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A magazine of the UN in South Africa
Vol 1, Issue No. 2, June 2018
NEW HEAD OF UN IN SOUTH AFRICA
Nardos Bekele-Thomas
UN Games 2018: UN food agency Education:
South Africa plays warns of rising Leaving no
host food insecurity child behind
InFocus 1 A magazine of the UN in South Africa
CONTENTS
13
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital
underscores the importance of
partnerships
“If the world was equal and we were to build a health facility
6 for our children, what would it look like?”
Refugee agency launches a new home-
interview
grown solution to Africa’s refugee crisis
in this issue... 4 Nardos Bekele-Thomas
- The new United Nations Resident
7 Two million more South Africans to be initiated on HIV Coordinator in South Africa
treatment by 2020
8 Early grade reading study helps to end the cycle of poverty
9 Industry 4.0 unpacked at a national dialogue
10 Companies should be advocates and investors in gender equality
11 Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impact
A magazine of the UN in South Africa
12 UN agency warns of rising food insecurity in Southern Africa
Volume 1. Issue 02. | June 2018
14 The social and solidarity economy: developing a policy to promote
social and economic change Publisher
Nardos Bekele-Thomas
15 Visiting Swedish minister stresses the value of sexuality education
UN Resident Coordinator
18 Leaving no child behind through care and support for teaching and
learning Editorial Team
UNIC Pretoria
19 “Keep on rising”, officials urge young women and girls
20 Special envoy commends South Africa for generously hosting
Somali refugees Editorial Advisory Board
Zeenat Abdool (UNIC)
21 Making reading the passport to success Markku Aikomus (UNHCR)
22 Youth Champions in Action: Monitoring the implementation of the Ethel Maringa (RCO)
Sustainable Development Goals in Africa Ziyanda Ngoma (UNFPA)
Sudeshan Reddy (UNICEF)
23 Partners display the fruits of joint projects at the Africa Energy Masimba Tafirenyika (UNIC)
Indaba
24 UN Youth Envoy engages UN staff in South Africa Contacts:
The Editor, UNIC Pretoria
25 Lawmakers commit to use the power of science, technology and P.O. Box 12677, Tramshed, Pretoria, 0126
innovation Tel: +27-12-354-8506; Fax: +27-12-354-8501
26 World Health Organization helps scale up South Africa’s response Email: info.pretoria@unic.org
to listeriosis outbreak Website: www.un.org.za/magazine/current-
issue
27 Techno girl: making opportunities possible
27 Cancer Awareness Campaign InFocus is published in English by the United
Nations in South Africa. Its contents do not
28 Cape Town water taps running dry: city averts water crisis - for now necessarily reflect the views of the United
30 Staff profiles Nations. Articles from this magazine may be
freely reprinted. Copyrighted photos may not
31 UN Games unite staff: South Africa to host the 2018 Africa UN be reproduced.
Games InFocus 2 A magazine of the UN in South Africa
EDITORIAL NOTE
W
elcome to our second edition of InFocus, an online magazine of the United
Nations system in South Africa. In this issue, the new UN Resident Coordinator in
South Africa, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, shares her perspectives on the work of the
organization and her vision for South Africa. Ms. Bekele-Thomas is also the UN Humanitarian
Coordinator and the Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in
this country.
As with the previous edition, you will find in this issue a mix of stories covering a wide variety
of some of the UN’s activities in this country: ranging from stories with a human interest to
stories on projects and activities by various agencies.
Our readers will discover how UNICEF is working with schools in rural communities to
improve the quality of education with amazing results. The Food and Agriculture Organization
is warning of the rising threat to food security in Southern Africa as a result of the ongoing
drought, while UNDP continues to monitor the implementation of Sustainable Development
Goals and the impact of climate change in the region. The World Health Organization gives
advice and updates on listeriosis, which is currently affecting South Africa as it experiences
the world’s worst outbreak of listeriosis, an infection caused by food poisoning.
These and many other UN stories in this issue focused on Sustainable Development Goals,
provide a synopsis of the ongoing work of the UN in partnership with the government and
other organizations. We hope they will help you to at least get an idea of the contribution the
UN is making in assisting South Africa implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
As always, we welcome your feedback on this and future issues.
InFocus 3 A magazine of the UN in South Africa
INTERVIEW
Nardos Bekele-Thomas
UN Resident Coordinator - South Africa
The new United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) in South Africa, Nardos
Bekele-Thomas, assumed office in Pretoria at the beginning of February. She is
also the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and the Resident Representative of the
UN Development Programme (UNDP). She has held similar positions in Kenya
and Benin and has worked in several countries including at UN Headquarters
in New York. She recently sat down with InFocus’ Masimba Tafirenyika to
talk about the experiences she brings to South Africa and her vision for the
country. Here are the excerpts from the interview:
I
nFocus: What was your reaction when you first learned hope among South Africans. The transition was also a very
that you’ve been appointed as the new RC for South good sign for the UN. We saw opportunities to work with
Africa? the local and national governments, to support them and to
help them meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Nardos Bekele-Thomas: South Africa was on my radar all the and also realize, to some extent, the promises of leaving no
time. I applied for the post of Resident Coordinator. I had other one behind.
opportunities but I really opted to come to South Africa for so
many reasons. My name went through several clearances, What would you consider as the priorities for the UN system
including with the Interagency Appointing Committee. After here in SA?
I was cleared by the committee and the Secretary-General
approved the appointment, I was really delighted. It was like The number one challenge facing South Africa is income
a dream come true. inequality. As you know, the Gini co-efficient for South Africa
is the highest in the world; South Africa is the most unequal
Could you share with our readers what exactly is the role of country globally. Yes, it is true the country is young. It is just 24
the RC? years old but still we need to do something about inequality.
