SDG Country Report

Sustainable Development Goals: Country Report 2023
Published by Statistics South Africa, Private Bag X44, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa, ISIbalo House,
Koch Street, Salvakop, Pretoria, 0002
www.statssa.gov.za, [email protected], Tel +27 12 310 8911
ISBN: 978-0-621-51505-3
Sustainable Development Goals:
Country Report
2023
Published by
Statistics South Africa
I
MESSAGE
II
His Excellency Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, President of The Republic Of South Africa
This 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) report is the third presented by South Africa to the
global community. It outlines the progress that South Africa has made nearly 30 years since the advent
of our democracy. At the half-way mark towards the 2030 global development agenda, our country is
still confronted by challenges of poverty, inequality, unemployment and the devastating effects of
climate change.
The SDGs are more than an international commitment. They provide a plan that resonates with other
regional, national, continental and intercontinental development agendas.
Over the past four years, the world has experienced several crises, including the devastating COVID-
19 pandemic, a severe economic downturn, the increasing effects of climate change, and political
instability caused by conflicts around the world. Like all countries, South Africa has had to confront
these crises and adapt its programmes to respond to them.
South Africa has made positive strides towards improving the livelihoods of its citizens through
increased public spending on basic services and social security, increased access to fixed internet
broadband services and a notable reduction in CO2 emissions. Notwithstanding the acute shortage of
reliable electricity supply the country has experienced in recent years, South Africa and its neighbours
have positioned themselves as leaders in renewable energy largely due to abundant solar and wind
resources.
As we confront the challenges of a post-pandemic world and increasing environmental threats, South
Africa will continue to pursue an integrated development agenda to address poverty and inequality
through inclusive social and economic development; unemployment through job creation; state
capacity; expanding opportunities in investment and economic growth; and human dignity and
security for all.
South Africa has prioritised sustainable development and inclusive growth through a collaborative and
inclusive approach. We are therefore working with partners across society to advance the country’s
National Development Plan, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development
Goals to fulfil the hopes of all South Africans.
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
III
FOREWORD
IV
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency.
It is with great pleasure that I present the 2023 progress report on the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) of South Africa. As the country strives to achieve the 2030 Agenda, this report aims to provide
an update on the progress made in various areas.
In pursuit of a “better life for all” as well as “leaving no one behind”, the South African government
has continuously reviewed its policies and programmes in line with attaining the 2030 global goals, as
is evident by government priorities. The significance of the 2030 agenda lies in its comprehensiveness
and interconnectedness, and thus the alignment of the country’s development frameworks to the
SDGs, further signifies a more robust approach to monitoring its fulfilment in South Africa.
The SDG 2023 report outlines some of South Africa’s achievements that should be applauded and
sustained. Additionally, it forms a strong base for the country’s Voluntary National Review and
Voluntary Local Review reports. The realisation of the SDGs has however been hampered by
interlinked global crises namely: the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate change and a weakening
global economy. Addressing these challenges will require stronger and increased partnerships
between all stakeholders.
As we move closer to the 2030 target, it is vital that we intensify our efforts and ensure that no one is
left behind. We encourage all stakeholders to renew their commitment to the SDGs and continue
working together to achieve the SDGs and build a better, more sustainable future for all South Africans.
In closing, allow me to take this opportunity to appreciate and commend the efforts and inputs of all
stakeholders that were involved in the development of this report. We recognize that achieving the
SDGs require cooperation from multiple stakeholders, including government, civil society, the private
sector, and the public. This report is a testament to our common resolve in creating a more sustainable
and equitable future for all.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,
MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY
V
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
VI
STATISTICIAN-GENERAL, MR RISENGA MALULEKE
The Statistician General is mandated to fulfil the country’s international statistical reporting
obligations. To this end, it is my privilege to present the second SDG Country Report for South Africa.
The 2023 SDG report presents an overall picture of the country’s progress towards achieving th global
goals, and in turn illustrates the strides made since 2015.
To measure the extent to which South Africa is able to deliver on developmental frameworks, Statistics
South Africa (Stats SA) created the Integrated Indicator Framework (IIF) as a tool to coordinate the
reporting on global, continental, regional and national development agendas. This coordination tool
helps in identifying the data gap, eliminating duplication of data and contradictory estimates as well
as assisting in identification of strategic statistical priorities for South Africa.
Data plays a vital role in tracking progress towards the SDGs, and Stats SA is committed to provide
high-quality data to support evidence-based decision-making. As the country navigates challenging
economic conditions and social inequalities, data is instrumental in guiding policies that promote
inclusive and sustainable growth.
As a country, there is noticeable improvement on indicators that we can report on from 64% in 2019
to 72% in 2023. This achievement is evidence to South Africa's commitment to the SDGs and the
collective efforts of all stakeholders. The report indicates that positive trends have been observed in
33% of the targets: the main contributors being from economic (11.2%), environment (10.1%) and
social (9.5%) goals, with the remaining 2.4% coming from the governance sector. Furthermore, 23%
have seen no noticeable change in the data, while 11% of targets showed no progress and 33% of the
SDG targets did not have sufficient or new data for tracking progress.
To build on the success of this report, Stats SA needs to enhance the coordination and collaboration
of traditional and non-traditional data providers (Big Data), particularly with the private sector and
academia. The use of alternative data sources, while also ensuring sustainability of current data
sources is paramount to narrowing the data gap. Let us therefore join forces in building and improving
lives through amplified data sharing partnerships.
Finally, I want to acknowledge and thank all stakeholders who contributed to the development of this
report. Your efforts in supporting the SDGs are instrumental in promoting sustainable development
and ensuring that every South African enjoys a better quality of life. I therefore encourage the use of
the report for enhanced decision making and improved monitoring in realizing the SDGs as we move
into the second half of our 2030 journey.
VII
Table of Contents
MESSAGE BY RSA PRESIDENT ................................................................................................................ iv

FOREWORD BY MINISTER........................................................................................................................ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BY SG ................................................................................................................ iv
Table of Figures ...................................................................................................................................... xi
List of Tables ......................................................................................................................................... xvi
Abbreviations and Acronyms .............................................................................................................. xvii
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. 1
2. BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 AGENDA 2030 IN SOUTH AFRICA ................................................................................................. 4
2.2 South Africa at a glance ............................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Integrating the SDGs into everyday life ........................................................................................ 6
2.4 Report drafting process ............................................................................................................... 7
2.5 Objectives and report structure ................................................................................................. 12
3. IMPACT OF KEY SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ON ATTAINING THE SDGS IN

SOUTH AFRICA ...................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Impact of global events ........................................................................................................ 13
3.2 Impact of National Events .................................................................................................... 14
4. TRACKING PROGRESS ON ACHIEVING SDGs BY 2030.............................................................. 16
4.1 SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere ......................................................................... 18
4.1.1 Progress per target ....................................................................................................... 19
4.1.2 Summary of Progress towards Goal 1 ............................................................................ 29
4.1.3 Synthesis......................................................................................................................... 30
4.2 SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable
agriculture ....................................................................................................................................... 32
4.2.2 Summary of Progress towards Goal 2 .......................................................................... 40
4.2.3 Synthesis ....................................................................................................................... 41
4.3 SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages ................................. 43
4.3.3 Synthesis ....................................................................................................................... 64
4.4 SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality of education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all......................................................................................................................... 66
VIII
4.4.3 Synthesis ....................................................................................................................... 79
4.5 SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls ..................................... 82
4.5.3 Synthesis ....................................................................................................................... 93
4.6 SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all ...... 96
4.6.2 Summary of Progress towards Goal 6 ........................................................................ 107
4.6.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 107
4.7 SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy ................................................................................... 110
4.7.1 Progress per target ..................................................................................................... 110
4.7.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 116
4.8 SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all............................................................................................. 119
4.8.1 Progress Per Target .................................................................................................... 119
4.8.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 132
4.9 SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and
foster innovation ........................................................................................................................... 135
4.9.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 142
4.10 SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries .................................................... 145
4.10.2 Summary of Progress towards Goal 10 ...................................................................... 151
4.10.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 152
4.11 SDG 11: Make cities and human settlement inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable ........ 154
4.11.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 160
4.12 SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns ................................... 162
IX
4.12.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 168
4.13 SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts .............................. 170
4.13.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 176
4.14 SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable
development ................................................................................................................................. 178
4.14.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 190
4.15 SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably
manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity
loss 192
4.15.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 204
4.16 SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide
access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels ..... 207
4.16.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 221
4.17 SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for
sustainable development .............................................................................................................. 222
4.17.3 Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 232
5. PRIORITIES, CHALLENGES & INTERLINKAGES WITH SDGs ..................................................... 235
6. REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... 240
X
Table of Figures
FIGURE A: OVERVIEW OF KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUTH AFRICA ........................................................................................ 5

FIGURE B: SDG COUNTRY REPORTING PROCESS ................................................................................................................ 8
FIGURE C: DATA AVAILABILITY FOR SDG REPORTING ......................................................................................................... 11
FIGURE 1.1.1: PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION LIVING BELOW THE INTERNATIONAL POVERTY LINE BY SEX ................................ 20
FIGURE 1.2.1: PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION LIVING BELOW THE INTERNATIONAL POVERTY LINE.......................................... 21
FIGURE 1.2.1A: NUMBER OF SOCIAL GRANTS BENEFICIARIES BY TYPE OF SOCIAL GRANT ........................................................... 22
FIGURE 1.2.2.1: PROPORTION OF MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES LIVING IN POVERTY IN ALL ITS DIMENSIONS ACCORDING
TO NATIONAL DEFINITIONS BY PROVINCE ................................................................................................................ 22
FIGURE 1.2.2.2: THE NUMBER OF DEPRIVATIONS OF THE MULTI-DIMENSIONALLY POOR HOUSEHOLDS DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF
MULTI-DIMENSIONALLY POOR HOUSEHOLDS............................................................................................................ 23
FIGURE 1.3.1 TOTAL POPULATION COVERED BY SOCIAL PROTECTION FLOORS/SYSTEMS ............................................................ 24
FIGURE 1.4.1: PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION LIVING IN HOUSEHOLDS WITH ACCESS TO BASIC SERVICES ................................. 24
FIGURE 1.4.2D: NUMBER OF AGRICULTURAL POPULATIONS WITH SECURED LAND RIGHTS ........................................................ 25
FIGURE 1.5.1D: NUMBER OF DEAD PERSONS ATTRIBUTED TO DISASTERS AND OTHER FORCES OF NATURE.................................... 25
FIGURE 1.A.1: TOTAL OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS FROM ALL DONORS THAT FOCUS ON POVERTY REDUCTION AS A
SHARE OF THE RECIPIENT COUNTRY’S GROSS NATIONAL INCOME .................................................................................. 27
FIGURE 1.A.2: PROPORTION OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON ESSENTIAL SERVICES (EDUCATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL
PROTECTION) .................................................................................................................................................... 27
FIGURE 1.B.1D: PROPORTION OF CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WAGE .............................................. 28
FIGURE 2.1.1: PREVALENCE OF MODERATE OR SEVERE FOOD INSECURITY IN THE POPULATION, BASED ON THE FOOD INSECURITY
EXPERIENCE SCALE (FIES) IN 2019, BY PROVINCE AND SEX........................................................................................ 33
FIGURE 2.2.1: PREVALENCE OF STUNTING (HEIGHT FOR AGE <-2 STANDARD DEVIATIONS FROM THE MEDIAN OF THE WORLD HEALTH
ORGANIZATION (WHO) CHILD GROWTH STANDARDS) AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE ................................... 33
FIGURE 2.2.2: PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION (WEIGHT FOR HEIGHT >+2 OR <-2 STANDARD DEVIATIONS FROM THE MEDIAN OF THE
WHO CHILD GROWTH STANDARDS) AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE BY TYPE (WASTING) ................................. 34
FIGURE 2.2.3: PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIA IN WOMEN AGED 15 TO 49 YEARS BY PREGNANCY STATUS (PERCENTAGE) IN 2016 ........ 34
FIGURE 2.4.1: PROPORTION OF AGRICULTURAL AREA UNDER PRODUCTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE ................................ 35
FIGURE 2.5.1.1: NUMBER OF PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SECURED IN EITHER MEDIUM- OR LONG-TERM
CONSERVATION FACILITIES ................................................................................................................................... 35
FIGURE 2.5.1.2: NUMBER OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SECURED IN EITHER MEDIUM- OR LONG-
TERM CONSERVATION FACILITIES ........................................................................................................................... 36
FIGURE 2.5.2D: NUMBER OF PRODUCERS BENEFITING FROM THE ANIMAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME............................................ 36
FIGURE 2.A.1: THE AGRICULTURE ORIENTATION INDEX (AOI) FOR GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES FROM 2015 TO 2020 ................ 37
FIGURE 2.A.2: TOTAL OFFICIAL FLOWS (OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PLUS OTHER OFFICIAL FLOWS) TO THE AGRICULTURE
SECTOR FROM 2013 TO 2017 ............................................................................................................................. 38
FIGURE 2.C.1: FOOD PRICE ANOMALIES ......................................................................................................................... 38
FIGURE 3.1.1: MATERNAL MORTALITY RATIO .................................................................................................................. 44
FIGURE 3.1.2: PROPORTION OF BIRTHS ATTENDED BY SKILLED HEALTH PERSONNEL ................................................................. 45
FIGURE 3.1.2A: PERCENTAGE OF MOTHERS AND CHILDREN WHO RECEIVE POST-NATAL CARE EITHER AT HOME OR IN A FACILITY AND
WITHIN SIX (6) DAYS OF DELIVERY (1+VISIT)............................................................................................................ 45
FIGURE 3.2.1: UNDER-5 MORTALITY PER 1 000 LIVE BIRTHS ............................................................................................. 46
FIGURE 3.2.2: NEONATAL MORTALITY RATE .................................................................................................................... 46
FIGURE 3.2.2A1: NUMBER OF DEATHS OF INFANTS UNDER AGE 1 OCCURRING PER 1 000 LIVE BIRTHS IN A GIVEN YEAR................. 47
FIGURE 3.2.2A2: NUMBER OF STILLBIRTHS PER 1 000 TOTAL BIRTHS .................................................................................. 48
FIGURE 3.3.1: NUMBER OF NEW HIV INFECTIONS PER 1 000 UN-INFECTED POPULATION BY AGE ............................................. 48
XI
FIGURE 3.3.1A1.1: HIV PREVALENCE ........................................................................................................................... 49
FIGURE 3.3.1A1.2: PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION AGED 15-24 YEARS WITH COMPREHENSIVE CORRECT KNOWLEDGE OF
HIV/AIDS ....................................................................................................................................................... 49
FIGURE 3.3.1A2.1: PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV EXPOSED TO ART BY SEX ......................................................... 50
FIGURE 3.3.1A2.2: NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV EXPOSED TO ART BY SEX .............................................................. 50
FIGURE 3.3.1A2.3: PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV EXPOSED TO ART BY AGE ........................................................ 51
FIGURE 3.3.2: TUBERCULOSIS INCIDENCE PER 100 000 POPULATION .................................................................................. 52
FIGURE 3.3.3: MALARIA INCIDENCE PER 1 000 POPULATION ............................................................................................. 53
FIGURE 3.3.4D: MORTALITY DUE TO HEPATITIS B PER 100 000 POPULATION ....................................................................... 53
FIGURE 3.4.1: MORTALITY RATE ATTRIBUTED TO CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, CANCER, DIABETES, OR CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASE54
FIGURE 3.5.2: ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION PER CAPITA ........................................................................................................ 55
FIGURE 3.6.1: DEATH RATE DUE TO ROAD TRAFFIC INJURIES PER 100 000 POPULATION .......................................................... 56
FIGURE 3.7.1.A: COUPLE YEAR PROTECTION RATE............................................................................................................ 56
FIGURE 3.7.2: ADOLESCENT BIRTH RATE (AGED 10–14 YEARS; AGED 15–19 YEARS) PER 1 000 WOMEN IN THAT AGE GROUP ....... 57
FIGURE 3.9.3: MORTALITY RATE ATTRIBUTED TO UNINTENTIONAL POISONING PER 100 000 POPULATION .................................. 58
FIGURE 3.A.1: AGE-STANDARDIZED PREVALENCE OF CURRENT TOBACCO USE, 15 YEARS AND OLDER BY SEX ................................. 58
FIGURE 3.B.1: PROPORTION OF THE TARGET POPULATION COVERED BY ALL VACCINES IN NATIONAL PROGRAMME ......................... 59
FIGURE 3.B.3D: PROPORTION OF HEALTH FACILITIES THAT HAVE A CORE SET OF RELEVANT ESSENTIAL MEDICINES.......................... 59
FIGURE 4.1.1: PROPORTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE (A) IN GRADES 2/3; (B) AT THE END OF PRIMARY; AND (C) AT THE END
OF LOWER SECONDARY ACHIEVING AT LEAST A MINIMUM PROFICIENCY LEVEL IN (I) READING AND (II) MATHEMATICS ............ 67
FIGURE 4.1.2.A2: PERCENTAGE OF YOUTH AGED 15-24 AND 25-34 YEARS WHO DROPPED OUT OF SCHOOL WITHOUT COMPLETING
GRADE 12 ........................................................................................................................................................ 70
FIGURE 4.2.2A: NUMBER OF CHILDREN ACCESSING REGISTERED ECD PROGRAMMES, BY PROVINCE, 2015-2021 ........................ 71
FIGURE 4.3.1: PARTICIPATION RATE OF YOUTH AND ADULTS IN FORMAL AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING, BY SEX,
GEOGRAPHIC TYPE AND DISABILITY STATUS .............................................................................................................. 71
FIGURE 4.5.1: GENDER PARITY INDEX (GPI) FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION BY RACE .................................................................... 73
FIGURE 4.5.1A: PERCENTAGE OF 7-18-YEAR-OLDS WITH DISABILITIES ATTENDING AND NOT ATTENDING AN EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTION, BY SEX, 2007-2023 ........................................................................................................................ 73
FIGURE 4.6.1D.1: PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION ACHIEVING AT LEAST A FIXED LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY IN FUNCTIONAL LITERACY, BY SEX
...................................................................................................................................................................... 74
FIGURE 4.6.1D.2: PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION ACHIEVING AT LEAST A FIXED LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY IN FUNCTIONAL NUMERACY, BY
SEX ................................................................................................................................................................. 74
FIGURE 5.2.1D: PERCENTAGE OF EVER-PARTNERED WOMEN AND GIRLS AGED 18 AND OLDER SUBJECTED TO PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL
VIOLENCE BY ANY PARTNER IN THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS, 2016................................................................................ 83
FIGURE 5.2.2D: NUMBER OF REPORTED CASES OF SEXUAL OFFENCE, BY TYPE OF SEXUAL OFFENCE ............................................. 84
FIGURE 5.2.2A1: INCIDENCE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING FOR SEXUAL PURPOSES BROUGHT TO POLICE ATTENTION ........................... 84
FIGURE 5.2.2.A2: NUMBER OF GBV AND NON-GBV CASES REPORTED IN THE COMMAND CENTRE FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT .. 85
FIGURE 5.3.1A: PERCENTAGE OF EARLY MARRIAGES EXPERIENCED BY GIRLS BEFORE THE AGE OF 15 YEARS.................................. 85
FIGURE 5.4.1D: PERCENTAGE OF TIME SPENT ON UNPAID DOMESTIC AND CARE WORK, BY SEX ................................................. 86
FIGURE 5.5.1.1: WOMEN'S PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION IN PARLIAMENT AND PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURES ........................... 86
FIGURE 5.5.1.2: PERCENTAGE OF SEATS HELD BY WOMEN IN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS .............................................................. 87
FIGURE 5.5.2: PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN IN SENIOR AND MIDDLE MANAGEMENT POSITIONS ..................................................... 87
FIGURE 5.6.1D: PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN AGED 18-49 WHO MAKE THEIR OWN INFORMED DECISIONS REGARDING SEXUAL
RELATIONS, CONTRACEPTIVE USE AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE, BY PROVINCE, 2015................................................ 88
FIGURE 5.B.1: PERCENTAGE OF MEN AND WOMEN WHO OWN A MOBILE PHONE, BY SEX.......................................................... 91
FIGURE 6.1.1: PROPORTION OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH ACCESS TO SAFELY MANAGED WATER........................................................ 97
FIGURE 6.2.1: PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION USING SAFELY MANAGED SANITATION SERVICES, INCLUDING A HAND-WASHING
FACILITY WITH SOAP AND WATER .......................................................................................................................... 98
XII
FIGURE 6.2.1A: PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS THAT CLEAN THEIR HANDS AFTER USING THE TOILET BY THE METHODS USUALLY USED.
...................................................................................................................................................................... 98
FIGURE 6.3.1D: PROPORTION OF DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL WATER SAFELY TREATED AND LAWFULLY DISCHARGED ..................... 99
FIGURE 6.3.2D: PROPORTION OF BODIES OF WATER THAT COMPLY TO SOUTH AFRICAN WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES .................... 99
FIGURE 6.4.1: CHANGE IN WATER USE EFFICIENCY OVER TIME (USD/M3) .......................................................................... 100
FIGURE 6.4.2: LEVEL OF WATER STRESS: FRESHWATER WITHDRAWAL AS A PROPORTION OF AVAILABLE FRESHWATER RESOURCES ... 101
FIGURE 6.5.1: DEGREE OF INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ......................................................................... 102
FIGURE 6.5.2: PROPORTION OF TRANSBOUNDARY BASIN AREA WITH AN OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENT FOR WATER .................... 103
FIGURE 6.6.1D1: CHANGE IN THE EXTENT OF WATER RELATED ECOSYSTEMS AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL LAND AREA (MILL HA).... 103
FIGURE 6.6.1D4: CHANGE IN GROUNDWATER LEVELS, 2017 - 2021 ................................................................................ 104
FIGURE 6.A.1: AMOUNT OF WATER- AND SANITATION-RELATED OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE THAT IS PART OF A
GOVERNMENT-COORDINATED SPENDING PLAN ...................................................................................................... 105
FIGURE 7.1.1: PERCENTAGE OF SOUTH AFRICAN POPULATION WITH ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY .................................................. 111
`FIGURE 7.1.2D: PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION USING SOLAR ENERGY IN SOUTH AFRICA ....................................................... 111
FIGURE 7.2.1: SHARE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN TOTAL FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION, 2013-2015 ....................................... 112
FIGURE 7.2.1A1: RENEWABLE ENERGY AT ANNUAL OPERATING CAPACITY IN SOUTH AFRICA, 2011-2022 ............................... 113
FIGURE 7.2.1A2: ANNUAL GWH OF ELECTRICITY PRODUCED FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, 2012-2021 ....................... 113
FIGURE 7.3.1: ENERGY INTENSITY, 2011-2019 ............................................................................................................ 114
FIGURE 7.B.1: INSTALLED RENEWABLE ENERGY-GENERATING CAPACITY PER CAPITA, 2012-2022 ............................................ 115
FIGURE 8.1.1: ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF REAL GDP PER CAPITA ..................................................................................... 120
FIGURE 8.2.1: THE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF REAL GDP PER EMPLOYED PERSONS, 2009 – 2022......................................... 120
FIGURE 8.3.1: PROPORTION OF INFORMAL EMPLOYMENT IN TOTAL EMPLOYMENT BY SEX, 2008 – 2022 ................................. 121
FIGURE 8.4.1.1: MATERIAL FOOTPRINT, MILLION TONNES, 2015 – 2019 .......................................................................... 121
FIGURE 8.4.1.2: MATERIAL FOOTPRINT PER CAPITA, TONNES, 2015 – 2019 ...................................................................... 122
FIGURE 8.4.2: DOMESTIC MATERIAL CONSUMPTION PER CAPITA FROM 2007 – 2019 .......................................................... 122
FIGURE 8.5.2.1: UNEMPLOYMENT RATE BY SEX FOR 2008 – 2022................................................................................... 123
FIGURE 8.5.2.2: UNEMPLOYMENT RATE BY AGE FOR 2008 – 2022 .................................................................................. 124
FIGURE 8.5.2A: YOUTH (AGED 15-34 YEARS) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, 2008 – 2022 ........................................................... 124
FIGURE 8.6.1: PERCENTAGE OF YOUTH (AGED 15–24 YEARS) NOT IN EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, OR TRAINING (NEET), 2013 –
2022 ............................................................................................................................................................ 125
FIGURE 8.6.1A: PERCENTAGE OF YOUTH (15-34 YEARS) NOT IN EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, OR TRAINING, 2013 – 2022 .......... 125
FIGURE 8.7.1.1: PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN AGED 7–17 YEARS ENGAGED IN CHILD LABOUR BY SEX FOR THE YEARS 2010, 2015 AND
2019 ............................................................................................................................................................ 126
FIGURE 8.7.1.2: PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN AGED 7–17 YEARS ENGAGED IN CHILD LABOUR BY AGE FOR THE YEARS 2010, 2015 AND
2019 ............................................................................................................................................................ 126
FIGURE 8.8.1.1: FATAL OCCUPATIONAL AND NON-FATAL MIGRANT INJURIES PER 100,000 WORKERS, BY SEX, 2017 – 2021 ...... 127
FIGURE 8.8.1.2: FATAL OCCUPATIONAL AND NON-FATAL NON-MIGRANT INJURIES PER 100 000 WORKERS, BY SEX AND MIGRANT
STATUS, 2017 – 2021..................................................................................................................................... 127
FIGURE 8.8.2: TOTAL NUMBER OF TRADE UNIONS, TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS AND NUMBER OF COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS . 128
FIGURE 8.9.1.1: TOURISM DIRECT GDP AS A PROPORTION OF TOTAL GDP, 2007 – 2020 ................................................... 129
FIGURE 8.9.1.2: TOURISM DIRECT GDP IN GROWTH RATE, 2016 – 2020 ......................................................................... 129
FIGURE 8.10.1: NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL BANK BRANCHES PER 100 000 ADULTS AND (B) NUMBER OF AUTOMATED TELLER
MACHINES (ATMS) PER 100 000 ADULTS, 2015 – 2018 ...................................................................................... 130
FIGURE 9.1.2D: RAIL AND ROAD TRENDS, 2008 TO 2022 .............................................................................................. 136
FIGURE 9.2.1.1: MANUFACTURING VALUE ADDED AS A PROPORTION OF GDP, 2015 TO 2022 .............................................. 137
FIGURE 9.2.1.2: MANUFACTURING VALUE ADDED PER CAPITA, 2015 TO 2022 ................................................................... 137
FIGURE 9.2.2: MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT AS A PROPORTION OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT, 2015 – 2022 ............................. 138
FIGURE 9.4.1: CO2 EMISSION PER UNIT OF VALUE-ADDED, 2001 – 2017 .......................................................................... 138
FIGURE 9.5.1: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE AS A PROPORTION OF GDP, 2010/11 - 2021/2022 .................... 139
XIII
FIGURE 9.5.1A: BUSINESS EXPENDITURE ON R&D (BERD) AS A PERCENTAGE OF GROSS DOMESTIC EXPENDITURE ON R&D (GERD)
.................................................................................................................................................................... 139
FIGURE 9.5.2: RESEARCHERS PER MILLION INHABITANTS ................................................................................................. 140
FIGURE 9.A.1D: SUM OF LOANS, EQUITY AND GRANTS DISBURSED TO SOUTH AFRICANS AND THE REST OF AFRICAN INSTITUTIONS . 140
FIGURE 9.B.1: PROPORTION OF MEDIUM AND HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY VALUE ADDED IN TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF MANUFACTURING,
2007 - 2020 ................................................................................................................................................. 141
FIGURE 9.C.1: PROPORTION OF POPULATION COVERED BY A MOBILE NETWORK, 2015 TO 2021 ............................................. 141
FIGURE 10.1.1: GROWTH RATES OF HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE OR INCOME PER CAPITA AMONG THE BOTTOM 40% OF THE
POPULATION AND THE TOTAL POPULATION, 2006 TO 2015 BY POPULATION GROUP .................................................... 146
FIGURE 10.2.1.1: PROPORTION OF PEOPLE LIVING BELOW 50% OF MEDIAN INCOME, BY AGE ................................................ 147
FIGURE 10.2.1.2: PROPORTION OF PEOPLE LIVING BELOW 50% OF MEDIAN INCOME, BY SEX ................................................. 147
FIGURE 10.3.1: PROPORTION OF POPULATION REPORTING SOME TYPE OF DISCRIMINATION ................................................... 148
FIGURE 10.4.1: LABOUR SHARE OF GDP IN SOUTH AFRICA 2007 TO 2021 ....................................................................... 149
FIGURE 10.7.4D: PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION WHO ARE REFUGEES IN SOUTH AFRICA PER 100,000 OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN
POPULATION................................................................................................................................................... 150
FIGURE 10.C.1D: INWARD AND OUTWARD REMITTANCE FLOWS ....................................................................................... 150
FIGURE 11.1.1D1: PERCENTAGE OF URBAN POPULATION LIVING IN INFORMAL DWELLINGS .................................................... 155
FIGURE 11.1.1D2: PERCENTAGE OF URBAN RESIDENTS HAVING ACCESS TO BASIC SERVICES WITHIN INFORMAL DWELLINGS BY TYPE OF
SERVICE, 2014 TO 2017 .................................................................................................................................. 155
FIGURE 11.3.1: RATIO OF LAND CONSUMPTION RATE TO POPULATION GROWTH RATE (LCRPGR), 2006 AND 2011 .................. 156
FIGURE 11.6.2: ANNUAL MEAN LEVELS OF FINE PARTICULATE MATTER (I.E., PM2.5 AND PM10) IN CITIES, 2016 TO 2021 ........... 156
FIGURE 11.6.2A: NATIONAL AIR QUALITY INDICATOR (NAQI), 2007 TO 2021.................................................................. 157
FIGURE 12.4.2.1: HAZARDOUS WASTE GENERATED PER CAPITA, KILOGRAMS, 2018-2021.................................................... 164
FIGURE 12.4.2.2: PROPORTION OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATED (BY TYPE OF TREATMENT), TONNES, 2018-2021 ................... 164
FIGURE 12.5.1D: PERCENTAGE OF MUNICIPAL WASTE RECYCLED, 2015 - 2021 .................................................................. 165
FIGURE 13.2.2: SOUTH AFRICA’S ANNUAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ............................................................................ 172
FIGURE 14.1.1A.1: INDICATOR FOR COASTAL EUTROPHICATION BASED ON PHOSPHORUS LOADING, 2015 – 2022 .................... 179
FIGURE 14.1.1A.2: INDICATOR FOR COASTAL EUTROPHICATION BASED ON NITROGEN LOADING, 2015 - 2022 ......................... 180
FIGURE 14.1.1A.3: IN-SITU OBSERVATIONS OF PHOSPHORUS, 2015 – 2022 ..................................................................... 180
FIGURE 14.1.1A.4: IN-SITU OBSERVATIONS OF SILICA, 2015 - 2022 ................................................................................ 181
FIGURE 14.1.1B: PLASTIC INGESTED BY BIOTA (ZOOPLANKTON) ....................................................................................... 181
FIGURE 14.3.1.1: AVERAGE MARINE ACIDITY (PH), 2014 - 2019 .................................................................................... 183
FIGURE 14.3.1.2: TOTAL DISSOLVED INORGANIC CARBON (DIC), 2014–2019 .................................................................. 183
FIGURE 14.3.1.3: TOTAL ALKALINITY, 2014 – 2019 ..................................................................................................... 183
FIGURE 14.3.1.4: CARBON DIOXIDE PARTIAL PRESSURE, 2014 - 2019 ............................................................................. 184
FIGURE 14.3.1.5: ARAGONITE SATURATION STATE, 2014 - 2019 ................................................................................... 184
FIGURE 14.5.1D: DOMESTIC INDICATOR OF PERCENTAGE OF MARINE AND COASTAL ECOSYSTEM TYPES THAT ARE WELL PROTECTED185
FIGURE 14.5.1A: ADDITIONAL INDICATOR OF SOUTH AFRICAN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPA) AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE
EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE (EEZ) .................................................................................................................... 185
FIGURE 14.A.1D: MARINE SCIENCE EXPENDITURE AS A SHARE OF GERD (%) ...................................................................... 186
FIGURE 15.1.1: FOREST EXTENT (NATURAL AND PLANTATION FOREST BY % OF MAINLAND) .................................................. 193
FIGURE 15.1.2D: TERRESTRIAL & FRESHWATER PROTECTION LEVEL BY % .......................................................................... 194
FIGURE 15.2.1D: TOTAL FOREST MANAGEMENT AREAS (IN HECTARES) 2008-2019 ........................................................... 196
FIGURE 15.3.1: THE EXTENT OF LAND DEGRADATION (% OF LANDMASS) ........................................................................... 197
FIGURE 15.4.1D: PERCENTAGE OF MOUNTAIN ECOSYSTEM TYPES WELL PROTECTED ............................................................. 198
FIGURE 15.5.1.1: NATIONAL RED LIST INDEX ............................................................................................................... 199
FIGURE 15.5.1.2: RED LIST INDEX (DISAGGREGATED) .................................................................................................... 200
FIGURE 15.6.1: NUMBER OF PERMITS/AGREEMENTS ..................................................................................................... 201
FIGURE 16.1.1D: NUMBER OF MURDER VICTIMS PER 100,000 POPULATION ...................................................................... 208
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FIGURE 16.1.3AD: PROPORTION OF POPULATION AGED 16 AND ABOVE WHO EXPERIENCED AT LEAST ONE INCIDENT OF ASSAULT IN
THE PAST 12 MONTHS ...................................................................................................................................... 208
FIGURE 16.1.3A1: PROPORTION OF HOUSEHOLDS THAT EXPERIENCED AT LEAST ONE CASE OF HOME ROBBERY .......................... 209
FIGURE 16.1.4D: PERCENTAGE OF INDIVIDUALS WHO FEEL SAFE WALKING ALONE IN THE DARK ............................................... 209
FIGURE 16.2.1D1: PERCENTAGE OF SCHOOL-ATTENDING CHILDREN WHO EXPERIENCED ANY PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT AND/OR
PSYCHOLOGICAL AGGRESSION AT SCHOOL IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS ............................................................................. 210
FIGURE 16.2.2D: INCIDENCE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING FOR SEXUAL PURPOSES BROUGHT TO POLICE ATTENTION PER 100 000 ...... 211
FIGURE 16.3.1D: PROPORTION OF VICTIMS OF ASSAULT (AGED OVER 16 YEARS) WHO INDICATED HAVING REPORTED AT LEAST ONE
INCIDENT TO THE POLICE ................................................................................................................................... 211
FIGURE 16.3.2: UNSENTENCED DETAINEES AS A PROPORTION OF THE OVERALL PRISON POPULATION ....................................... 212
FIGURE 16.3.2A2: CONVICTION RATES ACROSS ALL COURTS ............................................................................................ 212
FIGURE 16.3.2A3: NUMBER OF BACKLOG CASES AND OUTSTANDING ROLL IN COURTS .......................................................... 213
FIGURE 16.3.3: DISPUTE AND ACCESS TO FORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS. ........................................................ 213
FIGURE 16.3.3A2: NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ACCESSED FREE LEGAL REPRESENTATION. ........................................................ 214
FIGURE 16.4.2: ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION............................................................................... 215
FIGURE 16.5.1D: PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION WHO WERE ASKED FOR A BRIBE BY A PUBLIC OFFICIAL ............................... 215
FIGURE 16.6.2: PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION SATISFIED WITH THEIR LAST EXPERIENCE OF PUBLIC SERVICES ........................ 216
FIGURE 16.7.1.1: PROPORTIONS OF POSITIONS IN PUBLIC SERVICE BY SEX AND POPULATION GROUPS ...................................... 216
FIGURE 16.7.1.2: PROPORTIONS OF POSITIONS IN PUBLIC SERVICE BY SEX AND POPULATION GROUPS (PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES)
.................................................................................................................................................................... 217
FIGURE 16.9.1: REGISTRATION OF CHILDREN’S BIRTHS .................................................................................................... 217
FIGURE 17.1.1: TOTAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE AS A PROPORTION OF GDP, BY SOURCE ....................................................... 224
FIGURE 17.1.2: PROPORTION OF DOMESTIC BUDGET FUNDED BY DOMESTIC TAXES. .............................................................. 225
FIGURE 17.3.1: ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL RESOURCES MOBILIZED FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES. ............ 225
FIGURE 17.3.2: VOLUME OF REMITTANCES AS A PROPORTION OF TOTAL GDP ..................................................................... 226
FIGURE 17.4.1D: DEBT SERVICE AS A PROPORTION OF EXPORTS OF GOODS, SERVICES AND PRIMARY INCOME ............................ 226
FIGURE 17.6.1: FIXED INTERNET BROADBAND SUBSCRIPTIONS PER 100 INHABITANTS, BY SPEED ............................................. 227
FIGURE 17.8.1D: PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS USING THE INTERNET............................................................................... 227
FIGURE 17.10.1: WORLDWIDE WEIGHTED TARIFF - AVERAGE ........................................................................................... 228
FIGURE 17.11.1: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES SHARE OF GLOBAL EXPORT................................. 228
FIGURE 17.13.1: MACROECONOMIC DASHBOARD......................................................................................................... 229
FIGURE 17.19.2: BIRTH AND DEATH REGISTRATIONS ...................................................................................................... 230
XV
List of Tables
TABLE A: SOUTH AFRICA’S PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE SDGS .................................................................................. 2

