Service Issue 85

snippets
S
SERVE AND DELIVER
LET US MAKE SA GREAT
In 1994, we had a dream of forging a new nation. We imagined a country
that worked for everyone and offered people a chance to live their dreams.
Together we have built a new society from the ashes of a system that sought
to entrench racial and economic discrimination and oppression.
The dream of 1994 lives on in the determination of South Africans to build
a better tomorrow and in the change brought about by the work of successive
administrations since 1994.
The milestone of 30 years of freedom, which we celebrate this year, is an
opportune moment to reflect on our past and how far we have come.
Today, citizens have access to improved healthcare, and we continue to
work towards the implementation of universal healthcare for all. We have
succeeded in ensuring a healthier population.
Enrolment for children of compulsory school-going ages increased from
51% in 1994 to well over 90% at present. In universities, it has increased
from 494 356 in 1994 to over one-million now, edging closer to the NDP
target of 1.6-million enrolments by 2030.
The number of people in employment has doubled from about eight-million
in 1994 to over 16.7-million now.
Despite these notable advances, there is still much more work to be
done. Poverty, unemployment and inequality still define the lives of millions
of our people.
As we seek to rebuild and overcome these challenges, we will need the
help and support of all South Africans. Our history since 1994 has shown that
we are at our strongest when we are united and focus on a common goal.
Former President Nelson Mandela once said, “Sometimes it falls upon a
generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness
blossom.” The success of our country rests in our hands and by working
together and harnessing our collective strengths we can become the
generation that seeks to address our past in a manner that builds our future.
As government, we are aware that we lost much during the state capture era
but having emerged from one of the lowest moments in the post-democratic
era, we now have a chance to rebuild our nation, while also ensuring that we
address the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in our system.
We have embarked on a new path defined by a fierce determination that
we build back better and stronger and ensure that we leave no-one behind.
However, we cannot do it alone; we need the help of individuals and
communities to drive the change we want to see. In isolation, single actions
might seem insignificant but they are key in driving social and societal change,
and when multiplied across communities they can morph into an unstoppable
force for change.
By Gill Price, Director: Communication Resource Centre, Government
Communication and Information System
CLIMATE CHANGE FUND TO BE ESTABLISHED
Government is expected to establish a Climate Change Response Fund to address
the devastating effects of the phenomenon on vulnerable areas in South Africa.
“This will bring together all spheres of government and the private sector in a
collaborative effort to build our resilience and respond to the impacts of climate
change,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa explained that furthermore, through reforms, government is
positioning the economy for “future growth in a world shaped by climate change
and a revolution in green technologies”.
“In the last three years, our country has seen an increase in extreme
weather events, often with disastrous consequences. This is why we are
implementing a just energy transition, not only to reduce carbon emissions
and fight climate change
but to create growth and
jobs for our people.
“We will undertake
this transition at a pace,
scale and cost that our
country can afford and in
a manner that ensures
energy security.
“With our abundance of solar, wind and mineral resources, we are going to
create thousands of jobs in renewable energy, green hydrogen, green steel,
electric vehicles and other green products.”
Electric vehicle manufacturing
The president highlighted that green hydrogen and electric vehicle manufacturing
are receiving particular attention.
“We are going to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the Boegoebaai
port to drive investment in green energy. There is a great deal of interest from
the private sector to participate in the boom that will be generated from green
hydrogen energy projects.
“We have decided to support electric vehicle manufacturing in South Africa to
grow our automotive sector, which provides good jobs to thousands of workers.
We have decided to give special focus to regions like Mpumalanga to enable
the creation of new industries, new economic opportunities and sustainable jobs.
“In the past year, we have increased the financing pledges for our Just
Energy Transition Investment Plan from around R170-billion to almost
R240-billion,” he said.
SAnews.gov.za
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