We need to move on all the historically marginalized entities
The role of the UN Resident Coordinator is becoming much
and people. Also, the whole economic situation is not very
more important than what it used to be before the new
encouraging. To solve inequality, we need to make sure the
development agenda reform, but also given the fact that UN
country maintains and sustains economic growth that is
resources are really dwindling down and we are expected to
strong enough to address all its social ills. It is encouraging
be more efficient and effective. This can only be done if we
coordinate all our activities and deliver as one. Therefore, to note that youth unemployment is on the agenda of the
the responsibility of the RC is more on how to coordinate newly-elected President Cyril Ramaphosa as he clearly
the operational activities of the UN systems—at least 17 articulated in his State of the Nation Address [SONA].
UN entities here in South Africa—so that we can deliver Youth unemployment and inequality are critical issues that
results for South Africa in a very effective and efficient require strong economic growth. We can only resolve youth
manner, respond to the needs of the country and support unemployment and inequality if we create opportunities for
the government to do the same. young people to participate in the economic transformation
of this country. And these are the things that we can do as
You arrived here in the middle of a political leadership the UN together while addressing all the other critical issues
transition. What were your first impressions of South Africa? such HIV and access to health care and education.
It was a real roller coaster. I arrived here with a letter addressed You have been the RC in Kenya and Benin in the past.
to President Jacob Zuma. I realized then that there was From what you know about the South African development
uncertainty over his resignation which eventually culminated environment, how different are its challenges from other
in exactly that. I also experienced the hope and dwindling of African countries?
InFocus 4 A magazine of the UN in South Africa
It is very different in two aspects. First, from what I have seen people can be happy with just basic needs. The whole idea
and read since I arrived, inequality is more visible here than of happiness emanated from the King of Bhutan. His idea
in Benin and Kenya. Second, when we talk about poverty, was for people to be happy with what they have. That’s
the poor in this country are really worse off than in Kenya when I realized that material things are not as important as
and Benin. This is because when you go in the rural areas of one’s happiness in terms of human development. That’s
Benin and Kenya you will see grains, you will see vegetables, how the Bhutanese government introduced the happiness
you will see everything in the house. The poverty in most of index, which measures human development in terms of
the African countries is monetary poverty; they don’t have people’s happiness. In Comoros, I sat down with people
the money to buy other things but they have access to basic on the floor, listening to them and addressing their basic
“
foods. Here, what I see is that people needs. I had different memorable
are not in subsistence agriculture. moments in each country. I believe
That means if they are not employed We are all a UN the most important thing for us is
then there is nothing for them. I was to have the capacity to understand
surprised to realize that they can family and we people and their cultures and to not
rarely afford more than one meal a
day. It is a sign of the deep inequality need to have a bring or impose our own views. In
“
all these countries, including Kenya
in this country. On the other hand,
the paradox is glaring. South Africa is
shared vision and Benin, I learned that if you really
integrate with people, you will have
technologically advanced, with well- - Nardos Bekele-Thomas many memories and rewards. I hope
established and well-run academic I will be able to make friends here and
institutions and very good medical integrate within the society, make a
services but catering for a small difference, be part of the society and
group of people. not see myself as a foreigner.
Where do you see the country going now in terms of these What is your message as the new RC to UN staff and to the
economic challenges that you are talking about over the people of South Africa?
next five to 10 years?
To UN staff, we are a family. The RC is a UN staff member. We
I think there is so much hope. The president has articulated are all a UN family and we need to have a shared vision and
his vision as he outlined in the SONA. If the government move together in all our work. We need to listen to and support
implements what has been promised, there would be a the national staff because they know the environment and the
difference. For us in the UN, we need to move from just culture better and they feel proud of what they are doing to
working on upstream policy advisory and go down to the build their country. They can guide us in what we are seeking
people. My vision for the UN Country Team is to have to achieve. Ours should be a participatory management and
a selection criterion of all the provinces and identify the leadership. That’s what I would like to introduce here and
ones that needs assistance the most. We then go there as move with the national staff because this is their country. For
one entity, all 17 of us to deliver in that region, work with the UN staff, delivering as one is a very important message
provinces to develop improvement plans at a local level I would like to pass. Delivering as one is not only for the UN
with the SDGs being at the centre, partner with the private Country Team; it is for the entire staff. Delivering as one is for
sector and foundations accordingly, and do this province by the entire UN with the government, the private sector, NGOs
province. and the citizens of South Africa.
You have worked both at UN Headquarters in New York and Finally, on a personal level, what are your hobbies?
in various other duty stations in Africa. What were your most
memorable experience in those situations? I used to be a scuba diver. When I was a student, I used to
earn a living doing scuba diving. I remember it during the time
Wherever one goes there is always something different and of apartheid because there were so many people from South
striking. When I assess my journey in the UN, starting from Africa coming to the Comoros because that was the island
New Delhi in India when I was a young woman and travelling they were allowed to visit for scuba diving. I used to do scuba
through the entire country, the image I had about India being diving with them without knowing they were from South Africa
very poor and racist has all just completely changed. I left because I never expected at that time of apartheid they would
India with a lot of affection, admiration and respect for the be so mobile. If I have the time I would really like to do some
country. Then I went to Bhutan, which is a small kingdom scuba diving, yoga and meditation. These are the three things
country where there was nothing literally. I found out that I normally do in my spare time.