TABLE A.1 POVERTY LINES AND THEIR RAND VALUES IN 2015 AND 2023 ............................................................................. 18
TABLE 1.1: TARGETS FOR GOAL 1 .................................................................................................................................. 19
TABLE 1.1.2: SOUTH AFRICAN POPULATION LIVING BELOW $1.90 A DAY BY AGE GROUP AND SEX: 2006–2 015 (%) ................... 20
TABLE 3.D.1: SOUTH AFRICA’S PROGRESS ON IHR (2010 TO 2021) ................................................................................... 60
TABLE 4.1 TARGETS FOR GOAL 4 ................................................................................................................................... 66
TABLE 4.1.2.1: COMPLETION RATES FOR PRIMARY (GRADE 7) EDUCATION, BY PROVINCE, POPULATION GROUP AND SEX, 2010-2021
...................................................................................................................................................................... 68
TABLE 4.1.2.2: COMPLETION RATES FOR LOWER SECONDARY (GRADE 9) EDUCATION, BY PROVINCE, POPULATION AND SEX, 2010-
2021 .............................................................................................................................................................. 68
TABLE 4.1.2.3 COMPLETION RATES FOR UPPER SECONDARY (GRADE 12) EDUCATION, BY PROVINCE, POPULATION GROUP AND SEX,
2010-2021 .................................................................................................................................................... 69
TABLE 4.2.2: PARTICIPATION RATE IN ORGANISED LEARNING (ONE YEAR BEFORE THE OFFICIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL ENTRY AGE), 2012-
2021 .............................................................................................................................................................. 70
TABLE 4.A.1: PERCENTAGE OF SCHOOLS ADHERING TO THE MINIMUM PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE STANDARDS BY PROVINCE .......... 76
TABLE 5.6.2: SA LAWS AND REGULATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 88
TABLE 5.A.1: SHARE OF WOMEN AND MEN WITH OWNERSHIP OR TENURE RIGHTS OVER AGRICULTURAL LAND (STATS SA, 2017) .... 89
TABLE 7.1 TARGETS FOR GOAL 7 ................................................................................................................................. 110
TABLE 8.1: TARGETS FOR GOAL 8 ................................................................................................................................ 119
TABLE 8.5.1D: MEDIAN MONTHLY EARNINGS OF FEMALE AND MALE EMPLOYEES BY OCCUPATIONS FOR THE YEARS 2015-2020... 123
TABLE 9.1: TARGETS FOR GOAL 9 ................................................................................................................................ 135
TABLE 10.1: TARGETS FOR GOAL 10 ............................................................................................................................ 145
TABLE 13.2.1: SOUTH AFRICA’S CLIMATE CHANGE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE UNFCCC ............................................... 172
TABLE 13.3.1: KEY LAWS AND POLICIES RELATING .......................................................................................................... 173
TABLE 15.1.2D: “ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION LEVEL” INDICATOR CLASSIFICATIONS ................................................................. 194
TABLE 15.4.2: MGCI GLOBAL ESTIMATES ................................................................................................................... 199
TABLE 15.7.1: THE SHARE OF ALL TRADE IN WILDLIFE DETECTED AS BEING ILLEGAL (SOUTH AFRICAN CITES ANNUAL REPORT 2016 -
2021) .......................................................................................................................................................... 201
TABLE 17: TARGETS FOR GOAL 17 ............................................................................................................................... 223
XVI
Abbreviations and Acronyms
10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production

10YFP
Patterns
3G Third Generation of Connective/Network Technology
AAC Anglo American Cooperation
ABS Access and Benefit Sharing
ADB African Development Bank
ADE Aquifer Dependent Ecosystems
AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
AIP Alien Invasive Plant
AIS Alien Invasive Species
ANA Annual National Assessment
ANC African National Congress
AOI Agriculture Orientation Index
APA Agricultural Pest Act
ARC Agricultural Research Council
ART Antiretroviral Therapy
ARV Antiretroviral
ASSA Academy of Science of South Africa
ATM Automated teller machine
AU African Union
B-BBEE Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment
BEE Black Economic Empowerment
BERD Business Expenditure on Research and Development
BRICS Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
CARA Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act
CBO Community-based organisation
CCE Climate change education
CCR Cape Critical Rivers
CEDAW Convention for Eliminating Discrimination Against Women
CESM Classification of Educational Subject Matter
CGE Commission for Gender Equality
CIP Competitive Industrial Performance
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

CNG Compressed Natural Gas
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
COGTA Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
COID Compensation for Occupational Injuries
COVID-19 Corona Virus Disease of 2019
XVII
CPF Community policing forum
CRD Climate Resilient Development
CRSES Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies
CRVS Civil Registration and Vital Statistics
CSIR Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
CSO Civil Society Organisation
CSVR Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
CWP Community Work Programme
DAFF Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
DALRRD Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
DBE Department of Basic Education
DBSA Development Bank of Southern Africa
DDM District Development Model
DE Domestic Extraction
DEA Department of Environmental Affairs
Department of Environment Affairs & Tourism (former department title, now
DEAT
DFFE)
DEL Department of Employment and Labour
DFFE Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
DFI Development Finance Institution
DHET Department of Higher Education
DHIS District Health Information System
DHS Department of Human Settlement
DIC Dissolved Inorganic Carbon
DIRCO Department of International Relations and Cooperation
DMC Domestic Material Consumption
DMIs Domesticated Indicators
DMRE Department of Energy and Mineral Resources
DOA Department of Agriculture
DoE Department of Energy
DOH Department of Health
DPME Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
DRDAR Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform
DRM Disaster Risk Management
DRR Disaster Risk Reduction
DSD Department of Social Development
DSI Department of Science and Innovation
DSM Demand Side Management
DST Department of Science and Technology
DWS Department of Water and Sanitation
XVIII
DWYPWD Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
EBA Ecosystem-based approach
EBSA Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas
EC Eastern Cape
ECD Early Childhood Development
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EPR Extended Producer Responsibility
EPWP Expanded Public Works Programme
ERDT Expanded Report Drafting Team
ESAAMLG Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group
ESD Education for Sustainable Development
ESG Environmental, Social and Governance
ESCOM/ESKOM Electricity Supply Commission
et al. and others
EU European Union
FAO The Food and Agriculture Organisation
FAS Financial Access Survey
FASD Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
FATF Financial Action Task Force
FCSU Family Violence, Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Unit
FBIS Freshwater Biodiversity Information System
FEPAs Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas
FHR Foundation for Human Rights
FIES Food Insecurity Experience Scale
FIES-SM Food Insecurity Experience Scale Survey Module
FPL Food Poverty Line
FRC Freshwater Research Centre
FS Free State
FSC Forestry Stewardship Council
FTE Full time equivalents
GBV Gender-Based Violence
GBVF Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
GCF Green Climate Fund
GCIS Government Communication and Information System
GCNSA Global Compact Network South Africa
GCR Gauteng City Region
GCRO Gauteng City-Region Observatory
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GDS Growth and Development Summit
GEAR Growth, Employment and Redistribution
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GER Gross enrolment ratio
GERD Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development
GFU Gender Focal Units
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GHS General Household Survey
GIA Gender Impact Assessment
GIS Geographic Information System
GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
GNI Gross National Income
GP Gauteng
GPG Gauteng Provincial Government
GPI Gender Parity Index
GPSJS Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey
Gender Responsive Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation & Auditing
GRPBMEAF
Framework
GVA Gross Value Added
GW Gigawatt
HBV Hepatitis B Virus
HEI Higher Education Institute
HEMIS Higher Education Management Information System
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HSRC Human Sciences Research Council
IAM Infrastructure Asset Management
IAS Invasive Alien Species
IBT Inclining Block Tariffs
ICASA Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
ICEP Index of coastal eutrophication
ICLEI International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives
ICT Information and Communications Technology
ICPR International Committee for Peace and Reconciliation
ICVPS Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy
IDP Integrated Development Plans
IDZ Industrial Development Zone
IEC Independent Electoral Commission
IEP Institute for Economics and Peace
IFC International Finance Corporation
IFNuW Institute for Food, Nutrition and Well-being
IFPA Indicator of Food Price Anomalies
IGBVF-SC Interim Gender-based Violence and Femicide Steering Committee
XX
IHP Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme
IHR International Health Regulations

IIF Integrated Indicator Framework
IKS Indigenous Knowledge Systems
ILO International Labour Organisation
IMF International Monetary Fund
IMR Infant Mortality Rate
INEP Integrated National Electrification Programme
INES Integrated National Export Strategy
IoT Internet of Things
IPP Independent Power Producer
IRP Integrated Resource Plan
ISHS Institute for Social and Health Sciences
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
IUD Intrauterine Device
IUDF Integrated Urban Development Framework
IUU Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated
IWRM Integrated water resources management
JCPS Justice, Crime Prevention and Security
JICS Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services
JET IP Just Energy Transition Investment Plan
JMP Joint Monitoring Programme
JPCC Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation
JSE Johannesburg Stock Exchange
KBA Key Biodiversity Areas
KG Kilogram
KIC Keep-It-Cool
KM Kilometre
KPA Key Performance Area
KyD Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo scheme
KZN KwaZulu-Natal
LBPL Lower-Bound Poverty Line
LCR Land Consumption Rate
LCRPGR Land consumption rate to population growth rate
LED Local Economic Development
LGBTQ+ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and plus
LGBTQI+ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex
LP Limpopo
LU/LC Land Use Land Cover
XXI
LTS Land Transport Survey
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MDG Millennium Development Goal
MEA Multilateral Environmental Agreement
MEC Member of the Executive Council
MF Material Footprint
MGCI Mountain Green Cover Index
MHT Medium-high and high-tech industry
MJ Megajoules
mm Millimetres
MMR Maternal Mortality Ratio
MP Moderately protected
MP Mpumalanga
MPAs Marine Protected Areas
MPI Multidimensional Poverty Index
MPS Mountain Partnership Secretariat
MSBP National Coastal and Marine Spatial Biodiversity Plan
MSC Marine Stewardship Council
MSW Municipal solid waste
mt Million tonnes
MTSF Medium Term Strategic Framework
MVA Manufacturing Value Added
MW Megawatt
N2O Nitrous Oxide
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NAP National Action Plan
NAQI National Air Quality Indicators
NBA National Biodiversity Assessment
NBBN National Biodiversity and Business Network
NBI National Business Initiative
NbS Nature-Based Solutions
NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
NC Northern Cape
NCC National Coastal Committee
NCC National Coordinating Committee
NCMP National Chemical Monitoring Programme
NDA National Development Agency
NDA National Department of Agriculture
NDC Nationally Determined Contributions
NDMC National Disaster Management Centre
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NDoH National Department of Health
NDP National Development Plan
NEET Not in education, employment, or training
NEMA National Environment Management Act
NEMBA National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act
NEMP National Eutrophication Monitoring Programme
NEMPA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas
NEMWA National Environmental Management Waste Act
NERSA National Energy Regulator of South Africa
NFA National Forest Act
NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas
NFNSP National Food and Nutrition Security Plan
NFSD National Framework for Sustainable Development
NGM National Gender Machinery
NGO Non-Governmental Organisation
NGP New Growth Path
NHA National Health Act
NHI National Health Insurance
NICD National Institute for Communicable Diseases
NICOC National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee
NICRO South African National Institute for Crime Prevention
nMAR National Mean Annual Runoff
NMRDS National Marine Research and Development Strategy
NMW National Minimum Wage
NOSCP National Oil Spill Contingency Plan
NP Not protected
NPA National Prosecuting Authority
NPAES National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy
NPC National Planning Commission
NPF National Policy Framework
NPGVEP National Policy Guidelines for Victim Empowerment
NPO Non-Profit Organisation
NRM Natural Resource Management
NRW Non-Revenue Water
NSFP National School Feeding Programme
NSNP National School Nutrition Programme
NSP National Strategic Plan
NSSD National Strategy for Sustainable Development
NSSS Non-sewered sanitation system
NWRS National Water Resources Strategy
XXIII
NW North West
NWMS National Waste Management Strategy
NYDA National Youth Development Agency
NYP National Youth Policy
OC Oral contraception
OCIMS Ocean and Coastal Information Management System
ODA Official Development Assistance
OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
OECM Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures
OPHI Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative
PA Protected Area
PBO Public Benefit Organisation
PCC Provincial Coastal Committee
PEP Post-exposure prophylaxis
PEPUDA Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act
PERSAL Personnel and Salary System
PGDP Provincial Growth and Development Programmes
PGR Population Growth Rate
PHC Primary Health Care
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
PIRLS Progress in International Literacy Reading Study
PLAAS Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies
PM Particulate matter
PMG Parliamentary Monitoring Group
PMGs Palladium, Platinum-group Minerals
PMO Programme Management Office
POA Programme of Action
PP Poorly protected
PPP Public-Private Partnership
PrEP Pre-exposure prophylaxis
PSEE Private Sector Energy Efficiency
PSET Post-school education and training
PSI Policy Support Initiative
PSEEP Private Sector Energy Efficiency programme
PV Photovoltaic
QLFS Quarterly Labour Force Survey
R&D Research and Development
RAH Rise Against Hunger
RDP Reconstruction and Development Programme
RDT Report Drafting Team
XXIV
REDIS Renewable Energy Data and Information Service
REIPPP Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme
REIPPPP Renewable Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme
REQV Relative Education Qualification Value
RISDP Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan
RLI Red List Index
RMEEX Raw Material Equivalent of Exports
RMEIM Raw Material Equivalent of Imports
RMS Rapid Mortality Surveillance
RSA Republic of South Africa
S&P Standard and Poor
SADC Southern African Development Community
SADHS South Africa Demographic and Health Survey
SAEON South African Environmental Observation Network
SAFMH South African Federation for Mental Health
SAGERS South Africa GHG Reporting System
SAIAB South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
SAICA South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
SAICE South African Institution of Civil Engineering
SAMJ South Africa Medical Journal
SAMPI South African Multidimensional Poverty Index
SAMREF South African Marine Research and Exploration Forum
SANAC South African National AIDS Council
SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute
SANCOR South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research
SANLC South African National Land Cover
SAPS South African Police Service
SAPWAT South African Procedure for estimating irrigation water requirements
SARB South African Reserve Bank
SARChI South African Research Chair Initiatives
SARS South African Revenue Service
SARVA South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas
SASAS South African Social Attitudes Survey
SASRIA South African Special Risk Insurance Association
SASSA South African Social Security Agency
SAWIC South African Waste Information Centre
SAYP Survey of Activities of Young People
SCD Systematic Country Diagnostic
SCP Sustainable Consumption and Production
SCP Systematic Conservation Planning
XXV
SDF Spatial Development Framework
SDG Sustainable Development Goal
SDSN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
SEDA Small Enterprise Development Agency
SEEA System of Environmental and Economic Accounts
SEIA Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System
SES Socio-economic status
SET Sectoral Emission Target
SETA Sector Education and Training Authority
SGJ Sonke Gender Justice
SIDS Small Island Developing States
SMME Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises
SNP School Nutrition Programme
SO2; SO2 Sulphur Dioxide
SOCs Sexual Offences Courts
SocPen Social Grant Payment System
SRD Social Relief of Distress
SSI Sustainable Seafood Initiative
Stats SA Statistics South Africa
STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
STI Sexually Transmitted Infection
STI Science Technology and Innovation
SVS Stock visibility system
SW Surface water
SWG Sectoral Working Group
SWSAs Strategic Water Source Areas
TAC Treatment Action Campaign
TB Tuberculosis
TCCs Thuthuzela Care Centres
the dtic Department of Trade Industry and Competition
TIMSS Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study
TIP Trafficking in Persons
ToP Termination of pregnancy
TSA Tourism Satellite Account
TWG Technical Working Group
UBPL Upper-bound poverty line
UCT University of Cape Town
UIF The Unemployment Insurance Fund
UK United Kingdom
UN United Nations
XXVI
UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNHCR United Nations Human Rights Council
UN HLPP United Nations High Level Political Platform
UNICEF United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
UNISA University of South Africa
UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
UNSDCF United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework
UP University of Pretoria
USA United States of America
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USD; US$ United States Dollar
VNR Voluntary National Review
VOCS Victims of Crime Survey
WC Western Cape
WDPA World Database on Protected Areas
WfE Working for Ecosystems
WfF Working for Forests
WfL Working for Land
WfW Working for Water
WfWet Working for Wetlands
WHO World Health Organisation
WID World Inequality Data
Wits University of the Witwatersrand
WO Work opportunity
WoF Working on Fire
WP Well protected
WRC Water Research Commission
WSA Water Services Commission
WSDP Water Services Development Plan
WTO World Trade Organization
WWF Worldwide Fund for Nature
WWTF Wastewater treatment works
YES Youth Employment Service
ZAR South African Rand
XXVII
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Country Report for South Africa is the third SDG report
for the country and comes at the mid-point of the 2030 Agenda. This report builds from the SDG
Indicator Baseline Report released in 2017, which provided the starting point for the country to
measure its progress in achieving the global goals as well as the SDG Country Report released in 2019,
that provided the initial progress made by South Africa.
The 2023 Country Report presents an overall picture of the country’s progress towards achieving these
goals, and in turn illustrates the strides made since 2019. It further provides an overview of key socio-
economic and environmental issues that are currently hindering development, as well as evidence that
may assist decision-makers to accelerate action and overcome these hindrances to achieving
sustainable development in South Africa.
Amidst extraordinary and unprecedented challenges experienced by the country, progress has been
made in improving data availability for SDG monitoring. In 2019 South Africa could report on 64% (128
of 198) of the SDG indicators; at the time of the publication of this report, the country was able to
achieve 72.3% coverage (175 of 242) of the SDG indicators. Nevertheless, certain gaps with respect to
geographic coverage, timeliness, and disaggregation of data remain.
It is important to note that while South Africa has progressed in terms of data coverage for SDGs, its
ability to provide current data for issues relating to poverty, food security, health and inequality were
hampered due to various challenges. Similarly, the lack of data for goals across the economic,
environment and governance sectors remains a concern.
1
Table A: South Africa’s progress towards achieving the SDGs
Table A indicates progress the country has made at the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda. Accordingly, positive trends have been observed in 33% of the
targets, 23% have seen no noticeable change in the data, with 11% of targets showing no progress. Furthermore, 33% of the SDG targets did not have sufficient
or new data for tracking progress.
2
Goals linked to the social and governance sector have made some headway, with an increase in the
number of social grant beneficiaries; improved access to basic services for the population; a reduction
in maternal, infant and neonatal mortality; and increasing the proportion of total government
expenditure on essential services. The number of female representation in political positions has
showed a positive trend over the years. The proportion of the population that feels safe walking alone
around the area they live in after dark and crimes such as assault have steadily been declining.
Conversely, high levels of poverty, poor quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes for
children aged 0–4 years, misalignment of skills from higher education institutions to the job market
and gender-based violence are still a serious challenge for development in South Africa.
Progress in the economic sector has varied; manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and
per capita has experienced a downward trend, pointing to struggles in creating an inclusive and
sustainable industrial sector. The unequal distribution of financial resources and the lack of job
opportunities for the youth remain a concern. Other major challenges for the country lie in the area
of infrastructure development, particularly in rail passenger and freight, and waste management
which largely follow a linear approach, resulting in the loss of useful materials that may be reused. The
country was still able to make progress on the technological side, witnessing a significant increase in
fixed internet broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, particularly under the category G10 –
Equal to or above 10Mbit/s.
Observations in the environment sector show steady progress in the use of renewable energy, an
improvement in access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities as well as a commendable
reduction in CO2 emissions. However, the need to improve access to green spaces, cultural heritage,
the enhancement of the quality of life for urban residents and the promotion of sustainable
development still exists. In addition, the pressure on ocean resources, developmental trade-offs,
competing interests, coordination issues and inadequate integration of ecosystem and biodiversity
values into national planning remain a serious hindrance to sustainable development in the country.
Since 2019 South Africa has faced several challenges, some shared globally, others country-specific,
and some impacting particular areas. These have negatively impacted the country’s progress towards
achieving many goals. The country also faces more systemic socio-economic and environmental issues
like prevailing and increasing poverty, rising levels of unemployment, increasing inequality, droughts
and flooding, most of which are exacerbated in times of crisis. Noteworthy issues that have impacted
negatively on South Africa’s progress towards achieving the SDGs have been the COVID-19 pandemic,
economic uncertainty and climate change.
Overall, it is clear that South Africa still faces a range of development challenges, with the underlying
cross-cutting cause and effects being high levels of poverty, inequality and unemployment. Moreover,
the country lags in its attempt to produce new and up-to-date data that may be used to better track
the progress made in achieving the SDGs. While the South African government has done a lot to
address these challenges, a more robust and integrated approach may be desired if the country is to
successfully realize its 2030 development agenda.
3
2. BACKGROUND
2.1 AGENDA 2030 IN SOUTH AFRICA

The advancement of the SDGs in South Africa has taken center stage in all national, provincial and local
policies. The development of its citizens are underpinned by the “People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and
Partnership” approach of the United Nation’s (UN) global goals.
The development outcomes of the country are therefore described as a comprehensive process in
which the government aspires to transform society, the economy, and state of the environment. Such
a transformation is expected to result in an improvement in the life circumstances of its citizens. The
forgoing development outcomes are described in South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) and
it provides a set of national targets that serve as markers in the transformation process, and inevitably
will assist in the realisation of the development outcomes by 2030.
The NDP provides the blueprint through which South Africa hopes to achieve its development
objectives. While the NDP is not the only development agenda South Africa is committed to
implementing, it is the most critical, as all other development frameworks need to be aligned to it.
Over the past decade, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) coordinated the reporting process on the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and
participated in the development and reporting on the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 development
indicators.
To (1) minimise the burden of reporting on the plethora of national, continental, and global
development agendas, and to (2) quantify the demand for statistical information, Stats SA compiled a
comprehensive set of development indicators. The comprehensive set of development indicators is
known as the Integrated Indicator Framework (IIF) and – among others – assists the country to report
on the SDGs. The approach further minimises duplication of reporting and mitigates the existence of
contradictory statistical estimates in the public domain.
4
2.2 South Africa at a glance
South Africa is a medium-sized country with a culturally diverse population. Its economy is amongst the largest in Africa and it is classified as an upper-middle-
income country. Figure A provides an overview of a selection of South Africa’s key characteristics.
Figure A: Overview of key characteristics of South Africa
5
2.3 Integrating the SDGs into everyday life
The SDGs are not just a set of global goals that the South African government has adopted to measure
development in the country, but rather a framework that has been adopted by all sectors in the
country, with the vision of leaving no one behind. Localisation of the SDGs in these various sectors are
discussed in four parts: government, private sector, civil society organizations, and academic and
research institutions.
Government has played a major role in integrating the SDGs by providing a facilitatory legislative and
policy environment. To support vulnerable populations and reduce poverty, the government has
introduced several initiatives like providing grants, free basic services for indigent households, free
health care and free schooling, to name a few.
In addition to these initiatives, the government has adopted a dual reporting system on the SDGs. The
SDG Country Report, which is coordinated by Statistics South Africa, focuses on tracking and
monitoring the achievement of the global goals.
The primary focus of the Voluntary National Review (VNR), coordinated by the Department of
Monitoring and Evaluation, is to evaluate the impact of the country’s policies and programmes in
realizing the SDGs.
Furthermore, government involves local communities in water management by establishing

catchment management agencies and water user associations, contributing to integrated water
resources management (IWRM). To ensure a decent living, the national minimum wage (NMW) has
been increased from R21.69 in 2021 to R23.19 in 2022 per hour worked, contributing to the
achievement of decent and fair work in the country. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
is a national programme focused on the infrastructure, social, environmental and culture, and non-
state sectors. It creates work opportunities, provides income support to those most in need, and a
wide range of services and assets to communities. The Community Work Programme (CWP) is another
initiative from government that provides a further layer of protection for the unemployed.
Furthermore, the most recent programme undertaken by government, the Presidential Youth
Employment Initiative, focuses on the reduction of youth unemployment in the country.
The private sector plays a critical role in achieving and monitoring the SDGs through their corporate
social responsibility initiatives and programmes, by changing their operating practices and being the
number one job creator in the economy. In 2021, 28.1% of companies listed on the Johannesburg
Stock Exchange mentioned the SDGs in official statements or annual reporting; by 2022 this had
increased to 55.5% (IRAS, 2022). Many companies have developed sustainability strategies aligned to
the SDGs, focussing on reducing their environmental footprint, promoting social responsibility, and
contributing to sustainable economic growth, and are actively reporting on progress. Several
companies have nominated SDG focal points among their executive team members, to enhance
implementation.
Private companies have also invested in sustainable consumption and production through sustainable
sourcing, packaging, farming and water-saving technologies. Furthermore, private sector financing
and the development of renewable energy projects have increased the country's renewable energy
capacity.
6
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) actively participate in
raising awareness and advocating the implementation of the SDGs. The main role of CSOs is to
represent the interests of the poorest and most marginalised members of society at the local level;
CSOs listen to people and are aware of what is happening in their respective areas of operation. They
are also there to address concerns, the progress made, and holding government and other
stakeholders accountable for achieving the SDG targets.
The initiatives of CSOs include providing humanitarian and disaster relief, addressing issues such as
violence and reconciliation, crime prevention and reintegration of offenders, human trafficking,
providing shelter for gender-based violence victims (victim centre and empowerment), nutrition
programmes, the reduction of food waste, food security, and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment
programmes.
Academic and research institutions conduct research into all SDGs and often incorporate SDGs into
their educational programmes and operating practices. This includes research on nutrition and food
security, conservation and awareness of freshwater ecosystems, renewable energy, energy efficiency,
and sustainable energy policy. Universities also host research units that address persistent poverty
and economic marginalisation, agriculture and land.
Furthermore, the University of Pretoria is responsible for the South African SDG hub, which collects
the most relevant and up-to date research on the SDGs. Another initiative managed by the Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas (SARVA), is an
open science portal that provides access to decision-ready data, dashboards, infographics and maps
covering natural and anthropogenic hazards.
2.4 Report drafting process

