In a thrilling fusion of sport, purpose, and passion, the United Nations in South Africa joined forces with the Basketball Africa League (BAL) for its electrifying final at SunBet Arena at Time Square. This was not just to witness world-class athleticism, but to underscore the powerful role of sports in driving sustainable development and social change.The UN in South Africa, through its partnership with BAL and commitment to promoting sports for development, made a powerful and inclusive impact by donating 1,000 tickets to schoolchildren and youth from diverse communities, including aspiring young athletes from basketball associations across Gauteng Province. These tickets were far more than passes to a game; they were gateways to inspiration, inclusion, and possibility. For many, stepping into the atmosphere of the prestigious SunBet Arena was a first, a moment that transformed distant dreams into tangible experiences and offered a rare sense of belonging in a popular sporting environment.The UN Resident Coordinator and also head of the UN in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, was present and actively took part in promoting the Substantiable Development Goals. His presence reinforced the message that the global goals are not just distant ideals, but tangible commitments that involve community engagement, collective participation and youth empowerment.  Adding to the significance of the occasion was the presence of UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) volunteers, who graciously joined the outreach and offered on-the-ground support and engagement. Dressed in their recognizable blue, the volunteers were more than symbolic participants, they were actively involved in guiding youth and encouraging meaningful conversation.    Over the course of two unforgettable days, from 6 to 7 June, the SunBet Arena pulsed with energy, purpose, and possibility. The event was a bold call to action, urging young people to recognize their own potential as drivers of change, while also challenging broader society to invest in inclusive, transformative experiences that reach those often left behind. I’ve witnessed firsthand how sports like basketball can transform lives and communities. That’s why I urge the United Nations to invest in sports capacity building programs, such as the Junior NBA, to harness the full potential of athletics as a tool for global development. Basketball is more than a game, it is a vehicle for change. Though underrated in some regions, the success of initiatives like the Basketball Africa League (BAL) proves its power to unite people across borders, cultures, and backgrounds. - Joseph Kazembe Former Vikings/ Jump Academy Player University of JohannesburgRooted in the spirit and values of the 17 SDGs, the initiative stood as a compelling example of how partnerships, purposeful outreach, and the universal language of sport can break down barriers, uplift communities, and help shape a more just, equal, and sustainable future for all.Through this sports initiative, the UN amplified key SDGs that included: good health and well-being, which promotes mental, physical, and emotional health through sport; quality education which engages schools and encourages life-long learning beyond traditional classrooms.; reduced inequalities by making global events accessible to under-represented communities; and partnerships through collaboration with BAL, UNICEF, and local youth networks. , filtered_html

South Africa is standing at a demographic crossroads. According to Statistics South Africa’s 2024 Mid-Year Population Estimates, the population under the age of 35 is approximately 36.5 million, representing about 58% of the total population of 63.02 million. The country, therefore, possesses a powerful engine for socio-economic transformation: its young people.. But this engine must be fuelled—through investments in health, education, gender equality, and decent work opportunities—to unlock the demographic dividend and advance inclusive development.The demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential that results from shifts in a country’s age structure, particularly when the working-age population is larger than the non-working-age groups. South Africa is uniquely positioned to reap this dividend, but the opportunity is time-bound and contingent on deliberate, coordinated policy actions and investments.  Realizing the Promise of the Demographic DividendWhile South Africa has made progress in expanding access to education and basic services, many young people—especially those in rural and under-resourced communities—face persistent barriers that hinder their ability to thrive. High youth unemployment, low levels of foundational literacy and numeracy, early and unintended pregnancies, and entrenched gender inequalities are just a few of the challenges standing in the way of realizing the demographic dividend.To address this, the Government of South Africa, together with all stakeholders, must adopt an integrated approach to human capital development—starting from early childhood through adolescence and into young adulthood.“Harnessing the demographic dividend is not automatic. It requires bold, coherent action across sectors—education, health, social development, and the economy. We must all be rowing in the same direction,”