InFocus 5 A magazine of the UN in South Africa
c h e s a n e w h o m e -
u g e e a g e n c y l a u n
UN ref ’s r e f u ge e c r i s i s
s o l u t i o n t o A f r i c a
grown By Tina Ghelli
UNHCR officially launched the LuQuLuQu campaign in South Africa in November 2017 with High Level Influencers (from left to right) Jason Goliath, Leanne
Manas, Ayanda Makayi, Ancillar Mangena, ANATII, Nomzamo Mbatha, Tresor Riziki, and Donovan Goliath - © UNHCR/Kgothatso Manale
T
he United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Goliath; actor Ayanda Makayi; Zimbabwean award-winning
has launched a major new campaign that calls journalist and World Economic Forum global shaper,
on Africans to take action to solve the continent’s Ancillar Mangena; and Cameroonian musician, Wax Dey.
worsening refugee crisis. The campaign, called ‘LuQuLuQu’
- is centred on the African philosophy of “Ubuntu” or “Ours is not to take pictures that glamorize the plight of the
“Ujamaa” which promotes the principles and values of shared refugees. Ours is to give hope and raise each other up,”
responsibility, shared resources, and caring for one another, said Nomzamo Mbatha. “These influencers join twenty
inherent to African culture and beliefs. other African celebrities from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria,
Senegal and Ivory Coast who all pledge to mobilize
The campaign asks the hundreds of millions of people on public support for the campaign through strategic public
the continent, or connected to Africa, to take ownership engagements and activities, showing South Africans
of the refugee and displacement problem through simple what kind of everyday philanthropic actions they can
everyday philanthropic actions, to promote self-reliance undertake to be part of the movement, and bring solutions
and independence, and in so doing, empower refugees. for refugees,” said Needa Jehu-Mazou, UNHCR’s head of
Partnerships for Africa, adding, “Corporates and private
The LuQuLuQu campaign is a social movement that seeks enterprises are also invited to take part through new and
to create a community of supporters. Its essence is to innovative partnership models.”
engage ordinary citizens and corporate organizations to
redefine the existing image of Africa’s displacement crisis, “Visiting Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi, I learned the
and co-create with the UN refugee agency a new image of definition of hope—it was the truest form of resilience,”
the African refugee—one of self-reliance, empowerment said Jason Goliath, pledging to use the voice of Goliath &
and inclusion into the mainstream. The LuQuLuQu Tribe Goliath to encourage support for refugees.
embraces all of society that seeks to share resources,
hospitality and helps to amplify the voices of the Trésor Riziki, a refugee from the Democratic Republic
displaced. of the Congo now living in South Africa, thanked the
country for taking him in after he was forced to flee from
With a goal to change the narrative and conversation the conflict in his country. He urged the crowd to be more
around the fate of the displaced in Africa, the aim is to sympathetic to refugees saying, “Don’t break those who
demonstrate that Africans can play a transformative role in are already broken.”
changing the lives of refugees and the uprooted.
There are more than 20 million displaced people in Africa,
The LuQuLuQu campaign was launched in South Africa last of whom 78 percent are women and children, out of which
November. It was led by a number of High Level Influencers more than half (57 percent) are under the age of 18. So far,
(HLIs) including actress Nomzamo Mbatha, South African this year only 35 percent of the critical funding required to
Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Morning Live presenter assist refugees in Africa has been received. With increased
Leanne Manas, music producer and artist ANATII and displacement crises across the world, funds allocated
Congolese refugee and award-winning musician Trésor to Africa have declined. UNHCR seeks to engage South
Riziki. Other HLIs included Goliath & Goliath, comprised of Africans to partner in bringing solutions to the displaced in
comedians Jason Goliath, Nicholas Goliath and Donovan Africa.
Learn more about the campaign at LuQuLuQu.org and follow the conversation on social media with #DoItLuQuLuQu
InFocus 6 A magazine of the UN in South Africa
Two million more South Africans to be put
on HIV treatment by 2020
S “
outh Africa—already running the risk reduction counselling and
world’s largest HIV treatment This year, we will take prevention strategies and linking
programme—is massively the next critical steps to people into care.
scaling up its response to HIV/AIDS eliminate HIV from our
with the pending launch of a multi- Organizers plan to mobilize all sectors
year national health screening, testing
midst by scaling up our of society to raise awareness among
and treatment campaign. testing and treatment
campaign
“ people about the importance of
screening for HIV, TB, diabetes and
The National Department of Health hypertension and urgently accessing
and the South African National AIDS treatment and care. In February,
Council (SANAC) will run the three- an additional 2 million people on SANAC briefed the United Nations
year campaign with support from antiretroviral treatment by December Country Team and emphasized the
development partners. More than 14 2020,” President Ramaphosa said in need to create demand for screening
million South Africans will be tested his State of the Nation address. and testing services. SANAC called
and screened for HIV, tuberculosis for support to the government and
(TB), diabetes and hypertension in the South Africa has a gap in HIV testing the public health sector, to actively
first year alone, and urgently linked to among men and young people participate and support technical
treatment and care. and must move more people onto coordination and implementation,
treatment for HIV and tuberculosis to including support and technical
The campaign will deliver on the meet its Fast-Track targets for 2020. coordination at all levels, from the
commitments that President Cyril An additional 400,000 men living with national objectives to facility-based
Ramaphosa set out in his State of the HIV need to be diagnosed and linked implementation.
Nation speech in February, including to care by 2020 for South Africa to
putting an additional two million people reach the first of its 90-90-90 Fast- The campaign will promote disease
on HIV treatment by December 2020, Track targets. The latest estimations prevention by emphasizing the
scaling up HIV testing and treatment show that South Africa is close to importance and potential of lifestyle
and launching a major campaign to achieving the first of the 90-90-90 changes, as well as encouraging
confront non-communicable diseases. targets, with almost 90 percent of early diagnosis and treatment. The
women and 82 percent of men living expected benefits include seven
A year ago, South Africa it launched with HIV knowing their status. For the million people screened being for
the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB second target, 55% of women living hypertension and diabetes and linked
and Sexually Transmitted Infections with HIV who know their status and to care, two million people initiated on
(STIs) 2017‒2022 and it has committed 48% of similar men are accessing antiretroviral treatment, and 80,000
to ambitious health targets, including treatment, and of those women and undiagnosed TB infected persons
a plan announced on World AIDS Day men, around 79% have a suppressed identified by December 2020.
last year to reduce new HIV infections viral load.
to 88,000 or fewer per year by 2020 The campaign will launch in all 52
as part of a national HIV Prevention The National Department of Health districts of South Africa with the
Revolution roadmap to deliver on the and SANAC, in consultation with involvement of municipalities and
Sustainable Development Goals. UN agencies, the US President’s local leaders and the active support of
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief UN agencies. There will be emphasis
“This year, we will take the next (PEPFAR), civil society organizations on 27 high burden districts that will
critical steps to eliminate HIV from our and other partners, are supporting receive intensified screening, testing
midst. By scaling up our testing and the development of the multi-year and treatment events backed by a
treatment campaign, we will initiate campaign. The campaign will include communications campaign.