The drafting of the SDG Country Report is a result of a multi-stakeholder consultation process. It builds
from the previous two reports produced by the country, namely the SDG baseline report in 2017 and
the 2019 SDG Country Report. The coordination process involved extensive technical and logistical
activities related to:
1. Identifying the respective data owners and inviting them to participate in the Country
Reporting Process;
2. Identifying indicators to report on;
3. Identifying indicators to be domesticated;
4. Proposing additional indicators that provide context for Agenda 2030 in South Africa;
5. Collecting and accessing relevant data;
6. Establishing coordination structures to facilitate the technical work on indicators;
7. Commissioning Goal and Country Report authors; and
8. Quality assuring the work through a Validation workshop process.
7
Figure B: SDG Country Reporting Process
Identifying relevant stakeholders, obtaining relevant data, and agreeing on the domesticated
indicators to be included proved challenging. To manage and coordinate the process, it was decided
to organise the 17 goals into four thematic areas that would inform the formation of Sectoral Working
Groups (SWG) and the goals each SWG would address.
The four SWGs formed were:
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable
agriculture
SOCIAL
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and

foster innovation
ECONOMIC
Reduce inequality within and among countries
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for
sustainable development
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
ENVIRONMENTAL
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
8
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable
development
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably

manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt
biodiversity loss
GOVERNANCE, PEACE & Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to
SECURITY justice for all and build effective, accountable institutions at all levels
The iterative processes involved queries regarding the data, the indicators, timeliness of data, and the
quality of the data. Each SWG had numerous meetings with data providers to ensure that the most
recent data is used and that the sources do subscribe to the definitions used in the SDG metadata. On
approval, the SWG signs off the data and indicators for use in the Goal and Country Reports.
Furthermore, once the SWGs released the indicators and their associated data values, the
independent authors commenced with the process of writing the Goal reports. Each iteration of the
draft Goal reports required authors to engage with their respective SWG (i.e. data owners and civil
society members) to guard against a government report.
Finally, upon completion of the 17 Goal reports the process of integrating them into a single Country
Report was initiated. Each Goal report author had extensive engagements with the Country Report
author to ensure that none of the pertinent issues and interlinkages are lost through the compilation
of the Country Report. After a draft report of acceptable quality was produced, it was presented at a
validation workshop to all SDG stakeholders. This was done to ensure national ownership of the report.
Classification of indicators
The 2023 SDG Country Report is based on tier classification for global SDG indicators as of
30 November 2022. This is a UN classification system that group SDG indicators based on the level of
methodological development and data availability. The tier classification contains 148 tier I indicators,
77 tier II indicators, with 6 indicators that have multiple tiers.
Tier Classification Criteria/Definitions:
Tier 1: Indicator is conceptually clear, has an internationally established methodology and standards
are available, and data are regularly produced by countries for at least 50 percent of countries and of
the population in every region where the indicator is relevant.
Tier II: Indicator is conceptually clear, has an internationally established methodology and standards
are available, but data are not regularly produced by countries.
9
Numbering system of indicators in the report
Certain suffixes were introduced to differentiate amongst the different types and levels of indicators.
These are indicated below:
 An indicator number without any suffix (e.g. 1.1.1 and 1.a.2) indicates an unmodified SDG
indicator.
 An indicator number followed by an upper case D (e.g. 1.4.2D) refers to a domesticated indicator
(a proxy to SDG) in line with the principle of domestication, ensuring indicators are adjusted to
meet local peculiarities.
 An indicator number followed by either an upper case A (e.g. 1.2.1A) or an upper case A combined
with a number (e.g. 3.2.2A1 and 3.2.2A2) indicates an additional indicator that is supplementary,
where the SDG indicator is not sufficient or is not applicable to explain the situation in the country.
These indicators are excluded in the count of SDG indicators South Africa can report on.
 An indicator number followed by a lower case letter (e.g. 15.9.1a) or a combination of upper and
lower case letters (e.g. 16.1.3Da and 16.1.3A1a) refers to the disaggregated components of an
indicator.
Data limitations
Similar to any developing nation, South Africa faces certain limitations in terms of data availability for
some indicators. Common problems across all indicators have been the lack of disaggregated data by
subnational levels, sex and persons with disabilities. These disaggregations are required for a number
of the global indicators. This limitation is partly due to challenges arising from limited resources like
finance to collect and collate data at such disaggregation.
Where possible, global SDG indicators have been domesticated or additional indicators have been
used to reflect the situation at the local level. This implies that progress for some of the SDGs is limited
to the indicators with data for the 2023 reporting cycle.
10
Data availability
In 2023, South Africa has domesticated 49 SDG indicators and further reported on 36 additional
indicators. During the publication of this report, South Africa was able to report on 72.3% (175 of 242)
of the SDG indicators. Despite the efforts and progress made in the collection of data for SDG
indicators, a noticeable data gap still exists. This can be seen in both the non-availability of data to
report on SDG indicators and the insufficient availability of disaggregated data, as per the global
requirements. Figure C provides a graphic representation of South Africa’s SDG data availability.
Figure C: Data availability for SDG reporting
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2.5 Objectives and report structure
The overall objective of this South African SDG Country Report is to synthesise findings from the 17
goal reports, which report on progress towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
The specific objectives of this report, therefore, are the following:
 To update progress reported in the 2019 SDG Country Report;

 To provide an overall context of South Africa against which the SDGs can be understood;
 Illustrate the progress made towards achieving the 2030 goals, using selected targets and
indicators, reflecting on key successes and challenges faced in achieving the targets of that
SDG; and
 Interlinkages based on priorities for the South African government to consider in deriving its
long-term development initiatives in the context of the 2030 Agenda and the NDP.
The Country Report consists of five chapters. Following the Executive Summary, the Background
outlines South Africa’s SDG journey, explains the process of reporting on the SDGs, describes the
country’s overall development framework, and finally considers how South Africa has integrated the
SDGs into everyday life across all sectors. Chapter 3 examines the impacts of selected socio-economic
and environmental issues in relation to achieving the SDGs in South Africa, highlighting the negative
impacts of these, and, where relevant, the opportunities they might present. Chapter 4 focuses on
progress per goal and tracks specific progress for each goal, identifying if the country is on track, slow
or falling behind in achieving targets. Chapter 5 highlights certain national priorities, identifies key
challenges and links them to specific SDG targets.
12
3. IMPACT OF KEY SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ON
ATTAINING THE SDGS IN SOUTH AFRICA
From the previous SDG Country Report in 2019, there have been various events both globally and
locally that have occurred. These include but are not limited to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global
economic crisis and the continuation of loadshedding in South Africa. The impact of these occurrences
have affected not just South Africa but the world at large, particularly when dealing with the
achievement of the SDGs. This chapter focuses on these events and others, and details how it has
influenced the attainment of the SDGs in South Africa.
3.1 Impact of global events

Some key global events that have impacted negatively on South Africa’s progress towards achieving
the SDGs have been the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
COVID-19 pandemic had a rippling effect on many countries
The global COVID-19 pandemic hit the country hard, affecting all aspects of society and the economy.
Following South Africa’s first confirmed case of coronavirus in early March 2020, the government
implemented measures to delay transmission and reduce severity, including strict lockdowns
accompanied by a stimulus package of $26 billion, 10% of which was allocated to social assistance,
including a R350 per month additional grant to social grant recipients (Bhorat, 2020).
Negative impacts of these responses included restricted movement, job losses, reduced incomes,
closures of businesses, disruption of global and national supply chains, increases in food insecurity
prevalence rates (Stats SA, 2020a), food shortages and increases in hunger (The Conversation, 2020),
poorer physical and mental health, and delayed or cancelled infrastructure development, all
negatively impacting the country’s development and performance.
COVID-19 has increased inequalities, with those bearing the brunt of it being more likely to be poor,
unemployed, working in the informal sector, and women. There was a notable impact on women, who
disproportionately work in the informal and caring sector, with their incomes and jobs being cut while
their caring responsibilities increased (for the sick, and for children not able to go to school). This was
particularly true for domestic workers in South Africa. Women were also more vulnerable to gender-
based violence, possibly due to them being confined to their homes with their abusers. Unequal access
to technology meant that children in poorer households were more affected by the move to online
teaching (Adebiyi, B. et al, 2021).
Middle- and higher-income households were also negatively affected by COVID-19, for example, by
the consequent downturn in the economy. Data show that South Africans with the highest exposure
to secured lending and other banking products (i.e. the higher income population with home loans
and other debt) were increasingly more affected than those who experienced financial hardship
before the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2020 a debt counselling firm noted that an alarming number
of consumers would be unable to repay their debt. Overall, the declining GDP growth and increasing
unemployment have seen a corresponding increase in poverty and debt, which have proved to be
major setbacks in accomplishing SDG targets.
13
Despite the negative impacts, COVID-19 has accelerated a technology revolution in the country
(Mahlaka, R, 2021), encouraging more people to work from home, and to use technology for virtual
meetings, online shopping and to maintain social interactions (Fischer et al, 2021). This reduced
commuting and flights, thus potentially reducing air pollution. Indications are that e-commerce, video
conferencing, remote working and telemedicine will continue beyond the pandemic. Between March
2020 and July 2022, remote job opportunities grew by more than 22 times (CHRO, 2022), indicating
that the shift towards remote working since the pandemic has continued.
In South Africa the fourth industrial revolution technologies with the greatest surge during COVID-19
include artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis, the Internet of Things for consumer goods, and
mobile applications for financial transactions, transportation and utility vending, digital learning
platforms, drones for delivering medicine to rural areas, and 3D printing for medical use (UNIDO,
2021). There are also reports of increased cooperation during the pandemic, particularly at community
level, with organisations that previously worked in silos now pooling their expertise and resources to
form collaborative networks (Van Pinxteren, and Colvin, 2020). The ban on the sale and consumption
of alcohol led to a reduction in alcohol-related injuries, reducing the number of trauma presentations
by 40% to 50%.
South Africa a hot spot for climate change
Southern Africa is now considered to be a climate change ‘hot spot’, with rising temperatures,
droughts, flooding and unpredictable weather systems set to become the new normal. Over the last
six decades, significant changes in climate have been observed in South Africa. Consequently, climate
zones across the region are shifting, ecosystems and landscapes are degrading due to fires, droughts
and heat waves. This has, in some parts, translated into natural disasters, vector-borne diseases, as
well as food and water insecurity, which consequently threaten livelihoods (UN, 2021).
Recent research on environmental migration in the region suggests that environmental factors such
as the severe drought of 2015–2016 or the loss of ecosystem services contribute to migration across
the region, often from other countries into South Africa (Bega, 2022). In 2017, it was estimated that
15 000 South Africans were internally displaced, that is, forced to leave their homes, as a result of
natural or human-made disasters, staying within the country’s borders. In 2018 and 2019, more than
2.6 million and 3.4 million weather-related displacements occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (IPCC, n.d.).
3.2 Impact of National Events

Key national-level issues that impact negatively on South Africa’s ability to achieve the SDGs are,
among others, loadshedding and area-specific events.
Loadshedding and energy provision in South Africa
Loadshedding is defined by Eskom, South Africa’s electricity public utility and primary electricity
supplier, as the interruption of power supply at certain times to certain areas due to a lack of supply
capacity to meet the required demand for electricity. Eskom started implementing loadshedding in
2007, gradually increasing its intensity and frequency to reach over 200 days of power cuts in 2022.
This has been extremely detrimental to the country’s economy and development, in many respects
similar to the impacts of COVID-19.
14
It has caused business closures, impacted health, the reliable supply of safe water, agriculture and
food security, industry, small businesses, and even mobile networks and communication.
Loadshedding has affected everyone’s daily lives, increasing the costs of food and food preparation,
encouraging more take-out food and discouraging storage of food in freezers.
On the positive side, loadshedding creates climate mitigation opportunities, has stimulated private
sector economic activity in renewable energy and has precipitated a more rapid move to solar and
alternative energy than could have been expected with a stable electricity supply from Eskom. The
loadshedding crisis has forced the use of alternative energy sources (solar, wind and biogas) on a large
scale across affected sectors, such as commercial, manufacturing, retail, and industrial, as well as at a
residential scale, where households are shifting to especially solar photovoltaic (PV) installations
(Burger, 2022; Business Tech, 2023; Daniel, 2022). In early 2023 the government announced tax relief
measures to encourage households to install solar panels. Individuals can now claim 25% in tax
deductions on the cost of solar PV panels for rooftop installations, with the incentive capped at
R15,000 and available for one year. This is moving South Africa towards reduced CO2 emissions from
its coal-fired power plants.
The government initiated the Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) in 2011
to augment generation capacity and reduce loadshedding. The REIPPP has allocated over 6 000
Megawatt (MW) of generation capacity to bidders, with the majority in wind and solar (South African
Government, 2023). In 2020, electricity generated from renewables contributed 10.5% of the national
total. But some have predicted an increase in renewable power capacity of 10.7% annually, reaching 40.6
Gigawatt (GW) by 2035, 48.3% of total installed capacity. In addition to the above initiatives, the President
of South Africa announced at his state of the nation address in 2023, the appointment of the Minister of
Electricity, whose sole responsibility is to oversee all aspects of the government’s response to the current
energy crisis in the country. The impacts of loadshedding are discussed further in Chapter 4, SDG 7.
Area-specific events
In addition to these global and national crises, several areas of the country faced incidents of flooding
during this period.
Flooding on the coast
In April and May 2022, many areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and some parts of the Eastern Cape (EC)
provinces experienced severe flooding, followed by the Western Cape (WC) province in mid-June and
July of 2023. A number of people died; homes, businesses and infrastructure were destroyed.
Unfortunately, the impacts of these floods were disproportionately felt by marginalised communities,
particularly in informal settlements (Pinto et al, 2022).
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4. TRACKING PROGRESS ON ACHIEVING SDGs BY 2030
The 2023 Country Report comes at the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda; reporting on the state of
progress per goal is paramount in order to identify not only successes to date, but also those areas
that need more concerted efforts in order to achieve the SDGs by 2030. This chapter reports on the
progress made for each goal thus far.
A key aspect to note is that certain data points have not changed since the 2019 Country Report, due
to the publication schedule of certain surveys/census in South Africa being disrupted as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of this delay has meant that the 2023 SDG Country Report does not
contain any new data on certain indicators, amongst others: poverty, inequality and food security.
Monitoring of South Africa’s progress towards achieving the SDGs has been summarised at the end of
each goal in the form a tracking table. The tracking table depicts the following tracking statuses:
Indicates the data are showing a positive

Progress
trend
Indicates the data are showing a negative

No progress
trend
Indicates there is no noticeable change in the

Stagnant/No change
data
Indicates that there was either insufficient

Insufficient/No data
data (one data point after 2015); no data
16
GOAL 1
END POVERTY IN ALL ITS FORMS EVERYWHERE
The total number of grants

distributed in 2022 by the South
African government was
18 677 382
highest number of recipients was
the Child Support Grant, with
more than 13 million people
receiving this grant.
Page
48
Page
47
In 2021/22 proportion of
government expenditure
In 2021/22 on of
proportion
social wageexpenditure
government was on
social wage was
51.9%
83.2% of South Africans had
83.4% of South Africans had 51.9%
access to improved
access to improved
sanitation facilities; 88.5%
sanitation facilities; 86.2%
had access to improved water
had access to improved water
facilities
facilities Page
54
Page
53
Page 17
51
Page
50
4.1 SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
SDG 1 aims to eliminate poverty in all its forms by 2030. Poverty, however, is not limited solely to
financial deprivation but encompasses a range of socio-economic factors, including access to services
and social protection, dignified employment and equitable opportunities. The lack of progress in
achieving poverty reduction is often attributed to various socioeconomic and environmental factors.
The country’s current economic status hampers efforts to eliminate poverty, compounded by load-
shedding and high levels of unemployment.
Substantial headway has been made in the collective effort to combat poverty through the
collaboration of the government, private sector, non-profit organisations (NPOs) and academia. One
of the earliest measures implemented by South Africa's democratic government was the
Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in 1994. Various government departments have
developed policies and strategies aimed at addressing the challenges and factors that hinder the
progress made in ending poverty. Examples are the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) the
Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Early Childhood Development (ECD) and National School
Nutrition Programme (NSNP), Presidential Youth Employment Initiative. The government has also
instituted several grants to support vulnerable populations.
Monitoring poverty is important on the global and national development agenda. Poverty is a
multidimensional phenomenon and thus can be measured in various ways. In South Africa, poverty
can be delineated through money-metric and non-metric measures. Money-metric measures include
the food poverty line, the lower-bound poverty line and the upper-bound poverty line. The term "food
poverty line" denotes the minimum monetary value that an individual must have to meet their basic
daily energy needs, also known as the "extreme" poverty line (Stats SA, 2019a). The lower-bound
poverty line is defined as the combination of the food poverty line and the average cost of non-food
items for households whose overall expenses equal the food poverty line. The upper-bound poverty
line is determined by adding the average expenditure on non-food items of households that spend the
same amount on food as those at the food poverty line.
The non-money metric measure in South Africa is represented by the South African Multidimensional
Poverty Index (SAMPI). The SAMPI is based on four factors: economic activity, living standards, health,
and education and is determined using the Alkire-Foster formula. If a family falls into the SAMPI poor
category, it exhibits deprivation in at least one-third of the index's indicators. The population and
intensity measures are the two main metrics used in the SAMPI.
Table A.1 Poverty lines and their Rand values in 2015 and 2023
Poverty line 2015-line values 2023-line values
Food poverty line (FPL) R441.00 R760.00
Lower-bound poverty line (LBPL)
R647.00 R1 058.00
Upper-bound poverty line
R992.00 R1 558.00
(UBPL)
Source: National Poverty Lines, Stats SA, 2023
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Key findings show that overall progress has been made in terms of reducing poverty as evidenced by
Target 1.1 (to eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people
living on less than $1,25 a day, Target 1.2 (to reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women
and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions), and
Target 1.a (ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through
enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for
developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies
to end poverty in all its dimensions). This includes government spending on essential services
(education, health and social protection). The trends suggest that the provision of the basket of social
grants is positively impacting poverty levels. However, in some cases, the most recent data available
is 2015 so the situation may have changed with the impacts of COVID-19, and the economic downturn.
Performance for Target 1.4 is mixed, with positive trends in access to sanitation, water and electricity,
but negative performance in terms of access to waste removal and numbers of agricultural population
with secure land rights.
4.1.1 Progress per target
Table 1.1: Targets for goal 1
Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

1.1 By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day.
1.2 By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according
to national definitions.
1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial
coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well
as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate
new technology and financial services, including microfinance.
1.5 By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-
related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.
1.a 1.a Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in
order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement
programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions.
1.b Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive
development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions.
19
Indicator 1.1.1: Proportion of the population living below the international poverty line by sex, age,
employment status and geographic location (urban/rural)
Figure 1.1.1: Proportion of the population living below the international poverty line by sex
30 27.1 27.4
25.5 26.3
25.0
23.7
25
19.8 18.8
20 17.4 16.4 17.8
15.4
Percent (%)
15
10
0
2006 2009 2011 2015
Male Female RSA
Source: Income and Expenditure Survey 2006 & 2011, Stats SA, and Living Condition Survey 2009 & 2015, Stats SA
The international extreme poverty line1 is now US$2.15, about R40 per person per day (converted in
March 2023) (The World Bank, 2022). Figure 1.21 displays the proportion of the population living
below the international extreme poverty line of US$1.90, roughly R35, based on data from Stats SA
(2006, 2009, 2011 & 2015).
The percentage of people in South Africa living below the international poverty line peaked at 26.3%
in 2009 but dropped to 18.8% by 2015. This roughly translates to 10.6 million South Africans having
less than $1.90 per day to survive in 2015 based on data from Stats SA (2006, 2009, 2011 & 2015) The
percentage of females living below the international poverty line, has consistently been higher than
males and RSA over all four data points.
Table 1.1.2: South African population living below $1.90 a day by age group and sex: 2006–2
015 (%)
2006 2009 2011 2015
Age group
Male Female RSA Male Female RSA Male Female RSA Male Female RSA
(years)
Percent (%)
0–17 33.3 33.9 33.6 35.0 34.6 34.8 21.2 21.9 21.6 25.3 25.2 25.3
18–24 24.6 29.5 27.0 27.4 30.4 28.9 16.6 20.7 18.7 20.1 22.7 21.4
25–34 13.9 21.2 17.6 17.1 23.4 20.3 11.9 14.1 13.0 13.7 16.8 15.3
35–44 14.5 21.4 18.1 14.2 19.3 16.8 9.2 12.8 11.0 10.6 14.7 12.7
45–54 14.6 20.3 17.7 14.3 20.5 17.5 9.2 13.2 11.3 9.4 14.0 11.7
55–64 16.3 20.8 18.8 16.3 20.8 18.7 9.7 12.7 11.3 11.1 15.7 13.6
65 + 18.6 24.0 21.8 19.1 21.2 20.4 10.3 12.5 11.6 11.0 14.5 13.2
All groups 23.7 27.1 25.5 25.0 27.4 26.3 15.4 17.4 16.4 17.8 19.8 18.8
Source: Income and Expenditure Survey 2006 & 2011, Stats SA, and Living Condition Survey 2009 & 2015, Stats SA
1
Extreme poverty is characterised by individuals living on an income of less than US$1.25 per day per person
(UN, n.d.)
20
As per Table 1.1.3 the age cohort of 0–17 years is the worst affected followed by the 18–24 years age
cohort. The government of South Africa, which has implemented several social welfare programs
aimed at reducing poverty and assisting vulnerable populations, may be the reason behind the sharp
decline from 2006 to 2015. These initiatives include the provision of social grants such as the Child
Support Grant and Old Age Pension, which support low-income individuals and families.
Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age.
Figure 1.2.1: Proportion of the population living below the international poverty line
70 66.6
62.1
60 53.2 55.5
51.0
47.6
50
40.0
40 36.4
33.5
Percent (%)
28.4
30 25.2
21.4
20
10
0
2006 2009 2011 2015
Upper Bound Poverty Line 66.6 62.1 53.2 55.5
Lower Bound Poverty Line 51.0 47.6 36.4 40.0
Food Poverty Line 28.4 33.5 21.4 25.2
Source: Income and Expenditure Survey 2006 & 2011, Stats SA, and Living Conditions Survey 2009 & 2015, Stats SA
Indicator 1.2.1 measures poverty using national poverty lines, focusing on three poverty lines: the FPL,
LBPL and UBPL. These poverty lines are drawn at a particular level of income or consumption explained
in Figure 1.2.1, which is based on data from Stats SA (2009; 2015) and Stats SA (2006; 2011).
According to Figure 1.2.1, the population living below the upper and lower-bound poverty lines
declined by approximately 11 percentage points between 2006 and 2015. In the case of the upper-
bound poverty line, this was from 66.6% in 2006 to 55.5% in 2015 and in the case of the lower-bound
poverty line, this was from 51.0% to almost 40.0%, denoting an income of less than R760.00.
21
Indicator 1.2.1A: Number of Social Grants beneficiaries by type of social grant and location
Figure 1.2.1A: Number of social grants beneficiaries by type of social grant
20 000 000
18 000 000
Number of people
16 000 000
14 000 000
12 000 000
10 000 000
8 000 000
6 000 000
4 000 000
2 000 000
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Child Support Grant 11 125 931 11 704 844 11 973 131 12 041 819 12 122 202 12 452 066 12 787 460 12 992 623 13 166 377
Old Age Grant 2 969 929 3 086 851 3 194 129 3 302 202 3 423 337 3 553 317 3 676 791 3 722 668 3 774 611
Disability Grant 1 120 417 1 112 663 1 085 621 1 027 276 1 061 866 1 048 255 1 042 027 997 752 1 004 801
Foster Care Grant 512 052 499 774 470 019 440 295 416 016 386 019 355 609 309 451 294 030
Grant-In-Aid 83 059 113 087 137 814 160 359 179 881 221 989 273 922 267 912 283 772
Care Dependency Grant 130 621 136 922 140 926 143 939 147 467 150 001 154 735 150 146 153 766
War Veteran Grant 429 326 245 176 134 92 62 40 25
Grand Total 15 942 438 16 654 467 17 001 885 17 116 066 17 350 903 17 811 739 18 290 606 18 440 592 18 677 382
Source: Social Grant Payment System (SocPen) 2023, DSD
Figure 1.2.1A shows the number of social grants beneficiaries by type of grant. The number of people
receiving social protection has gradually increased from 2014 to 2022 as based on data from DSD
(2023). The total number of grants benefeciaries in 2022 by the government was 18 677 382. The grant
with the highest number of recipients was the Child Support Grant, with more than 13 million people
receiving this grant.
Indicator 1.2.2: Proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions
according to national definitions.
Figure 1.2.2.1: Proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions
according to national definitions by province
14 13.3 13.1
12.1
12
9.9
10 8.5 8.8 8.8
8.1
Percent (%)
7.0 7.5 7.0

8 6.9
6.3
5.3 5.7
6 4.9
4.2
4 2.6 2.8
2
0
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Male
Total
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
WC EC NC FS KZN NW GP MP LP RSA
Source: Poverty Trends in South Africa 2017, Stats SA
22
Figure 1.2.2.1 shows the proportion of men, women and children who are multi-dimensionally poor
by province. The Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces exhibit the highest prevalence of poverty, with
13.3% of females and 12.1% of males living in impoverished conditions in the Eastern Cape and 13.1%
of females and 9.9% of males in Limpopo as based on data from Stats SA (2017). Conversely, the
Western Cape province has the lowest incidence of poverty, with less than 3.0% of the population
living below the poverty line. Nationally this number is at 7.0%. The figure highlights that females are
disproportionately affected by poverty, likely due to factors such as income and opportunity
disparities.
Figure 1.2.2.2: The number of deprivations of the multi-dimensionally poor households divided by the
number of multi-dimensionally poor households
50
44.5 43.3
45 42.7 43.8 41.9 42.1 41.7 41.6 42.1 42.9 42.5 42.5 43.0 42.4
41.7 42.8 42.8
40.5 39.5
40
35
30
Percent (%)
25
20
15
10
0
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Total
WC EC NC FS KZN NW GP MP LP RSA
Source: Poverty Trends in South Africa 2017, Stats SA
The SAMPI intensity is the average proportion of weighted indicators in which “multi-dimensionally
poor” households are deprived. It is calculated by dividing the number of deprivations of the multi-
dimensionally poor households by the number of multi-dimensionally poor households and is shown
in Figure 1.2.2.2Figur again by province. Based on Stats SA (2016) data, Gauteng province is worst off
when measuring poverty on the SAMPI intensity scale, with males scoring 44.5% and females 43.3%.
Nationally, the value was 42.8% in 2016.
23
Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex,
distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant
women, new-borns, work-injury victims, the poor and the vulnerable
Figure 1.3.1 Total population covered by social protection floors/systems

35
30.4 30.3
28.9 29.2 29.3
30 28.3
25
Percent (%)
20
15
10
0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Source: Social Grant Payment System (SocPen) n.d DSD
Figure 1.3.1 shows the proportion of the South African population covered by social protection
floors/systems. The number of individuals benefiting from social assistance has steadily increased
since 1994, with 30.3% of the population receiving some form of government aid in 2018 as based on
data from DSD. While this is a positive development in terms of government assistance to those in
need, it is also a concerning reality that by 2018, almost one third of South Africans were dependent
on government support. A reduction in the number of individuals requiring government aid would
signify a better economic state for the country.
Indicator 1.4.1: Proportion of the population living in households with access to basic services
Figure 1.4.1: Proportion of the population living in households with access to basic services
100.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
Percent (%)
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Access to improved sanitation
80.0 81.3 82.3 82.7 82.6 82.6 83.6 83.4
facilities
Access to electricity 88.7 88.7 89.6 90.0 90.7 93.0 93.0 93.6
Access to improved water facilities 87.5 86.8 86.4 87.1 86.2 86.6 86.3 86.2
Access to waste removal 60.3 61.8 62.4 61.2 56.5 56.6 56.6 57.3
Source: General Household Survey 2023, Stats SA
24
Access to basic services such as electricity, water, improved sanitation, and waste removal is crucial to
improving the livelihoods of impoverished people. Figure 1.4.1 shows that, while 89.6% of people in
South Africa had access to electricity, 83.2% has access to improved sanitation facilities and 88.5% had
access to improved water facilities, only 56.6% of people had access to waste removal services, a
decline from 60.3% in 2015.
Indicator: 1.4.2D: Number of agricultural populations with secure land rights
Figure 1.4.2D: Number of agricultural populations with secured land rights

160 000
140 670
140 000
Number of agricultural
120 000
populations
94 280 92 032 92 643

100 000 85 325
80 000
60 000
40 000 29 492
20 000
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: DALRRD, n.d.
Indicator 1.4.2D measures the number of agricultural populations with secured land rights, illustrated
in Figure 1.4.2D. This is based on data from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural
Development (DALRRD). From 2015 to 2020, the number of agricultural communities possessing
secured property rights plummeted from 140 670 to 29 492. This is attributed to land that was initially
issued for agricultural purposes, but was later converted to other sectors in the economy.
Indicator 1.5.1D: Number of dead persons attributed to disasters and other forces of nature.
Figure 1.5.1D: Number of dead persons attributed to disasters and other forces of nature
500
450
400
350
Number of deaths
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Exposure to excessive natural heat 8 10 12 10 94 11 12
Exposure to excessive natural cold 163 114 97 90 141 132 130
Victims of lightning 181 162 157 182 219 121 143
Other forces of nature 3 4 1 2 3 6 3
Total 355 290 266 282 437 270 288
Source: Mortality and Causes of Death 1997-2018, Stats SA
25
Figure 1.5.1D shows the number of people who died in natural disasters between 2006 and 2018 by
type of disaster, as based on data from Stats SA (2018). The number of people recorded as dying from
nature-related disasters fluctuated between 2006 and 2018, with a peak of 437 in 2016, when the
number of people who died of heat exposure also reached a high. In 2018, 288 people died from
nature-related disasters. From 1997 to 2016, most of these deaths were attributed to lightning strikes
and exposure to excessive cold. This indicator also covers Indicator 11.5.1 and Indicator 13.1.1 as
domestic indicators.
Indicator 1.5.3D: Number of national and local disaster risk reduction strategies adopted by South
Africa.
This is the domesticated version of Indicator 1.5.3 Number of countries that adopt and implement
national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015–2030. In 2015, South Africa had adopted 13 national and local disaster risk reduction
strategies.
South Africa has made significant progress in refining its policy and legal framework for disaster risk
reduction and institutionalising implementation arrangements. The Constitution (1996) grants the
primary responsibility for disaster management to the government through Section 41(I)(b) that
stipulates that all spheres of government are required to “secure the well-being of the people of the
Republic”. Additionally, disaster management is a functional area in Part A of Schedule 4 of the
Constitution, meaning that both the national and provincial spheres of government are competent to
develop and execute laws within this area and have powers and responsibilities in relation to disaster
management.
South Africa was an early adopter of a more proactive approach to disaster management that focuses
on disaster risk management (DRM) through adaptation, prevention, and mitigation. The Disaster
Management Act (Act 57 of 2002) and Amendment Bill, along with the National Disaster Management
Framework (2005), provide guidelines and recommendations that aim to achieve more effective
disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. The Act makes provision for National, Provincial
and Municipal Disaster Management Centres to enable the implementation of disaster risk
management policy and legislation and the integration and co-ordination of disaster risk management
activities. In addition to providing the legislative framework for DRM across all spheres, South Africa
has also developed several tools to support climate change adaptation. Examples of these are The
Green Book (CSIR, 2019) and the SARVA (SAEON, 2021).
Overall, South Africa has developed proactive legislation that is aligned with international best
practice, with the national disaster management framework placing explicit emphasis on disaster risk
reduction. This empowers DRM at all spheres across government. Various tools and reference
materials have been developed to support government and parastatals to identify
locations/geographies vulnerable to climate impacts, intervention options, and potential climate
adaptation projects. In line with this focussed move, in 2015 already, South Africa had adopted no less
than 13 national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. This indicator also covers Indicator 11.b.1
and Indicator 13.1.2 as domestic indicators.
26
Indicator 1.a.1: Total official development assistance grants from all donors that focus on poverty
reduction as a share of the recipient country’s gross national income
Figure 1.a.1: Total official development assistance grants from all donors that focus on poverty
reduction as a share of the recipient country’s gross national income
0.0035 0.0032
0.0030
0.0025 0.0022
0.0020 0.0017
Percent (%)
0.0016
0.0015
0.0010
0.0005
-
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16
Source: Reconstruction and Development Fund 2012/13-2015/16, National Treasury, Quarterly bulletin 2012/13-2015/16,
SARB
In Figure 1.a.1 above, the percentage of total official development assistance grants from all donors
that focus on poverty reduction as the share of country’s gross national income dropped from 0.0032
in 2012/13 to 0.0016 in 2013/14 financial years . The percentage of ODA for poverty reduction as the
share of GNI has since steadily increased to 0.0022 in 2015/16 financial year.
Indicator 1.a.2: Proportion of total government spending on essential services (education, health and
social protection)
Figure 1.a.2: Proportion of total government spending on essential services (education, health and
social protection)
25
20
Percent (%)
15
10
0
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22
Education 6.3 6.6 6.5 7.6 6.3 7.3 7.7
Health 2.9 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.2 3.5
Social Development 11.0 11.3 11.3 11.5 11.8 12.7 12.3
Total Essential services 20.1 20.8 20.9 22.1 21.1 23.3 23.4
Source: Estimates of National Expenditure 2022/23, National Treasury
In Figure 1.a.2 above, the proportion of total government spending on essential services (education,
health and social protection) increased from 20.1% in 2015/16 to 22.1% in 2018/19 financial years.
27
This was followed by a drop in 2019/20 to 21.1%, therafter we observe a slight increase to 23.4% in
2021/22.
Indicator 1.b.1D: Proportion of consolidated government expenditure on social wage
Figure 1.b.1D: Proportion of consolidated government expenditure on social wage

