United Nations in South Africa

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in South Africa:

Learn more

Press Release

31 October 2022

Celebrating 7 years of partnerships between the South African Government and the UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)

PRETORIA: Following seven-year term in South Africa, PAGE’s core engagement in South Africa is coming to an end. PAGE UN Agencies and national partners are collaborated to hold a PAGE Transition Ceremony to facilitate continued long-term action towards building an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE). The most important output of this Transition Ceremony was the sensitization and sharing of experiences of the work that PAGE has supported since 2015. The PAGE South Africa Transition Ceremony was not only be an event to showcase the progress made by national stakeholders towards IGE and a green recovery, but also a means of affirming sustainable development and climate change priorities. In addition, this event gave an opportunity for national stakeholders to be better informed on steps required to build further on the progress made so far. The event consisted of keynote addresses, closing remarks, presentations and feedback solicited from participants on sustainability planning. The Transition Ceremony presented an opportunity for government to revisit the Sustainability Report for PAGE South Africa: 2022 and Beyond, which was submitted to government in 2020. The Sustainability Report highlighted the key results achieved through PAGE support at the three PAGE outcome levels: national multisectoral level, thematic or sectoral level, and capacity building, which outline various means of sustaining the achievement and bringing impact at scale. Through active input from its National Steering Committee, the Sustainability Report reflects the most recent progress of the country’s initiatives towards an IGE, and what could be further actions to achieve sustainability. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) aims to put sustainability at the heart of economic policymaking. PAGE is the expertise and mandate of five UN agencies; UNEP, UNDP, ILO, UNIDO, and UNITAR, whose expertise and support assist and lead PAGE partner countries towards their transition to an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) by providing policy advice, assessments, capacity development and analytical tools outputs. In addition to support and outputs provided to member countries (22 countries as of March 2022), the PAGE also shares global knowledge products to reinforce the work done at the country level to advance the 2030 Agenda. CONTACTS
Moipone Kgatle, Page National Coordinator
Email: kgatle@iloguest.org Tshepo Mohatle, Communication and Information Management Assistant, DWT/CO-Pretoria Office
Email: mohatle@ilo.org

1 of 5

Story

12 October 2022

More than 31 per cent of 15–19-year-old females in South Africa overweight or obese, threatening a noncommunicable diseases epidemic

PRETORIA, 12 October 2022 – The persistent high rates of overweight and obesity, particularly among adolescent girls, is putting lives at risk, as the transition phase between childhood and adulthood is a critical period for the onset of obesity-associated morbidity. Some 31.3 per cent of 15-19-year-old females are overweight or obese, compared to 9.6 per cent of males in the same age range. UNICEF South Africa has launched ‘My Body, My Health: My Wealth’, a campaign aimed at preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents and youth, coinciding with National Nutrition Week, 09 to 15 October. This supports the central theme of the Department of Health focus on ‘Making healthy food choices easier’ for all. “The high rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in South Africa are extremely concerning,” said Muriel Mafico, Deputy Representative, UNICEF South Africa. “Investing in and enabling adolescents and young people to improve their mental wellbeing and physical lifestyles, particularly adolescent and young women, will save lives and ensure a more prosperous future for society as a whole,” added Mafico. Young people’s choices to adopt healthier lifestyles are influenced by school and family environments, as well as peers and role models. Barriers to physical activity include time spent on social media and watching television, feeling tired, availability of facilities, safety, and having enough time all of which can prevent young people from being active – COVID-19 related lockdowns presented an additional challenge. The My Body, My Health: My Wealth campaign, supported by AstraZeneca's Young Health Programme (YHP), works to make NCD prevention a national priority and enable young people to live healthily. The campaign, co-created with the input of young people, meets adolescents and youth where they are: both online and offline. Creative design, engaging content, live challenges and inspiring role models will spearhead the campaign to lower the incidence of NCDs among youth in South Africa by investing in their health. NCDs are chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes. Collectively, they are responsible for 70 per cent of deaths worldwide. NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability in South Africa, carrying huge costs to patients, families, communities, the health system and the economy at large. Several NCDs can be prevented by adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress levels. UNICEF South Africa will leverage its extensive network of young volunteers across the country. Youth clubs, in and out of schools, have been invited to join the campaign, share their knowledge and encourage other young people to adopt healthy habits. Notes to Editors Statistics come from the South Africa Demographic Health Survey (SADHS 2016), as well as the UNICEF South Africa 2022 study on diet and physical activity among adolescents and youth in South Africa. Childhood obesity among children under five is 13 per cent, more than two times that of the global average, while 60 per cent of 20–24-year-old women are overweight or obese, compared to about 14.5 per cent of men the same age. The ‘My Body, My Health: My Wealth’ campaign supports the 2022 ‘National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases’ led by the National Department of Health.

