Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Tshwane/Pretoria, Rustenburg, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth assisting South African citizens abroad. South Africa's diplomatic and consular Missions help to enhance the country's international profile and serve as strategic mechanisms for the achievement of South Africa's international interests.
The OAU was established on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after the signature of the OAU Charter by representatives of 32 governments. South Africa became the 53rd member in 1994.
The implementation of the Abuja Treaty introduced a process to be completed in six stages over 34 years, i.e.
The former President of Mali, Mr Oumar Alpha Konare, was elected the new chairperson of the Commission, while Mr Patrick Mazimhaka of Rwanda was elected his deputy.
By September 2003, work on its substructures had progressed well. These will involve the African Standby Force, the Panel of the Wise, the Early Warning System, as well as a Peace Fund to support the activities of the PSC. The Rules of Procedure of the PSC will also have to be concluded. Once the PSC has been established, the Executive Council is mandated to vote on its membership - five countries serving three years each and 10 countries serving two years each.
To this end, the AU must co-ordinate and take decisions on policies in areas of common interest to member states, as well as co-ordinate and harmonise policies between existing and future RECs, for the gradual attainment of the objectives of the AU.