness to both domestic and international audiences. Its role is to create a positive, unified image of South Africa; one that builds pride, promotes investment and tourism, and helps new enterprises and job creation.