South African embassies around the world need repairs worth R830 million, according to government figures released in parliament.

The cost to fix buildings owned by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) was revealed in a reply to a parliamentary question from the Democratic Alliance.

The UK High Commission buildings need the most work, with renovations expected to cost around R170 million. The embassy in the Netherlands requires work worth R110 million. The figures are based on condition reports compiled over three years.

Buildings in need of urgent repair

DA spokesperson on international relations Ryan Smith said the figures show years of neglect of South Africa’s foreign properties.

“Much like the local municipalities run by the ANC here in South Africa, our embassies are now a shell of their former selves,” Smith said in a statement.

He said embassies should be central to South Africa’s economic diplomacy but have been systemically underfunded.

Smith compared the renovation costs to money spent on agreements with Cuba. Between 2012 and 2022, South Africa spent R1.4 billion on aid and agreements with the island nation, Smith said.

“This is a diplomatic relationship that has done nothing more than secure some of our country’s tobacco supply.”

ALSO READ: Historic South Africa House in London closes due to “neglect”

Budget priorities under scrutiny

Smith questioned whether DIRCO’s budget has been spent wisely.

“Taxpayer money that funds DIRCO’s budget is not meant to keep the ANC’s friends afloat, it is meant to fund a professional and capable foreign service that grows our economy and creates jobs,” he said.

The DA said as part of the Government of National Unity, it wants a foreign policy that places national interest ahead of party-political allegiances. The party said it will push for DIRCO’s budget to focus on maintaining embassies and advancing economic diplomacy.

The maintenance backlog at embassies raises questions about whether South Africa’s diplomatic presence abroad can function at full capacity while buildings remain in poor condition.