InFocus 7 A magazine of the UN in South Africa
Early grade reading study
helps to end poverty By Sudeshan Reddy
A
long and dusty gravel road limited career opportunities. Teachers and each student’s progress is
leads to a series of flat speak of high rates of absenteeism by tracked and ticked off in a notebook.
concrete structures that make the children and almost non-existent A glossary is created in which
up Mogodiri Intermediate School parental monitoring. each student’s vocabulary is also
on the outskirts of Ventersdorp in monitored. Spelling tests are held
South Africa’s North West Province. What has changed, however, is every Friday. Ms. Tseladimitloa notes:
Surrounded by indigenous veld, the that investments are now being “Children need attention and we as
school is the only learning institution made into the quality of education teachers need to be able to multitask.”
in the surrounding area. Children, received at farm schools and
some as young as five, walk up to six similarly under-resourced primary She uses mind map diagrams and
kilometres each way per day to get to educational facilities. Mogodiri is one colourful visuals in her classroom
the school. There is a school bus but of the schools participating in the to drive home the message that
it is not often reliable. Early Grade Reading Study (EGRS)
programme with positive results. The
So-called farm schools like Mogodiri school and the classrooms look well-
have, historically, served some of organized punctuated by the buzz of
South Africa’s poorest communities. dynamic students.
While the post-apartheid government
has made notable strides in reducing In a sunlit classroom with 26 students,
rural poverty, these regions still Maria Tseladimitloa, a teacher, begins
grapple with high illiteracy rates and her lesson by showing examples of
limited job opportunities. The meals phonics in the Setswana language and
provided to the children through the having the learners pronounce them.
government school’ feeding scheme is She then creates a breakaway group
at times their only meal for the day. of six students and conducts a guided
reading exercise during which she and
Mogodiri (named after a local the students read together. This differs
indigenous tree) was built in 1937 to from previous approaches whereby
serve the children of farm workers. the teacher would read to the whole
More than 80 years later, the life of the class, thus limiting focused attention
average worker has not fundamentally and discouraging individual reading.
changed and many children remain Reading books are provided by Loynatso Moluabi enjoying his reading - © UNICEF/
trapped in a cycle of poverty with very the Department of Basic Education Hearfield
InFocus 8 A magazine of the UN in South Africa
Industry 4.0 unpacked
reading is both fun and stimulating.
Ms. Tseladimitloa said the EGRS
programme has provided much-
at a national dialogue
needed structure and focus for
reading lessons, adding, “we did not
have a plan before.” She attributes her
success to the training she received
through Class Act, an implementing
partner supported by UNICEF.
There has been a noticeable
improvement in school results when
the students sit for the common
provincial tests. This is borne out by
officials from the Department of Basic
Education who, on visits to Mogodiri,
have acknowledged the improved
reading skills among first to third
graders.
At 13 years old, Jeremiah Ngake is From left to right: Industry 4.0 panelists Gerhard Fourie, Janitha Badul, Khaled El Mekwad, Joseph
M
older than any of his classmates. Senona, Valerie Geen, Mauritz Lindeque and Kuda Ndhlukula
Difficult circumstances forced him
to repeat grade three. Nevertheless, ore and more people the dialogue, UNIDO Representative
Ms. Tseladimitloa has noticed are getting to learn and Khaled El Mekwad emphasized the
improvements in his reading abilities experience the Internet need to prepare markets for the
and confidence levels since his of Things (IoT), which is the upcoming change under Industry
exposure to the EGRS programme. interconnectedness of electronic 4.0, and for government to take
His favourite book is Baking with devices with the internet such the lead in raising awareness and
Granny, he shyly says. as mobiles phones, tablets and putting the necessary strategies and
other gadgets that “talk” to each regulations in place.
Kate Maake, one of the EGRS other. Little do people realize that
programme coaches, oversees IoT is but just one part of the During the discussions, there
the training and monitoring of the Industry 4.0, the fourth generation was broad consensus that the
teachers and visits the schools on of industrial revolution that uses unprecedented change associated
average three times per term. When robots, data, automation and cloud with Industry 4.0 would have an
asked what keeps her going, she storage to come up with innovative impact on all businesses. While it
responded: “I told myself that I need technologies in the industrial and has the potential to be destructive
to get these children somewhere, to manufacturing sectors. and disruptive, the switch to Industry
help the teachers mould them into 4.0 also offers new and exciting
responsible adults.” The coaches It was with these goals in mind opportunities. It was acknowledged
train teachers and, sometimes with that the United Nations Industrial that the process should be inclusive,
difficulty, encourage them to embrace Development Organization (UNIDO) highlight the importance of system-
the new EGRS methodology and recently organized a national
routine. wide education and develop the
dialogue with more than 100 senior necessary skills.
representatives from key South
Maryna du Plooy from Class Act African government ministries,
describes the three coaches based in Delegates emphasized that the
the Southern Africa Development
the North West as “relentless in their switch to Industry 4.0 ought not to
Community (SADC) and the private
commitment and dedication.” For leave people behind as a result of
sector.
Ms. Du Plooy, the EGRS programme, the digital transformation of industry
thanks to UNICEF support, will help and exponential technological
The aim of the dialogue, which
shape a better future for thousands was held in Johannesburg, was to changes, especially given the South
of students. She adds that the discuss the increasing importance African context. A special focus on
difference between traditional reading of making use of new, smarter and continuous education, reskilling and
instructions and the EGRS programme integrated technologies to produce upskilling was therefore needed to
is “the difference between receiving ensure the retention of jobs.
goods and services. In his remarks at
and producing language.”