1 of 5

Press Release

08 October 2022

PRESS STATEMENT: Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivers this year’s Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture

Cape Town – In delivering this year’s annual 12th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, last night reminded her audience that as the world continues to mourn the late Archbishop’s loss, we “celebrate his legacy, which has never been more relevant in our world of great pain”. She exalted the late Archbishop Tutu’s leadership qualities, describing him as a civil servant “who served throughout his life as a towering global figure for peace and an unwavering voice for the voiceless.” He stood above all for courageous hope and healing, based on principles rooted in pragmatism, she added. This year’s lecture, under the theme, A Vision for Hope and Healing in a Time of Crisis, marked the first posthumous in-person address following the passing of Archbishop Tutu last year. Other leaders who gave previous lectures include the former South African first lady and human rights activist, Gracá Machel, the late and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson. The lecture series, organized by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, aims to foster a meaningful dialogue on healing and reconciliation as South Africa strives to rise above its fractured past and current challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and gender-based violence – severe issues that threaten the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2030. “Our world is in crisis with Africa left behind, yet again,” the Deputy Secretary-General lamented, “Nearly three years after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, nations across the world, particularly African countries, face a multitude of cascading and compounding crises”. These included increased poverty, hunger, lack of access to healthcare and quality education and thus leading to greater inequalities while social cohesion is fraying, and xenophobia, nationalism, hate speech and radicalization are on the rise, she added. “However, it doesn’t have to be this way,” Ms. Mohammed reminded her audience. “Our planet is packed with the resources we need to thrive, plentiful food and water, and boundless renewable energy. These are unique, irreplaceable resources that must be treasured, protected and handed down from generation to generation.” Speaking on the UN Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Deputy Secretary-General described the alignment of the two agendas as “a pathway to a world that cherishes human dignity; a world free of poverty, hunger, violence and injustice.” Ms. Mohammed encouraged people to follow in the footsteps of the late archbishop, in pursuing education as he believed that “education is the most powerful tool that a person can receive to ensure their independence, self-sufficiency and equality.” Archbishop Tutu was a teacher by profession during his early years. The Deputy Secretary-General noted that the late anti-apartheid activist embodied values of peace, which still resonate today as the archbishop “understood that peace, in its broader conception, can only be achieved if we approach humanity as a community in which – as in any African village – everyone takes care of each other.” The full address by the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed can be accessed here. Photo’s can be accessed here. - ENDS - For further information, please contact Ntombenhle Shezi, Advocacy and Communications Manager, Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation at ntombenhle@tutu.org.za or +27 21 552 7524; or Zeenat Abdool, Associate Public Information Officer, UN South Africa at abdool@un.org or +27 82 778 8080.

1 of 5

Press Release

29 September 2022

The 12th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture — A Vision for Hope and Healing

5 September 2022 – Cape Town - The 12th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture returns on 7 October 2022, marking the first Lecture since Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s passing at the end of 2021. The event is being held on Archbishop Tutu’s birthday and will honour his extraordinary life while reflecting his legacy into the future. The heart of the Peace Lecture is rooted in the Foundation’s work to transform our collective consciousness through the courageous pursuit of healing, inspired by the legacy that Archbishop Tutu left for us. In the last few years, we all witnessed the devastating impact of a global pandemic, climate change and conflict. The Arch, as he was fondly known, held a lifelong conviction that one can only get through hard times by holding on to hope. As he put it, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” In line with this, the 12th International Peace Lecture theme is: A Vision for Hope and Healing. Chairperson of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Niclas Kjellström-Matseke noted, “We are excited to bring to Cape Town the voices of two powerful and globally influential individuals to deliver this year’s lecture.” The two speakers are Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, who will appear with best-selling author Doug Abrams. Kjellström-Matseke went on to say, “Amina Mohammed, through her extraordinary work as a global leader can share an inspiring vision for global development. This is well-paired with Doug Abrams’ intimate portraits and ability to draw out the wisdom of many of the elders of our times. I am confident that this will be a powerful moment for us to reimagine the possibilities of a bold future, shaped by collective healing and humanity.” Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed is credited as being one of the key architects of the Sustainable Development Goals, setting an agenda for how we can develop flourishing societies and planet. She is a globally recognised leader in action to prevent climate change, having served as the Minister of Environment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Abrams is best-known for his collaborative work with Archbishop Tutu and the Dalai Lama to co-author The Book of Joy. He has worked with other Nobel Laureates including Nelson Mandela, Jody Williams, and Elizabeth Blackburn, as well as many visionary scientists. His latest collaboration was the Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times with Jane Goodall, published in 2021. CEO of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Janet Jobson, noted that, “A conversation that calls on us to project towards a hopeful future is incomplete without the perspective of the youth. We are thus including elements in the overall event for young people and children’s voices to be powerfully heard.” One way this will be achieved is through a children’s art exhibition at the Cape Town City Hall on the evening of the event. We are inviting young people under the age of eighteen to submit artworks depicting their own visions for hope and healing. Interested participants can post their artworks on social media and tag us, email, or send their submissions to us using the details below: Email address: public@tutu.org.za Physical address: The Old Granary, 11 Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8001 We invite everyone to join us for this powerful dialogue at the Cape Town City Hall, 7 October 2022; 19h00-21h00. Book your free tickets for The 12th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture (quicket.co.za) or stream the lecture on tutu.org.za. For media queries and interviews contact: Ntombenhle@tutu.org.za *Note to Editors About the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation (DLTLF) Founded in 2013, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation (DLTLF) strives to take the example of its founders into the future, in part by growing and facilitating powerful and timely voices of moral courage on some of the most pressing issues of our time. Visit tutu.org.za for more information.

