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Western-oriented) views of international affairs. 232 Hence, Mbeki had managed,both politically and institutionally, to streamline the making of foreign policyvirtually in his own image. As noted by van Nieuwkerk in 2006, “The Presidency asthe primary locus of policy now sets goals and is the architect of an overarchingvision and foreign policy philosophy”. 233The role of the Executive: The Department of Foreign AffairsAccording to the Constitution, the national executive is responsible for thenegotiating and signing of all international treaties. However, these agreements areonly binding upon ratification by both houses of Parliament. 234 The Department ofForeign Affairs is further tasked with the following key mandate: “To formulate, coordinate,implement and manage South Africa’s foreign policy”. 235In the years after 1994, not only was the transformation of government policy arequirement, but the very instruments of policymaking and implementation requiredsubstantial modification in order to carry out the new mandate of a democraticallyelected majority government. The DFA was a key instrument in reforming foreignpolicy. Transformation of this institution faced challenges on ideological andinstitutional fronts. This posed a particular problem given that the nature of thebroader political transition had secured the jobs of apartheid-era civil servants for atleast five years after the first democratic elections. 236 This meant that “publicpolicymaking had to involve new civil servants working next to apartheid-erafunctionaries”. 237 Not only did this combine differing levels of experience andexpertise, it also forced the co-existence of divergent worldviews. The differencesbetween them have frequently been described as ‘internationalist’ vs. ‘neo-232 For a more nuanced, detailed discussion of ‘cultures’ of the ANC and their impact oncontemporary ANC political culture, see Raymond Suttner, “Culture(s) of the AfricanNational Congress in South Africa: Imprint of Exile Experiences”, in Limits to Liberationin Southern Africa, ed., Henning Melber (Pretoria: HSRC Press, 2003).233 Ibid., 116.234 Ibid., 292.235 Department of Foreign Affairs, 2006. “Strategic Plan 2006-9”, 7.236 These provisions formed part of the so-called ‘sunset clauses’ appended to theinterim constitution of South Africa to give assurances to the white population, lapsingafter a period of time. Examples included entrenched seats in a new Government ofNational Unity (GNU) and stipulations protecting jobs held by whites in the civil service.SA History Online, accessed online at http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/libraryresources/online%20books/soul-of-nation-constitution/chapter7.htmon 9 April, 2010.237 Van Nieuwkerk, “South Africa and African Crises”: 91.115