— Mr. Yu Yu, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) RepresentativeInvesting in Health and RightsHealth is the bedrock of human capital. Yet adolescent girls in South Africa remain at high risk of early and unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and gender-based violence. These realities significantly reduce girls’ chances of completing school and participating fully in the economy.The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) supports the government in scaling up access to adolescent and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, strengthening school health programmes, and expanding comprehensive sexuality education. Supporting these efforts, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) continues to champion community health systems that provide early childhood health and nutrition interventions, especially among marginalised communities..These are not just health interventions—they are economic strategies. A healthy population is more productive, resilient, and able to contribute to national development. Quality Education and Skills for a Changing WorldIt is notable that South Africa’s education system has achieved near-universal enrolment at primary level. However, significant challenges remain with learning outcomes. The 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) revealed that 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language.Addressing this foundational crisis is essential, therefore UNICEF is working with the Department of Basic Education and partners to strengthen early grade reading programmes, teacher development, and school readiness initiatives. Equally important is ensuring that learner’s transition successfully into secondary education and acquire the digital, entrepreneurial, and life skills needed for the future world of work, hence this remains a key priority.“Education is not just about preparing our children for exams—it’s about preparing them for life, for innovation, and for civic engagement. Every child who learns is a child who leads,”
— Ms. Christine Muhigana, UNICEF RepresentativeEconomic Empowerment and Youth EmploymentAccording to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the fourth quarter of 2024, approximately 3.5 million young people aged 15–24 years were not in employment, education, or training (NEET). This not only limits the country’s growth potential but also increases vulnerability to poverty, violence, and social exclusion.Creating pathways to economic participation for young people is crucial. This includes investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), support for youth entrepreneurship, and partnerships with the private sector to align training with market demand.Advancing Gender Equality and Social InclusionGender-based violence, child marriage, and deeply ingrained social norms continue to hinder the development of girls and women in South Africa. True demographic and economic transformation cannot occur without addressing these issues head-on.UNFPA supports government initiatives such as the Sanitary Dignity Programme and the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, and implements social and behaviour change communication programmes that empower adolescent girls and boys to challenge harmful norms and build respectful relationships.In addressing these concerns, UNICEF emphasises that a whole-of-society approach be taken, because government alone cannot achieve the scale of transformation required. Every sector, every citizen has a role to play.Better Data, Stronger Governance, and Integrated PartnershipsEffective planning and monitoring require accurate, disaggregated data that tells the full story of young people’s realities. The 2022 Census and ongoing data collaboration through the National Population Unit, Statistics South Africa, and development agencies provide the evidence base needed to guide targeted investments in youth and children.In our collective quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,, coordination across government departments, the private sector , civil society, and development partners is essential. Human capital development is not a single programme—it is a national agenda that must be embedded in South Africa’s development frameworks, including the National Development Plan, the Integrated Youth Development Strategy, the National Programme of Action for Children and the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC).A Call to ActionSouth Africa’s window to harness the demographic dividend is narrowing. If we act decisively—ensuring that health, education, protection, and economic inclusion are guaranteed for all children and youth—we can build a future that is more equitable, productive, and united.“Young people in South Africa represent our greatest hope for a prosperous and inclusive future. But this hope must be nurtured through visionary leadership and sustained investment in human capital,”
— Mr. Nelson Muffuh, United Nations Resident Coordinator in South AfricaIf we do not act now, we risk losing a generation to poverty, unemployment, and inequality. But if we do act—strategically, inclusively, and with urgency—we can build a nation that is more prosperous, equitable, and resilient.UNICEF and UNFPA reaffirm their commitment to supporting South Africa’s child and youth agenda, to ensure that every child and young person has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Let us invest in our youth—not just as beneficiaries of development, but as architects of our future.The time to invest in human capital is now. The dividend awaits!First Published by Mail & Guardian: Investing in young lives: A pathway to harnessing the demographic dividend and advancing human capital development – The Mail & Guardian, filtered_html