1 of 5

Press Release

05 September 2022

Number of COVID-19 orphans nears 150,000 in South Africa

PRETORIA, 05 September 2022 – COVID-19 associated deaths have left nearly 150,000 children as orphans, according to latest data modelling from Imperial College London, as part of the Global Reference Group for Children Affected by COVID-19: Joint Estimates and Action. That number rises to 207,400 when including children who have lost their primary or secondary caregiver, such as a grandparent. The tragic figures reiterate the importance of a holistic and child centred response to the broad ranging impact of COVID-19 on childhood, particularly to protect and support children who have been left without one or both parents, or another primary or secondary caregiver. “Children’s lives have been devastated by the pandemic in so many ways and for those who have lost parents or caregivers the deep scars will last forever,” said Muriel Mafico, UNICEF South Africa, Deputy Representative. “But with love and care, access to social protection, education and opportunities for growth and development, these children can recover, thrive and realize their full potential,” added Mafico. The loss of parental support and loved ones during childhood can have a long-lasting impact on mental and physical health. These children are more likely to experience violence and abuse and be neglected and exploited. “A nurturing, protective and stable family environment at home is vital for positive childhood experiences, yet for orphaned children this is too often a distant dream,” said Mafico. Efforts to scale up and strengthen the capacity of family-based care and social protection systems are critical to enhance family resilience and help to prevent any recourse to institutional care. UNICEF South Africa is working with partners to protect every child’s right to live and grow up in an environment that supports their physical, psychological, social and emotional development. This includes through: Scaling up access to interventions such as Safe Parks that provide a protective and caring environment in which children are nurtured by professionals and caregivers, where they can play, receive learning support, counselling and health services. Engaging caregivers and households in early childhood development, from learning through play to positive parenting techniques, including building knowledge and skills about how to best nurture children. Building the capacity of teachers to best support the psychosocial needs of the most vulnerable children in the school environment and in-turn ensure school retention. Building the capacity of staff in primary health care facilities and community health workers to provide integrated services to children that best protect their mental and physical health. Increasing uptake of the Child Support Grant to ensure that the most vulnerable households receive help alleviate some of the stresses of everyday life, whilst closing the exclusion rate of 2.2 million eligible children. Providing the most vulnerable youth with access to skills building opportunities, as well as work and entrepreneurial mentorships and opportunities. The tragic and increasing number of COVID-19 orphans is also a reminder that COVID-19 is not over, and the virus has led to the deaths of more than 1-million people globally in 2022 alone, according to WHO figures. Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to prevent serious illness or death. In June this year, The Lancet estimated that 19.8 million lives were saved during the first year of COVID-19 vaccinations, December 2020 to December 2021. UNICEF South Africa continues its COVID-19 response with the National and Provincial Departments of Health to help build further momentum towards the 70% coverage target of the adult population by the end of 2022. This includes strengthening vaccine cold chain management and systems, as well as communication and community engagement work to bolster COVID-19 vaccine coverage, as well as routine childhood immunization. UNICEF South Africa is extremely grateful for the support received towards the COVID-19 vaccine response from donors including the Government of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, the Government of Japan and the Cotton On Foundation. Notes to Editors: Imperial College London provides a regularly updated chart on estimates of orphanhood in South Africa and across the world and is available here The Global Reference Group for Children Affected by COVID-19 and Crisis is hosted by and linked to the World Health Organisation to develop up to date evidence of the numbers of children affected by COVID-19 associated orphanhood, and to support policy and programming that can mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on children and adolescents. The Lancet study, Global impact of the first year of COVID-19 vaccination: a mathematical modelling study is available here. COVID-19 associated orphans are defined as being under age 18 and having lost one or both parents.