60 53.3
52.4 51.4 51.9
50
40
Percent (%)
30
20
10
0
2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22
Source: Budget Review 2023, National Treasury
Figure 1.b.1D shows the proportion of government expenditure on social wage. The data illustrates
that the South African government is investing more than half of the national budget on pro-poor
policies and programmes, in an attempt to alleviate poverty in the country. These include expenditure
on social protection, education, health, employment creating programmes and community
development.
28
4.1.2 Summary of Progress towards Goal 1
SDG Indicator Tracking table

2019 (or
Latest
Disaggregation and Unit of Baseline nearest
Target Indicator available Status
measure value year)
value
value
Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Target
By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day
1.1
Male 25,0 15,4 17,8
(2009) (2011) (2015)
Proportion of the population living below the international
Female 27,4 17,4 19,8
1.1.1 poverty line by sex, age, employment status and geographic
(2009) (2011) (2015)
location (urban/rural)
RSA 26,3 16,4 18,8
(2009) (2011) (2015)
Target
By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
1.2
62,1 53,2 55,5
UBPL
(2009) (2011) (2015)
Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, 47,6 36,4 40,0
1.2.1 LBPL
by sex and age (2009) (2011) (2015)
33,5 21,4 25,2
FPL
(2009) (2011) (2015)
3
Number of Social Grants beneficiaries by type of social grant 3 194 129 3 553 317
1.2.1A Old Age Grant 774 611
and location (2016) (2019)
(2022)
17 17 18
Number of Social Grants beneficiaries by type of social grant
1.2.1A Total beneficiaries 001 885 811 739 677 382
and location
(2016) (2019) (2022)
7,0%
Headcount
Proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in (2016)
1.2.2
poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions 42,8%
Intensity
(2016)
Target Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the
1.3 vulnerable
Proportion of population covered by social protection
floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed
RSA 28,9 29,3 30,3
1.3.1 persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant
(2013) (2016) (2019)
women, new-borns, work-injury victims and the poor and the
vulnerable
By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services,
Target
ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including
1.4
microfinance
82.3 82.6 83.4
Basic sanitation services
(2017) (2019) (2022)
86.4 86.2 86.2
Basic drinking water services
Proportion of population living in households with access to (2017) (2019) (2022)
1.4.1
basic services 89.6 90.7 93.6
Access to electricity
(2017) (2019) (2022)
62.4 56.5 57.3
Access to waste removal
(2017) (2019) (2022)
140 670 85 325 29 492
1.4.2D Number of agricultural population with secure land rights Population
(2015) (2018) (2020)
Target By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other
1.5 economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters
Number of dead persons attributed to disasters and other 290 437 288
1.5.1D Total death
forces of nature. (2013) (2016) (2018)
Number of national and local disaster risk reduction strategies 13
1.5.3D Total strategies
adopted by South Africa (2017)
Target Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and
1.a predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions
Total official development assistance grants from all donors

ODA for poverty reduction as 0,0032 0,0017 0,0022
1.a.1 that focus on poverty reduction as a share of the recipient
share of GNI (2013) (2014) (2015)
country’s gross national income
6,3 6,3 7,7
Education
(2015) (2019) (2021)
2,9 3,0 3,5
Health
Proportion of total government spending on essential services (2015) (2019) (2021)
1.a.2 Proportion
(education, health and social protection) Social 11,0 11,8 12,3
Development (2015) (2019) (2021)
Essential 20,1 21,1 23,4
services (2015) (2019) (2021)
Target Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies, to support
1.b accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions
Proportion of consolidated government expenditure on social 52.4 53.3 51.9
1.b.1D RSA (%)
wage (2018/19) (2020/21) (2021/22)
Progress Stagnant/No change No Progress Insufficient/No data
29
4.1.3 Synthesis
SDG 1 aims to eliminate poverty in all its forms by 2030. Various departments in the government have
developed policies to address the challenges and factors that hinder the progress made in ending
poverty. These include the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the New Growth Path
(NGP), UIF, ECD and NSNP.
South Africa has shown significant advancement in achieving the SDG 1 targets. Notable progress has
been achieved across various domains, including an increase in the number of social grant
beneficiaries. Approximately one-third of the country’s population now receives some form of grant
support. Other progress includes the improved access to basic services for the population, a rise in the
proportion of total government expenditure on essential services, and a reduction in the percentage
of the population living below both the international and national poverty lines. The proportion of the
population living below the international poverty line decreased from 26.3% in 2009 to 18.8% in 2015,
and the proportion living below the national poverty line decreased from 33.5% to 25.2% in the same
period.
Despite these positive developments, there have been no significant changes in the proportion of the
population covered by social protection systems and in the number of deaths attributed to natural
disasters. Furthermore, progress could not be determined for the proportion of the population living
in poverty. The same is true for the number of local- and national disaster risk reduction strategies
adopted, the reason being insufficient data. Other developments also portraying negative trends
include the proportion of the population with access to waste removal services and the number of
agricultural populations with secure land rights.
Significant gain has been achieved in the collaborative effort to fight poverty through the cooperation
of the government, private sector, NPOs, and academia. However, the current economic situation
implies that it is becoming more challenging for people, particularly people experiencing poverty, to
access food, clothing, and shelter, which is compounded by load-shedding’s impact on small
businesses. The unemployment crisis was considerably worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic,
negatively impacting the poverty rate.
30
GOAL 2
END HUNGER, ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND IMPROVED
NUTRITION AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
In 2020, the amount of

productive and sustainable
agricultural land in South Africa
was approximately
12 000 000 hectares
Page
60
In 2020, South Africa had

the most plant genetic
resources in conservation,
totalling 46 217
In 2020 South Africa

attained its lowest
AOI value of 0.48
Page
61
Page
62
31
4.2 SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable
agriculture
SDG 2 seeks to eradicate hunger worldwide by 2030. Despite South Africa being a major producer of
food, the country can still not be classified as a food-secure nation as a number of the population still
experiences moderate to severe levels of food insecurity due to poverty and inequality. Socio-
economic and environmental issues, such as load-shedding, inflation, unemployment, and climate
change, are the main influencing factors for the high levels of poverty, food insecurity, and low
agricultural growth.
Since the beginning of South Africa’s energy crisis in 2008, the effects on certain groups of the
population as well as agribusiness have been detrimental. Soaring prices have adverse effects on the
poor who may find it difficult to afford even the most basic necessities. Unemployed individuals often
struggle to afford healthy meals and therefore are at a greater risk of facing food insecurity.
SDG 2 is also significantly impacted by climate change since individuals who rely on farming as their
source of income may encounter crop or livestock damages, resulting in elevated food expenses and
increased prices for essential food items. When individuals experience two or more of these issues,
food insecurity is imminent.
The South African government, private sector, non-profit organisations (NPOs), as well as academia
are actively striving to raise awareness and realisation of SDG 2. Programmes to do this include the
National School Nutrition Program (NSNP), along with numerous private sector and NGO initiatives.
Table 2.1: TARGETS FOR GOAL 2
Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
2.1 By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants,
to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round
2.2 By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in
children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older
persons
2.3 By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples,
family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs,
knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment
There is no data available for this target.
2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and
production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought,
flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality
2.5 By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild
species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels,
and promote access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated
traditional knowledge, as internationally agreed
2.a Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and
extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive
capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries
2.b Correct and prevent trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets, including through the parallel elimination of all
forms of agricultural export subsidies and all export measures with equivalent effect, in accordance with the mandate of the Doha
Development Round
2.c Adopt measures to ensure the proper functioning of food commodity markets and their derivatives and facilitate timely access to
market information, including on food reserves, in order to help limit extreme food price volatility
32
Indicator 2.1.2: Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population, based on the Food
Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)
Figure 2.1.1: Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population, based on the Food Insecurity
Experience Scale (FIES) in 2019, by province and sex
45
35 28.8 28.0
24.7 22.0
Percent (%)
25 17.5 19.7 18.0 19.7

15.4 15.2
15 10.3 11.4 13.7 8.8
6.4 5.4 5.4 5.8 5.4 6.2 7.9
2.1
5
-5
Moderate to Severe Severe
Source: Assessing food inadequacy and hunger in South Africa in 2021 using the General Household Survey, Stats SA, 2021
In 2019, North West and Northern Cape provinces had the highest rates of moderate to severe food
insecurity (above 28.0%) as based on data from Stats SA, 2021. The Northern Cape, in particular, is
prone to drought, which makes it more vulnerable to hunger. On the other hand, Limpopo had the
lowest food insecurity rates, with only 5.4% of people experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity
and 2.1% experiencing severe food insecurity.
Indicator 2.2.1: Prevalence of stunting (height for age <-2 standard deviations from the median of
the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age
Figure 2.2.1: Prevalence of stunting (height for age <-2 standard deviations from the median of the
World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age
30 27.0
23.9
25
20
Percent (%)
15
10
0
2008 2016
Source: HSRC, South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES) & South Africa Demographic
and Health Survey (SADHS), 2008 & 2016
Abnormal body growth indicates malnutrition in a child. A child is considered stunted when their
height for age is two or more standard deviations below the mean. According to Target 2.2 and based
on data from Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) (South African National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, 2008; South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2016), the
goal is to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030, and the intermediate goal is to reduce stunting by
33
40.0% by 2024. South Africa is experiencing elevated levels of stunting, with 23.9% of children under
5 years affected in 2008. This increased to 27.0% in 2016. No recent data were available to assess the
current situation.
Indicator 2.2.2: Prevalence of malnutrition among children under 5 years of age by type (wasting)
Figure 2.2.2: Prevalence of malnutrition (weight for height >+2 or <-2 standard deviations from the
median of the WHO Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age by type (wasting)
20
16.0
15 13.0
Percent (%)
10
5 3.0
0
Malnutrition Wasting Overweight
Source: SADHS 2016, DoH
Malnutrition in children under five can present in various forms, including wasting and being
overweight. Wasting occurs when a child's weight for height is two or more standard deviations below
the mean, while overweight is two or more standard deviations above the mean. The SDGs aim to
eradicate all types of malnutrition by 2030. In 2016, based on data from the NDoH (South Africa
Demographic and Health Survey, 2016), 3.0% of children under 5 experienced wasting, and 13.0%
experienced being overweight. No new data were available to evaluate the current situation.
Indicator 2.2.3: Prevalence of anaemia in women aged 15 to 49 years by pregnancy status.
Figure 2.2.3: Prevalence of anaemia in women aged 15 to 49 years by pregnancy status (percentage)
in 2016
45 39.1
40 33.4
35 28.9
Percent (%)
30 22.2 24.0 24.4

25 16.9
20
15 8.2
10 3.8
5 0.0 0.4 0.9
0
<11.0g/dl
<7.0-9.9 g/dl
<12.0g/dl
<7.0-9.9 g/dl
<12.0g/dl
<7.0-9.9 g/dl
<7.0 g/dl
<7.0 g/dl
<7.0 g/dl
<10.0-10.9 g/dl
<10.0-11.9 g/dl
<10.0-11.9 g/dl
Pregnant (109 women) Breastfeeding (241 women) Neither (2576 women)

Source: SADHS 2016, DoH
Anaemia is when a woman's haemoglobin levels are below the acceptable amount of 12.0 g/L for non-
pregnant and lactating women and less than 11.0 g/L for pregnant women. In 2016, based on data
from NDoH (South Africa Demographic and Health Survey, 2016), 39.1% of pregnant women and
28.9% of breastfeeding women experienced anaemia in South Africa.
34
Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
Figure 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
14 000 12 800 12 660 12 533

12 033 12 000 12 000 12 000 12 000 12 000 12 000 12 000 12 000 12 000
12 000
Thousand hectares
10 000
8 000
6 000
4 000
2 000
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2021
Indicator 2.4.1 measures the agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture, divided
by the total agricultural area. Productive and sustainable agriculture is measured using three elements
of sustainability namely, economic, environmental, and social. It, therefore, includes the following but
is not limited to, intensive and extensive crop and livestock production, subsistence agriculture and
non-food crops and livestock production (e.g., fibre and pharmaceuticals).
From 2011 to 2020, the amount of productive and sustainable agricultural land in South Africa
remained unchanged at approximately 12 000 000 hectares. Therefore, there has been no progress
made in the availability of land that is productive and sustainable.
Indicator 2.5.1: Number of plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in
either medium- or long-term conservation facilities.
Figure 2.5.1.1: Number of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in either medium-
or long-term conservation facilities
50 000 46 217
43 218 42 549
40 000 35 604 36 881 36 814 36 252
Number of plants
30 000
20 000
10 000
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Vegetables & Ornamental plants Small Grains Tropical & Subtropical crops Deciduous fruit Total
Source: Genebank Collection 2023, ARC
Using medium to long-term conservation facilities is the most trusted method of conserving genetic
material. These facilities conserve genetic resources to guarantee future usage and prevent
35
permanent loss. Two components of genetic conservation, namely plant and animals, will be
examined. Total plant genes in conservation facilities remained relatively constant from 2015 to 2018
but have been increasing since 2019, as per Figure 2.5.1.1 which is based on data from Agriculture
Research Council (ARC) (2023). In 2020, South Africa had the most plant genetic resources in
conservation, totalling 46 217. However, in 2021 there was a slight decrease with only 42 549 plant
genes, which can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Small grains account for the most
conserved plant genes.
Figure 2.5.1.2: Number of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in either medium-
or long-term conservation facilities
16
Number of animals
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Sheep 6 6 6 6 6 4 4
Goat 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Chicken 3 4 4 3 3 3 3
Cattle 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Pig 1 1 1 2 2 2 2
Total 14 15 15 15 15 13 13
Source: Genebank Collection 2023, ARC
Figure 2.5.1.2 shows that animal genetic resources in conservation facilities are much less than plants
based on data from ARC (2023). The highest number of animal gene resources in conservation facilities
was 15 from 2016 to 2019, but it has since decreased to 13, with sheep genes accounting for the most
resources in conservation facilities based on data from the ARC.
Indicator 2.5.2D: Number of producers benefiting from the animal improvement scheme
Figure 2.5.2D: Number of producers benefiting from the animal improvement scheme
10 000
8 430 8 404 8 676
9 000 8 275
8 000 7 602
Number of Producers
7 000 6 234
6 000
4 624 4 834
5 000 4 075
4 000
3 000
1 757
2 000 1 288
1 000
0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: KyD 2011–2021, ARC
36
The primary purpose of the National Livestock Improvement Scheme is to guarantee biological and
economically viable animal production that understands local and international supply and demand
but also recognised recordings and services. The Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) scheme is used as a
measurement tool. It is calculated by counting the number of smallholdings and emerging farmers
actively participating in the programme. KyD aims to give smallholder farmers access to mainstream
agricultural markets in South Africa and is managed by the ARC.
Based on data from the ARC, from 2011, the number of participants increased until 2017, when it
reached an all-time high of 8,676 participants. The enrolment number decreased in 2018, thereafter
an upward trend in terms of participants has since been realised. Age, education, a strong portfolio,
stock feed expense, labour costs, and access to veterinary services were identified as household-
specific characteristics that could influence a household's decision to engage in the scheme.
Indicator 2.a.1: The agriculture orientation index for government expenditures
Figure 2.a.1: The agriculture orientation index (AOI) for government expenditures from 2015 to 2020
0.70 0.66 0.64
0.60 0.56 0.55 0.54
0.48
0.50
0.40
Index
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: Estimates of National Expenditure 2022/23, National Treasury and GDP 2022, Stats SA
South Africa has experienced a downward trend in AOI figures that were less than one from 2015 to
2020, based on data by Stats SA (Estimates of National Expenditure, 2022), which suggests that the
agricultural share of government expenditure is decreasing concerning its economic value.
Furthermore, South Africa attained its lowest AOI value of 0.48 in 2020. This could be attributed to
various factors, including shifts in government priorities related to expenditure and environmental
factors such as droughts and floods.
Indicator 2.a.2: Total official flows (official development assistance plus other official flows) to the
agriculture sector
37
Figure 2.a.2: Total official flows (official development assistance plus other official flows) to the
agriculture sector from 2013 to 2017
400 000
352 881
350 000
300 000
250 000
201 016
USD($)
200 000 180 656
150 000 130 691
100 000
50 000 33 687
0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Source: Estimates of National Expenditure 2016/17, National Treasury.
Indicator 2.a.2 stipulates the Net Official Development Assistance (ODA) that flows from donors to the
agriculture sector. ODA is a measure of international effort towards countries that are still developing.
The goal is to increase public investment to maximise efficiency in the agricultural sector. Flows to the
agricultural sector fluctuated between 2013 and 2017, as per Figure 2.a.2 which is based on data from
Stats SA (Estimates of National Expenditure, 2022). South Africa received the highest contributions in
2015, with US$352,881, which has since declined. The increased contribution in 2015 is likely due to
international efforts for South Africa, which was experiencing a drought at that time.
Indicator 2.c.1: Indicator of food price anomalies
Figure 2.c.1: Food Price Anomalies

0.0180
0.0169
0.0160
0.0140
Coefficient Variation
0.0120
0.0100 0.0096 0.0100
0.0080
0.0060 0.0063
0.0051
0.0040
0.0020 0.0024
0.0000
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: DALRRD, n.d.
The indicator of food price anomalies (IFPA) identifies prices in the market that are unusually high and
low. IFPA assesses commodity price growth rates over a period considering inflation and seasonal
change in agricultural markets. The IFPA depends on quarterly and annual compound growth rates. A
standard deviation difference less than half the mean is considered normal.
A difference of half, but less than one standard deviation is considered moderately high. An IFPA
greater than or equal to one is considered abnormally high.
38
South Africa experienced average food price anomalies from 2015 to 2020 based on data from the
DALRRD. There is no indication that South Africa will suddenly face moderate or abnormal high food
price anomalies.
39

2019
(or Latest
Baseline
Target Indicator Diassagregation and unit of measure nearest available Status
value
year) value
value
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Target By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient
2.1 food all year round
15.29
Male:moderare to Severe
(2019)
Prevalence of moderate or severe 6.2
Male: severe
food insecurity in the population, (2019)
2.1.2 RSA
based on the Food Insecurity Female: Moderate to 19,7
Experience Scale (FIES) severe (2019)
7,9
Female: Severe
(2019)
Target By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and
2.2 address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons
Prevalence of stunting (height for
age <-2 standard deviation from
the median of the World Health 23,9 27,0
2.2.1 RSA Total
Organization (WHO) Child (2008) (2016)
Growth Standards) among
children under 5 years of age
Prevalence of malnutrition 16,0
Prevalence of Malnutrition
(weight for height >+2 or <-2 (2016)
standard deviation from the 3,0
2.2.2 Wasting
median of the WHO Child Growth (2016)
Standards) among children under 13,0
Overweight
5 years of age, by type (wasting) (2016)
39,1
<11.0g/dl
(2016)
16,9
<10.0-10.9 g/dl
(2016)
22,2
Pregnant <7.0-9.9 g/dl
(2016)
0
<7.0 g/dl
(2016)
109
Number of women
(2016)
28.9
<12.0g/dl
(2016)
24.0
<10.0-11.9 g/dl
(2016)
Prevalence of anaemia in women
3.8
2.2.3 aged 15 to 49 years, by Breastfeeding <7.0-9.9 g/dl
(2016)
pregnancy status (percentage)
0.4
<7.0 g/dl
(2016)
241,0
Number of women
(2016)
33.4
<12.0g/dl
(2016)
24.4
<10.0-11.9 g/dl
(2016)
8.2
Neither <7.0-9.9 g/dl
(2016)
0.9
<7.0 g/dl
(2016)
2576,0
Number of women
(2016)
By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain
Target
ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land
2.4
and soil quality
Proportion of agricultural area
12 000 12 000 12 000
2.4.1 under productive and sustainable RSA Total
(2015) (2017) (2020)
agriculture
By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly
Target
managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels, and promote access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits
2.5
arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, as internationally agreed
Number of (a) plant and (b) 35 604 36 252 42 549
Plants Total
animal genetic resources for food (2015) (2018) (2021)
2.5.1 and agriculture secured in either
14 15 13
medium- or long-term Animal genetic Total
(2015) (2018) (2021)
conservation facilities
Number of producers benefiting
8 430 4 624 7 602
2.5.2D from animal improvement South Africa Total
(2015) (2019) (2021)
schemes
Target Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology
2.a development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries
40
2019
(or Latest
Baseline
Target Indicator Diassagregation and unit of measure nearest available Status
value
year) value
value
The agriculture orientation index 0,73 0,55 0,48
2.a.1 RSA
for government expenditures (2014) (2017) (2020)
Total official flows (official
$352
development assistance plus $180 656 $201 016
2.a.2 USD 881
other official flows) to the (2013) (2017)
(2015)
agriculture sector
Adopt measures to ensure the proper functioning of food commodity markets and their derivatives and facilitate timely access to market information, including on
Target
food reserves, in order to help limit extreme food price volatility
2.c
Indicator of food price anomalies 0,0096 0,0024 0,01
2.c.1 (2015) (2018) (2020)
Progress Stagnant/No change No Progress Insufficient/No data/No new data since 2015
4.2.3 Synthesis
South Africa's progress towards the achievement of SDG 2's targets is lagging. The analysis shows that
five indicators are experiencing stagnant growth. Various economic factors, such as natural disasters
and a lack of market access, play a role.
In 2019, 19.7% of women and 15.2% of men in the nation experienced moderate to severe food
insecurity. The prevalence of stunting in children has worsened between 2008 and 2016, with an
increase of 3.1%. In 2016, 3.0% of children under 5 experienced wasting, and 13.0% experienced being
overweight. In 2019, 39.1% of pregnant women and 28.9% of breastfeeding women had low
haemoglobin levels, making anaemia common. The productive and sustainable agricultural land in
South Africa stayed constant at approximately 12 million hectares between 2011 and 2020.
Good progress has been made in conserving plant genetic resources; however, animal genetic
resources have lagged. Total plant genes in conservation facilities remained relatively constant from
2015 to 2018 but have increased since 2019. After good progress was initially made to let small-scale
farmers participate in animal improvement schemes, this amount has decreased but is slowly
increasing to previous highs. The number of participants in animal improvement schemes climbed over
the years beginning in 2011 and continued to rise until it peaked in 2017 at 8 676.
41
GOAL 3
ENSURE HEALTHY LIVES AND PROMOTE
WELL-BEING FOR ALL AT ALL AGES
% of mothers and children who

receive post-natal care either
at home or in a facility within
the first six days of delivery has
increased over the last
decade
Page
70
The incidence of TB
per 100 000
population was 554
in 2020.
The proportion of the target
population covered by all
vaccines with coverage above
80.0% by 2021.
Page
77
Page
84
42
4.3 SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. This will be achieved through
promoting access to quality health care services and achieving universal health coverage. Universal
health coverage encompasses a full range of essential health services, including health promotion,
disease prevention treatment, rehabilitation as well as palliative care. Universal health coverage also
includes providing access to quality essential health care services and access to safe, effective and
affordable essential medicines to all. In line with this, SDG 3 focuses on reducing maternal mortality
ratio to less than 70 deaths per 100 000 live births as well as ending epidemics such as HIV/AIDS,
tuberculosis, malaria, and water-borne diseases. In addition, the goal aims to end preventable deaths
of new-borns and children under 5 years of age.
SDG 3 also addresses mental health and substance abuse. Without good health, it is impossible to
function at full potential. Physical health and mental well-being determine the quality of life we can
live and influence the health and mental well-being of those we come into contact with each day.
South Africa’s economic performance and social progress are also dependent on the health and well-
being of its people.
SDG 3 has possibly been one of the SDG’s ‘hardest-hit’ by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The onset of the
COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in an urgent requirement for health facilities, equipment, and
medication. Significant resources had to be redirected away from other disease prevention and
management programmes that were already stretched, such as those for malaria, HIV/AIDS, and
tuberculosis. In addition, the COVID-19 Pandemic has given rise to an upsurge in mental health issues
(Nguse and Wassenaar, 2021). This section of the report analyses trends in South Africa’s progress
towards achieving the SDG 3 targets, considers the challenges experienced in achieving the targets,
and assesses whether South Africa is on track to achieve SDG 3 by 2030.
Table 3.1: TARGETS FOR GOAL 3
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
3.1 By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
3.2 By 2030, end preventable deaths of new-borns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal
mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
3.3 By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne
diseases and other communicable diseases
3.4 By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and
promote mental health and well-being
3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
3.6 By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents
3.7 By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and
education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes
3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access
to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
43
3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and
contamination
3.a Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as
appropriate
3.b Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that
primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the
Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the
provisions in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public
health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all
3.c Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in
developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States
3.d Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of
national and global health risks
Indicator 3.1.1: Maternal mortality ratio
Figure 3.1.1: Maternal mortality ratio

300
249
Deaths per 100 000 live births
250
200 187
157 161
146 146
150 130
107
100 86
50
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Source: CRVS, 2010-2018, Stats SA
South Africa has made notable progress in reducing the maternal mortality ratio. The maternal
mortality ratio has decreased from 249 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2010 to 86 deaths per 100
000 live births in 2018.
Studies show that a significant number of women in South Africa attend at least four antenatal clinic
visits (76.0%) and deliver in healthcare facilities (96.0%) under the care of a skilled birth attendant
(97.0%) (Maswime and Chauke, 2022). Ideally these figures should translate into a much lower
maternal mortality ratio. This means that there are still gaps and more work still needs to be done to
reach the 2030 target of reducing the maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 deaths per 100 000 live
births.
44
Indicator 3.1.2: Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel
Figure 3.1.2: Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel

120
96.7
100
84,0
80
Percent (%)
60
40
20
0
1998 2016
Source: SADHS 1998-2016, DoH & Stats SA
The proportion of births attended to by skilled personnel improves the health outcomes for both
mother and infant. Over the last two decades the country has recorded an increase 12.7% of births
attended to by health workers from 84.0% in 1998 to 96.7% in 2016.
Indicator 3.1.2A: Percentage of mothers and children who receive post-natal care either at home or
in a facility and within six (6) days of delivery (1+visit)
Figure 3.1.2A: Percentage of mothers and children who receive post-natal care either at home or in a
facility and within six (6) days of delivery (1+visit)
100
90
79.6 78,0
76.1 77.1
80 72.6
69.7 69.7 69.7 70.6
70 62.9
Percent (%)
60 52.4
50
40
30
20
10
0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: DoH DHIS, 2011-2021
The percentage of mothers and children who receive post-natal care either at home or in a facility
within the first six days of delivery has increased over the last decade, from 52.4% in 2011 to 78.0% in
2021. The slight decrease after a peak of 79.6% in 2019, may be attributed to the impact of the COVID-
19 pandemic lockdowns beginning in the first quarter of 2020.
45
Indicator 3.2.1: Under five mortality rate
Figure 3.2.1: Under-5 Mortality per 1 000 live births

60
52.9
50
42.9 41.9
40.0 39.5
40 36.7
33.2
30.4 29.7
30
20
10
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
The Under-5 mortality rate has been steadily declining since 2010 where it stood at 52.9 deaths per 1
000 live births, to 29.7 deaths per 1 000 live births by 2018. The downward trend in the under-5
mortality rate since 2010, can be attributed to the positive impact of national policies and strategies
in relation to maternal and infant mortality have made.
Efforts by the health sector in the provision of basic health services, which are aimed at preventing
infant deaths, elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV, promotion of exclusive
breastfeeding, therapeutic feeding for children with severe wasting, prevention and improved case
management of diseases which account for the majority of child deaths namely pneumonia, diarrhoea,
HIV and malnutrition as well as continuous immunisation of children have contributed to the decrease
in child mortality.
Indicator 3.2.2: Neonatal mortality rate
Figure 3.2.2: Neonatal mortality rate

14 12.7
11.8 12.1
11.4 11.6 11.4 11.3 11.6
12
10.4
10
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Source: CRVS 2010 -2018, Stats SA
46
The neonatal mortality rate ranged from 12.7 to 10.4 in 2010 to 2018, respectively. It is noteworthy
that from 2013 onward, the rate has remained under 12 deaths per 1 000 live births thus achieving
the SDG 2030 target.
The success in reducing the neonatal mortality rate can be attributed to country’s health strategies
focusing on maternal and child well-being, with a strong commitment to improve the quality of care
for mothers and babies to reduce preventable neonatal deaths (Rhoda, 2018).
Some of these strategies include early detection and referral of children with common childhood
illnesses including HIV, TB and severe acute malnutrition through improved use of standard treatment
guidelines and protocols.
Indicator 3.2.2A1: Infant mortality rate
Figure 3.2.2A1: Number of deaths of infants under age 1 occurring per 1 000 live births in a given year
40
36.4
35
30.4
28.9 28.6 28.6

30 27.0
24.3
25 22.7 22.1
20
15
10
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Source: CRVS 2010 – 2018, Stats SA
The infant mortality rate (IMR) per 1 000 live births has been steadily decreasing over the years, from
36.4 per 1 000 live births in 2010 to 22.1 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2018. The Rapid Mortality
Surveillance (RMS) Report of 2019 and 2020 pegs IMR at 27.0 and 21.0 deaths per 1 000 live births for
the ensuing years of 2019 and 2020 respectively. Most infant deaths occur during the neonatal phase
and strategies implemented to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates have resulted in
decreasing infant mortality rates.
The decreasing trend in maternal deaths may be attributed to a number of factors such as early
antenatal booking; seeking health care services for any risk factors during pregnancy; and taking ARVs
if HIV positive.
The National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths has also documented the rise
and fall of maternal deaths, with the institutional Maternal Mortality Ratio (iMMR) reaching a peak of
189 per 100 000 live births in 2009 and dropping well below 100 per 100 000 live births in 2029 for the
first time since the start of the enquiry. Nationally, infacility maternal deaths declined from 1 019
(2017/18) to 928 (2919/20) per annum. This translates into an iMMR of 105.7 to 88.0 per 100 000 live
births over the same period.
47
Indicator 3.2.2A2: Stillbirth rate (per 1 000 total births)
Figure 3.2.2A2: Number of stillbirths per 1 000 total births