InFocus 9 A magazine of the UN in South Africa
Companies should be advocates and
investors in gender equality
T
By Otae Mkandawire
o mark International Women’s of the UN Global Compact in South
Day on 8 March, stock Africa, reflected on the ever-growing
exchanges across the world reliance on the corporate sector to
held ‘ring-the-bell’ ceremonies in provide solutions to global problems
recognition of the pivotal role the and develop a private sector that has
private sector plays in advancing a purpose.
Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), particularly in achieving Goal “[The private sector] must not just
5 which calls for gender equality please shareholders and make sure our
globally by 2030. balance sheets are okay; but we must
also make sure we have the social
In South Africa, the UN Women South licence to operate rather than just a
Africa Multi-Country Office joined legal licence to operate,” she said. Women business leaders officially open the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange at the Ring the Bell
the Johannesburg Stock Exchange,
Ceremony - © JSE
the UN Global Compact, Women UN Women used the occasion to call
in Exchange Traded Funds and on the private sector to accelerate
Sustainable Stock Exchanges at the changes in company policies and look back and say we have played
fourth Annual Ring the Bell for Gender practices on gender equality by our part,” he said.
Equality held in Johannesburg. signing and implementing the
Women’s Empowerment Principles. Companies that showcased their
Paying tribute to women in factory The principles are a framework work included DeBeers Consolidated
lines, production lines, boardrooms developed by the Global Compact Mines represented by its Deputy
and stock exchanges across the and UN Women in consultation with CEO, Nompumelelo Zikalala; Motseng
world, the keynote speaker, Ipeleng government, the private sector and Investment Holdings represented
Mkhari, the founder and chief civil society, to guide businesses on by Ms. Mkhari, and Rand Merchant
executive officer (CEO) of Motseng empowering women in the workplace, Bank represented by its Business
Investment Holdings, acknowledged marketplace and communities. Development Director Jessica Spira.
that ‘opportunity’ was usually what The companies exchanged ideas on
set women apart from men, adding Anne Githuku-Shongwe, the UN progress they have made particularly
that a gender-insensitive world made Women Representative, pointed out on leadership opportunities for
it difficult for women to rise. However, that if all companies were committed women and creating suitable work
she challenged women to change to the Women’s Empowerment environments.
the business narrative of males as Principles, there would be a clear
‘business heroes’. economic shift as opportunities would The CEO of the Commission for
open for women to become part of Gender Equality, Keketso Maema,
“It is us as African women that labour, leadership and ownership. spoke about the impact of the
must defeat this distortion of our commission’s engagement with the
contemporary economic realities,” “We want every [company] to make private sector including the Gender
said Ms. Mkhari. gender equality its business,” she Transformation Hearings where leaders
emphasized, adding, “Collectively are called to account on progress
Following the bell-ringing ceremony, there is no reason why we shouldn’t towards gender transformation,
several companies that have made see progress. Let’s make this employment equity quotas, and policy
public commitments to accelerate economy work for women.” mechanisms that can be applied to
gender equality showcased their gender equality targets.
programmes, investments and The CEO of Business Leadership
contributions for an equitable South Africa, Bonang Mohale, UN Women will continue to mobilize
corporate sector to encourage more encouraged increased engagement companies to sign the Women’s
South African companies to do the from men in ensuring an equitable Empowerment Principles by setting
same. and transformed economy. “Men targets and monitoring progress
must do more to ensure that women while working with the more than 50
Opening the showcase session, take their rightful place in the broader companies that have already signed
Nozipho January-Bardill, the chair economic agenda. Only then will we up.
InFocus 10 A magazine of the UN in South AfricaTaking urgent action to combat
climate change and its impact
I
ncidents of wildland fires have wildfires and to implement strategies coded flags, multi-lingual pamphlets,
increased significantly across to reduce wildfire risks. It involves door-to-door and school-based
South Africa. Over the past several FireWise community concepts which education campaigns to communicate
years, there have been major and seek to build resilience against with communities about being
catastrophic fires which have resulted FireWise. These teams form a second
in death, damage to infrastructure line of defence in the case of big fire
and loss of property and assets. emergencies. In 2017, Kranshoek
The occurrences have not only survived fires that spread over
negatively affected the natural “We are proud that this project 300kms and burned for nearly
environment but have also and its results are echoing well two weeks, thanks in part to
come at enormous direct beyond the shores of South Africa and we the FireWise principles the
and indirect social and will be happy through our networks as UNDP community implemented.
economic costs to the to ensure that its legacy continues to resonate
country. in international circles well beyond its The United Nations
completion,” said UNDP Country Director, Development Programme
Fynbos is a fire-prone and Walid Badawi, at the project closeout (UNDP) in South Africa
fire-dependent shrubland event in March this year. and several other partners
vegetation that requires regular manage the FynbosFire Project,
fires to ensure the survival of the which is implemented by
extremely high species diversity. The Kishugu (now Landworks)
Fynbos Biome is defined by South through the Department
Africa as the most fire-vulnerable in of Environmental
the country and is even more prone to destructive unwanted wildfires, with Affairs. The project
climate change-related disaster risks a focus on preventing damage to has engaged several stakeholders
from wildland fire. people’s homes, livelihoods and the including the insurance industry,
landscape surrounding them. calling for the design of tailored
In 2012, the Global Environment products with a reasonable and
Facility started funding the FynbosFire Under the FireWise initiative, rural attainable cost structure for poor and
Project in four South African rural communities are trained to recognise vulnerable communities in affected
communities (Goedverwacht, fire dangers and to run their own risk areas. Private sector partners chip
Kranshoek, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, reduction measures. FireWise teams in through subsidised products that
Clarkson) within the Fynbos Biome. are taught to use the fire danger protect communities from future
The project’s aim is to develop index to measure the degree of fire disasters. As a result, several resource
sustainable interventions to radically threat. They use simple but effective materials for use by communities
reform the approach to managing mechanisms and tools such as colour- have been produced.