1 of 5

Story

02 December 2022

UN Secretary-General appoints Mr. Nelson Muffuh of Cameroon as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Nelson Muffuh of Cameroon as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, with the host Government’s approval. He takes up his post on 1 December. Nelson Muffuh brings more than 20 years of experience in international relations and negotiations, political and development issues at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, regional and country levels. Prior to his appointment as United Nations Resident Coordinator, Nelson Muffuh served as Chief of Staff and Principal Strategic Adviser to the UN Deputy Secretary-General since 2017. He led the overall management and guidance of staff, focusing on the acceleration of systemwide and whole-of-society efforts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and on the repositioning the UN development system and strengthening the Resident Coordinators system. As lead strategic adviser and policy coordinator on sustainable development political and partnerships interventions, Mr. Muffuh helped shape and advance the UN’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, advocate and organize summits on the SDGs, Financing for Development, and Climate Action. He was instrumental in convening and coordinating the efforts of launching the Spotlight Initiative on violence against women and girls, the Decade of Action for the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and the Global Crisis Response Group to address the impacts on food, energy, and finance due to the war in Ukraine. Prior to this, Mr. Muffuh led and coordinated stakeholder engagement, outreach, and global strategic partnerships efforts to inform the post-2015 development policy process, whose outcome was the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its accompanying SDGs to succeed the Millennium Development Goals. Nelson Muffuh started his UN career with the UN Development Programme-UN Millennium Campaign, then UN Population Fund in Africa, where he acquired extensive experience in programme management, multistakeholder collaborative interventions, partnerships and communications, as well as advocacy and mobilization. Before that, he served as a Senior Programme and Advocacy Advisor for Christian Aid, and Programme Coordinator for the African Liberal Network-Westminster Foundation for Democracy and Transparency International Secretariat. Mr. Muffuh studied political science and international relations at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, and development cooperation at Sussex University, United Kingdom. He is married and has two children.

1 of 5

Story

15 November 2022

8 billion people, 8 billion opportunities

As the Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, I believe the international community should view this day as a success story. After all, we have gotten to this point because people are living longer, fewer women are dying giving birth, childhood mortality has declined, and healthcare systems are getting better. While many have used this milestone in population growth—and every other before it—to focus on the climate crisis and other challenges the world faces, let us instead focus on the opportunities. No demographic trend is solely bad or good, and with the right investments, sound policies, and advance planning, governments can empower every person in their population to achieve a good quality of life. At UNFPA, we help countries unlock this potential by helping them understand their changing demographics, project their future population, and devise policies that build healthy and inclusive societies, with a focus on ensuring rights and choices for all. Let us address the topic most fundamental to our growing population—reproductive health and rights. Nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended and more than 250 million women do not want to become pregnant, but are not using modern contraception. Yet, in our research and programmes we see firsthand that providing every person with access to safe, voluntary family planning is one of the best investments a country can make. Access to contraceptives not only prevents unintended pregnancies and lowers maternal death rates, it also reduces poverty and helps people complete their education. These benefits pay dividends to the development of countries’ economies and social structures. In fact, some estimate that the long-term socioeconomic benefits of achieving universal access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception, would yield returns of $120 for every dollar invested. When we invest in family planning, we’re investing in girls’ futures. Teaching adolescents about their reproductive health and options improves their long-term health outcomes and lowers their chance of pregnancy and childbirth complications—the leading cause of death among adolescent girls. Together, knowledge and access to reproductive health services benefit all areas of girls’ lives, from their education to their level of autonomy in the household. Let’s plan for a future in which all 8 billion of us can fulfil our potential. By prioritizing the issues that impact the most vulnerable, we can support those bearing the brunt of the world’s most pressing challenges. In our increasingly unequal world, we need to invest in people and the promise they hold – irrespective of their gender, race, nationality or creed. When we do, a future in which all 8 billion of us can thrive will be within our grasp. * The views expressed in this blog are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UN DESA.