25
21.1 21.3 20.9 20.9 21.0
20.2 19.8 19.4
20
15
Number per 1 000
10
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: DHIS 2021, DOH
The figure above indicates the number of stillbirths per 1 000 total births was relatively stable over the
years. In 2014 there were 21.1 still-births per 1 000 total births which had declined in 2020 to 19.4
stillbirths per 1 000 total births. However, a slight increase was then observed therafter.
Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new HIV infections per 1 000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key
populations
Figure 3.3.1: Number of New HIV infections per 1 000 un-infected population by age
3 2.8
Number of new HIV infections per
3 2.2 2.3
1.9 1.9
2
1.5
2
1 000
1.0
1 0.8
0
2002-2005 2005-2008 2008-2012 2012-2017
15-24 Years 15-49 Years
Source: SA National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey 2002 -2005 to 2012-2017, HSRC
New HIV infections have generally been on the decline amongst the 15–24 years age cohort. Within
this age cohort, the number of new infections declined from 2.8 to 1.0 per 1 000 uninfected population
between 2002-2005 and 2012-2017, respectively. The number of new HIV infections per 1 000
uninfected population for those aged 15–49 years declined from 2.2 to 0.8 per 1 000 uninfected
population between 2002-2005 and 2012-2017, respectively. The notable decrease in new infections
during this period has been the result of the enormous and sustained effort in combating the disease
through policies, programmes and access to anti-retroviral therapy.
48
Indicator 3.3.1A1: HIV Prevalence
Figure 3.3.1A1.1: HIV Prevalence

25
Number of HIV infections per 1 000 person-
20.6
years among uninfected population
20 18.8
15.6 16.2
15
10.3
9.3
10 7.9
7.1
0
2002-2005 2005-2008 2008-2012 2012-2017
HIV prevalence among population aged 15-24 years
HIV prevalence among population men and women aged 15-49 years
Source: SA National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey 2002 -2005 to 2012-2017, HSRC
It is evident that HIV prevalence in the population aged 15–24 years has declined since the 2002-2005
period from 9.3 to 7.9 HIV infections per 1 000 among uninfected population from the 2002-2005 to
the 2012-2017 period.
The HSRC South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Surveys also show that the
percentage of people that received an HIV test in the past 12 months and knew their status in the
years 2008-2012 stood at 66.2%. This can be attributed to ease of access to health facilities and testing
centres, the urge for one to know their status, and knowing that being diagnosed early means one can
start early treatment (Be in the KNOW).
Figure 3.3.1A1.2: Percentage of the population aged 15-24 years with comprehensive correct
knowledge of HIV/AIDS
40 36.1
35
30
24.3
Percent (%)
25
20
15
10
5
0
2008-2012 2012-2017
Source: HSRC South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey, 2008-2012 to 2012-2017
The percentage of the population aged 15–24 years with comprehensive correct knowledge of
HIV/AIDS has increased significantly from 24.3% in the 2008-2012 period to 36.1% in the 2012-2017
period.
49
However, much work remains to be done in relation to providing this group with information and
knowledge on HIV/AIDS, as nearly 64.0% of this population did not have correct and comprehensive
knowledge of HIV/AIDS, during this period.
The South African National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB and STIs (2017−2022) highlights the need
to focus HIV responses on areas and population groups that have been disproportionately affected by
the disease. One of the target populations identified in the NSP as a disproportionately affected group
are women of child-bearing age, and particularly adolescent girls and young women (15–24 years).
This is due to the comparatively higher rate of HIV prevalence in this population group as reflected
above.
The health sector is continuing efforts on the expansion of youth zones within the PHC facilities to
provide an enabling environment to health seeking behaviour for young people especially regarding
services such as HIV and STIs prevention and treatment as well as Sexual and Reproductive Health
programmes.
Indicator 3.3.1A2: The number and percentage of people living with HIV exposed to antiretroviral
treatment (ART) by sex and age
Figure 3.3.1A2.1: Percentage of people living with HIV exposed to ART by sex
70 65.5
Percentage of people living with
60 56.3
HIV exposed to ART
50
40 34.7
30 25.7
20
10
0
Male Female
2008-2012 2012-2017
Source: South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey, 2008-2012 to 2012-2017, HSRC
Figure 3.3.1A2.2: Number of people living with HIV exposed to ART by sex
3 500 000
Number of individuals exposed to ART
2 998 000
3 000 000
2 500 000
2 000 000
1 404 000 1 344 000
1 500 000
1 000 000 651 000

500 000
0
Male Female
2008-2012 2012-2017
Source: South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey 2008-2012 to 2012-2017, HSRC
50
The percentage (and number) of individuals exposed to antiretroviral therapy among individuals in the
2008-2012 period for males was 25.7% while for females it was 34.7%. In the period 2012-2017, a
greater proportion of females, 65.5% compared to males 56.3%, living with HIV were on ART.
Access to ART is increasing among people living with HIV. However, there are gender disparities in
accessing ART. Females are more likely to access treatment than males. This ‘masculinity factor’
accounts for most of the difference between men and women when it comes to accessing ART. It
seems that gendered norms make it difficult for men to admit weakness and seek medical attention
which may a cause for the low proportions of men accessing ART (Hlongwa et al, 2022) (Zuma et al,
2022). Given the large gender difference in exposure to ART, solutions that extend beyond clinical
health interventions are needed in order to address the additional gender specific challenges.
Figure 3.3.1A2.3: Percentage of people living with HIV exposed to ART by age
70
60.4
60
50.0
50 45.0
39.9
Percent (%)
40
28.9
30
20 14.3
10
0
0–14 15–24 15–49
2008-2012 2012-2017
Source: South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey 2008-2012 to 2012-2017, HSRC
51
There has been an increase in the percentage of individuals exposed to ART among individuals living
with HIV across all age groups. However, rates remain lowest amongst the 15–24 years.
The percentage of children aged 0–14 years living with HIV exposed to antiretroviral treatment
increased to 50.0% in the period 2012-2017 from 45.0% in 2008-2012. This is the lowest increase
observed across the age groups. During the same period, the percentage of young people aged 15–
24 years living with HIV exposed to ART increased from 14.3 % in 2008-2012 to 39.9 % in 2012-2017.
Exposure to ART was highest among those aged 15–49 years in 2012 - 2017 with 60.4% from the 28.9%
in 2008-2012.
The Health sector have made good progress towards the UNAIDS goals of 90-90-90. By the end of 2020
more thant 92% of those infected by HIV knew their status and of those on ART treatment 89.7% were
estimated to be viral load supressed. However, of those who knew their status only 72% were on
treatment, leaving a significant number of (estimated 810 000) who had either never started ART or
had started but dropped out of treatment for one reason or another. (The South African Health
Reforms, 2015-2020)
Indicator 3.3.2: Tuberculosis incidence per 100 000 population
Figure 3.3.2: Tuberculosis incidence per 100 000 population

1 200
981 993 1 003
Incidence per 100 000 population
1 000
860 834 834
781
800
667
615
571 554
600
400
200
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: Global TB Reports 2010-2020, WHO
In 2010, the incidence of TB per 100 000 population was 981. Over the last decade the rates have been
on a downward trend reaching 554 in 2020. This positive outcome is the result of the government’s
commitment to screening 90.0% of those at risk of contracting TB, ensuring that 90.0% of suspected
cases are correctly diagnosed and treated and that 90.0% of those treated are cured (NDoH, 2022).
The adoption of the 90-90-90 strategy by South Africa is aimed at turning the corner in the approach
of managing the dual epidemics of HIV and AIDS and Tuberculosis.
The health sector is committed to finding all persons living with active TB in communities through the
massive TB screening campaign. TB screenings are done every time a client presents at a health facility
unless the client is already a TB patient. There is also a new Strategic Plan underway that has
component that will address and deal with TB within the mining industry.
52
Indicator 3.3.3: Malaria incidence per 1 000 population
Figure 3.3.3: Malaria incidence per 1 000 population

3.5
3.0
3.0
Incidence per 1 000 population
2.5 2.3
2.0
1.4 1.4 1.4 1.44

1.5 1.3
1.0 1.0
1.0 0.84
0.6
0.4
0.5
0.0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Malaria Information System 2010 – 2021, DoH
In 2010, the incidence of malaria was 1.4 per 1 000 population. In the following decade the incidence
continued to fluctuate with sharp increases recorded in 2014 and 2017.
Overall, the incidence of Malaria is on a downward trend with the latest figures for 2021 at 0.6 per
1 000 in population. The target to eliminate malaria by 2030 appears to be back on track.
The NDoH is continuing to work towards eliminating malaria. This involves the systematic process of
developing strategies and ensuring their robust implementation. The Malaria Elimination Strategic
Plan (2019-2023) of the Republic of South Africa published by NDoH proposes a phased approach to
achieve zero local transmission. This can be done mainly by targeting interventions to initially clear
foci of transmission and ensuring systems are established to support elimination interventions (DoH,
2022).
Indicator 3.3.4D: Mortality due to Hepatitis B, per 100 000 population
Figure 3.3.4D: Mortality due to Hepatitis B per 100 000 population

1.60
1.40
1.40 1.30 1.34
1.27
1.14 1.15
1.20 1.06
1.03
1.00
Death per 100 000
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
53
In 2011, the mortality rate due to hepatitis was 1.14 deaths per 100 000 population. The trend show
that the rates have since been steadily increasing with 1.27 deaths per 100 000 population recorded
in 2018.
In South Africa, vaccination against Hepatitis B has been part of the routine childhood immunization
programme since 1995. Sexually active people are also advised to vaccinate against Hepatitis B, as
transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection in adults may be reduced through heightened
awareness of transmission routes and prevention measures. To realise the target of combating
Hepatitis B by 2030, current measures need to be strengthened.
Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic
respiratory disease.
Figure 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic
respiratory disease
15
12 12 12
11 11 11
10
Percent (%)
7 7 7 7 7 7
5 4 4 4 4 4 4
3 3 3 3 3 3
0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Diabetes Mellitus Cardiovascular Diseases Cancers Chronic Respiratory diseases
Mortality rates attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases
have remained relatively stable between 2011 and 2016 with no notable reductions. Diabetes Mellitus
was recorded at 4.0% in 2011. The same was recorded in 2016 with the rates remaining stagnant. In
2011, cardiovascular diseases were recorded at 12.0% and 12.0% in 2016, indicative of a more
stationary trend. Cancer recorded 7.0% in 2011 and the same in 2016. The cancer rate has been
stagnant, as has chronic respiratory diseases with 3.0% in 2011 and 2016. Government and other
stakeholders in the health sector have conducted awareness campaigns in these areas.
Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate
Figure 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate
1.40
1.15 1.14
1.20
Death per 100 000
0.97 0.96
1.00
0.80 0.74
0.73
0.80
0.58
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
54
The suicide mortality rate increased from 2011 up to 2013, peaking at 1.15 per 100 000 population in
2013, and then decreased to 0.58 deaths per 100 000 population by 2018. A gradual decrease in the
rate has been recorded for four consecutive years (2015–2018).
Despite the steady decline in suicide mortality rates, according to the South African Federation for
Mental Health, South Africa has the third-highest suicide rate of all African countries (SAFMH, 2022).
Studies suggest that suicide, suicide attempts, suicidal ideation and self-harm are public health
concerns affecting every country, including South Africa. Recent studies have shown that the COVID-
19 pandemic compounded uncertainty, hopelessness, and inequality (SAFMH, 2022). The country is
on track in terms of addressing the challenge and achieving this target. However, this needs to be
monitored closely as this is not the responsibility of one sector but requires multi-sectoral
collaboration.
Indicator 3.5.2: Alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in
litres of pure alcohol.
Figure 3.5.2: Alcohol consumption per capita

6
4.84 4.91 4.91 4.90 4.95 4.84 4.78 4.80 4.95

5 4.66 4.59
Litres of pure alcohol
4 3.76
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: SA wine industry information and systems 2010 – 2021
The figure above shows that the alcohol consumption per capita was recorded at 4.66 litres in 2010.
Consumption has relatively remained stable with a slight downward trend over the years, and a
significant decrease in 2020 which can be attributed to the COVID-19 lockdowns that year. Studies
show that the national lockdown implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19 reduced the availability
and consumption of alcohol. This in turn reduced the short-term negative impacts of alcohol (Adebiyi
et al., 2021). In 2021, as the lockdown measures eased, consumption increased and was measured at
4.59 litres.
55
Indicator 3.6.1: Death rate due to road traffic injuries
Figure 3.6.1: Death rate due to road traffic injuries per 100 000 population
30 27.5 27.6 26.4 26,0 25.2 24.9
Deaths per 100 000
25 23.3 23.5 22.4 21.27 21.02

population
20 16.72
15
10
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: State of Road Safety Reports 2010-2021, RTMC
The death rate due to road traffic injuries was 27.5 deaths per 100 000 population in 2010. The general
trend over the decade has been slightly downward with fluctuations. The goal to halve the number of
global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents in the past years is gradually being realised.
However, efforts to combat it need strengthening to maintain a sustained downward trend.
Indicator 3.7.1 Proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15–49 years) who have their need for
family planning satisfied with modern methods.
According to the SADHS, the overall use of modern contraception was 75.7% in 2016 with a wide range
of methods being utilised. The use of the pill, injectable contraceptives and sterilisations has declined
since 1998, while the use of male condoms for contraception has increased. Currently, 15.0% of
women and their partners use male condoms as their contraceptive method (Stats SA, 2017). In spite
of the relatively high contraceptive prevalence rate there are still problems with service delivery;
equitable access, and correct, consistent, and continuous use of contraception especially among
certain groups such as young or rural women (Harries et al., 2019).
Indicator 3.7.1.A: Couple year protection rate (CYPR)
Figure 3.7.1.A: Couple year protection rate

80
67.7 68,0
70 63,0
59.7
60 55.7
49.7 51.7
47.8
50
Percent (%)
39.5
40 33.4 34.6
30
20
10
0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: District Health Information System 2011-2021, DoH
CYPR is defined as the percentage of eligible couples effectively protected against childbirth by one or
the other approved methods of family planning i.e., sterilization, intrauterine device (IUD), condom,
56
or oral contraceptive (OC) pills. The couple year protection rate (CYPR) increased from 33.4% in 2010
and peaked at 68.0% in 2016. The rate then decreased steadily to reach 51.7% in 2021. Statistics
suggest that people in South Africa do, in principle at least, have access to and are aware of these
contraceptive methods, albeit not at the desired levels.
One of the ways to prevent and decrease the number of pregnancies is to make contraceptives readily
available. During 2020, as a result of COVID-19, there was and average decrease of 5% in provision of
reproductive health methods compared to 2019. This was most marked during the heavy lockdown in
April, May and June 2020. (The South African Health Reform, 2015-2020).
Indicator 3.7.2: Adolescent birth rate (aged 10–14 years; aged 15–19 years) per 1 000 women in that
age group.
Figure 3.7.2: Adolescent birth rate (aged 10–14 years; aged 15–19 years) per 1 000 women in that age
group
80 75.67 74.13
65.89 67.04 66.27 67.80
70
59.13
60 53.70
Birth rate per 1 000
53.15
50 47.00
43.00
40
30
20
10
1.26 1.42 1.57 1.86 1.58 1.72 1.13 0.89 0.80 1.40 1.10
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
10-14 Years 15-19 Years
Source: CRVS 2010-2020, Stats SA
Figure 3.7.2 illustrates the adolescent birth rate per 1 000 women in two age cohorts. The number of
births among females aged 10–14 years experienced a slight increase from 1.2 births per 1 000 females
in 2010 to 1.7 births per 1 000 females in 2015. However, the rate started to decline until 2018, to 0.80
births. A sharp increase can be seen from 2018 to 2019. Corresponding values for those aged 15–19
years declined from 65.89 births per 1 000 to 43.0 births in 2020. During this period the birth rates
saw slight variations in the rates. These metrics pose serious questions to society in general and to
the health, education, and social sectors in particular. This is because they reflect socio-economic
circumstances such as sexual and gender-based violence, economic security of families, school
attendance etc.
57
Indicator 3.9.3: Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning.
Figure 3.9.3: Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning per 100 000 population
2.00 1.77 1.77
1.67 1.69 1.68
1.56
1.43
Death per 100 000
1.50 1.34
1.00
0.50
0.00
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
The mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning per 100 000 population remained fairly
steady, with peaks in 2012 and 2015 at 1.77 deaths per 100 000 population. Thereafter a sharp
decrease in 2016 to 1.34 deaths per 100 000 population is observed, followed by a slight increase to
1.68 deaths per 100 000 population in 2017 and a drop to 1.43 deaths per 100 000 population in 2018.
Indicator 3.a.1: Age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use among persons aged 15 years
and older.
Figure 3.a.1: Age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use, 15 years and older by sex
45 42.3
40 37.3
35
30
Percent (%)
25
20
15 10.7
10 7.8
5
0
1998 2016
Male Female
Source: SADHS 1998-2016 DoH & Stats SA
Figure 3.a.1 shows that the prevalence of tobacco use amongst males and females decreased between
1998 and 2016. The prevalence amongst males dropped from 42.3% in 1998 to 37.3% in 2016, and in
females from 10.7% in 2006 to 7.8% in 2016.
Research suggests that health warning labels may be effective in encouraging smoking cessation.
Further to that tobacco control interventions such as hikes in excise taxes are likely to be effective,
particularly for people with lower disposable income (SAMJ, 2015).
58
Indicator 3.b.1: Proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines included in their national
programme.
Figure 3.b.1: Proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines in national programme
100.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
Percent (%)
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Coverage of DTP containing vaccine
94.2 71.4 84.1 87.8 85.7 84.6 85.7
(3rd dose)
Coverage of Measles containing
74.5 82.7 77.6 76.3 80.2 77.3 82.2
vaccine (2nd dose)
Coverage of Pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine (last dose in the 85.2 76.0 78.8 83.2 86.8 84.3 87.4
schedule)
Source: DHIS 2015 – 2021, DoH
The proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines has fluctuated since 2010 with
coverage for all three vaccines above 80.0% by 2021. This can be attributed to the fact that proof of
childhood vaccination is required by the Department of Basic Education when children start school.
From 2018, the NDoH stopped tracking coverage for the HPV vaccine.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the introduction of a national vaccination programme targeting
the disease. To date, Africa CDC estimates that 41.3% of the eligible population in South Africa has
received a full dose of the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is readily available at no cost although not
free for those with medical aid.
Indicator 3.b.3D: Proportion of health facilities that have a core set of relevant essential medicines
available and affordable on a sustainable basis.
Figure 3.b.3D: Proportion of health facilities that have a core set of relevant essential medicines
100
90.0 88.6 89.4 89.2 88.6
90 81.7
78.0 75.7 77.4
80 74.2
70
Percent (%)
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Source: Stock Visibility System (SVS) database 2013 – 2022, DoH
59
This indicator is based on the proportion of facilities (pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, primary care
centres, public/private, etc.), where core essential medicines from the identified set are available for
purchase and their prices are affordable, compared to the total number of facilities surveyed. In South
Africa this indicator has been domesticated. The proportion of health facilities that have a core set of
relevant essential medicines available and affordable on a sustainable basis has risen steadily from
74.2% health facilities in 2013 to 88.6% in 2022.
The NDoH has implemented a number of initiatives to strengthen the medicines supply chain,
implement information management systems and centralise medicine distribution and dispensing to
improve availability and access to medicines. A number of reforms were implemented, aimed at
improving monitoring of the availability of medicines including establishment of the National
Surveillance Centre (NSC), the introduction of the Stock Visibility System (SVS) and the roll out of the
RxSolution stock management system.
Indicator 3.d.1: International Health Regulations (IHR) capacity and health emergency
preparedness.
Table 3.d.1: South Africa’s progress on IHR (2010 to 2021)

Core Capacity expressed in % 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2018 2019 2020 2021
National legislation 75 100 75 75 100 100 100 93 100 20
Coordination & National Focal
83 73 73 73 100 100 100 60 40 47
Point
Communications 90 71 100 100 100 100 100 40 100 40
Surveillance 68 90 50 80 100 100 85 40 80 60
Response 83 100 94 88 100 100 85 80 60 67
Preparedness 48 50 80 83 100 100 100 60 20 60
Risk communication 90 71 100 100 100 100 100 60 100 100
Human resources 16 25 40 50 100 100 100 60 60 40
Laboratory 94 90 90 91 100 100 90 100 100 100
Points of entry 88 60 33 12 100 100 15 60 60 60
Zoonotic events 92 100 100 100 100 100 100 60 60 60
Food safety 93 100 60 80 100 100 100 100 100 80
Chemical events 14 92 92 77 100 100 100 80 80 60
Radio nuclear 20 83 93 77 100 100 100 100 100 100
Source: IHR core capacities implementation status 2010-2017, WHO
This indicator covers a range of topics and is calculated in terms of percentage of 14 features of core
capacities: national legislation, policy, and financing, coordination and national focal point
communications, surveillance, response, preparedness, risk communication, human resources,
laboratory, points of entry, zoonotic events, food safety, chemical events, and radio nuclear
emergencies.
Table 3.d.1 illustrates South Africa’s progress on IHR capacity and health emergency preparedness
between 2010 and 2021 as measured by the WHO. It is worth noting that all the core capacities
measured increased from 2010 to 2015. However, from 2019 decreases were recorded in 11 of the 14
core capacities. The core capacity recording the highest decline is that of national legislation which
recorded 20.0% in 2021. “Communications” and “Coordination and National Focal Point” also declined
to 40.0% and 47.0% respectively in this period.
60
There has been changes to IHR capacities, indicators and assessment tool from 2021. The notable
decline in the core capacities can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic as efforts were redirected
to responding to the pandemic. Many of the core capacities such a those related to for example Points
of Entry, were undoubtedly under sever pressure as they were at the forefront of the response
activities.
61

2019 (or Latest
Target Indicator Disaggregation and unit of measure Baseline value nearest available Status
year) value value
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Target
By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
3.1
161 130 86
3.1.1 Maternal mortality ratio Total
(2014) (2016) (2018)
Proportion of births attended by skilled 96,7
3.1.2 Total
health personnel (2014)
Percentage of mothers and children who

receive post-natal care either at home or 69,7 76,1 78
3.1.2A Total
in a facility and within 6 days of delivery (2015) (2018) (2021)
(1+visit)
Target By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per
3.2 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
47,7 30,2 29,6
3.2.1 Under-5 mortality rate Total
(2010) (2015) (2018)
11,0 12,0 10,4
3.2.2 Neonatal mortality rate Total
(2012) (2015) (2018)
28,0 26,0 21,0
3.2.2A1 Infant mortality rate (IMR) Total
(2015) (2018) (2020)
21,3 20,9 21,0
3.2.2A2 Stillbirth rate (per 1 000 total births) Total
(2015) (2018) (2021)
Target By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable
3.3 diseases
2,3 1,5 1,0
Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 15 - 24y rs Total Per 1 000
(2008) (2012) (2017)
3.3.1 uninfected population, by sex, age and uninfected
1,9 1,9 0,8
key populations 15-49yrs Total population
(2008) (2012) (2017)
HIV prevalence among population aged 10,3 7,1 7,9
15-24 years (2008) (2012) (2017)
HIV prevalence among pregnant women 21,7
aged 15-24 years (2012)
HIV prevalence among population men 16,2 18,8 20,6
3.3.1A1 HIV prevalence and women aged 15-49 years (2008) (2012) (2017)
Percentage of people that received an HIV
66,2
test in the past 12 months and know their
(2012)
status
Percentage of the population aged 15-24
24,3 36,1
years with comprehensive correct
(2012) (2017)
knowledge of HIV/AIDS
25,74 56,3
Male
Sex: (2012) (2017)
Percent
Percent 34,7 65,5
Female
(2012) (2017)
The number and percentage of people
45 50
3.3.1A2 living with HIV exposed to antiretroviral 0–14
(2012) (2017)
treatment by age and sex Age group
14,3 39,9
(years): 15–24 Percent
(2012) (2017)
Percent
28,9 60,4
15–49
(2012) (2017)
Tuberculosis incidence per 100,000 834 567 554
3.3.2 Total
population (2015) (2017) (2020)
0,98 1,39 0,6
3.3.3 Malaria incidence per 1,000 population Total
(2015) (2018) (2021)
Mortality due to hepatitis B, per 100 000 0,5 0,5 0,3

3.3.4D Total
population (2013) (2015) (2018)
Target
By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
3.4
4,0 4,0 4,0
Diabetes Mellitus
2011 (2014) (2016)
12,0 11,0 11,0
Mortality rate attributed to Cardiovascular Diseases
(2011) (2014) (2016)
3.4.1 cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes
7,0 7,0 7,0
or chronic respiratory disease Cancers
(2011) (2014) (2016)
3,0 3,0 3,0
Chronic Respiratory diseases
(2011) (2014) (2016)
1,6 2,8 1,3
3.4.2 Suicide mortality rate Total
(2011) (2013) (2015)
Target
3.5 Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
3.5
Alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15
4,95 4,80 4,59
3.5.2 years and older) within a calendar year in Per capita
(2015) (2018) (2021)
litres of pure alcohol
Target
By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents
3.6
62
2019 (or Latest
year) value value
26,0 22,4 21,03

3.6.1 Death rate due to road traffic injuries per 100 000
(2015) (2018) (2021)
Target By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of
3.7 reproductive health into national strategies and programmes
Proportion of women of reproductive age
(aged 15–49 years) who have their need 75,7
3.7.1 RSA
for family planning satisfied with modern (2016)
methods
59,7 63,0 51,7
3.7.1A Couple year protection rate RSA
(2015) (2018) (2021)
1,72 0,80 1,10
10-14
(2015) (2018) (2020)
3.7.2 Adolescent birth rate (aged 10–14
3.7.2 years; aged 15–19 years) per 1,000
67,80 47,00 43,00
women in that age group 15-19
(2015) (2018) (2020)
Target
By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination
3.9
Mortality rate attributed to unintentional 0,3 1,7 1,4

3.9.3 per 100 000
poisoning (2014) (2016) (2018)
Target
Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate
3.a
42 37,3
Male
Age-standardized prevalence of current (1998) (2016)
3.a.1 tobacco use among persons aged
11 7,8
15 years and older Female
(1998) (2016)
Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries,
Target provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the
3.b right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to
protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all
Coverage of DTP containing vaccine (3rd 94,2 84,1 85,7
dose) (2015) (2017) (2021)
Coverage of Measles containing vaccine 74,5 77,6 82,2
Proportion of the target population
(2nd dose) (2015) (2017) (2021)
3.b.1 covered by all vaccines included in their
Coverage of Pneumococcal conjugate 85,2 78,8 87,4
national programme
vaccine (last dose in the schedule) (2015) (2017) (2021)
Coverage of HPV vaccine (last dose in the 64 61,4
schedule (2015) (2017)
Proportion of health facilities that have a
core set of relevant essential medicines 75,7 88,6 88,6
3.b.3D Stock availibility
available and affordable on a sustainable (2015) (2019) (2022)
basis
Target
Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks
3.d
100 93% 20%
National legislation
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 60% 47%
Coordination and National Focal Point
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 40% 40%
Communications
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 40% 60%
Surveillance
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 80% 67%
Response
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 60% 60%
Preparedness
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 60% 100%
International Health Regulations (IHR) Risk communication
(2015) (2019) (2021)
3.d.1 capacity and health emergency 100 60% 40%
preparedness Human resources
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 100% 100%
Laboratory
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 60% 60%
Points of entry
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 60% 60%
Zoonotic events
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 100% 80%
Food safety
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 80% 60%
Chemical events
(2015) (2019) (2021)
100 100% 100%
Radionuclear
(2015) (2019) (2021)
63
4.3.3 Synthesis
The attainment of SDG 3 which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages by
2030 has made steady progress in South Africa leading towards the 2030 targets. However, results
have fluctuated for some of the targets and some indicators as depicted in the tracking table. For
example, several indicators have seen significant improvements particularly those relating to maternal
and infant as well as neonatal mortality rates. The incidence of epidemics such as HIV/ AIDS, Malaria,
TB and Hepatitis B has also seen improvements towards achieving the 2030 targets whilst mortality
rates of non-communicable diseases have remained stagnant. However, these remain significant
public health challenges. The proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines included in
the Country’s national vaccine programme has been steadily increasing. Slight increases have also
been observed in the proportion of health facilities in which essential medicines are available on a
sustainable basis.
Suicide mortality rates as well deaths attributed to traffic accidents have also registered positive
trends. The target to strengthen the capacity of South Africa for early warning, risk reduction and
management of national and global health risks has generally been on the decline with several of the
core capacities experiencing reduced scores in 2021.
South Africa has developed various policies and strategies to achieve SDG 3. The Government has
aligned the SDG 3 targets to its various long-term and short-term planning instruments such as the
NDP, the MTSF, departmental strategic plans and annual performance plans. In addition, various
stakeholders have reinforced the efforts of Government though the provision of community health
and advocacy campaigns.
To achieve SDG 3, South Africa needs to scale up key interventions within the health system. There is
a need to introduce and adopt innovative models in health-care delivery to accelerate progress. To
achieve the needed innovation, the bottlenecks in the system must be overcome and much-needed
leadership must be provided. South Africa needs to demonstrate improvements in quality of health
care services underpinned by evidence based clinical practice. There is a need to improve the
operational efficiency and utilisation of human resources in the health system supported by
appropriate strategies in recruitment, retention, and human resources forecasting.
64
GOAL 4
ENSURE INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE QUALITY EDUCATION
AND PROMOTE LIFELONG OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
% of drop-outs decreased for both

