SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife. It is home
to several iconic natural attractions, including the Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Cape Point, and the
Garden Route. Safaris and wildlife conservation are popular tourist activities.
Kruger National Park is located in the northeastern part of the country, Kruger National Park is one of Africa's
largest game reserves and a premier wildlife destination. It is home to the famous Big Five: lions, elephants,
buffalos, leopards, and rhinoceroses. Visitors can go on safari drives to spot these animals as well as numerous
other species, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, and various antelope species.
Table Mountain National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the city. The park offers
breathtaking panoramic views, diverse plant life, and numerous hiking trails. Exploring the park's unique fynbos
vegetation is a must-do for nature enthusiasts.
The Garden Route is a scenic stretch known for its lush forests, picturesque coastal towns, and stunning
beaches. It offers opportunities for hiking, whale watching, and exploring nature reserves such as Tsitsikamma
National Park and Wilderness National Park.

South Africa has significant mineral resources, including gold, platinum, coal, and diamonds. The mining
industry has played a crucial role in the country's economy, although efforts are being made to diversify and
promote sustainable development.
South Africa was once the world's largest producer of gold and played a significant role in the global gold
industry. The discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand Basin in the late 19th century led to a gold rush and the
development of Johannesburg as a major mining hub.
South Africa is the world's leading producer of platinum, as well as a major producer of palladium, rhodium,
and other Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). The Bushveld Igneous Complex in the northern part of the country is
one of the largest PGM-bearing ore bodies globally.
South Africa has abundant coal reserves and is one of the top coal producers in the world. Coal mining has been
a significant industry in the country, providing a major source of energy for electricity generation and
supporting the growth of the steel and petrochemical sectors.
South Africa has a long history of diamond mining and was once the leading global producer of diamonds. The
famous Kimberley Mine, located in the Northern Cape province, was one of the world's richest diamond mines.
South Africa is a major producer of both chromium and manganese, which are essential elements used in
various industrial applications. The country's chrome and manganese reserves are among the largest globally.
South Africa is a significant producer of iron ore, primarily from the rich deposits in the Northern Cape
province. Iron ore is a crucial raw material for the steel industry.
South Africa also has deposits of other minerals, including copper, nickel, vanadium, titanium, and various
industrial minerals such as limestone, phosphate rock, and salt.
South Africa is a country of remarkable beauty, offering a diverse range of natural landscapes, vibrant cultures,
and historical sites. South Africa also has a Coastal Beauty with an extensive coastline stretching over 2,500
kilometers (1,550 miles), South Africa boasts stunning beaches that cater to a variety of interests. From the
pristine white sands of the Western Cape to the surfing hotspots of Durban and the wild coastlines of the Eastern
Cape, the country offers a diverse coastal experience.

South Africa struggles with significant socioeconomic disparities, stemming from its history of apartheid and
systemic discrimination. The gap between the rich and the poor remains substantial, with high levels of poverty
and unemployment, particularly affecting black communities. These inequalities have implications for access to
education, healthcare, housing, and basic services.
South Africa has a relatively high crime rate, including incidents of violent crime, property theft, and organized
crime. Urban areas, in particular, experience higher crime levels, which can impact personal safety and the well-
being of residents and visitors. It is advisable to exercise caution and be aware of one's surroundings while in
South Africa.
Corruption is a significant concern in South Africa and poses a challenge to effective governance and public
service delivery. Instances of corruption have been reported at various levels of government, leading to a loss of
public trust, economic inefficiencies, and hindrances to social development.
South Africa faces health challenges, including high rates of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. The
country has made significant strides in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but it continues to impact
communities and place a burden on the healthcare system. Additionally, access to quality healthcare services
remains a challenge in certain areas, particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities.
South Africa has made progress in expanding access to education, there are persistent challenges within the
education system. Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and disparities in educational
quality contribute to a lack of equal opportunities and hinder the country's overall development.
Unemployment rates in South Africa are relatively high, particularly among young people. Limited job
opportunities, skills mismatches, and barriers to entry into the labor market contribute to this challenge.
Addressing unemployment is crucial for social stability and inclusive economic growth.
South Africa faces environmental issues such as water scarcity, deforestation, and pollution. Climate change
poses additional risks, including changing weather patterns and increased vulnerability to natural disasters.
Sustainable resource management and environmental conservation are vital for the country's long-term
sustainability.

 South Africa’s first Voluntary National Review (VNR) is testimony to the national commitment to the
full and integrated implementation of Agenda 2030 and includes multi-stakeholder contributions. The
review will assist in understanding the impact of policies and programmes towards realising sustainable
development and the considerable developmental challenges that remain. The shortcomings highlighted
- particularly the need to improve multi-stakeholder engagement - will be addressed. A national
coordinating mechanism has been established for national engagements and reporting on the 2030
Agenda, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Southern African Development Community’s
 Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, in alignment with the National Development Plan
(NDP).
 Achieving the SDGs is in South Africa’s interest. TheNDP is closely aligned to the 2030 Agenda. The
NDP prioritises the elimination of poverty, reduction of inequality and growing an inclusive economy by
2030. NDP goals are aligned to SDGs and to AU Agenda 2063, and are integrated into Government
planning systems and processes at national, provincial and local level.

o Major strides in addressing gender inequalities: Legislative frameworks have been developed
aimed at ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls. Representation of women
in national parliament has increased: 25% in 1994 to 41% in 2016. Approximately 35% of
permanent judges are women.

o Acting on climate change. Implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on

Climate Change and its Paris Agreement is of paramount importance. A suite of legislation and
policies have been adopted, including a carbon tax, to address climate change and to enhance the
country’s ability to adapt to ongoing environmental changes. Significant investments are made in
renewable energy, cleaner public transport, energy efficiency, waste management and land
restoration initiatives.

o Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, particularly for
the poor. South Africa is among leaders in the transition to sustainable energy by 2030.

o Conserving the use of oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Measures
are implemented to sustainably manage considerable national marine resources to boost
economic growth, job creation and infrastructural development.

o An Integrated Urban Development Framework has been adopted to guide the development of
inclusive, resilient and liveable urban settlements.

o Continued investment in and harnessing of science, technology and innovation. In the spirit of
leaving no one behind, the science, technology and innovation system continues to invest in
programmes that advance inclusion of girls, indigenous knowledge holders and innovators.

Major challenges remain:

o Persistent high levels of inequalities (SDG 10).

o Violence against women and femicide continue.

o Discrimination persists.

o Securing a just transition to a low carbon economy while a high degree of dependence on fossil
fuels prevails.
  International support is required in the implementation of sustainable development programmes,
notwithstanding that the overwhelming majority of development resources are derived nationally and
account for the greatest portion of Government spending.

 We all have a role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The implementation of
SDGs is inclusive and transparent. Working together with all stakeholders and partners we can ensure
that a better life for all becomes a reality.

Going towards 2030, critical interventions include: disaggregated data; addressing corruption; improved
employment opportunities for the most vulnerable, discriminated sectors in society; strengthening multi-
stakeholder partnerships; eliminating gender inequalities and gender-based violence; and gauging the impact of
the 4th Industrial Revolution.