1 of 5

Story

09 November 2022

South Africa leading the way toward a low-carbon economy and resilient society

On October 31st, Eskom, South Africa’s national power utility closed the Komati coal-fired Power Station, in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa. At first glance, the closing of a 56-year-old coal fired power plant may not appear particularly notable. But this is not just worthy of attention, it is historic. With this closing, the Government of South Africa has begun implementation of its Just Transition Framework that will shift the country from heavy dependence on coal for energy generation towards renewables. Komati will be the first coal fired power plant in the country’s history to be decommissioned, with several more expected to follow in the coming years, in line with South Africa’s goal of becoming a low carbon and resilient economy. Further, the Government plans to repurpose the site of the plant for renewable energy generation and to do all this while making sure workers and the impacted communities have access to new opportunities. This historic move came after extensive consultations with stakeholders, reflecting the spirit of the country’s Just Transition Framework, and places equal importance on the transition to lower carbon technologies and the ability to do so in a manner that is just and sustainable. The decommissioning of the coal-fired plant will result in reduced carbon emissions and the improvement of ambient air quality in the vicinity of the plant. The power plant will be converted to a renewable generation site powered with 150MW of solar, 70MW of wind and 150MW of storage batteries, thereby continuing to put the site and its associated transmission infrastructure into good use and to provide economic opportunities to the community. South Africa is a country that has been heavily impacted by climate change and its agriculture, cities, infrastructure, and most importantly, people, have been affected by rising temperatures and variable rainfall, resulting in recurring droughts, floods, and heatwaves. The country is already heating at twice the global average, while droughts and flooding have been increasing in intensity and frequency in main urban centers and agricultural areas, affecting the poor and the most vulnerable. In support of this important transition, the World Bank approved financial support to Eskom’s Just Energy Transition Project (EJETP ). The $497 million project will support Eskom to decommission, repurpose and create new opportunities for the impacted people of Mpumalanga province, which has 12 of South Africa’s coal fired power plants and the 83% of South Africa’s coal production. I visited Mpumalanga in September and met with the Region’s Premier, Refilwe Tsipane. We discussed the governments Just Transition Framework to reduce the economy’s heavy reliance on coal and improve the health and livelihoods of the local people. It was heartwarming to hear about the Premier’s level of engagement in the plans to diversify the Mpumalanga economy away from coal with the people of the province at the center of these plans. Achieving a just energy transition requires increased competition in strategic sectors, including those dominated by state-owned enterprises, a more flexible labor market, and improvements in fiscal and financial policies. The World Bank Group is committed to working alongside governments to address climate change, aligned with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement, and is offering technical advice to countries via our new diagnostic tool, Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs). CCDRs are developed in consultation with governments and key stakeholders at the local level. They analyze the connection between climate and development policies and identify concrete priority actions that support countries’ development goals and ambitions set out in their National Determined Contributions (NDCs). The EJETP project aligns with the country’s Just Transition Framework and our newly released CCDR for South Africa. The recommendations include the finding that South Africa can deliver an effective response to climate change risks, without undermining its socioeconomic goals, and can achieve its development and climate goals by embracing a “triple transition” that is low-carbon, climate-resilient and just. Urgent action on adaptation will help the country build resilience to changing climate patterns, particularly in the coastal cities, agricultural provinces, and underdeveloped peri-urban areas of the main metropolitan centers. Immediate action in this regard requires increased financing that is still materializing at too slow a pace. Scaled up financing commitments are urgently needed to close the gaps in climate actions that will create diverse economic opportunities for millions of people. At COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh this week, African voices must be the cornerstone for climate action and solutions. South Africa’s leadership on the decommissioning of the Komati coal-fired plant could serve as a model for future projects, in the country and around the world. The example of Komati demonstrates what is possible with country ambition, leadership, well-timed investments, and external financial support in order to transition our countries to more inclusive, resilient, and low-carbon economies. Published by The World Bank

1 of 5

Story

07 November 2022

World Bank Approves $497 Million in Financing to Lower South Africa’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Support a Just Transition

The World Bank Group Board of Executive Directors approved South Africa’s request for a $497 million project to decommission and repurpose the Komati coal-fired power plant using renewables and batteries. The project will also create opportunities for the affected workers and communities. This is in line with the government’s efforts to transition the country toward a low carbon development path with reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for all. Addressing energy poverty and transitioning toward lower carbon development requires a reliable power sector to underpin inclusive economic growth. The Komati Project aims to help mitigate climate change, enhance energy security, and support economic opportunities in the Komati area. The project is aligned with the country’s Just Transition Framework, which aims to minimize the socio-economic impacts of the climate transition, improve the livelihoods of those most vulnerable, and embrace the opportunities stemming from the transition. The decommissioning and repurposing of the Komati coal-fired plant is a demonstration project that can serve as a reference on how to transition fossil-fuel assets for future projects in South Africa and around the world. The project will provide learning experiences through a cycle of piloting, monitoring, assessing, documenting, and information sharing. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a difficult challenge worldwide, and particularly in South Africa given the high carbon intensity of the energy sector,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass. “Closing the Komati plant this week is a good first step toward low carbon development. We are cognizant of the social challenges of the transition, and we are partnering with the government, civil society, and unions to create economic opportunities for affected workers and communities.” The decommissioning of the Komati coal-fired plant will result in reduced carbon emissions and improvement of ambient air quality in the vicinity of the plant. The power sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in South Africa, accounting for 41 percent of its CO2 emissions. This is due mainly to Eskom’s fleet composition. Its 15 coal-fired power plants, with an average age of 41 years, provide 38.7 GW of the country’s 52.5 GW installed capacity. “This project is critical to our understanding of the sustainability of decommissioning, repurposing, and mitigating the socio-economic impacts for workers and communities before we scale up the move of the power sector into a low-carbon path,” said South Africa Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan. “It is part of implementing the country’s Integrated Resource Plan 2019 to gradually retire 12 GW of our old and inefficient coal-fired power fleet by 2030 and to scale up private sector-led renewables of 18 GW during the same period.” The repurposing of the plant will enhance energy security in South Africa with the installation of a combination of 220 MW renewable energy solutions (including 150 MW solar PV solar and 70 MW wind) and 150 MW batteries, which together will help to improve the quality of electricity supply and grid stability. Under the Komati project, the workers will be supported through a comprehensive transition plan, elaborated jointly with inputs from staff and unions. Options for the affected workers will include transfers to other Eskom facilities, re-skilling, and upskilling for deployment to the renewable energy plants. A portion of project financing will be devoted to creating economic opportunities for local communities, which is expected to benefit approximately 15,000 people. Community-driven projects, skills training, incubation support, and business development services for new and existing micro, small, and medium enterprises are expected to create jobs in agriculture, local manufacturing, and digital technology. Activities will be carried out in coordination with local government, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The Komati Just Energy Transition Project is financed jointly through a $439.5 million World Bank loan, a $47.5 million concessional loan from the Canadian Clean Energy and Forest Climate Facility (CCEFCF), and a $10 million grant from the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). For more information contact: Lavinia Engelbrecht, +27 79 241 5642, Email: lengelbrecht@worldbankgroup.org