age cohorts 15-24 and 15-34, from
26.0% to 18.8% and 38.2% to
30.5%
Page
Page
19
94
Participation rate
in learning the year
before the official
primary school entry
Number of females was 87.6% in 2021
increasingly outstrips that of
males in tertiary education
– showing that South Africa
Page
leads the way in terms of 94
gender parity Page
97
65
4.4 SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality of education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all
SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all. This goal covers all phases of education and training, from early childhood
development (ECD) to basic education, further education, and post-school education and training
(PSET) – technical and vocational education and training and higher education (provided by
universities and universities of technology).
This section on South Africa’s progress towards the achievement of SDG 4 approaches the task from
various perspectives that contextualise the presentation of statistics on the key indicators. The key
overarching finding of the investigation is that while some progress has been made on certain
indicators since the 2019 Country Report, the same “main messages” identified in South Africa’s
Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report 2019 remain valid: most children complete primary school
and nearly all adults are (functionally) literate; and inequities continue to bedevil the educational
system through the quality of education, low enrolment rates in upper secondary and tertiary
schooling, and limited access to training.
The key findings of the section are that South Africa has performed well on certain indicators – primary
school completion, gender and disability inclusivity, functional literacy and numeracy, ECD
participation the year before primary school; with progress on participation rates in further and higher
education, and secondary school completion rates, remaining a concern.
Table 4.1 TARGETS FOR GOAL 4
GOAL 4: ENSURE INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE QUALITY EDUCATION AND PROMOTE LIFELONG LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary
education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
4.2 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and
pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education
4.3 By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational
and tertiary education, including university
4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including
technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education
and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples
and children in vulnerable situations
4.6 By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women,
achieve literacy and numeracy
4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable
development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and
sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-
violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to
4.a Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide
safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all
66
4.b By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries,
in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for
enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications
technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other
developing countries
4.c By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international
cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and
small island developing States
Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary;
and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and
(ii) mathematics, by sex
Figure 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the
end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics
45 41
39
40 37
34
35
30
25
22
Percent (%)
25
18 19
20
15 13
11
10
5
0 0 0
0
2002 2006 2011 2015 2016 2019 2021
Grade 3 Literacy Grade 3 Numeracy/Maths Grade 9 Numeracy/Maths
Source: PIRLS and TIMSS Assessments 2002-2021, DBE
Learner performance in literacy and numeracy / mathematics comes from the Progress in International
Literacy Reading Study (PIRLS) and the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Grade 3
learner reading proficiency on PIRLS improved from 2006 to 2016 (from 253 points in 2006 to 295
points in 2011 to 320 points in 2016) (Hofmeyr, 2020), while Grade 9 learner mathematics proficiency
on TIMSS improved from 11.0% of mathematics learners acquiring basic mathematical and science
abilities in 2002 to 41.0% of mathematics learners demonstrating basic mathematical and science
abilities in 2019 (Gustafsson, 2020). Nevertheless, the improvements come off a low base. A
comparison between South Africa and other countries on the 2019 TIMSS for grade 5 mathematics
shows South Africa three positions from the bottom of the 58 participating countries (DBE, 2020) and
below 13 other upper middle-income countries.
67
Indicator 4.1.2: Completion rate (primary education, lower secondary education, upper secondary
education)
Table 4.1.2.1: Completion rates for primary (grade 7) education, by province, population group and sex,
2010-2021
Grade 7 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Province
Western Cape 97.6 95.1 97.3 97.1 97.0 96.3 96.6 97.1 97.1 97.6 96.2 97.9
Eastern Cape 82.5 84.9 87.3 88.9 89.5 89.9 87.2 89.4 88.9 91.6 91.4 97.1
Northern Cape 93.3 90.9 93.4 95.0 94.0 87.8 96.8 89.0 92.4 94.3 97.0 91.1
Free State 94.2 94.3 94.7 94.2 94.3 95.6 92.8 93.9 92.2 95.3 95.7 91.3
KwaZulu-Natal 93.1 94.1 91.5 94.0 95.8 94.8 94.8 96.4 95.4 95.5 96.2 96.3
North West 90.7 93.1 89.4 94.1 91.4 91.8 92.1 90.5 90.3 92.9 96.6 93.9
Gauteng 95.6 97.4 98.3 97.4 96.8 98.3 97.9 98.2 98.0 96.9 96.0 98.2
Mpumalanga 91.5 89.9 93.2 93.1 91.8 93.8 93.5 94.4 94.8 95.1 97.2 96.0
Limpopo 93.3 93.6 95.9 95.6 95.7 95.0 96.4 96.7 96.7 95.5 97.6 97.0
Population Group
African/Black 91.0 92.0 92.4 93.7 94.0 94.2 93.8 94.7 94.5 95.0 95.5 96.4
Coloured 97.2 95.6 97.4 95.4 94.4 94.6 94.1 95.2 95.5 94.6 94.2 96.3
Indian/Asian 97.8 98.1 100.0 96.5 97.8 96.6 98.4 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
White 98.2 97.0 98.9 99.2 99.8 98.7 100.0 100.0 98.9 100.0 100.0 100.0
Gender
Male 90.0 90.3 91.5 92.0 92.6 92.2 92.2 93.4 94.0 93.7 93.8 95.6
Female 94.5 95.2 95.3 96.4 96.3 96.9 96.3 97.0 95.8 96.8 97.9 97.6
Total 92.2 92.8 93.4 94.2 94.5 94.6 94.3 95.2 94.9 95.3 95.8 96.6
Source: GHS Report 2023, DBE
Table 4.1.2.1 shows a steady increase in grade 7 completion rates for learners across all
disaggregation’s. Nationally the completion rate for grade 7 increased from 92.2% in 2010 to 96.6% in
2021.
Table 4.1.2.2: Completion rates for lower secondary (grade 9) education, by province, population and
sex, 2010-2021
Grade 9 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Province
Western Cape 88.0 88.9 85.1 84.7 88.2 85.9 88.1 89.8 91.9 89.2 94.1 98.7
Eastern Cape 74.6 76.5 75.9 77.3 76.6 77.4 82.1 81.6 82.3 82.3 86.8 89.8
Northern Cape 79.5 80.7 81.6 79.5 78.7 73.4 82.5 76.6 77.0 84.5 86.3 88.6
Free State 87.4 87.0 86.5 81.6 86.6 85.6 87.0 87.0 89.4 91.6 94.9 96.3
KwaZulu-Natal 84.5 85.1 87.8 87.4 89.0 90.0 90.7 92.7 90.6 91.9 92.4 94.0
North West 80.6 80.2 83.0 80.2 81.0 80.5 83.8 87.0 86.7 86.0 98.2 86.3
Gauteng 93.5 90.7 93.3 94.5 95.7 92.7 93.5 93.9 95.4 95.5 96.1 97.8
Mpumalanga 87.1 85.3 83.5 84.5 84.2 85.0 86.7 88.5 88.4 88.2 94.8 94.2
Limpopo 85.4 82.6 83.4 81.4 78.8 87.8 88.2 90.0 90.6 91.4 93.1 91.8
Population group
African/Black 84.3 83.5 84.7 84.7 85.8 86.3 88.0 89.0 89.8 90.5 93.3 93.5
Coloured 84.7 86.7 84.6 82.1 82.4 82.3 86.8 87.7 89 86.2 89.8 97.4
Indian/Asian 97.8 93.5 94.4 93.4 99.3 100.0 100.0 100.0 96.2 92.4 99.9 93.5
68
White 99.9 96.1 97.5 95.7 98.2 95.7 96.4 98.6 96.7 98.9 98.7 100.00
Sex
Male 83.5 81.7 83.1 81.8 83.1 83.6 86.6 86.9 87.3 87.9 92.7 92.7
Female 87.8 88.1 88.5 89.2 89.7 89.8 90.5 92.4 93.2 93.2 94.2 95.7
Total 85.7 84.8 85.8 85.4 86.5 86.7 88.6 89.6 90.2 90.5 93.5 94.2
The grade 9 completion rate illustrated in Table 4.1.2.2 rose from 85.7% in 2010 to 94.2% in 2021.
Table 4.1.2.3 Completion rates for upper secondary (grade 12) education, by province,
population group and sex, 2010-2021
Grade 12 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Province
Western Cape 49.6 49.5 48.5 47.0 47.5 51.3 53.2 50.9 53.2 59.8 66.4 73.5
Eastern Cape 32.7 33.2 25.8 28.2 32.4 32.1 34.2 39.1 37.7 37.5 39.7 46.4
Northen Cape 37.7 38.5 45.2 46.0 42.7 43.1 38.4 48.2 51.4 51.6 56.9 50.8
Free State 47.4 49.1 48.9 45.3 46.4 48.8 46.9 48.5 60.3 47.3 58.0 58.5
KwaZulu-Natal 45.8 51.7 52.3 53.2 54.1 50.7 51.4 50.1 55.1 53.8 58.4 60.6
North West 40.6 35.9 44.2 45.4 45.8 40.7 42.2 44.5 49.3 55.3 64.1 64.1
Gauteng 58.3 60.6 59.5 61.6 65.0 63.4 62.3 64.0 64.0 65.6 69.2 67.1
Mpumalanga 43.3 44.0 44.2 41.9 46.5 49.4 46.3 47.6 53.5 53.2 54.2 62.7
Limpopo 32.7 33.0 38.4 37.9 40.9 37.9 37.7 36.6 42.0 44.8 52.6 51.4
Population Group
African/Black 41.1 43.2 43.6 44.4 48.5 47.1 47.0 48.8 51.6 51.7 56.7 58.1
Coloured 48.8 43.9 46.7 45.5 45.9 48.9 49.9 45.8 52.5 56.6 67.3 72.5
Indian/Asian 80.3 84.6 74.6 81.8 80.6 78.4 87.8 81.3 81.9 90.4 97.1 82.5
White 85.6 89.1 89.0 86.9 88.0 85.7 83.6 79.2 81.1 89.9 83.5 95.6
Sex
Male 43.3 42.9 44.5 44.9 47.4 46.0 46.3 47.4 51.3 50.3 57.8 59.4
Female 48.0 51.2 50.3 51.0 54.8 53.7 53.4 54.0 56.3 59.3 61.8 63.3
Total 45.6 47.1 47.4 47.9 51.1 49.9 49.9 50.7 53.8 54.8 59.8 61.3
The grade 12 completion rates above, albeit low, shows a steady increase since 2010, from 45.6% to
61.3% in 2021. While these figures may be below grades 7 and 9 completion rates, the trend for grade
12 completion rates remains positive.
69
Indicator 4.1.2.A2: Percentage of youth aged 15-24 and 25-34 years who dropped out of school
without completing grade 12
Figure 4.1.2.A2: Percentage of youth aged 15-24 and 25-34 years who dropped out of school without
completing grade 12
45
40
35
30
25
20
Percent (%)
15
10
5
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
15–24 years male 27.0 26.4 26.5 24.3 24.3 19.0 20.1
15–24 years female 25.1 24.9 23.8 22.1 21.9 18.2 17.6
15–24 years total 26.0 25.7 25.2 23.2 23.1 18.6 18.8
15–34 years male 39.3 38.8 39.8 37.7 38.0 32.2 32.3
15–34 years female 37.1 36.2 34.8 32.9 33.4 29.9 28.8
15–34 years total 38.2 37.5 37.3 35.3 35.7 31.0 30.5
The percentage of youth who dropped out of school without completing grade 12, has dropped for
both age cohorts 15-24 years and 15-34 years, from 26.0% to 18.8% and 38.2% to 30.5%, from 2015
to 2021 respectively.
Indicator 4.2.2: Participation rate in organised learning (one year before the official primary entry age),
by sex
Table 4.2.2: Participation rate in organised learning (one year before the official primary school entry age), 2012-2021
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Province
Western Cape 83,6 83.9 81.2 86.3 90.3 83.9 85.2 90.6 59.9 83.8
Eastern Cape 94.9 95.2 95.5 94.1 95.5 96.1 93.1 92.1 90.5 94.7
Northen Cape 81.2 91.0 88.2 85.7 88.4 90.0 87.6 84.1 68.0 76.3
Free State 92.0 91.2 92.9 93.1 93.4 95.9 98.2 94.8 64.2 88.5
KwaZulu-Natal 86.4 88.9 92.2 89.5 88.9 89.5 89.2 92.5 73.9 81.9
North West 93.0 90.2 85.7 91.2 92.3 86.8 91.1 92.0 67.1 89.4
Gauteng 90.5 90.2 90.7 94.0 93.0 94.5 92.1 91.8 72.7 89.2
Mpumalanga 91.5 87.9 92.9 92.7 94.4 91.8 90.2 93.7 91.1 88.3
Limpopo 96.2 97.6 95.6 96.9 96.9 98.6 97.7 97.4 81.6 93.2
Population Group
African/Black 90.9 91.8 92.4 92.8 93.2 93.5 92.7 93.3 79.1 89.0
Coloured 82.5 80.7 80.0 87.7 87.6 83.0 83.4 85.4 56.9 94.7
Indian/Asian 84.2 92.9 86.7 88.6 82.3 84.3 77.8 88.7 33.9 52.6
White 95.7 84.7 90.5 90.9 96.2 93.6 89.6 97.0 40.1 71.9
Sex
Male 90.4 90.3 91.2 91.2 93.2 92.8 91.2 92.8 74.9 87.1
Female 90.2 90.9 91.3 93.2 92.3 92.0 92.0 92.7 75.2 88.1
Total 90.3 90.6 91.2 92.2 92.7 92.4 91.6 92.7 75.1 87.6
70
The data show that the participation rate in learning the year before the official primary school entry
age ranged between 90.3% and 92.7%, between 2012 and 2019. Thereafter, the rate dropped to 75.1%
in 2020, followed by a recovery to 87.6% in 2021.
Indicator 4.2.2A: the number of children accessing registered ECD programmes.
Figure 4.2.2A: Number of children accessing registered ECD programmes, by province, 2015-2021
1 000 000
900 000
800 000
700 000
600 000
500 000
400 000
300 000
200 000
100 000
0
EC FS GP KZN LP MP NC NW WC
2015 206 425 218 373 32 943 127 421 225 187 117 327 499 045 127 478 260 601
Number
2016 349 164 411 980 72 289 201 114 608 245 211 662 887 415 283 756 457 877
2017 353 843 420 512 62 251 195 123 528 383 212 138 855 130 276 229 400 042
2018 351 764 430 183 61 687 190 599 519 386 211 512 870 355 288 630 397 084
2019 391 739 416 952 61 804 199 732 592 387 242 733 907 827 279 246 472 128
2020 267 914 318 391 46 895 153 591 422 615 198 223 774 001 232 040 384 649
2021 385 034 307 692 54 150 207 797 441 343 157 163 756 954 228 519 375 222
2022 374 711 348 564 69 273 189 950 557 607 207 315 783 647 257 768 407 675
Source: General Household Survey 2015-2023, Stats SA
The number of children accessing ECD programmes have been increasing from 2015 to 2019. While
the number dropped in 2020, with a slight improvement in 2022.
Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training,
by sex, geographic type and disability status
Figure 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training,
by sex, geographic type and disability status
16
14
Percent (%)
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Total Female Male Total Female Male
15–24 years 25–64 years
Formal
2016 10.7 12.0 9.4 2.4 2.7 2.0
2017 11.6 13.0 10.2 2.3 2.7 2.0
2018 11.6 13.1 10.1 2.4 2.7 2.0
2019 11.9 13.8 10.0 2.2 2.6 1.8
2020 10.5 12.5 8.5 2.0 2.4 1.5
Source: DHET, 2020
71
Figure 4.3.1 illustrates the participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal training.
Overall, females for both age cohorts have a higher participation rate than their maile-counterparts,
for the years 2016 to 2020.
Indicator 4.4.1D: Percentage of youth and adult university graduates by field of study
Indicator 4.4.1D is a domesticated indicator, the data for which, collected ten-yearly, are for 2016. The
cluster of Business, Public Management and Services, and Communication is, at 26.7%, the cluster with
the largest percentage of graduates amongst those aged 15-34, more than double the next highest
percentage of graduates (in Education, Philosophy and Languages, at 12.4%). Similar percentages of
those aged 15-34 were graduates in the Computer and Information Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical
Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Social Sciences, Military Sciences (Mathematics, Science and
Computing) cluster (12.2%) and in the Engineering, Architecture and the Built Environment cluster
(also 12.2%). A slightly lower percentage of those aged 15-34 were graduates in the Health professions
and related clinical sciences, Psychology, Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences (10.7%). Amongst
adults (aged 35-64), the highest percentage of graduates were in the Education, Philosophy and
Languages (at 27.1%) cluster of fields, more than double that of youth graduates (aged 15-34) in these
fields. This is most likely attributable to the large number of teachers in the public schooling sector
(there were 418 613 teachers in ordinary schools in 2016, DBE 2018). Business, Public management
and services, and Communication had the second largest percentage of graduates, at 21.8%.
Indicator 4.4.1A: Number of graduates in public higher education institutions by field of study
Indicator 4.4.1A is an additional indicator. Analysis of the breakdown of the number of graduates in
each of the first-level Classification of Educational Subject Matter (CESM) fields captured by the Higher
Education Management Information System (HEMIS) of the Department of Higher Education and
Training (DHET) shows, at the aggregate level, that the number of graduates increased from 153 325
in 2010 to 237 882 in 2020. The largest number of graduates in 2020 were in Business, economics and
management studies (65 336) and Education (47 271). The next highest number of graduates was in
Law (14 894), followed by Engineering (14 825), Health professions and related clinical sciences (14
140), and Social sciences (13 026).
Certain fields saw exponential growth, the numbers more than doubling over the decade: Law (from
5 290 in 2010 to 14 894 in 2020); Public management and services (from 4 619 to 10 236); and Social
sciences (from 6 274 to 13 026). Others almost doubled their numbers: Agriculture, agricultural
operations & related sciences (to 4 959); Computer & information sciences (to 8 848); Life sciences (to
7 850); and Psychology (to 9 421). The key gateway field of Mathematics and statistics, however, saw
very modest growth, from 2 036 in 2010 to 2 578 in 2020, an increase of only 542 graduates over a
ten-year period.
72
Indicator 4.5.1: Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile and others such
as disability status, indigenous peoples and conflict-affected, as data become available) for all
education indicators on this list that can be disagregated
Figure 4.5.1: Gender Parity Index (GPI) for tertiary education by race
2.000
1.800
1.600
1.400
1.200
1.000
0.800
Index
0.600
0.400
0.200
0.000
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
All groups 1.388 1.421 1.426 1.428 1.407 1.393 1.399 1.423 1.496 1.569
African/Black 1.424 1.458 1.451 1.447 1.412 1.395 1.392 1.412 1.497 1.583
Coloured 1.530 1.568 1.604 1.623 1.655 1.636 1.702 1.749 1.755 1.820
Indian/Asian 1.429 1.487 1.519 1.531 1.571 1.521 1.604 1.668 1.730 1.721
White 1.241 1.246 1.268 1.285 1.307 1.314 1.311 1.342 1.362 1.370
Source: HEMIS 2007-2020, DHET
A GPI equal to one signifies equality between males and females. A GPI less than 1 is an indication that
gender parity favours males while a GPI greater than 1 indicates that gender parity favours females.
The closer a GPI is to 1, the closer a country is to achieving equality of access between males and
females. The GPI for all four population groups is greater than 1 and has been since 2007. The profile
has, moreover, been skewed in favour of females over the period, the GPI increasing from 1,279 to
1,583 for Africans/Blacks, from 1,388 to 1,820 for Coloureds, from 1,292 to 1,721 for Indians/Asians,
and from 1,160 to 1,370 for Whites. This means that the number of females increasingly outstrips that
of males in tertiary education – showing that South Africa leads the way in terms of gender parity.
Indicator 4.5.1A: Percentage of 7-18 year olds with disabilities who are attending and are not
attending an educational institution
Figure 4.5.1A: Percentage of 7-18-year-olds with disabilities attending and not attending an
educational institution, by sex, 2007-2023
100.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
Percent (%)
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Attending Male 89.6 87.3 89.1 88.1 91.1 88.3 87.5 81.7
Attending Female 86.0 88.3 89.0 90.3 88.2 91.5 89.4 91.2
Attending Total 87.8 87.8 89.1 89.2 89.8 89.8 88.4 86.9
Not attending Male 10.4 12.7 10.9 11.9 8.9 11.7 12.5 18.3
Not attending Female 14.0 11.7 11.0 9.7 11.8 8.5 10.6 8.8
Not attending Total 12.2 12.2 10.9 10.8 10.2 10.2 11.6 13.1
73
Figure 4.5.1A shows that the vast majority of youth with disabilities have attended an educational
institution. The profile has been relatively unchanged for the period 2015 to 2022. There has also been
no significant differences in the attendance of male versus female learners with disabilities.
Indicator 4.6.1D: Proportion of the population in a given age group achieving at least a fixed level of
proficiency in functional a) literacy and b) numeracy
Figure 4.6.1D.1: Percentage of population achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional
literacy, by sex
100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
Percent (%)
20.0
0.0
Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total
15-24 years 25-34 years 35-64 years
Literacy skills
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Figure 4.6.1D.2: Percentage of population achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional
numeracy, by sex
100
90
80
70
Percent (%)
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Male Female Male Female Male Female
15-24 years 25-34 years 35-64 years
Numeracy skills
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
The two figures above depict the profiles for literacy and numeracy respectively. Functional literacy
levels in the population are high, the lowest measure in any year for those in the 15–24 and 25–34 age
ranges being 92.4%. Females are slightly more literate than males.
74
In the young adult population (25–34 years), literacy levels are very similar to those aged 25–34 years.
As is to be expected, literacy levels among older people (35–64 years) are lower than those of both
former groups, ranging at the total level from 79.6% to 87.8%. Nearly 88.0% of the adult population,
then, were functionally literate in 2021. The literacy levels of all three age groups improved over the
eight-year period from 2015 to 2021.
Functional numeracy levels among those aged 15–24 and 25–34 years improved slightly from 2014 to
2016 and then jumped to their highest levels in 2017 and 2018, dropping slightly among 15–24 year
olds in 2019 to 97.9% and remaining at around 99.0% among 25–34 year olds. Numeracy rates among
adults (35–64 years) rose imperceptibly from 2014 to 2016 and similarly jumped to their highest levels
in 2017, where they remained at around 98.0%. There is no significant difference in the numeracy
levels of males and females.
Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable
development, including gender equality and human rights, are mainstreamed at all levels in: (a)
national education policies, (b) curricula, (c) teacher education and (d) student assessment
The data that indicate the extent of achievement of the target come from the DBE and DHET. All the
major topics of SDG Target 4.7 are covered in the school curriculum, most of them being included in
Life Orientation and Religion Studies:
 Cultural diversity and tolerance
 Gender equality
 Human rights
 Peace and non-violence
 Climate change, also taught in Geography, and Life Sciences,
 Environmental sustainability, also taught in Geography
 Human survival and well-being
 Sustainable consumption and production
In terms of teacher education, DBE, in collaboration with Department of Environment, Forestry and
Fisheries, SANBI, and 23 universities, has implemented the Keep-It-Cool (KIC) initiative, a climate
change programme to bridge the gap between policy and practice by trying to utilise the education
sector as a strategic resource in South Africa’s transition towards a more climate resilient society. It
used a multi-sector collaboration approach in 100 secondary schools in three provinces (KwaZulu-
Natal, Eastern Cape and Limpopo) to make climate change education (CCE) part of school and
classroom practice.
DHET has reported that the “Policy on minimum requirements for teacher education qualifications”
(2015) is currently being reviewed. Areas that are not learning domains or knowledge areas in
themselves need to be integrated across learning domains in teacher education programmes in the
revised policy. The policy will include the following reference: “The aim of the seventeen SDGs is to
address a range of global problems such as poverty, unemployment and climate change. Whilst quality
education is a particular focus of SDG 4, education, including teacher education, can contribute
significantly to achieving the other 16 goals.”
75
Global citizenship is encapsulated in the policy under situational learning, which refers to knowledge
of the South African context. It is also present in the “Minimum requirements for qualifications in Early
Childhood Development” (2017) and the “Policy on professional lecturer qualifications in Technical
and Vocational Education and Training” (2013). The “White paper on education and training” (1995)
included a section on environmental education. Global citizenship was captured in the vision of the
“White paper for post-school education and training” (2013), which included the “development of a
post school education system that can assist in building a fair, equitable, non-racist, non-sexist and
democratic South Africa”, speaking to education and social justice as a means to achieve quality
education for all. In addition to the inclusion of global citizenship education in national policy, several
environmental education initiatives are implemented by teacher education institutions, e.g., the
“Fundisa for Change Programme”, and the “Sustainability Starts with Teachers Programme”.
While teacher education is essential to achieving ESD and global citizenship, the extent to which these
elements have been integrated into teacher education curricula in the 24 teacher education
institutions is difficult to ascertain as the Directorate has not engaged in a structured project to elicit
data in this regard. This indicator also covers Indicator 12.8.1 and Indicator 13.3.1.
Indicator 4.a.1: Proportion of schools offering basic services, by type of service
Table 4.a.1: Percentage of schools adhering to the minimum physical infrastructure standards by
province
Province Electricity Water Sanitation / Toilets Adequate Classrooms
2011 2017 2022 2011 2017 2022 2011 2017 2022 2011 2017 2022
EC 73.2 79.6 86.5 65.3 74.4 74.2 65.5 69.8 73.7 66.3 75.5 72.1
FS 86.0 96.3 96.2 83.6 78.7 95.3 76.7 71.8 91.6 87.8 71.9 77.5
GP 99.0 95.0 97.2 99.5 95.9 86.5 94.4 98.4 94.7 69.4 64.7 57.4
KZ 80.2 86.9 94.2 78.5 54.5 67.7 73.7 77.6 91.1 60.9 67.3 68.4
LP 95.2 98.2 97.5 87.5 87.4 85.7 64.0 77.0 84.6 75.4 60.3 67.0
MP 90.1 94.2 92.1 86.9 80.2 88.4 83.6 91.8 92.7 62.3 55.3 52.2
NC 98.5 99.4 95.1 89.1 91.0 96.2 86.1 89.1 95.4 82.5 83.0 84.2
NW 95.3 87.1 89.3 88.9 76.8 91.7 77.2 82.4 86.8 69.0 53.6 55.8
WC 99.4 98.7 95.9 98.2 94.2 98.6 94.1 96.3 96.1 88.2 82.9 86.5
RSA 86.0 89.9 93.2 81.2 76.0 80.7 73.7 80.0 86.8 69.0 67.7 67.9
Source: School Monitoring Survey 2022, DBE
Table 4.a.1 shows data from the DBE School Monitoring Surveys of 2011, 2017 and 2022. It is evident
that the provision of electricity and sanitation has improved considerably since 2011, while the
percentages of schools with adequate classrooms and water supply has remained relatively stable over
the period.
76
Indicator 4.b.1: Volume of official development assistance (ODA) flows for scholarships by sector and
type of study
This indicator measures the volume of ODA flows for scholarships by sector and type of study, as
defined by “Gross disbursements of total ODA [official development assistance] from all donors for
scholarships”.
At the undergraduate level, only the Mauritius Africa Scholarship Programme disbursed a scholarship
(one, in 2021). At the Masters level, the Japan ABE Initiative disbursed the most scholarships, and over
the longest period (2014 to 2019), the highest numbers of scholarships having been disbursed in 2016
(36 scholarships). The only other significant number of scholarships disbursed was by the France-South
Africa Scholarship Programme, which disbursed 19 scholarships in 2020. Besides Japanese support,
ODA support for South African students is relatively modest.
Indicator 4.c.1D: Proportion of permanent educators that have minimum required teacher
qualifications (REQV13).
The DBE PERSAL (Personnel and Salary System) revealed that 91.0% of teachers were qualified at the
REQV13 level in 2017.
77

2019 (or
Latest
Baseline nearest
Indicator Unit of measure available Status
value year)
value
value
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Target
By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
4.1
18% 22% 19%

Literacy Grade 3
Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) (2011) (2016) (2021)
at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary
4.1.1 39% 37%
achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading Grade 3
and (ii) mathematics, by sex (2015) (2019)
Numeracy/Maths
25% 34% 41%
Grade 9
(2011) (2015) (2021)
Primary Completion (Grade 7 age 16- 94,4 94,9 96,6
18) (2015) (2018) (2021)
Completion rate (primary education, lower secondary Lower Secondary (Grade 9 age 19– 86,7 90,4 94,2
4.1.2
education, upper secondary education) 21) (2015) (2018) (2021)
Upper Secondary (Grade 12 age 22- 49,9 53,7 61,3
25) (2015) (2018) (2021)
26,0 23,2 18,8
15–24 years
Percentage of youth aged 15–24 (and 15–34) years who (2015) (2018) (2021)
4.1.2A2
dropped out of school without completing Grade 12 38,2 35,3 30,5
15–34 years
(2015) (2018) (2021)
Target By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary
4.2 education
Participation rate in organised learning (one year before the 92,2 91,6 87,6
4.2.2
official primary entry age), by sex (2015) (2018) (2021)
1 814 3 321 2 913
4.2.2A Number of children accessing registered ECD Programmes RSA 799 199 875
(2015) (2018) (2021)
Target
By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university
4.3
10,7 11,6 10,5
Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non- 15–24 years
(2016) (2018) (2020)
4.3.1 formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by Formal
2,4 2,4 2,0
sex 25–64 years
(2016) (2018) (2020)
Target By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and
4.4 entrepreneurship
Number of graduates in public higher education institutions 203 076 227 188 237 882
4.4.1A Total graduates
by field of study (2016) (2018) (2020)
Target 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons
4.5 with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
1,407 1,423 1,569
All groups
(2015) (2015) (2020)
1,412 1,412 1,583
African/Black
(2015) (2015) (2020)
Gender Parity Index for tertiary education by population 1,655 1,748 1,820
4.5.1 Coloured
group (2015) (2018) (2020)
1,571 1,667 1,721
Indian/Asian
(2015) (2018) (2020)
1,307 1,342 1,369
White
(2015) (2018) (2020)
87,8 89,2 88,4
Attending
Percentage of 7 - 18 year olds with disabilities who are (2015) (2018) (2021)
4.5.1A
attending and not attending an educational institutions 12,2 10,8 11,6
Not attending
(2015) (2018) (2021)
Target
4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy
4.6
94,2 95,5 96,7
15-24 years
(2015) (2018) (2021)
94,1 95,6 97,2
Literacy skills 25-34 years
(2015) (2018) (2021)
80,8 83,8 87,8
Percentage of population in a given age group achieving at 35-64 years
(2015) (2018) (2021)
4.6.1D least a fixed level of proficiency in functional (a) literacy and
91,6 99,2
(b) numeracy skills, by sex 15-24 years
(2015) (2018)
90,3 99,3
Numeracy skills 25-34 years
(2015) (2018)
87,6 98,1
35-64 years
(2015) (2018)
By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for
Target
sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and
4.7
appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) National education x x x
education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in Curricula x x x
4.7.1
(a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher Teacher education x x x
education; and (d) student assessment Student assessment x x x
Target Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for
4.a all
78
2019 (or
Latest
Baseline nearest
Indicator Unit of measure available Status
value year)
value
value
Percentage of schools with access to basic services by type of 88 98 98,9
4.a.1
service (2012) (2015) (2017)
By 2030, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small islands developing
Target
states and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communication technology, technical, engineering
4.b
and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries
Mauritius Africa
Undergraduate 1
Scholarship
degrees (2021)
Programme
Japan ABE 32
Initiative (2015)
France-South
Africa 3 4
Scholarship (2021) (2022)
Programme
Volume of official development assistance flows for
4.b.1 China YES China Master's 3
scholarships by sector and type of study
Scholarship degrees (2022)
New Zealand 1
Scholarships (2021)
World in Serbia
4
Project
(2022)
Scholarships
France-South
Africa Short-term 7
Scholarship programmes (2021)
Programme
Target 4.c By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries,
4.c especially least developed countries and small island developing States
Percentage of permanent educators that have minimum 91,0