InFocus 11 A magazine of the UN in South AfricaUN agency warns of rising
food insecurity in Southern Africa
W
hile there are ample stocks southern parts of Zambia and Malawi, estimated 6.7 million people and just
of cereal in southern Africa, eastern Zimbabwe and southwestern over 4 million people in Zimbabwe
the spell of dry weather Madagascar. were food insecure. But the significant
and erratic rains earlier in the season rebound in the sub-region’s cereal
signal multiple risks to agricultural Maize production hit a record level production to a record level in 2017
yields and may aggravate the impact in 2017 in the southern Africa led food insecure numbers to fall by
of the Fall armyworm pest, warns the sub-region, which was a welcome up to 90 percent, according to official
Food and Agriculture Organization development after sharp output estimates.
(FAO), the UN food agency. In its latest declines in the previous year caused
special alert, the agency’s Global by an unusually strong El Niño. Maize production in 2017 increased
Information and Early Warning System Cereal production in the sub-region is 43 percent above the recent average
said reduced harvests are “foreseen estimated in 2018 to fall due to erratic and the sub-region produced
to intensify food insecurity in 2018, rains, along with the intense dry more than is required for domestic
increasing the number of people in period experienced in January. consumption for the first time in five
need of assistance.” years, even excluding South Africa,
To this end, FAO Director- a traditional net exporter. As a result,
Many smallholders and rural families General José Graziano da Silva most countries were able to build up
in southern Africa are still recovering has emphasized the importance inventories. The higher stock levels
from losses due to the severe El Niño- of boosting the resilience of should be able to partly cushion
associated drought, and they are communities, particularly in Africa, the effects of the likely production
vulnerable to a downturn, the agency’s in making sure that “Zero Hunger is decreases to come. Local maize
Global Information Early Warning possible”. prices, currently down on a yearly
System (GIEWS) noted, adding that
basis, also reflect favourable supply
this was especially the case where
harvests in 2017 were sparse. Poor Food insecurity to rise conditions.
rains and hot temperatures triggered
water stress which has adversely The number of food-insecure people Rain patterns also matter greatly
affected crop development in several in the sub-region is likely to rise over for the Fall Armyworm, an invasive
areas of southern Africa. the course of 2018, partly reversing species that has now been detected in
last year’s sharp decline, the GIEWS all countries of the sub-region, except
FAO said the same situation was alert warned. Lesotho and Mauritius. While recent
also likely to occur in areas where heavy rains in some areas may have
the weather trends have been In 2016, crop production declines contributed to containing the pest’s
unfavourable, notably parts of due to El Niño drove up significantly spread, the general dry weather may
Lesotho, southern and central areas the number of food-insecure people help it spread and could exacerbate
of Mozambique, western South Africa, in the sub-region. In Malawi, an the impact on yields.
InFocus 12 A magazine of the UN in South AfricaNelson Mandela Children’s Hospital
underscores the importance of partnerships
By Ziyanda Ngoma
L-R: UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA ESARO Regional Director, Dr. Julita Onabanjo, and UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth,
Jayathma Wickramanayake at the Nelson Mandela Children Fund. © Sarah Kenyi
E
arly this year, Dr. If the world was equal and “If the world was equal and
Natalia Kanem,
the United
we were to build a health we were to build a health
facility for our children,
Nations Population facility for our children, what would it look like?”
Fund (UNFPA) Executive she asked, noting that this
Director, joined the UN what would it look like question was at the heart
Secretary-General Envoy of why the facility had to be
on Youth, Jayathma built.
Wickramanayake, in touring the Children’s Fund, was to supplement
Nelson Mandela Children Hospital as this need and close the gap in children Although the hospital was built with
part of their visit to South Africa. care. The hospital is one of only five funds exclusively from donors, it
specialised state-of-the-art children has formed partnerships with three
The Nelson Mandela Children hospitals in Africa. medical schools in the Gauteng
Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility, Province, being it the capacity to
is a specialized children’s hospital The UNFPA executive director, who train fellows for the teaching hospital
which offers free care to patients was also accompanied by Dr. Julitta and augment the professionals who
within South Africa and from outside Onabanjo, the UNFPA Regional are resident at the hospital. It has
the country. It combines a child and Director for the Eastern and Southern also attracted top professionals who
family-friendly environment with ultra- African Regional Office, noted that volunteer their time whenever they are
modern MRI and CT-Scan facilities, the success of the project showed needed.
and offer complex medical solutions the power of a dream, having only last
like interventional radiology. It has an seen it when it was in its construction In her remarks during the tour, the UN
intensive care unit (ICU) where up to phase, and knowing when UNFPA youth envoy noted that the children’s
24 new born in their most critical state funded its pre-feasibility study. Bongi hospital was a good example of the
can be treated at the same time. Mkhabela, the Chief Executive Officer fact that “quality can also be free”.
of the Nelson Mandela Hospital, noted She added that the success of the
Prior to its opening, only one that it was a project that grew both project provided an important lesson
specialised hospital of its kind existed from the power of imagination and the on how to build partnerships and
in South Africa, which is located in commitment of many partners and mobilize the private sector to realize
Cape Town. The project, which was professionals who were willing to pay a dream and invest in health for the
initiated by the Nelson Mandela the “Madiba Price”: time and cost. future generation.