1 of 5

Story

31 October 2022

73 per cent of youth needed mental health support over past year

Latest U-Report poll reflects importance of further scaling up mental health resources for young people but also an openness among youth to engage with their peers, with 67 per cent of respondents supporting a friend with their mental health over last 12-months. PRETORIA, 31 October 2022 – Some 73 per cent of children and youth felt they needed mental health support over the past year, of which more than half, 38 per cent, actively sought help, according to the latest UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll. The findings, released as mental health awareness month draws to a close, also showed that 67 per cent of young respondents stepped up to support a friend’s mental wellbeing. This reflects a 10 per cent rise on the same question in 2021. Some 74 per cent of youth who helped a friend noted that they chatted about their issues, while others referred their peers to another friend or family member, online help, a counsellor, or a medical facility. The latest youth pulse, through the U-Report poll system, points to an ongoing need to prioritize a holistic mental health response and reflects a more open discussion among children and young people about mental wellbeing that is breaking down stigma on the issue. “The feedback from youth is clear in that they are aware of their need for mental health support,” said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF Representative in South Africa. “Encouragingly an increasing number of children and young people are engaging with their friends on mental wellbeing. We must ensure that national policy and community-based mental health support services put youth at the centre,” added Muhigana. Succeeding in education, the need for work skills, training and employment opportunities were cited as causing the most anxiety among 57 per cent of respondents. Children and young people are also still reluctant to reach out for support, with 62 per cent stating that they did not seek help, a slight improvement on last year’s findings. A third of those noted that they did not know where to get help, further stressing the importance of access to communication and the availability of services that target children and young people. Encouragingly, 37 per cent of respondents noted that their mental health improved over the last year but for 24 per cent it worsened while 37 per cent were not sure. In addition, some 21 per cent of respondents believe their families are now more supportive with regards to their mental health. UNICEF South Africa continues to promote a nurturing and supportive environment at home, school and across communities to prevent mental health challenges from overwhelming young people. A mental health roundtable to be hosted in mid-November with young people, Government, civil society, academia and the private sector will promote an integrated and cross-sectoral response, providing recommendations on moving forward. In support of children and young people, UNICEF South Africa calls for: Children and young people to be put at the center of the response, including meaningful engagement and participation in policy level and community action. A strengthened child rights governance system that embraces a family centered approach. Increased investment in mental health and psychosocial support services, integrated within the primary health care, education, and child protection systems, including community services and structures. Improved collaboration between partners in the private sector, academia, government, and civil society to reduce the digital divide and to provide access to the 21st century skills and opportunities that young people need to thrive in life. The poll was conducted using UNICEF South Africa’s U-Report polling platform and received over 6,600 responses, with 85 per cent of those from children and young people aged 15 to 30-years. Notes to editors: U-Report is a platform managed by UNICEF South Africa that helps young people to have a voice on issues that matter to them and to access information, tools and services to influence positive social change.

1 of 5

View all

Press Release

07 December 2022

United Nations thanks South Africa for its contribution to peacekeeping

New York, 7 December 2022- Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, thanked South Africa for its strong support to United Nations Peacekeeping and for the service and sacrifice of its military and police personnel deployed under the UN flag. South Africa first provided peacekeepers to the United Nations in 1999 when it joined the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). Today, South Africa provides 1189 uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping, making it the 15th largest contributor among all UN Member States. It is also the 6th largest contributor of women peacekeepers, with 230 now serving. South Africa’s largest deployment is with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), where 1,184 peacekeepers serve. It also contributes police personnel to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). In recent decades, South Africa also contributed to UN peace operations in Burundi, Ethiopia-Eritrea, Liberia, Nepal and to the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur, Sudan. “South Africa’s peacekeeping contributions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo over the years, through personnel deployed as part of infantry battalions, helicopter units, and military medical teams, have been essential to efforts to build peace, as well as to ensure the health and safety of fellow peacekeepers. In addition, the South African female engagement team’s outreach efforts have significantly strengthened the mission’s relationship with Congolese communities,” according to Mr. Lacroix. “The UN appreciates the service and sacrifice of the South African men and women, past and present. We will always remember the 50 South African peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag,” said Mr. Lacroix. South Africa also endorsed the Secretary-General’s ‘Action for Peacekeeping (A4P)’ initiative, which aims to strengthen peacekeeping through more targeted mandates, stronger and safer operations, better equipped and trained forces, and by mobilizing support for political solutions. # # # # #
Note to editors: The UN's Department of Global Communications, in collaboration with the Department of Peace Operations, runs the international multi-year communications campaign titled 'UN Peacekeeping -- Service and Sacrifice.' The campaign expresses the world body's gratitude to the countries that contribute their uniformed men and women to serve in the peacekeeping missions. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/service-and-sacrifice
Since 1948, more than a million women and men have served as UN peacekeepers. Every day, they make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people. Peacekeeping is a unique force with military and police from over 120 countries serving together, alongside civilian personnel. UN peacekeepers come from diverse cultures and speak different languages but share a common purpose: the protection of vulnerable communities and the provision of support to countries struggling to move from conflict to peace. Tragically some make the ultimate sacrifice - over 3,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the cause of peace. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/what-is-peacekeeping
Action for Peacekeeping: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/action-for-peacekeeping-a4p
Media enquiries in South Africa: United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Pretoria Zeenat Abdool Public Information Officer Tel:   +27 12 354 8507 Mobile: +27 82 778 8080 Email: abdool@un.org Media enquiries at UNHQ:

Department of Global Communications (New York):

Douglas Coffman                                Tel: + 1 917 361 9923
coffmand@un.org                               Department of Peace Operations (New York) Oana-Raluca Topala topala@un.org

1 of 5

Press Release

22 November 2022

UNICEF calls for averting a lost generation as COVID-19 presents a child rights crisis and changes childhood in South Africa

PRETORIA, 20 November 2020: Children and young people must not be the forgotten and unseen casualties of COVID-19, warned UNICEF South Africa today. Released ahead of World Children’s Day on 20 November, a new report shows how COVID-19 has presented multiple challenges for children in the country as their safety, nutrition and health have been compromised, while their education has been disrupted. The report, titled “How COVID-19 is changing childhood in South Africa: Responding and reimagining for every child” notes that the longer the crisis persists, the deeper its impact on children’s education, health, nutrition and well-being. Achieving the Government’s National Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 has been made that much harder and requires a concerted effort to get back on track. “The lives and futures of children across South Africa are being threatened by the COVID-19 crisis,” said UNICEF South Africa Representative, Christine Muhigana. “We need to collectively respond to the immediate issues affecting children, whilst tackling the deep-rooted problems in the country, only then can we reimagine and realise a better future, for every child,” Muhigana added. The statistics in the report are sobering and a clear call to action: The public health impact of the virus in the country has been severe, children make up 8% of the more than 750,000 COVID-19 confirmed cases. Adolescents are affected at higher rates and evidence indicates that adolescent girls are impacted worse than boys. A reported 2.2 million jobs were lost between April and June in South Africa – lost livelihoods that have a direct impact on children. Remote learning exposed the digital divide, only 11% of young people reported access to a laptop and internet according to a UNICEF SMS U-Report survey. During lockdown, routine immunisation coverage dropped to a worrying low of 61%. Childline SA reported a 67% rise in calls for help during lockdown, compared to the same period last year. UNICEF South Africa’s response is aligned to the UN’s emergency COVID-19 response plan and works across the sectors of health and nutrition; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); education; child protection; and risk communication and community engagement. Some 7 million people have been reached with COVID-19 prevention messaging and work goes on to scale up this communication to prevent a potential resurgence. Some 164,000 children are receiving healthcare services, including immunisation, prenatal, postnatal, HIV & GBV care in facilities supported by UNICEF. Child friendly safe standard operating procedures, videos and mass media work on staying safe at school reached some 21 million people, through school distribution, public service broadcast announcements and via the Children’s Radio Foundation. Through the Tshwaragano ka Bana: Let’s play, learn and grow together series, early childhood development learning materials reached more than 683,000 parents and an estimated 940,000 children under five. Some 20,000 children have been assisted with online counselling, referrals and information for their physical, emotional and psychological health. The Child Support Grant (CSG) was increased by R300 for each of the 12.5 million children receiving it in May and R500 for 7 million caregivers thereafter. To improve hand hygiene for all, 130 handwashing stations with soap have been erected across 9 provinces, alongside the distribution of 10,000 WASH kits. To respond to this crisis, UNICEF is calling on the government and partners, including the private sector to: Guarantee access to nutrition and health services and make vaccines affordable and available to every child. Increase access to safe water and hand hygiene for all. Reverse the rise in child poverty and ensure an inclusive recovery for all. Ensure all children learn, including by closing the digital divide. Support and protect the mental health of children and young people and bring an end to abuse, gender-based violence and neglect in childhood. Redouble efforts to protect children on the move and their families. On World Children’s Day – a day for and by children – UNICEF is also bringing together children and young people to ask them how they ‘reimagine’ a safer, fairer and better South Africa. The first in a series of ‘reimagining the future’ workshops will take young participants on a journey as they discuss and ultimately present their own declaration and call to action for a better a more equal South Africa with opportunities for all. Rounding off the World Children’s Day commemoration was a one-on-one online conversation between UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham and Sebabatso Nchepe, an 18-year-old South African who has a keen interest in science, gender equality and human rights. Speaking about their discussion Beckham noted that “Sebabatso is such an impressive young woman. I loved speaking to her about her life in South Africa and her dreams for the future. This day is an important reminder that we all have a duty to protect children everywhere.” ###### Download the report at: https://www.unicef.org/southafrica/research-and-reports View the discussion with David Beckham at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POoFlCN6i5k For the UNICEF survey on disruptions to child services due to COVID-19 across 148 countries from 17 August to 17 September: https://www.unicef.org/media/74146/file/Protecting-children-from-violence-in-the-time-of-covid-19.pdf About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/southafrica and www.unicef.org. For more information about COVID-19, visit www.unicef.org/coronavirus . For more information, please contact: Sudeshan Reddy, UNICEF South Africa, +27 82 561 3970, sureddy@unicef.org Toby Fricker, UNICEF South Africa, +27 61 418 7486, tfricker@unicef.org