4.c.1 Percentage
required teacher qualifications (REQV13) (2017)
4.4.3 Synthesis
While progress has been made on certain indicators the challenges emerging from the trend analysis
show the lasting impact of apartheid education on achieving SDG 4. While the number of children
accessing registered ECD programmes, the year before primary school, has been stable, the
participation rate and the quality of ECD programmes accessed by younger children aged 0-4 years,
remains a concern.
School completion rates in primary and lower secondary school are high and improving, with the upper
secondary school completion rate (Grade 12) steadily improving from 45.6% in 2010 to 61.3% in 2021.
Additionally, literacy at Grade 3 level and Mathematics / numeracy at Grade 3 and 9 level are
improving fairly rapidly. With learners living with disabilities who attend an educational instituition,
increasing from 87.8% in 2015 to 88.4% in 2021.
The gross enrolment ratio (GER) for tertiary education for South Africa as an upper middle-income
country is poor by international standards (comparable upper middle-income countries) – the
situation remaining unchanged between 2016 and 2020 for those aged 15-24 but gradually worsening
for those aged 25-64. While the number of graduates in public higher education had increased to
almost 240 000 by 2020, gender disparity is growing in the tertiary education sector, the index
registering 1,6 in 2020 (female students increasingly outnumbering male students).
79
Functional literacy and numeracy, already at high levels in 2015, had improved for all age groups (those
aged 15 to 64) by 2021. Overall, South Africa has performed well on certain indicators – especially
primary and lower secondary school completion and functional literacy and numeracy.
Notwithstanding that the country needs to achieve further improvements to school completion rates
and post-school completion through improving the quality of early learning opportunities in primary
schools and ECD programmes; especially in the wake of the pandemic which led to significant early
learning losses.
The profile of qualified teachers are adequate, while the data is insufficient, positive progress is
observed for this indicator. Infrastructure in schools, such as access to basic services has seen a positive
trend across the years, showing that more schools are receiving access to basic services. Finally, donor
funding of scholarships for post-school education is modest; targets for such scholarships need to be
set and progress monitored against them.
80
GOAL 5
ACHIEVE GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWER
ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS
% of women in senior
and middle
management positions
has increased in South
Africa
Page
111
Contact sexual offences

and attempted sexual
offences have observed a
steady decline from 2014/14
to 2021/22
Girls younger than
15 years involved in
early marriages, are
relatively low
Page
108
Page
110
81
4.5 SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
SDG 5, Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls, seeks to address the unequal and
precarious position of women in South Africa, in alignment with the priorities outlined in the
Constitution, as well as the NDP, regarding South African women’s access to freedom, human rights,
a safe and secure society, and participation in opportunities. Equality for women in South Africa means
equal access to education, equal access to economic resources and employment opportunities,
recognition and valuation of unpaid care and domestic work, and access to political participation,
leadership and decision-making processes. The cross - and intersectional nature of women’s issues
emphasises the need to mainstream a gender perspective in the implementation of all SDGs and
strengthen the existing institutional mechanisms for achieving gender equality and women’s
empowerment in South Africa.
Table 5.1 Targets for goal 5
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including
trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
5.3 Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation
5.4 Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure
and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the
family as nationally appropriate
5.5 Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of
decision-making in political, economic and public life
5.6 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance
with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the
Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences
5.a Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and
control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in
accordance with national laws
5.b Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to
promote the empowerment of women
5.c Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and
the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels
82
Indicator 5.1.1 Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality
and non-discrimination on the basis of sex
This indicator measures whether or not: (1) national laws exist to promote gender equality and non-
discrimination against women and girls, and (2) there exist mechanisms to enforce and monitor the
implementation of legal frameworks for each area of law. South Africa has also developed and
implemented a wide range of national laws, policies and strategies to promote gender equality and
women's empowerment.
The 2018 presidential summit against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) identified the need
to fill in legislative gaps and fast-track all outstanding laws. The National Strategic Plan on GBVF was
developed, outlining the need for further policies and better implementation. In January 2022,
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed three new GBV laws aimed at strengthening efforts to end GBV in
the country: the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment
Act, the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act, and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act.
Indicator 5.2.1D: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 18 years and older subjected to
physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12
months, by form of violence and by age
Figure 5.2.1D: Percentage of ever-partnered women and girls aged 18 and older subjected to physical
or sexual violence by any partner in the previous 12 months, 2016
12
10,3
9,8
10
8,6
7,7
8
Percent (%)
5,8 6,1
6
4 3,2 3,1
2,7
2,3
1,9 1,6
2 1,0
0,4
0
18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ Total (18+)
Physical Violence Sexual Violence
Source: SADHS 2016, DoH & Stats SA
In 2016, 7.7% of all women in South Africa aged 18 years and older experienced physical violence and
2.3% of all women experienced sexual violence by a partner in the 12 months before the survey. Figure
5.2.1D shows that 10.3% of women aged 18 to 24 had experienced physical violence and 3.2%
experienced sexual violence in the 12 months before the survey was conducted, whereas 1.6% of
women aged 65+ experienced physical violence and 0.4% experienced sexual violence. Thus, women
in South Africa are more likely to experience physical and sexual violence at a younger age.
83
Indicator 5.2.2D: Number of individuals who were victims of sexual offence in the previous 12 months,
by type of sexual offence
Figure 5.2.2D: Number of reported cases of sexual offence, by type of sexual offence
120 000
Number of reported cases
100 000
80 000
60 000
40 000
20 000
0
2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22
Contact Sexual Offences 1 694 1 607 1 488 1 221 1 254 1 179 1 059 1 130
Attempted Sexual Offences 2 641 2 573 2 073 2 066 2 146 2 076 1 800 2 027
Sexual Assault 6 087 6 212 6 271 6 786 7 437 7 749 7 025 7 798
Rape 43 195 41 503 39 828 40 035 41 583 42 289 36 330 41 739
Total Sexual Offences 53 617 51 895 49 660 50 108 52 420 53 293 46 214 52 694
Source: Reported Crime Statistics 2021/22 , SAPS
From 2014/15 until 2021/22, the most frequently reported crime was rape, with reported cases
ranging from 43 195 in 2014/15 to 41 739 in 2021/22, exceeding 40 000 in all years except 2016/17
and 2020/21.
During the reporting period, reported cases of sexual assualt was recorded as the second highest
sexual offense after rape. Contact sexual offences and attempted sexual offences have observed a
steady decline from 2014/15 to 2021/22.
Indicator 5.2.2A1: Incidences of human trafficking for sexual purposes brought to police attention
Figure 5.2.2A1: Incidence of human trafficking for sexual purposes brought to police attention
0.60
0.50
Percent (%)
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
2008/ 2009/ 2010/ 2011/ 2012/ 2013/ 2014/ 2015/ 2016/ 2017/ 2018/ 2019/ 2020/
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
RSA 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01
Limpopo 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00
Mpumalanga 0.08 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.07 0.05 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02
Gauteng 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.03 0.05 0.03 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
North West 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.09 0.00 0.03 0.05 0.05 0.03 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00
Kwazulu-Natal 0.03 0.01 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01
Free State 0.07 0.11 0.07 0.07 0.00 0.14 0.04 0.11 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.00 0.07
Northern Cape 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.25 0.08 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Eastern Cape 0.08 0.06 0.02 0.00 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00
Western Cape 0.00 0.05 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.06 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01
Source: Reported Crime Statistics 2020/21, SAPS
84
Figure 5.2.2.A1 shows the total number of human trafficking incidents brought to the attention of SAPS
in South Africa, per province and year. Incidences of human trafficking decreased between 2008/09
and 2019/20 reaching its lowest point in 2019/20, followed by a sharp increase from 2019/20 to
2020/21.
Indicator 5.2.2A2: Number of GBV and non-GBV cases reported in the command centre for
psychological support by province
Figure 5.2.2.A2: Number of GBV and non-GBV cases reported in the command centre for psychological
support
14 000 11 885
12 000
Number
10 000 6 911
8 000 4 261 4 659 5 290
6 000 2 207
4 000 444 1 024 515
2 000
0
GBV NON-GBV REFERRED
TOTAL
2019 2 207 4 659 444
2020 6 911 11 885 1024
2021 4 261 5 290 515
2019 2020 2021
Source: DSD, n.d
According to the data, the number of GBV and non-GBV cases reported in the command centres
increased from 2019 to 2021. However, there was an increase in cases reported in 2020 for both GBV
and non-GBV cases.
Indicator 5.3.1: Proportion of women aged 20–24 years who were married or in a union before age 15
and before age 18
According to SADHS, 2016, 0.9% of South African women aged 20-24 were married before the age of
15 years, while 3.6% of South African women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18.
Indicator 5.3.1A: Percentage of early marriages experienced by girls before the age of 15 years
Figure 5.3.1A: Percentage of early marriages experienced by girls before the age of 15 years
0.140
0.120
0.100
Percent (%)
0.080
0.060
0.060
0.040 0.024
0.014 0.011 0.011 0.016 0.018 0.012 0.019
0.020 0.009 0.004 0.008 0.008
0.002 0.005
0.000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Civil Registration and Vital Statistics 2007-2021, Stats SA
85
Figure 5.3.1A shows a spike in 2010 and a general increase from 2017 to 2021, with the exception of
2020. The numbers in the data shows that the trend of girls younger than 15 years of age involved in
early marriages, are relatively low.
Indicator 5.4.1D: Percentage of time spent on unpaid domestic and care work, by sex
Figure 5.4.1D: Percentage of time spent on unpaid domestic and care work, by sex
15 13.5
12.6
Percent (%)
10
6.1
5.1
5
2.2 2,0
0.3 0.3
0
Male Female Male Female
Unpaid domestic work Unpaid care work

2000 2010
Source: Time Use Survey, Stats SA 2001 &2011, Stats SA
In 2000, women spent 2.5 times longer doing unpaid domestic work than men every day, and more
than 7 times longer on unpaid care work. In 2010, women spent 2.2 times longer on unpaid domestic
work than men, and 6.6 times longer on unpaid care work. There is a marginal decrease in the time
spent by women doing unpaid domestic work and unpaid care work between 2000 and 2010.
Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in (a) national parliaments and (b) local
governments
Figure 5.5.1.1: Women's proportional representation in Parliament and Provincial legislatures
2019
2014
2009
2004
1999
1994
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Source: : Parliament of South Africa 2019
86
Women's representation in national parliament and provincial legislatures is rapidly growing and
approaching parity.
A positive trend towards gender equality can be observed between 1994 and 2019. As of December
2022, South Africa ranked 9th in the International Parliamentary Union's global rankings of the
percentage of women in national parliaments (Interparliamentary Union, 2022).
Figure 5.5.1.2: Percentage of seats held by women in Local Governments

50
40
30
20
10
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Western Cape Eastern Cape Northern Cape

Free State KwaZulu-Natal North West
Gauteng Mpumalanga Limpopo
Source: Government Financial Statistics 2007-2020, Stats SA
Overall, there has been a steady increase in women’s political participation in local government since
2007. Certain provinces show higher levels of women’s political representation in local government,
such as Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, both at over 40.0%.
Indicator 5.5.2 Proportion of women in managerial positions
Figure 5.5.2: Percentage of women in senior and middle management positions

35.0 31.2 31.4 31.4 31.0 31.9 32.2 30.8 31.6 32.0
29.8 30.1
30.0 29.8 30.4
30.2
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Quarterly Labour Force Survey 2008-2021, Stats SA
Overall, the percentage of women in senior and middle management positions has increased in South
Africa, from 29.8% in 2008 to 32.0% in 2021, reaching a peak in 2017 of 32.2%.
87
Indicator 5.6.1D: Proportion of women aged 18–49 years who make their own informed decisions
regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care
Figure 5.6.1D: Percentage of women aged 18-49 who make their own informed decisions regarding
sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care, by province, 2015
LP 7.4
MP 8.2
GT 9.9
NW 7,0
KZN 3.8
FS
NC 10.3
EC 10.4
WC 12.2
RSA 8.3
0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0
Percent (%)
Source: South African Demographic Health Survey 2016, DOH & Stats SA
The proportion of women in South Africa, aged 18–49, who were able to make their own informed
decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care in 2015 across
the country was only 8.3%, with the lowest proportion in Kwa-Zulu Natal (3.8%) and the highest in the
Western Cape (12.2%).
Indicator 5.6.2: Number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee full and equal access to
women and men aged 15 years and older to sexual and reproductive health care, information and
education
Table 5.6.2: SA Laws and Regulations

The Constitution of the Protects the right (of all citizens, including children) to make decisions
Republic of South Africa regarding reproduction and the right to access health care services, including
(No 07 of 1996), as reproductive health care.
amended in 2003
The Choice on Allows any pregnant woman or girl to have a pregnancy terminated on request
Termination of Pregnancy up to 12 weeks of gestation, provided by a certified midwife or doctor. And
Act (No. 92 of 1996) termination can also be performed from 13-20 weeks in cases where the
pregnancy poses a risk to the women's social, economic or psychological well-
being. After 20 weeks, the termination will only be performed to save the
mother's life.
The South African Allows those over 12 years to 'access health care services, including HIV
Children's Act (2005) (as testing, contraceptives and termination of pregnancy (TOP) services, without
amended by the parental consent'. It stipulates that "contraceptives other than condoms [and
Children's Amendment also including condoms] may be provided to a child on request by the child and
Act, No. 41 of 2007) without parental consent of the parent or caregiver of the child if the child is at
least 12 years of age."
88
The Criminal Law (Sexual Protects children and adults from non-consensual sex. It states that children
Offences and Related can only consent to sex once they are 16. This means that even consensual sex
Matters) Amendment Act between a child under 16 years and those over 16 would be considered non-
(No13 of 2021) consensual and statutory rape. It also criminalised consensual sex between
two children where both parties are between 12 – 15 years of age; the Sexual
Offences Act, which made consensual sex between teenagers a crime, were
unconstitutional.
The South African Schools Allows teenagers to stay in school while pregnant and to return to school after
Act (No 84 of 1996) childbirth.
The Promotion of Equality Stipulates that school learners who become pregnant should not be unfairly
and Prevention of Unfair discriminated against.
Discrimination Act (No. 4
of 2000)
Source: United Nations Populations Fund
Indicator 5.6.2 reports on South African women’s universal access to sexual and reproductive health
and reproductive rights, based on the proportion of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee
women and adolescents access to sexual and reproductive health services, information and education
irrespective of age, marital status and without third party authorization. This follows the Programme
of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, Beijing Platform for Action,
and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
Indicator 5.a.1 (a) Proportion of total agricultural population with ownership or secure rights over
agricultural land, by sex; and (b) share of women among owners or rights-bearers of agricultural land,
by type of tenure
Table 5.a.1: Share of women and men with ownership or tenure rights over agricultural land
(Stats SA, 2017)
EC FS GP KZN LP MP NW NC WC RSA
Male
53.0 60.0 56.0 42.0 51.0 55.0 46.0 63.0 56.0 52.0
(%)
Female
26.0 34.0 40.0 29.0 33.0 34.0 28.0 32.0 34.0 34.0
(%)
Other
22.0 6.0 4.0 28.0 16.0 11.0 26.0 5.0 10.0 14.0
(%)
Total
11 680 15 177 47 591 29 992 15 913 13 020 24 121 7 187 16 851 181 535
Number
Source: Land Audit Report 2017, DALRRD
Overall, men are more likely to own land or hold secure rights over agricultural land than women in
South Africa. In 2017, men owned 52.0% of agricultural land, and women owned 34.0%. The province
with the highest percentage of agricultural land owned by women is Gauteng (40.0%) and the lowest
proportion was recorded in the Eastern Cape (26.0%).
89
Indicator 5.a.2 Proportion of countries where the legal framework (including customary law)
guarantees women’s equal rights to land ownership and/or control
Indicator 5.a.2 is related to the legal framework (including customary law) that regulates women's
equal land ownership rights. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, monitoring of
indicator 5.a.2 is conducted using the following six proxies:
- Proxy A: Joint registration of land compulsory or encouraged through economic incentives

- Proxy B: Compulsory spousal consent for land transactions
- Proxy C: Women's and girls' equal inheritance rights
- Proxy D: Allocation of financial resources to increase women's ownership and control over land
- Proxy E: In legal systems that recognise customary land tenure, the existence of explicit protection
of the land rights of women.
The Constitution of South Africa considers gender as a fundamental principle. Section 25 addresses
the property rights of South Africans, including equitable access to land, judicial redress for people
dispossessed of property because of racially discriminatory laws or practices in the past and secure
tenure or comparable redress for people living in tenure insecurity.
Regarding Proxy B, in South Africa, marriage issues related to land ownership are regulated by the
Marriage Act (Act No. 25 of 1961), the Matrimonial Property Act (Act No. 88 of 1984), the Recognition
of Customary Marriages Act (Act No. 120 of 1998), and the Civil Union Act (Act No. 17 of 2006).
The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Discrimination (Act No. 4 of 2000), includes the
promotion of equitable land ownership. Sections 6 and 8(e) prohibit "any policy or conduct that
unfairly limits access of women to land rights." The Communal Property Associations, 1996 (Act. 28 of
1996) protects the interests of women through non-discriminatory provisions and inclusive decision-
making processes in communal property ownership and use of communal land (section 9). The
Communal Land Rights Act (No. 11 of 2004) legally entitles women to the same tenure and rights in or
to land. It protects them from any laws, rules, or practices that may discriminate against anyone based
on gender (Section 4). The Extension of Security of Tenure Act (No. 62 of 1997) provides measures to
facilitate land tenure's long-term security and is gender-neutral and non-discriminatory. The
Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (No. 19 of 1998) states that
the rights of the elderly, children, persons with disabilities and particularly households headed by
women should be considered and that "it should be recognised that the needs of those groups should
be considered."
Regarding Proxy C, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2000
prohibits policies and practices that discriminate against women. Notably, Sections 6 and 8(c) and 8(d))
mention those related to the inheritance of family property and any inequitable "traditional,
customary or religious practice which impairs the dignity of women and undermines equality between
women and men."
90
Indicator 5.b.1 Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex
Figure 5.b.1: Percentage of men and women who own a mobile phone, by sex
100
79.7 80.9
90
68.0
80 66.0 66.5 66.6
66.7 66.1
70 77.9
Percent (%)
76.6
60 65
50 63.9 63.3 63.6 63.8 64.0
40
30
20
10
0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2022
Male Female
Source: General Household Survey 2013-2019 & 2023, Stats SA
Figure 5.b.1 shows the stable ownership of mobile phones in South Africa, with a slight prevalence of
women ownership. In 2013, 63.9% of men and 66.7% of women reported owning a mobile phone,
these figures increased steadily over the years to 77.9% and 80.9% in 2022, respectively. Data for the
years 2020 and 2021 were not available as the questions in the survey were dropped due to change in
collection methods.
Indicator 5.c.1: Proportion of countries with systems to track and make public allocations for gender
equality and women’s empowerment
Indicator 5.c.1 reports on the existence of systems to track and make public allocations for gender
equality and women’s empowerment. In South Africa, the Gender Responsive Planning, Budgeting,
Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework (GRPBMEAF) of 2019, the NSP on GBVF of 2020 as
well as the Integrated Indicator Framework of 2018 and Country indicators for monitoring progress on
the Empowerment and Advancement of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (2020) allows
the country to track funds allocated across the entire value chain, looking at whether plans include
gender mainstreaming across all spheres, adequate budget allocation, and M&E systems.
91

2019 (or
Latest
Unit of Baseline nearest
measure value year)
value
value
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Target
End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
5.1
The Constitution of the Republic
x x x
of South Africa, 1996
Promotion of Equality and x x x
Prevention of Unfair
Discrimination Act of 2000
Employment Equity Act, x x x
Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, 1998 (EEA)
5.1.1 enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the x x x
basis of sex Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA)
x x x
Marriage Act of 1961
Recognition of Customary x x x
Marriages Act of 1998
Civil Union of 2006 x x x
Target
Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
5.2
7,7
Percentage of ever-partnered women and girls aged 18 years Physical
(2016)
5.2.1D and older subjected to physical or sexual violence by any partner
in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age 2,3
Sexual
(2016)
51 895 52 420 46 214
Total Sexual Offences
(2015) (2018) (2020)
41 503 41 583 36 330
Rape
(2015) (2018) (2020)
5.2.2D Number of individuals who were victims of sexual offence in the 6 212 7 437 7 025
Sexual Assault
previous 12 months by type of sexual offence. (2015) (2018) (2020)
2 573 2 146 1 800
Attempted Sexual Offences
(2015) (2018) (2020)
1 607 1 254 1 059
Contact Sexual Offences
(2015) (2018) (2020)
12 6 6
Number of incidents
Incidence of human trafficking for sexual purposes brought to (2015) (2018) (2020)
5.2.2A1
police attention 0,02 0,01 0,01
Incidents per 100 000 population
(2015) (2018) (2020)
2 207 6 911 4 261
GBV
(2019) (2020) (2021)
Number of GBV and non-GBV cases reported in the command 4 659 11 885 5 290
5.2.2A2 Non-GBV
centre for psychosocial support by province (2019) (2020) (2021)
444 1 024 515
Referred
(2019) (2020) (2021)
Target
Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation
5.3
0,9
before 15
Proportion of women aged 20–24 years who were married or in (2016)
5.3.1
a union before age 15 and before age 18 3,6
before 18
(2016)
Percentage of early marriages experienced by girls before the 0,008 0,016 0,019
5.3.1A Percentage
age of 15 years (2015) (2018) (2021)
Target Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies and the promotion of
5.4 shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate
5.1 6.1
Unpaid Male
(2000) (2010)
Domestics
12.6 13.5
work Female
Percentage of time spent on unpaid domestic and care work, by (2000) (2010)
5.4.1D
sex 0.3 0.3
Male
Unpaid (2000) (2010)
care work 2.2 2,0
Female
(2000) (2010)
Target
Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life
5.5
42,4 42,5 44,6
National parliaments
Proportion of seats held by women in (a) national parliaments (2009) (2014) (2019)
5.5.1
and (b) local governments 35,8 38,9 38,8
local governments
(2009) (2014) (2019)
31,9 30,4 31,9
5.5.2 Proportion of women in managerial positions South Africa
(2015) (2018) (2020)
Target Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International
5.6 Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences
92
2019 (or
Latest
Unit of Baseline nearest
measure value year)
value
value
Proportion of women aged 18–49 years who make their own
8,3
5.6.1.D informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use South Africa
(2015)
and reproductive health care
of South Africa No 108 of 1996 x x x
as amended in 2003
The Choice on Termination of x x x
Pregnancy (CToP) Act; No. 92 of
1996
The South African Children’s Act x x x
Number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee (2005) (as amended by the
full and equal access to women and men aged 15 years and Children’s Amendment Act, No.
5.6.2 41 of 2007)
older to sexual and reproductive health care, information and
education The Criminal Law (Sexual x x x
Offences and Related Matters)
Amendment Act (2007)
The South African Schools Act x x x
(1996)
The Promotion of Equality and x x x
Prevention of Unfair
Discrimination Act (No. 4 of
2000)
Target Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial
5.a services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws
52,0
Male
Proportion of total agricultural population with ownership or (2016)
secure rights over agricultural land, by sex; and (b) share of 34,0
5.a.1 Female
women among owners or rights-bearers of agricultural land, by (2016)
type of tenure 14,0
Other
(2016)
x x x
of South Africa, 1996
Promotion of Equality and x x x
Proportion of countries where the legal framework (including Prevention of Unfair
5.a.2 customary law) guarantees women’s equal rights to land Discrimination Act of 2000
ownership and/or control Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 x x x
of 1994
Recognition of Customary x x x
Marriages Act 120 of 1998
Target
Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women
5.b
64.0 76.6 77.9
Male
(2017) (2019) (2022)
66.6 79.7 80.9
5.b.1 Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex Female
(2017) (2019) (2022)
65.4 78.2 79.5
Total
(2017) (2019) (2022)
Target
Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels
5.c
Gender Responsive Planning, x x x
Budgeting, Monitoring,
Evaluation and Auditing
Framework (GRPBMEAF) (2019)
National Strategic Plan on x x x
Gender-Based Violence and
Femicide (NSP on GBVF) (2020)
Proportion of countries with systems to track and make public
5.c.1 Country indicators for x x x
allocations for gender equality and women’s empowerment
monitoring progress on the
Empowerment and
Advancement of Women, Youth
and Persons with Disabilities
(2020)
(National Development Plan x x x
(NDP) (2012)
4.5.3 Synthesis
The South African government has aligned its policies, strategies, and action plans aimed at addressing
gender equality in its social, economic, and environmental aspects to the SDGs. To help localize SDG
93
5, South Africa has started to implement principles of Gender-Responsive Budgeting to integrate the
targets included in SDG 5 into the budgeting process. South Africa's provincial and municipal
governments have also developed strategic plans that aligned to the SDGs. Academia and the private
sector have both aimed to integrate the SDGs into “Every Day Life”.
Despite making progress, violence against women remains among the most pressing gender-related
issues in South Africa. With the legislation in place to address gender-based violence, such as the
Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act, women and girls in South Africa continue to face
high levels of sexual and physical violence. More action is needed to change the mindset and deep-
rooted stereotypes, which are often at the core of why violence against women occurs.
South Africa has made progress in increasing women's political representation. Their representation
in the national parliament and provincial governments is rapidly growing and approaching parity. In
the country's 2019 elections, women made up 46.0% of elected members of parliament, which is
above the global average of 24.0%. However, with progressively improving women's political
participation, that pace is slower when it comes to the share of women employed in senior and middle
management functions in the private sector.
South African women spend twice as much time doing unpaid domestic work than men and spend
seven times more minutes per day doing unpaid care work than men. This unequal burden hampers
their participation in the labour market and subsequent economic empowerment. Recognising and
valuing the unpaid care and domestic work of women should be combined with the provision of public
services, infrastructure and social protection policies, as well as promoting a more equal division of
domestic work within the household and the family.
94
GOAL 6
ENSURE AVAILABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
OF WATER AND SANITATION FOR ALL
Degree of integrated
water resources
% of households
management in
whoseAfrica
South members
was usually
wash hands
measured withinsoap
at 72.5%
and water
2021 increased
Page
130 Page
122
Proportion of transboundary
basin areas
Proportion of with an of water
bodies
operational arrangement
that comply for water
to South African
water cooperation in South
quality objectives has increased
% of households Africa was measured at 95% in
to 74.0%
whose of integrated
Degreemembers 2021
usually washresources
water hands
withmanagement in South
soap and water
Africa increased
has increased to Page
72.5% 131
Page
124
Page
126 Page
126
95
4.6 SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
SDG 6 "Clean Water and Sanitation" seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of
water and sanitation for all by 2030. Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human
right. The global and South African contexts highlight the urgent need for action to address the
challenges of water and sanitation access, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Achieving SDG 6 requires a coordinated and sustained effort from governments, civil society, the
private sector, and individuals to promote sustainable water management and governance practices,
invest in water and sanitation infrastructure, and promote sustainable behaviours and practices.
In the South African context, the challenges of water and sanitation access are particularly acute. South
Africa is a water-scarce country, with limited water resources and high levels of water demand. In
addition, South Africa is facing significant environmental and economic challenges that impact its
ability to achieve SDG 6. One of the major challenges is the impact of climate change on water
resources, with prolonged droughts and occasional flooding impacting agricultural production, and
destroying infrastructure. The domestic and external economic environment also has an impact on
achieving SDG 6, with limited funding and investment in water and sanitation infrastructure which
have contributed to this slow progress. External factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic have also had
an impact on the country's ability to achieve SDG 6.
The challenges of water scarcity and water stress are exacerbated by high levels of poverty and
inequality, which make it difficult for many people to access safe and sustainable water and sanitation
services. However, according to the Department of Water and Sanitation, access to water and
sanitation has improved significantly in recent years, with 88% of households having access to basic
water services and over 83% having access to basic sanitation services. Despite this, significant
challenges remain, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements, where access to water and
sanitation services is often limited or non-existent.
South Africa has integrated SDG 6 in its National Development Plan, the National Water and Sanitation
Master Plan, and other policies and plans. The government has also launched various campaigns to
create awareness and promote water conservation, sanitation, and hygiene practices among citizens.
Private sector companies and civil society organizations have also undertaken initiatives to promote
SDG 6 in their operations and communities. Gaps in policies and strategies include insufficient data
collection and monitoring systems, inadequate investment in water infrastructure, and limited access
to financing for water and sanitation projects. Another deficit is the lack of attention given to the
linkages between water and energy, which is key for sustainable development. Additionally, there is a
need for greater focus on the social and environmental dimensions of water management, particularly
in the context of climate change.
96
Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.2 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open
defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable
situations
6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release
of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and
substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable
withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the
number of people suffering from water scarcity
6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through
transboundary cooperation as appropriate
6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands,
rivers, aquifers and lakes
6.a By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in
water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination,
water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation
management
Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water service.
Figure 6.1.1: Proportion of households with access to safely managed water

90.0 87.5 86.8 86.4 87.1 86.2 86.6 86.3 86.2
80.0
70.0
60.0
Percent (%)
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
97
Figure 6.1.1 shows the proportion of households with access to safely managed water from 2015 to
2022. The average proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services was 87.5%
in 2015, it decreased to 86.4% in 2017 and rose to 87.1% in 2018, after which it dropped to 86.2%
2022.
Indicator 6.2.1: Proportion of the population using safely managed sanitation services, including a
hand-washing facility with soap and water
Figure 6.2.1: Proportion of the population using safely managed sanitation services, including a hand-
washing facility with soap and water
90.0 81.3 82.3 82.7 82.6 82.6 83.6 83.4
80.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
Percent (%)
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Safely managed sanitation services promote good hygiene and sanitation practices, which can help to
prevent the spread of diseases. The proportion of houses with access to safely managed sanitation
services is on an upward trend as it was 80.0% in 2015, then increased to 81.3%, 82.3% and 82.7% for
the following three consecutive years. Since 2019, the proportion of houses with access to safely
managed sanitation services remained constant at 82.6% till 2020. The highest proportions since 2015
have been recorded at 83.6% in 2021, thereafter it experienced a slight dip to 83.4% in 2022.
Indicator 6.2.1A: Percentage of households that clean their hands after using the toilet by the methods
usually used.
Figure 6.2.1A: Percentage of households that clean their hands after using the toilet by the methods
usually used.
70.0
60.0
Percent (%)
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2019 2020 2021 2022
Do not clean hands 3.7 1.2 0.8 1.5
Use sanitiser or wet wipes 1.9 4.2 5.0 3.4
Wash hands with soap and water 43.6 61.4 59.1 56.5
Rinse hands with water 50.8 33.3 35.2 38.6
98
The percentage of households whose members usually wash hands with soap and water increased
notably, while the percentage of households whose members only rinsed their hands with water
decreased between 2019 and 2022.
Indicator 6.3.1D: Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated and lawfully
discharged
Figure 6.3.1D: Proportion of domestic and industrial water safely treated and lawfully discharged
60.0%
Water containing waste safely
52,0 52,0
50.0% 47,0
treated and lawfully
43,0
discharged (%)
40.0%
28,0
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source:Green Drop System 2017-2021, DWS
The proportion of water containing waste safely treated and lawfully discharged was 52.0% in 2017
and 2018. In 2019, it declined to 47.0%, and further to 43.0% in 2020. In 2021, there was a sharp
decline to 28.0%. This is of grave concern because the incorrect handling of wastewater may lead to
challenges related to hygiene, including the spread of diseases. It is also important to note that this
decline corresponds to a period when the county was battling the COVID pandemic. The current
cholera outbreak can be traced from the first two cases which were reported on the 5th of February
2023. More cases and fatalities have been reported and recorded, mostly in Gauteng, which accounts
for approximately 92.0% of the cases while Free State accounts for 5.0%. Other provinces which
recorded positive cases include Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West.
Indicator 6.3.2D: Proportion of bodies of water that comply to South African water quality objectives
Figure 6.3.2D: Proportion of bodies of water that comply to South African water quality objectives
80 72% 74%
70%
Proportion of bodies of water
that comply to South African
70
water quality objectives
60 51% 52%
47%
50
40
30
20
10
0
River Dams Ground water
2017 2020
Source: Water Management System (WMS) 2017 & 2020, DWS
99
Water quality objectives are set by governments and international organizations to define the
acceptable quality of water for various uses such as drinking, irrigation, and recreational activities.
Compliance with these objectives is important for protecting human health and the environment.
Bodies of water that comply with water quality objectives vary depending on the specific objectives
and the location of the water body. These meet the standards for various physical, chemical, and
microbiological parameters.
The proportion of bodies of water that comply to South African water quality objectives has increased
from 70.0% to 74.0% for groundwater in 2017 and 2020 respectively. At the same time, it has
decreased for dams from 72.0% to 52.0% and has increased from 47.0% to 51.0% for rivers over the
same period.
Compliance with water quality objectives is essential for ensuring the sustainability of water resources
and protecting human and environmental health. However, the difficulty in achieving compliance may
point out to issues relating to high levels of pollution and limited resources for water treatment and
management. Greater focus needs to be directed to ensuring compliance to South African water
quality objectives in order to protect human health and the environment.
Indicator 6.4.1: Change in water-use efficiency over time
Figure 6.4.1: Change in water use efficiency over time (USD/m3)