InFocus 13 A magazine of the UN in South AfricaDeveloping a policy to promote social and economic change
S
Women beneficiaries of the social economy project By Kerryn Krige
outh Africa, along with Tunisia, they see in their communities and to sector is blending policymakers’
is taking the lead in Africa in take action,” says the ILO Director in perspectives on social and economic
developing a policy to promote South Africa, Joni Musabayana. He change, and offering opportunities to
a social and solidarity economy. The cited the example of Neil Campher, generate action.
value of such an economy is that it an entrepreneur, who set up waste
not only promotes job opportunities, recycling initiatives in Helenvale in “The social economy is so powerful
but also strengthens communities. Port Elizabeth, in response to severe because it achieves both social and
Together with the Department dumping and littering. economic change simultaneously,”
of Economic Development, the says Mr. Musabayana, adding, “and it
International Labour Organisation (ILO) “We see people like Stacey Brewer does so sustainably. There are great
in South Africa, with support from the and Ryan Harrison setting up Spark lessons from the private sector in
Government of Flanders (in Belgium), Schools, driven by a desire to provide terms of governance, accountability
is developing policies which are aimed affordable, high-quality education to and the how-to of generating profit
at creating and supporting decent school children. The best is that it has over time.”
jobs in a sustainable and inclusive no urban bias: the social economy
social economy. thrives in rural areas, as communities “When coupled with the deep
band together to tackle issues and principles and connectedness of
South Africa’s social economy has earn an income.” non-profit organizations, and their
been growing steadily over the past approach to community development,
decade. Social economy organizations According to the ILO director, the we have a real win-win for South
combine the best of both worlds: social economy is not new: the
Africa and the continent.”
trading to earn an income that helps principles of community that support
create sustainability, while delivering co-operatives and stokvels define
The ILO is committed to growing the
the social services and values that it. The Department of Economic
social and solidarity economy globally,
are typically associated with non- Development, with support from the
with international academies, research
governmental organizations. ILO, is creating the eco-system that
and training programmes. The
will allow these organizations and their
organization is also heading a similar
The result is a range of organizations members to thrive.
that empower local communities over project in Tunisia through legislation.
the long term, including co-operatives, The formulation of policy on the social
mutual associations, social enterprises economy is scheduled to run till “We are proud of our work in the
and non-profits that are engaged in 2020. The process involves extensive social economy and our position
trade. Their value of these groups is consultations with stakeholders and as one of the first organizations to
extensive, tackling the ‘triple-demons’ accompanying research to build champion the value that it brings. I
that characterize South Africa’s an understanding of this mixed believe the social economy thrives
economy: poverty, unemployment and environment. Currently there is not in South Africa, and that together
inequality. enough data on the social economy in with government partners, we can
South Africa despite broad agreement tackle unemployment, inequality and
“One of the great strengths of the on its value in creating jobs in under- poverty by enabling social economy
social economy is that it encourages served and economically isolated organizations to thrive,” says Mr.
citizens to respond to the issues areas. What is known is that the Musabayana.
InFocus 14 A magazine of the UN in South AfricaVisiting Swedish Minister stresses
the value of sexuality education
C
omprehensive sexuality
education was in the limelight
early this year when the UN
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) and the
South African Department of Basic
Education (DBE) hosted the visiting
Swedish Minister of Education, Gustav
Fridolin, during his tour of South
Africa and Zambia. The aim of the
visit was to raise political awareness
around young people’s sexual and
reproductive health and rights.
Sweden supports UNESCO through
a project, which started in 2013, on
strengthening sexual and reproductive
health and HIV prevention among
Minister Fridolin addressing young people in the Youth Dialogue in Katlehong.
children and young people in Eastern
and Southern Africa. South Africa is
education. The dialogue resulted the many challenges South Africa
one of the countries benefiting from
in a consensus on the importance faces with HIV infections, teenage
this support.
of CSE in empowering adolescents pregnancy, substance abuse and
and enabling youth to make healthy, gender-based violence, the minister
The minister’s visit kicked off informed choices. Participants agreed called for concerted support and
with a dialogue with youth at the to expand and strengthen CSE and action from religious leaders. He
Katlehong Art Centre in the eastern linkages to youth-friendly sexual challenged them to play a key role
part of Johannesburg with the Teen reproductive health services. in communities to help the country
Pregnancy Coalition and Mmoho address these social problems.
Campaign. Through drama, the young According to UNESCO’s Regional
people demonstrated their challenges Director for Eastern Africa, Ann- “We need to accept the fact that
and concerns in accessing information Therese Ndong Jatta, 15 out of 21 sometimes it is the young people
on sexuality. The discussions that countries in Eastern and Southern in the room that have rights and
ensued highlighted the disconnection Africa now provide CSE in at letting them speak is very critical,”
between what young people know least 40 percent of primary and the minister told his audience,
and what their parents are willing to secondary schools. She called for adding that although Sweden has
discuss. It was recommended that bold leadership and joint action to made considerable progress in the
parents, including religious leaders, strengthen CSE programming. implementing CSE, there were lessons
should be brought on board to openly to be learned from his visit.
discuss Comprehensive Sexuality The minister’s visit to South Africa
Education (CSE). concluded with a dialogue with Other government delegates who
religious leaders and youth from were part of the mission to South
During the high-level discussions, SANALELA and the Save the Children Africa included Ghanaian Deputy
which were led by Minister Fridolin held at Mabopane Baptist Church Minister of Education Barbara Asher
and brought together key regional in Pretoria. The discussions centred Ayisi, officials from the Southern
policy makers to reflect on progress, around religion’s role in advocating African Development Community
challenges and opportunities for and mobilizing communities on (SADC) Secretariat, and senior
scaling up CSE, the organizers CSE and addressing SRH related government officials from Côte
presented the revised International challenges that adolescents and d’Ivoire and Swaziland.
Technical Guidance on sexuality young people face. Pointing to
InFocus 15 A magazine of the UN in South AfricaJoint WFP/UN Women training in business, digital and internet literacy for South African Women In Farming (SAWIF) held in Polokwane and
Tzaneen to enhance food supply to orphaned and vulnerable children in Swaziland.
SheDecides flagship event marks a year of accelerated global support for women and girls to realize their sexual and reproductive health rights.
InFocus 16 A magazine of the UN in South AfricaUNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem and UN Secretary-General’s Youth Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayake visit to South Africa.
Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa, addresses UN staff at a townhall meeting.