1 of 5

Press Release

22 November 2022

68 per cent of youth say discrimination is part of everyday life – UNICEF South Africa poll

PRETORIA, 18 November 2022 – Some 68 per cent of youth in South Africa stated that discrimination is a regular part of life, from school to work and community spaces, according to a new UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll. The findings, released ahead of World Children’s Day, noted age, gender, education, income, and colour of skin as being the main reasons for discrimination. The South Africa U-Report findings are released as a new global UNICEF report, Rights denied: The impact of discrimination on children, articulates how racism and discrimination against children based on their ethnicity, language, and religion are rife in countries across the world. “World Children’s Day is a moment to strengthen our call for every child right to be respected and for every child to have the same opportunities to thrive in life,” said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative. World Children’s Day, 20 November, marks the 33rd anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history and the first international treaty to be adopted by the democratic Government of South Africa in 1995. “World Children’s Day is a moment to strengthen our call for every child right to be respected and for every child to have the same opportunities to thrive in life.” Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative The South Africa U-Report findings also showed that 80 per cent of young respondents felt discrimination has impacted their lives, or that of someone they know, to some degree. More than half stated that girls and boys with disabilities are not getting the same opportunities for skills development as others. “We must all fight discrimination against children,” said Muhigana. “The shocking levels of violence against children and the inequality that impacts young lives and feeds discrimination in South Africa must be tackled as a matter of urgency,” she added. To strengthen child rights awareness among the private sector, children are ‘taking over’ today’s UNICEF South Africa CEO Network meeting. Learners from four schools will be leading the meeting and presenting on priority issues that affect them, from climate to education and mental health. The right to equality and non-discrimination is at the core of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which clearly states that governments must protect children against all forms of discrimination.

1 of 5

Press Release

12 October 2022

More than 31 per cent of 15–19-year-old females in South Africa overweight or obese, threatening a noncommunicable diseases epidemic

PRETORIA, 11 October 2022 – The persistent high rates of overweight and obesity, particularly among adolescent girls, is putting lives at risk, as the transition phase between childhood and adulthood is a critical period for the onset of obesity-associated morbidity. Some 31.3 per cent of 15-19-year-old females are overweight or obese, compared to 9.6 per cent of males in the same age range. UNICEF South Africa has launched ‘My Body, My Health: My Wealth’, a campaign aimed at preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents and youth, coinciding with National Nutrition Week, 09 to 15 October. This supports the central theme of the Department of Health focus on ‘Making healthy food choices easier’ for all. “The high rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in South Africa are extremely concerning,” said Muriel Mafico, Deputy Representative, UNICEF South Africa. “Investing in and enabling adolescents and young people to improve their mental wellbeing and physical lifestyles, particularly adolescent and young women, will save lives and ensure a more prosperous future for society as a whole,” added Mafico. Young people’s choices to adopt healthier lifestyles are influenced by school and family environments, as well as peers and role models. Barriers to physical activity include time spent on social media and watching television, feeling tired, availability of facilities, safety, and having enough time all of which can prevent young people from being active – COVID-19 related lockdowns presented an additional challenge. The My Body, My Health: My Wealth campaign, supported by AstraZeneca's Young Health Programme (YHP), works to make NCD prevention a national priority and enable young people to live healthily. The campaign, co-created with the input of young people, meets adolescents and youth where they are: both online and offline. Creative design, engaging content, live challenges and inspiring role models will spearhead the campaign to lower the incidence of NCDs among youth in South Africa by investing in their health. NCDs are chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes. Collectively, they are responsible for 70 per cent of deaths worldwide. NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability in South Africa, carrying huge costs to patients, families, communities, the health system and the economy at large. Several NCDs can be prevented by adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress levels. UNICEF South Africa will leverage its extensive network of young volunteers across the country. Youth clubs, in and out of schools, have been invited to join the campaign, share their knowledge and encourage other young people to adopt healthy habits. Notes to Editors Statistics come from the South Africa Demographic Health Survey (SADHS 2016), as well as the UNICEF South Africa 2022 study on diet and physical activity among adolescents and youth in South Africa. Childhood obesity among children under five is 13 per cent, more than two times that of the global average, while 60 per cent of 20–24-year-old women are overweight or obese, compared to about 14.5 per cent of men the same age. The ‘My Body, My Health: My Wealth’ campaign supports the 2022 ‘National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases’ led by the National Department of Health.

1 of 5

View all