If Shakespeare were writing Marc Antony’s famous eulogy from Julius Caesar today and in a South African context, he would probably have said, “The good that South Africa and South Africans do is oft interred with their bones.”  These adapted words from Shakespeare, shared by Professor Olive Shisana during her farewell tribute, reverberated across the room at the M&G Critical Thinking Forum on 9 May 2025—marking the end of a distinguished chapter in public service, but not the end of her mission.Professor Shisana, renowned for her fearless feminist leadership and scientific rigor, closed her formal role as Special Adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa with characteristic humility and purpose. “Today is a deeply emotional occasion for me—emotion is not a word often associated with scientists!” she quipped, striking a delicate balance between heartfelt reflection and resolute optimism.For over three decades, Professor Shisana has stood at the helm of South Africa’s transformation efforts—shaping public health policy, advancing gender justice, and anchoring evidence-based governance. In her six-and-a-half-year tenure within the Presidency, she served not only as a technical adviser but as a moral compass on issues affecting the nation’s most vulnerable.“Being Special Adviser to the President was not merely a role—it was a calling,” she said. “Together, we navigated some of the most complex challenges of our democratic dispensation.” Transforming the Gender LandscapeHer legacy is perhaps most visible in the national response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), elevating it to a national issue. From galvanizing the Women’s March to the Union Buildings in 2018 to steering the development of the Ten-Year National Strategic Plan on GBVF, Professor Shisana helped elevate gender justice to a national priority. “We fought for the rights of girls and boys, and even men, recognising GBV as a societal crisis that demands collective action.”Under her leadership, research into femicide and HIV prevalence studies gained traction, legal and policy reforms were catalysed, and accountability structures emerged across institutions. “We must now double down on prevention,” she urged, reminding stakeholders that the work was far from over.Beyond our borders, her efforts rallied behind the AU End Gender-Based Violence Convention, which the African Union has now approved. The work continues to ensure its ratification in at least 11 countries so that it may take full effect.  A Blueprint for the FutureHer work extended beyond gender justice. “We worked tirelessly on the National Health Insurance (NHI), ensuring it was thoroughly developed, consulted upon, submitted to Cabinet and Parliament, and signed into law—a significant leap toward universal healthcare access,” she recalled. It is no minor achievement. She continued reminiscing … “we forged the Five-Year Presidential Health Compact to strengthen our healthcare system and then renewed our commitment with yet another Five-Year Compact.”The forum, which was more than a tribute—it was, as she called it, “a blueprint”—brought together luminaries in health, education, gender equality, and governance. Their testimonies spoke to Shisana’s ability to convene, to inspire, and to act.Tributes poured in on Professor Shisana’s consistency in amplifying concerns of the most vulnerable populations and effectively elevating these issues to the highest levels of political decision-making, her unwavering advocacy ensured that the needs of marginalised communities were not only heard but also prioritised in national policy dialogues,” she stated.From co-leading ACT-A globally to advocating for children through the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), Shisana’s fingerprints are all over South Africa’s social development framework. Speaking highly of Professor Shisana’s long-standing partnership with the UN system, Mr. Nelson Muffuh, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, spoke to her visionary leadership, and the transformative role she played in advancing the health and rights of women, children, while stressing the urgency of addressing the ‘unfinished business’ she began: reducing maternal and child mortality, expanding access to sexual and reproductive health rights, and building inclusive health systems.Professor Shisana’s role in establishing the Global Leader Network for Women, Children, and Adolescent Health, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, was acknowledged. Working together with the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), her “pivotal voice” on global platforms, advocating for Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights, adolescent health, and gender equality moved the agenda forward.And yet, she was clear-eyed about the challenges.Indeed, the journey was never easy. Obstacles arose at every turn. Yet, at no point did she ever feel like stopping—”because all of you were there, pushing forward, moving the needle, ensuring progress. Indeed, as our beloved Madiba so often reminded us:  “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.”  “Yes, we did all this together. These achievements stand as proof of what collaboration can accomplish. And as we confront the challenges of today and those yet to come, let us never forget that our strength lies in unity. The road ahead is long, but we will rise to achieve our goals together,” she retorted.“We also did not always communicate our achievements effectively… and we are a nation preoccupied with negativity,” she noted. “The refrain is often, ‘Nothing was done.’ But we know this is not true. The data, the policies, the lives changed—they tell another story.”A Call to Remember—and to ActHer remarks were not only a recollection of past work, but also a rallying cry for those who remain in the trenches. To civil society leaders like Masimanyane and the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA), she extended heartfelt appreciation. To global donors and development partners—from the Ford Foundation and the Gates Foundation to the United Nations agencies—she offered thanks on behalf of all South Africans whose lives were touched by their contributions.With grace and gratitude, she acknowledged her family—her husband of over 50 years, William, and their children Nkateko and Fumani—as her rock and reservoir of strength.To President Cyril Ramaphosa, she offered praise for his willingness to engage deeply, listen closely, and lead steadfastly during times of profound crisis. The Journey ContinuesWhile her formal role in government ends, Shisana’s parting message was clear: “My commitment remains unwavering.” Through her private organisations and continued advocacy, she will carry forward the work of transforming institutions, driving gender equality and building systems that leave no one behind.As she said:“Even some of the world’s most advanced democracies did not attain such progress in 32 short years. We must never lose sight of this.”Let this moment serve not as a goodbye, but as a continuation—of her example, her lessons, and her enduring belief that science, leadership, and humanity must work hand in hand., filtered_html

Pretoria, 20 May 2025 — South Africa joined the global community in commemorating World Bee Day at a special event held at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Roodeplaat, Pretoria. The celebration, led by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, South African Bee industry Organisation & Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, brought together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and beekeeping communities to highlight the essential role of bees in global food security and biodiversity. Speaking at the event, Dr. Babadana Ahmadu, the FAO Representative for South Africa, emphasized the urgency of protecting bee populations as part of a broader effort to ensure sustainable agriculture and combat food insecurity. “Bees are the silent heroes of our agricultural systems,” Dr. Ahmadu said. “They pollinate nearly 75% of the world’s food crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts, making them indispensable to our diets and livelihoods.”Dr. Ahmadu acknowledged the mounting threats facing bee populations—including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease—and urged stakeholders to act decisively. “It is imperative that we take action to conserve these essential pollinators before it’s too late. Safeguarding bees is safeguarding our food supply,” he said. Highlighting the importance of local leadership and community-based initiatives, the FAO representative also celebrated three young women entrepreneurs from the Pretoria-based beekeeping group Buzzing Brood. These women were recognized for their innovation and dedication to sustainable beekeeping. Dr. Ahmadu announced FAO’s support for the trio, presenting them with essential beekeeping equipment and protective clothing to boost their honey production and serve as role models in their communities.“We believe in the power of youth and women to transform agriculture and promote environmental stewardship,” Dr. Ahmadu noted. “These dynamic entrepreneurs exemplify how beekeeping can support livelihoods while preserving biodiversity.” In her address at the World Bee Day celebrations, Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, emphasized the need for collaboration to advance the beekeeping sector, stating, "We must work collectively toward growing the beekeeping sector, making it more inclusive, sustainable and aligned with ecological safety." She highlighted key challenges such as the reckless use of agrochemicals, climate change, and hive theft, calling for coordinated community and safety responses to protect beekeepers’ investments. Ramokgopa also announced upcoming trade discussions with China’s Hunan province to boost honey exports, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to beekeeping as a pillar of sustainable agriculture and food security.The event concluded with a joint commitment from stakeholders—including the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Agricultural Marketing Council, and industry partners—to strengthen policies that support bee conservation and sustainable agriculture.World Bee Day, observed annually on 20 May, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between pollinators and people. This year’s commemoration in South Africa reinforced the message that protecting bees is not just an environmental concern—it’s a national imperative for food security, community development, and ecological resilience. , filtered_html