InFocus 17 A magazine of the UN in South AfricaEducation: Leaving no child behind
through care and support for teaching and learning
F
By Sudeshan Reddy
unjwa Primary School is located the overall matric pass rate in the
on the outskirts of Hoedspruit, province has increased, “thus showing
a gateway town into South the success of this critical, multi-
A roundtable discussion with the relevant
Africa’s iconic Kruger National faceted intervention.” Data from
stakeholders from the School-based Support
Park. Humid and lush vegetation ongoing studies show the success of Team (SBST).
characterise this part of the country, the programme thus far.
known as the ‘lowveld’ as is evident
when one enters the neat school and At the time of UNICEF’s visit to The team comprises, among others,
is welcomed by the sight of a healthy Funjwa, the school was a hub of representatives of the school, the
herb and flower garden. Neatly attired activities as officials from South police and district health officials. With
learners in red and white uniforms Africa’s Department of Home Affairs the help from the CSTL programme,
chatter amidst the midday heat as were busy registering children the team has successfully intervened
they enjoy the post-exams school for birth certificates and identity especially in cases of child neglect.
period. papers. Officials from the Embassy Deputy Principal Rose Mbethe
of Mozambique in South Africa were commended CSTL initiative for making
The school is one of those that also assisting the process since “a big difference from where we
currently benefits from the Care and some of the school children are started.”
Support for Teaching and Learning from Mozambican migrants. The
(CSTL) programme, a holistic model documents are a requirement for With support from the National
of education supported by the UN accessing social security grants which Education Collaborative Trust, the
Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in South help keep starvation and extreme CSTL programme has scored notable
Africa. The programme’s objective is poverty at bay. The school, with 702 success in areas such as de-worming
to remove health and social barriers children and 23 teachers, receives a programmes, the provision of HPV
which limit children’s growth potential government subsidy commensurate vaccines, HIV awareness and a
by prioritising several areas: nutrition, with the number of officially registered reduction in alcohol and drug abuse,
safety, work, health, material support, children. and no pregnancies among the school
grants, identification documents, children.
socially inclusive and cohesive “This school started under a tree,”
initiatives, ending gender-based says Thandi Mthethwa, a dignified, The school also receives hygienic
violence and supporting curriculum gentle-in-demeanour but strong- products for the children such as
with a focus on inclusive education in-character teacher. Distressed soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes
and leadership. by the poverty among the school but does experience periodic water
children in the area, she set up a care shortages.
In collaboration with the Mpumalanga centre adjacent to Funjwa Primary
Department of Basic Education, School. In discussions with UNICEF There remains, however, concern that
UNICEF is currently testing the CSTL officials, she commended the CSTL it was not always clear what happens
programme in 393 schools (292 programme for having “made a after the school children leave the
primary and 101 high schools) in the great difference” and given children supportive school environment. That
province. Launched in 2008, the a “degree of self-actualisation.” She is why, according to Dr. Panday,
programme has since gone through has introduced reading competitions “monitoring and evaluation is critical if
phases, focusing on, among other to the excitement of the children. we are to understand the full impact of
issues, curriculum and psycho- “We see too many learners going to CSTL.”
social support, HIV and broader school for the sake of school rather
health surveys as well as deworming than with a vision and a plan,” says For the learners of Funjwa Primary
and adherence to certain minimum Ms. Mthethwa, crediting the CSTL School, an example of a well-
standards. programme for giving the school functioning learning institution where
children a sense of hope and direction. commitment and dedication is evident,
Dr. Saadhna Panday, the UNICEF A support team run by people with the benefits of the CSTL programme
education specialist, says since the an interest in the school works are clear and life-changing.
inception of CSTL in these schools, closely with the local community.
InFocus 18 A magazine of the UN in South Africaofficials urge young women and girls
By Ziyanda Ngoma
UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem and UN Secretary-General’s Youth Envoy, Jayathma Wickramanayake, with young girls.
O
n a sunny afternoon in Speaking during the visit, the UN sexual exploitation, and accelerate
February, a group of about youth envoy shared her childhood comprehensive sexuality education
50 teenage girls from Steve experiences, noting the lack of and services. More so, she also
Tshwete Secondary School in Pretoria sexuality education when she underscored the need to partner and
welcomed the United Nations was growing up. She said openly work with communities to protect
Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive discussing sexuality was generally and enable young girls to reach their
Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem and the considered a taboo and many girls potential – and keep rising.
UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on grew up oblivious of the changes they
Youth, Jayathma Wickramanayake, were going through. The youth envoy With the play, the girls highlighted the
with song and dance and a play that encouraged the young girls to make risks they face, and the impact on
focused on HIV infection, teenage the best use of the information and their lives as a result of lack of sexual
pregnancy and sexual exploitation by education they are receiving through education, and the knowledge they
blessers in the community. the Rise Young Women’s Clubs, have acquired, thanks to Soul City.
to stay safe and speak up about The discussions that ensured after the
The young girls from the their health. She emphasized the play between the teenage girls and
Olivenhoutbosch’s “Rise Young importance of education in providing the UNFPA executive director and
Women’s Clubs” in the township opportunities to realise one’s potential, the youth envoy focused on teenage
of Centurion are part of the Soul and encouraged the Rise Up girls to
pregnancy, blessers and the need to
City Institute for Social Justice, an stay in school and “keep on rising”.
stay in school.
advocacy group on women and girls
and the communities in which they For her part, the UNFPA executive
The UN delegation was welcomed
live. The group seeks to empower director said she was encouraged by
young girls with comprehensive the path the clubs were charting for at the school by the chairperson of
sexuality education and life skills to young girls in the school and within the School Governing Board and
help them make informed decisions the community. Noting the global Chief Executive Officer, Lebogang
on their sexual and reproductive youth population at 1.8 billion, Dr. Ramafoko, as well as the Chief
health, and defend and demand their Natalia underscored the need to invest Operating Officer, Zane Dangor, both
reproductive rights. in and empower young girls, tackle from the Soul City Institute.
InFocus 19 A magazine of the UN in South AfricaYou can also read
