Overview
South Africa's 2024 Voluntary National Review (VNR) reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The country has integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its National Development Plan and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Key areas of progress include comprehensive social protection, universal health coverage, reductions in maternal and child mortality, increased access to education, gender equality, water and sanitation access, and substantial financing for a just energy transition.
The report provides several metrics to assess South Africa's progress towards the 2023 targets. There are indicators for economic growth, carbon emissions, and social development, among others. For instance, economic growth rates, greenhouse gas emissions, and various health metrics are detailed. The report shows signs of progress but also highlights persistent challenges such as unemployment, energy security, and political dynamics.
South Africa's VNR highlights significant strides in areas such as social protection, healthcare, and renewable energy. However, substantial challenges remain, particularly in economic and political spheres. The country’s experience underscores the importance of aligning national strategies with global goals, mobilizing financial resources, and strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.
Conclusion
South Africa's 2025 VNR underscores the nation's enduring commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reflecting an inclusive process aligned with its National Development Plan and the African Union's Agenda 2063. The report highlights commendable progress in improving the lives of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, through comprehensive social protection, advancements in health, water sanitation and education, and strengthened anti-corruption institutions.
Despite these achievements, serious challenges persist, including high unemployment and income inequality, a critical energy crisis, infrastructure inefficiencies, high levels of violent crime, and systemic inequities in healthcare. The VNR process has, however, provided crucial insights and reaffirmed the need for strategic interventions.
To accelerate SDG achievement, South Africa is prioritizing six high-impact mechanisms: enhancing human well-being through social infrastructure, investing in youth for high job growth potential fields (like green and digital economies), creating economic opportunities by expanding sustainable energy sources, unblocking infrastructure constraints with green and resilient investments, rebuilding public trust through effective institutions, and mobilizing diverse means for implementation. The path forward demands strong leadership, inclusive policy implementation, and robust collaboration across all sectors of society to build a more cohesive, equitable, and sustainable future for all South Africans.
