South Africa took a confident story of progress to the world stage this week, telling the United Nations that access to electricity, safe drinking water, sanitation, digital connectivity and social protection has steadily improved, and that the country remains firmly on course in its pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, delivered the message on Tuesday during the General Debate of the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Real Gains on the Ground
Mohai told delegates that, despite a demanding global environment, South Africa has made measurable progress across several fronts.
“Access to electricity, safe drinking water, sanitation, digital connectivity, and social protection services has improved over the years. Investments in renewable energy and sustainable industrialisation are contributing to a more resilient and inclusive economy,” he said.
He added that the expansion of broadband infrastructure and digital access is “creating new opportunities for innovation, education, and economic participation.”
The Deputy Minister highlighted that the Sustainable Development Goals are fully integrated into South Africa’s own planning architecture, woven through the National Development Plan Vision 2030 and the Medium-Term Development Plan, so that global goals and national delivery pull in the same direction.
Leaving No One Behind
Mohai said the country’s development agenda remains anchored in inclusivity, equality, human dignity and sustainable economic transformation, with deliberate attention to those most at risk of being excluded.
“South Africa remains committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural communities, and other vulnerable groups,” he said.
He pointed to strengthened partnerships with civil society, the private sector, academia, development partners and international organisations as a key engine for inclusive and sustainable development outcomes, alongside continued priority investment in infrastructure, energy transition initiatives, industrial development, youth employment, skills development and climate resilience.
Next Stop: 2027 Progress Report
Looking ahead, Mohai congratulated fellow member states presenting their Voluntary National Reviews at this year’s forum and confirmed that South Africa looks forward to presenting its own next review in 2027, an opportunity to measure progress, share lessons and accelerate delivery in the final stretch to 2030.
He closed his address on a distinctly South African note, paying tribute to the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, whose values, he said, continue to inspire efforts towards a more just, peaceful and equitable world.
With the SDGs stitched into national plans and the country’s development indicators moving in the right direction, South Africa’s message in New York was clear: the work continues, and the progress is real. The address was reported by SAnews.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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