16 14.9 15.1
14.3
14
Change in water use efficiency
12
10
(USD/m3)
8
6
4
2
0
2015 2017 2019
Source: DWS
Figure 6.4.1 shows changes in water efficiency between 2015 and 2019. Water-use efficiency is a
measure of how efficiently water is used in various human activities and ecosystems. It is defined as
the ratio of the output or benefits obtained from a given amount of water input or usage. Improving
water-use efficiency is critical to address water scarcity, promote sustainable water use, and ensure
that water resources are used effectively. This can be achieved through a combination of
technological, regulatory, and behavioural interventions, including the adoption of efficient
technologies, pricing and regulatory mechanisms that encourage efficient water use, public awareness
and education campaigns, and the adoption of sustainable water management practices. In
ecosystems, water-use efficiency is important because it affects the distribution and productivity of
plants and animals. Changes in water-use efficiency due to human activities such as deforestation,
land-use change, and water abstraction can have significant impacts on the structure and function of
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ecosystems. For example, a decrease in water-use efficiency can lead to reduced plant growth, which
can affect the habitat of animals that rely on those plants.
In 2015, the change in water-use efficiency in South Africa was 14.9 USD/m3, then decreased to 14.3
USD/m3 in 2017 and increased to 15.1 USD.m3 in 2019.
There are challenges with implementing water use efficiency measures including the lack of measuring
devices at critical points in the distribution networks to support the completion of water balance. Thus,
the country relies on registered water use volumes instead of actual volumes which may distort the
change in water use efficiency over time. Although water use efficiency measures are being
implemented, the improvement is not monitored due a lack of reporting and monitoring system. The
country is currently developing a water use efficiency monitoring system that will address this
challenge.
Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater
resources
Figure 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater
resources
70% 63,6 64,0
proportion of available freshwater
60%
Freshwater withdrawal as a
50%
41,4
resources
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2015 2017 2019
Source:Strategic overview of the water sector in RSA 2013, DWS
Water stress refers to a situation where there is insufficient water available to meet the demands of
human, animal, and plant populations within a particular region. It is caused by a combination of
factors, including population growth, climate change, and overuse of water resources. Water stress
can have severe consequences for human health, agriculture, and the environment. For example, in
regions where water is scarce, people may not have access to clean drinking water, which can lead to
a range of health problems, including waterborne diseases. In addition, water stress can affect
agricultural production, which can lead to food shortages and higher food prices.
There are several ways to mitigate water stress. One approach is to improve water conservation and
management practices. This can include measures such as reducing water waste, improving irrigation
efficiency, and investing in water-saving technologies. Another is to increase water supplies through
measures such as rainwater harvesting, desalination, and wastewater reuse. A comprehensive water
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management plan might combine water conservation measures with increased water supply through
desalination or wastewater reuse. Additionally, policies and regulations can be put in place to ensure
that water resources are used in a sustainable and equitable way.
In South Africa, in 2015, the level of water-stress was 41.4%, which increased to 63.6% in 2017 and
64.0% in 2019.
The country undertakes and updates scenario planning to ensure water security for the country over
at least 25-year-planning horizons and the outputs of the scenario planning are reconciliation
strategies. From 2007 to present, 13 reconciliation strategies have been developed for the key large
water supply systems and further strategies were developed to cover all other towns and villages (945)
in the country. Reconciliation strategies feed water security perspectives into national, provincial and
local planning instruments like the NDP, NWRS, PGDS, WSDPs and vice versa. These strategies are
currently being reviewed and updated across the country to keep them relevant.
Indicator 6.5.1: Degree of integrated water resources management
Figure 6.5.1: Degree of integrated water resources management

80% 72,5 72,5
67,5 67,5 70,0
70%
60%
Degree of integrated water
50%
40%
resources
30%
20%
10%
0%
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: DWS
In 2017 and 2018 the degree of integrated water resources management in South Africa was measured
at 67.5%, after which it increased to 70.0% in 2019 and to 72.5% for the consecutive years of 2020 and
2021. An increase in the degree of integrated water resources management refers to an improvement
in the holistic and coordinated approach to managing water resources in the country.
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Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water
Figure 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water
100% 100 100 97,5 95,0 95,0
transboundary basin area
arrangement for water

with an operational
80%
Proportion of
60%
40%
20%
0%
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Monitoring of SDG Indicator on Transboundary Water Cooperation 2017-2021, DWS
A transboundary basin is a river basin or watershed that crosses international boundaries,

encompassing two or more countries. It is a geographical area where the surface and/or groundwater
resources, and associated ecosystems and human societies, are interconnected and shared by two or
more countries. Transboundary basins can be a source of cooperation, but also can create challenges
and conflicts among the riparian states sharing the same water resources, especially when it comes to
managing and allocating water resources, preserving the ecosystem, and balancing the different uses
of water such as agriculture, hydropower, and domestic use. Therefore, effective and equitable
transboundary water management is critical to promote regional stability, sustainable development,
and environmental protection.
The proportion of transboundary basin areas with an operational arrangement for water cooperation
in South Africa was measured at 100.0% in 2017 and 2018, then decreased to 97.5% in 2019 and to
95.0% in 2020 and 2021.
Indicator 6.6.1D1: The spatial extent of water related ecosystems at a point in time, including
wetlands, reservoirs, lakes and estuaries as a percentage of total land area (Mill ha)
Figure 6.6.1D1: Change in the extent of water related ecosystems as a percentage of total land area
(Mill ha)
3.00%
water-related ecosystems
2,60
Change in the extent of
2.50% 2,10
2.00%
over time
1.50%
1.00%
0.50% 0,17 0,20
0.00%
2011 2018
Wetlands Estuaries
Source: Department of Water and Sanitation
103
Figure 6.6.1D1 shows the change in extent of water-related ecosystems between 2011 and 2018.
Water-related ecosystems are a broad category that includes a wide range of habitats, from rivers and
lakes to wetlands and estuaries. The spatial extent of these ecosystems can vary greatly depending on
a range of factors, including geography, climate, and human activities. The discharge of rivers and
estuaries is a critical aspect of the water cycle that is influenced by various factors such as
precipitation, evaporation, topography, and human activities. It has significant implications for
ecosystems, water availability, and human activities, and understanding these processes is essential
for effective water management and conservation.
The figure depicts the spatial extent of water related ecosystems including wetlands and estuaries as
a percentage of total land area. Wetlands contributed 2.1% in 2011 and 2.6% in 2018, while estuaries
contributed 0.2% in 2011 and 0.2% in 2018.
Indicator 6.6.1D2: Change in the national discharge of Rivers and Estuaries over time
In 2009/10, a 30.0% reduction from natural flows (nMAR) was recorded for South Africa’s rivers. The
reduction in flows was likely caused by climate variability. Notably, there has been an upward trend in
South African temperatures, which contribute to faster evaporation rates. A mean annual temperature
anomaly of approximately 0.7 degrees Celsius was recorded in 2009/10 against a projected anomaly
of just over 0.4 degrees Celsius (DWA, 2013).
From 2009/10 until 2016/2017, there was a 33.0% reduction from nMAR, probably as a result of
change in rainfall patterns that result in insufficient rainfall, thus a decrease in inflows to estuaries,
and an increase in evaporation rates.
Indicator 6.6.1D4: Change in groundwater levels
Figure 6.6.1D4: Change in groundwater levels, 2017 - 2021

Change in groundwater levels
0.00%
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
-5.00%
-10.00%
-9.68%
-15.00%
-20.00%
-18.77%
-20.81%
-25.00%
-30.00%
-29.02% -29.30%
-35.00%
Source:2022, DWS
Figure 6.6.1D4 shows the change in groundwater levels between 2017 and 2021. Groundwater plays
a critical role in water supply and sustaining ecosystems. The volume of groundwater stored in an
aquifer can be correlated to the groundwater level. However, for Indicator 6.6.1 monitoring, the
‘head’ or level of groundwater within an aquifer can solely be measured as a proxy for groundwater
104
volume within an aquifer. Understanding the seasonal and other short-term changes is a necessary
aspect of the management of groundwater but should only be considered as part of the local
management of the groundwater (UN-Water, 2019). Because of this, South Africa opted to use the
Groundwater Level Status (GwLS) percentage value rather than the Groundwater Level actual value in
metres (m). The change in water levels is measured in percentages, allowing the comparison of
groundwater sites.
Integrating Aquifer Dependent Ecosystems (ADE) protection into basin/aquifer water-resource and
land-use management requires a systematic assessment for each ADE. This allows the understanding
of its evolving relationship with underlying aquifers, to evaluate groundwater quality and define a
chemical baseline, to identify anthropogenic pressure trends, and to determine the socioeconomic
contribution of ecosystem services.
The data indicate a decline from the baseline data (2000-2015). The drop of 29.30% was measured in
2020, with the drought in the western and central areas of South Africa as the main driver. Good rains
resulted in relief, with an 11.0% improvement (i.e., 29.30% to 18.77%) in the groundwater level in
2021.
Indicator 6.a.1: Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part
of a government-coordinated spending plan
Figure 6.a.1: Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a
government-coordinated spending plan
2500 2300
2000 1950 1940
2000 1800
ZAR (millions)
1490 1500
1500 1250 1300
1240
1000 1000
1000
700 700
500
0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Total receipts into the RDP Fund Account Anticipated receipts
Source Reconstruction and Development Fund (2006-2015), NT
Water and sanitation-related development refers to the initiatives and efforts made to provide access
to clean water and sanitation services to people in developing countries.
Since 2015 the status on official development cooperation for water and sanitation projects remains
the same for resource flows from the international donor community to South Africa in the form of
grants, technical co-operation and financial co-operation where the South African government is held
at least partially responsible or accountable for the management of resources.
105
Figure 6.a.1 shows the total grant receipts into the RDP Fund account from 2006/2007 until 2015, with
anticipated receipts thereafter until 2019.
Indicator 6.b.1: Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and
procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management
Water and sanitation management by communities refers to the process of empowering communities
to manage their own water supply and sanitation services. In many parts of the world, access to clean
water and adequate sanitation is still a challenge, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements.
Community management of water and sanitation can provide local solutions that are sustainable,
affordable, and accessible. This involves a participatory approach where community members are
involved in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of water and sanitation services. This can
involve activities such as constructing and maintaining wells, boreholes, or water treatment plants,
building and maintaining toilets or latrines, and promoting hygiene education and practices.
There are several advantages to community management of water and sanitation. It may assist to
build a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community, leading to a greater commitment
to the sustainability of the system. Community management can also increase access to water and
sanitation services in areas that may have been neglected by traditional service providers. In addition,
community management can lead to greater innovation and flexibility in the design and operation of
water and sanitation systems, as communities can develop solutions that are tailored to their specific
needs and resources.
However, community management of water and sanitation also has challenges. For example,
communities may lack the necessary technical expertise to design and operate water and sanitation
systems effectively. There may also be issues around financing and resource mobilization, as
communities may struggle to raise sufficient funds to cover the costs of constructing and maintaining
water and sanitation systems. Nevertheless, with the right support and guidance from external
stakeholders such as NGOs, government agencies, and private sector organizations, community
management of water and sanitation can be a viable and sustainable solution to improving access to
clean water and adequate sanitation in many parts of the world. In 2017, 2020 and 2021, the
proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for
participation of local communities in water and sanitation management was 100%.
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2019 (or
Latest
Disaggregation and unit of Baseline nearest
measure value year)
value
value
Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Target
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.1
Proportion of population using safely managed drinking 87,5% 87,1% 86,2%
6.1.1 RSA Percentage
water services (2015) (2018) (2022)
Target By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls
6.2 and those in vulnerable situations
Proportion of population using (a) safely managed
80,0% 82,7% 83,4%
6.2.1 sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap RSA Percentage
(2015) (2018) (2022)
and water
Percentage of households that clean their hands after using 3,7% 0,8%
6.2.1A Do not clean hands Percentage
the toilet by the methods usually used. (2019) (2021)
Use sanitiser or 1,9% 5,0%
wet wipes (2019) (2021)
Wash hands with 43,6% 59,1%
soap and water (2019) (2021)
Rinse hands with 50,8% 35,2%
water (2019) (2021)
Target By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of
6.3 untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
Proportion of water containing waste safely treated and 52 47 28
6.3.1D Percent
lawfully discharged. (2017) (2019) (2021)
47 51
Rivers Percent
(2017) (2020)
Proportion of bodies of water that comply to South African 72 52
6.3.2D Dams Percent
water quality objectives (2017) (2020)
70 74
Ground water Percent
(2017) (2020)
Target By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and
6.4 substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity
14,9 14,3 15,1
6.4.1 Change in water-use efficiency over time USD/m3
(2015) (2017) (2019)
Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion 41,4 63,6 64,0
6.4.2 Percent
of available freshwater resources (2015) (2017) (2019)
Target
By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
6.5
67,5 70 72,5
6.5.1 Degree of integrated water resources management Percent
(2017) (2019) (2021)
Proportion of transboundary basin areas with an 100 97,5 95,0
6.5.2 Percent
operational arrangement for water cooperation (2017) (2019) (2021)
Target
By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes
6.6
2,1 2,6
Change in the spatial extent of water related ecosystems at Wetlands ha million
(2011) (2018)
6.6.1D1 a point in time, including wetlands, reservoirs, lakes and
171 046
200 730
estuaries as a percentage of total land area. Estuaries ha
(2011) (2018)
Change in the national discharge of Rivers and Estuaries 33
6.6.1D2 Estuaries Percent
over time (2017)
-9.68 -29.02 -18.77
6.6.1D4 Change in groundwater levels Percent
(2017) (2019) (2021)
Target By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes,
6.a. including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
Amount of water- and sanitation-related official
2
6.a.1 development assistance that is part of a government- R million
(2017)
coordinated spending plan
Target
Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
6.b
Proportion of local administrative units with established and
100 100 100
6.b.1 operational policies and procedures for participation of local Percent
(2017) (2020) (2021)
communities in water and sanitation management
4.6.3 Synthesis
South Africa has made significant strides towards achieving SDG 6, particularly in providing access to
safe and clean water and improving sanitation in both rural and urban areas. The data shows positive
trends in targets 6.1.1, 6.2.1A, 6.2.1, 6.3.2D, and 6.5.2, indicating an increase in the proportion of the
107
population using safely managed drinking water services, improved sanitation facilities, and
compliance with water quality objectives in rivers.
The launch of the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan in 2020 is a promising development that
sets out a clear roadmap for universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030. The private sector
and civil society have also played crucial roles in promoting water conservation, sustainable farming
practices, and raising awareness about the importance of water and sanitation, especially in
marginalized communities.
However, the data also highlights some challenges in targets 6.3.1D, 6.4.2, 6.4.1, and 6.5.1, where
there have been negative or no noticeable trends. These challenges include the safe treatment and
discharge of water containing waste, water-use efficiency, and the need for more integrated water
resources management. Additionally, insufficient data is available for targets 6.6.1D3, 6.a.1, and 6.b.1,
making it difficult to fully assess progress in these areas.
Despite the progress made, there are still areas where more work is needed, particularly in rural areas
and informal settlements where access to water and sanitation services remains limited. Climate
change and extreme weather events like droughts and floods further exacerbate water challenges,
impacting economic stability and access to safe water and sanitation. To achieve SDG 6, South Africa
must continue investing in infrastructure and technology, improve access to water and sanitation
facilities, enhance water resource management, strengthen governance and accountability, foster
collaboration among stakeholders, and address social and environmental dimensions of water
management. By addressing these challenges and building on the progress made, South Africa can
ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all its citizens.
108
GOAL 7
AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
89.6%
93.6%
of South of the
Africans hasSouth
African population
access to electricity
has access to
electricity
Page
139 Page
135
Per capita installed

renewable energy
Between
generating 2011inand
capacity 2022,
South
renewable energy
Africa, grew from zero to anannual
at
operating
estimated capacity
0.098 wattsgrew by
Electricity almost 5 914 MW
Annual amount
produced from of
renewables
electricityincreased
produced from
16 GWh toincreased
renewables
from 15 135 to
Page
GWh
15 135 GWh 143
Page
Page 137
142 Page
138
109
4.7 SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all people
globally. The production of clean energy that is accessible, affordable, and reliable as envisaged as part
of SDG 7 will assist in mitigating the health and environmental hazards and is linked to income
generation. At the core of SDG 7 is the drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, thus
contributing towards climate change mitigation.
Key challenges in progressing towards achieving SDG 7 have been the COVID-19 pandemic and rolling
blackouts (or loadshedding). The COVID-19 pandemic is reported to having increased the number of
people without access to electricity in Africa to above 590 million in 2020, an almost 2.0% increase
from the previous year. In South Africa, the percentage of population with access to electricity
dropped from 95.0% recorded in 2019 to below 90.0%, less than what was recorded in 2012.
Furthermore, South Africa is currently facing energy supply constraints due to ongoing power
interruptions and rising electricity costs. Affordability of energy also remains a concern with quite a
number of indigent households not taking part in the country’s free basic electricity subsidy
programmes.
Notably, rising electricity costs and the ongoing loadshedding are believed to be indirectly yielding
some notable positives linked to SDG 7, including the increased deployment of renewable energy. In
an effort to address the severity of the loadshedding crisis, several measures have been instituted.
These include, inter alia, signing of more Renewable Independent Power Producer Procurement
Programme (REIPPPP) projects, removal of licensing requirements for embedded generation, cutting
of red tape and streamlining of regulatory processes linked to electricity generation processes, and
the introduction of tax incentives to promote investments in renewable energy and increased energy
generation. All these will further accelerate South Africa’s attainment of SDG 7, particularly in areas
relating to renewable energy.
Linked to the above, the notable involvement and active participation of various local institutional
players in creating awareness to boost the realisation of SDG 7 is also commendable. Such efforts from
the academia, private, and public sector should to some degree contribute towards the achievement
of various SDG 7 related milestones.

GOAL 7: ENSURE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, SUSTAINABLE AND MODERN ENERGY FOR ALL
situations
7.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of
hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially
increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
110
7.a By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable
withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number
of people suffering from water scarcity
7.b By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through
transboundary cooperation as appropriate
Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity
Figure 7.1.1: Percentage of South African population with access to electricity

100.0 90.7 93.0 93.0 93.6
88.7 88.7 89.6 90.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
Percent (%)
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Figure 7.1.1 illustrates the percentage of people in South Africa with access to electricity from 2015
until 2022 through both grid and off-grid connections. Notably, South Africa witnessed an
improvement in terms of achieving universal access to electricity, from 88.7% in 2015 to 93.6% in 2022.
Indicator 7.1.2D: Percentage of the population that uses solar energy as their main source of energy
`Figure 7.1.2D: Percentage of population using solar energy in South Africa

1
0.9
Percent (%)
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Cooking 0.13 0.2 0.21 0.15 0.12 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.06
Lighting 0.29 0.46 0.56 0.48 0.47 0.48 0.38 0.45 0.51
Space heating 0.16 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.06 0.05 0.08 0.04 0.12
Water heating 0.86 0.85 0.62 0.68 0.5 0.36 0.25 0.31 0.28
The use of solar energy as a main source of energy aligns with the focus of SDG 7. Notably, solar energy
is one of the leading renewable energy sources in South Africa. The energy source dominates the
country’s decentralized energy systems markets. Both rural and urban household markets in South
111
Africa use solar energy for applications such as lighting and heating. For instance, the country’s
building codes (e.g., SANS 10400XA) encourage the use of energy-efficient technologies in buildings,
including the use of solar water heaters. As a result, there has been some significant growth in the
usage of energy efficient technologies for water heating (including solar systems) in new buildings and
building retrofits.
Unfortunately, there has not been new information or latest data from that reported in 2019 to
showing the current percentage of population using solar energy for cooking, lighting, and space and
water heating applications. Hence, the current status on both off-grid and grid-tie solar use in South
Africa is not clear. Nonetheless, the 2014 to 2022 information shows that a relatively small segment
of the population used solar energy as their main source of energy (less than 1.0%), however the use
of solar for lighting has seen a steady increase since 2014.
Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
Figure 7.2.1: Share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption, 2013-2015
26.20%
14.56% 15.16%
2013 2014 2015
Source: Energy Balances 2013-2015, DMRE
This indicator further reports on the growth of the local renewable energy market. South Africa’s total
final energy consumption increased substantially between 2013 and 2015, having grown from 14.56%
to 26.20%. However, the current share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption in South
Africa has not been officially reported hence it is not clear how the country has progressed, although
some evidence points to a growing share of renewable energy in the South African energy mix.
112
Indicator 7.2.1A1: Amount of renewable energy at annual operating capacity
Figure 7.2.1A1: Renewable energy at annual operating capacity in South Africa, 2011-2022
7000
5 789 5 929
6000
5 076
5000
Megawatts (MW)
3 912 3 904
4000 3 253
3000 2 242
1 716
2000
1000 560
15 24
0
2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
Source: Renewable Energy Data and Information Service (REDIS) 2010-2024, DMRE
This indicator is computed as the sum of all renewable energy types available in South Africa. Between
2011 and 2022, renewable energy at annual operating capacity grew by almost 5 914 MW, having
grown from 15 MW in 2011 to 5 929 MW in 2022. Post 2019, the amount of renewable energy at
annual operating capacity in South Africa continued to grow as more projects, particularly from the
country’s flagship REIPPPP, were connected online.
In 2019 it was reported that PPAs for 27 new projects were signed in November 2018, tipped to add
an addition of at least 2.3 GW of renewable energy generation capacity. By 2022, an addition of 2.1
GW of renewable energy was already added to the 3.9 GW of total renewable energy generation
capacity reported in 2018. Capacity is further envisaged to grow exponentially especially following the
incorporation of 25 more renewable projects under the country’s REIPPPP bid window 5 which will
eventually add 2 583 MW. Five more renewable energy projects are further envisaged to add 860 MW
to the country’s renewable energy generation capacity as part of REIPPPP bid window 6.
Indicator 7.2.1A2: Annual amount of electricity produced from renewable sources
Figure 7.2.1A2: Annual GWh of electricity produced from renewable energy sources, 2012-2021
15 135
12 393
11 502
GWh produced
8 960 8 731
6 915
4 673
2 246
16 230
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Renewable Energy Data and Information Service (REDIS) 2012-2021, DMRE
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Figure 7.2.1A2 shows the total GWh of electricity produced from all renewable energy sources. This
trend mirrors that of renewable energy generation capacity reported in the previous sub-section. The
annual amount of electricity produced from renewable energy sources has been increasing
significantly post 2012. The annual amount of electricity produced from renewables increased from
16 GWh in 2012 to 15 135 GWh in 2021, clear evidence of South Africa’s progression in adopting clean
energy. Post 2019, renewable energy electricity production increased by 3 633 GWh, showing that the
incorporation of renewables into electricity production is ongoing. As already noted, the current
growth trend is tipped to continue into the near future as more planned and contracted utility scale
renewable energy products come online.
Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP
Figure 7.3.1: Energy intensity, 2011-2019
8.43
8.17
MJ/GDPAxis Title
7.96
7.86 7.87
7.77
7.69
7.57
7.45
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Source: Energy Balances 2011-2019, DMRE and Gross Domestic Products 2011-2019, Stats SA
The reported energy intensity for South Africa is computed in megajoules (MJ) of total energy supply
per unit of purchasing power parity GDP in constant 2017 USD figures. In this regard, energy
intensity is considered a proxy for energy efficiency, where a lower ratio implies less energy being
utilised to produce a unit of output (Knoema, n.d.), while a higher ratio typifies an energy inefficient
economy where more energy is utilised to produce an equivalent unit of output.
Figure 7.3.1 shows the volatility of the per annum ratio of energy intensity in South Africa is notable.
Overall, there are no known explicit reasons to explain for this volatility, which implies instability in
the country’s energy consumption vis-à-vis its economic output. Nonetheless, it should be noted that
some energy efficiency incentives and programmes in South Africa that were active in the past (that
is, pre-2015 era) are no longer in place. These include, amongst others, the Eskom Demand Side
Management (DSM) Programme and the Private Sector Energy Efficiency programme (PSEE). Such
gaps in available support could also have contributed towards some of the increases in energy
intensity witnessed in South Africa post-2015.
Notably, since 2011, the energy intensity ratio was at its lowest in 2015 (7.45) and at its peak in 2017
(8.43). In 2018, it fell significantly to 7.57, but slightly increased to 7.87 in 2019. There is no information
on energy intensity in South Africa post-2019. Nonetheless, it can be noted that the ratio of energy
intensity reported in 2019 is slightly below that in 2011, thus it is quite evident that there was not
114
much improvement in energy efficiency in South Africa in 2019 relative to the situation in 2011. In
fact, South Africa regressed significantly in 2019 when compared to 2015. Addressing the fluctuations
in energy intensity as well as lowering the energy intensity ratios reported around 2019 thus continues
to be a key priority.
Indicator 7.b.1 Installed renewable energy-generating capacity per capita
Figure 7.b.1: Installed renewable energy-generating capacity per capita, 2012-2022
0.097 0.098
0.086
Watts per capita
0.069 0.069 0.070

0.058
0.041
0.032
0.010
0.000
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Source: Installed renewable energy-generating capacity 2012-2022, DMRE; Mid-year Population Estimates 2012-2022, Stats
SA
This indicator measures the amount of installed renewable energy-generating capacity in South Africa
relative to the country’s population. The metric monitors progress towards increasing the share of
renewable energy in the country’s overall energy mix and transitioning away from fossil fuels. Figure
7.b.1 thus shows the trend in the growth of per capita installed renewable energy generating capacity
in South Africa. This grew from zero in 2012 to an estimated 0.098 watts in 2022. While there is no
benchmark or target that one could use to assess South Africa’s overall progress in this regard, the
reported growth shows that South Africa has made significant strides in increasing its renewable
energy capacity in recent years.
115

2019 (or
Latest
Baseline nearest
Target Indicator Disaggregation and unit of measure available Status
value year)
value
value
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Target
By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
7.1
Percentage 89.6 90.7 93.6
7.1.1 Proportion of population with access to electricity South Africa
(2017) (2019) (2022)
0,20 0,21 0,15
cooking
(2015) (2016) (2017)
Percentage
0,46 0,56 0,48
lighting
Percentage of the population that uses solar energy as (2015) (2016) (2017)
7.1.2D
their main source of energy 0,20 0,20 0,30
heating
(2015) (2016) (2017)
0,62 0,68
water
(2016) (2017)
Target
By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
7.2
Renewable energy share in the total final energy 14,6 15,2 26,2
7.2.1 Percentage
consumption (2013) (2014) (2015)
2 242 5 076 5 929
7.2.1A1 Amount of renewable energy at annual operating capacity
(2015) (2020) (2022)
Annual amount of electricity produced from renewable 4 673 11 502 2 517
7.2.1A2
sources (2015) (2019) (2022)
Target
By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
7.3
Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and 7,45 8,43 7,87
7.3.1
GDP (2015) (2017) (2019)
Target 7.b By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least
7.b developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support
Installed renewable energy-generating capacity (PER 0,041 0,070 0,098
7.b.1 National
CAPITA) (2015) (2019) (2022)
4.7.3 Synthesis
South Africa has achieved significant strides in the deployment of renewable energy, resulting in an
increasing share of renewables in the country's energy mix. From 2012 to the present, renewable
energy generating capacities have substantially expanded. Through the various domestic
interventions, including the REIPPPP and the emerging SSEG market, the implementation of renewable
energy solutions is expected to continue at a substantial scale in the future.
However, despite these advancements in renewable energy, South Africa is facing challenges in other
areas related to SDG 7. Particularly concerning is the regression in the area of energy access, with the
country reversing its near universal access achievements reported in 2019. The percentage of the
population with access to electricity dropped from 95.0% in 2019 to 89.3% in 2021. The country is also
grappling with an unstable power supply, resulting in frequent power interruptions and escalating
electricity costs, posing a threat to energy security. In response to these issues, policymakers are
considering ongoing interventions to address the problem of power interruptions.
Although there has been slow uptake of off-grid solar systems, with less than 1.0% of the population
utilising such technologies for cooking, lighting, and heating between 2014 and 2017, it is possible that
this figure has since increased due to higher load shedding incidents. On the other hand, there has
been notable progress in renewable energy generation capacity, which steadily grew from 5 076 MW
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in 2020 to 5 929 MW in 2022. The amount of electricity generated from renewable sources has also
experienced continuous growth, rising from 11 502 GWh in 2019 to 15 135 GWh in 2021.
Affordability remains a concern, especially considering increasing electricity costs and Eskom’s
concern that some poor households are not taking part in free basic electricity subsidy programmes.
Rising energy costs and/or loadshedding have led some households to invest in alternative energy
solutions mostly in the form of solar PV systems. However, this is restricted to those who can afford
alternatives, and therefore exacerbates inequalities in access to electricity.
The current energy crisis in the form of loadshedding threatens energy security and restricts access to
energy, thereby negatively impacting most SDGs. The South African government is instituting various
measures to address the unstable electricity supply, but these are yet to significantly change the
country’s SDG 7 progress status. More concerted efforts are required from various stakeholders in
South Africa to enable the surpassing of the country’s 2019 access related achievements as well as the
ultimate achievement of universal access. Urgent actions are required to address SDG 7 related issues
in South Africa to ensure that the country achieves the set targets.
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GOAL 8
PROMOTE SUSTAINED, INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH,
FULL AND PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYMENT AND DECENT WORK FOR ALL
Number of people
employed in the
informal sector as a
proportion of total
employment was
29.2%
Page
145
Tourism direct GDP as a

proportion of total GDP was
2.2% in 2020
46.3% of the South

African Youth were
unemployed in
2022
Page
153
Page
148
118
4.8 SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all
SDG 8 aims to address and enable the promotion of economic growth and decent employment by
tracking performance and providing quantitative reporting of the country’s economic activities to
inform evidence-based policy formulation. The 2030 Agenda emphasises decent employment and
economic growth as an encompassing measure of an economy's or region's progress. Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) per capita and the reduction of the rising standards of living continue to be fundamental
to the SDGs, especially in middle-income countries such as South Africa. This section of the report
looks at the progress made by South Africa in achieving the targets of SDG 8. Key challenges hindering
the country’s progress towards SDG 8 relate to subdued economic activity as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic leading to higher levels of unemployment, increased inflation, and a decline in investor
confidence. Additionally, the global fuel crisis coupled with the country’s power utility’s failure to
supply stable electricity to businesses and households across the country has had a negative impact.
Despite the challenges some progress has been made in achieving SDG 8. These include an
improvement in per capita GDP, increased resilience with regards to disaster management as a result
of the COVID-19 pandemic and a more comprehensive policy environment with aims and objectives
in line with SDG 8.
4.8.1 Progress Per Target

GOAL 8: PROMOTE SUSTAINED, INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH, FULL AND
PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYMENT AND DECENT WORK FOR ALL
8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per
cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries
8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation,
including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation,
entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and
medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
8.4 Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour
to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of
Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead
8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young
people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
8.6 By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
8.7 Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking
and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of
child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms
8.8 Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant
workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment
8.9 By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local
culture and products
8.10 Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance
and financial services for all
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8.a Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, including
through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed
Countries
No data available for this target
8.b By 2020, develop and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact
of the International Labour Organization
Indicator 8.1.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita
Figure 8.1.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita

10.0
5.0 3.6
1.8 1.5 1.6 0.8 0.9 0.8
-0.2 -0.2 -0.3 0.1
-0.8 -1.2
0.0
Percent (%)
-2.9
-5.0
-7.3
-10.0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Source: Gross Domestic Products (GDP) & Mid-year Population Estimates, 2008-2022, Stats SA
Figure 8.1.1 depicts South Africa's annual economic growth rate per capita from 2008 to 2022. Over
the period, real annual GDP per capita growth remained well below the target growth rate of 7.0%
annually. In 2020, real GDP per capita contracted by 7.3%, with most of the country's industries
severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown restrictions. Despite a growth of
3.6% recorded in 2021, annual GDP per capita achieved lower growth in 2022. Thus, the SDG 8 target
of 7.0% per capita economic growth is unlikely to be attained by 2030, given the current trend.
Indicator 8.2.1: The annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person, 2009 - 2022
Figure 8.2.1: The annual growth rate of real GDP per employed persons, 2009 – 2022
10.0 7.3
6.1
5.0
0.4 0.2 0.5 2.1
1.2 1.1 -0.1 -0.6 -0.5
0.0
-1.3
-2.5 -3.7
-5.0
-10.0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Source: Gross Domestic Products (GDP) & Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), 2009-2022, Stats SA
Figure 8.2.1 illustrates South Africa's annual economic growth rate per employed person between
2009 to 2022. Throughout assessment, the annual growth of real GDP per employment remained low,
apart from the two peaks recorded in 2010 and 2021. The rising trend after 2017 reflects the overall
120
decline in employment levels, with the annual GDP growth rate per employed person peaking at 7.3%
in 2021. However, the annual real GDP growth rate per employed person contracted by 3.7% in 2022.
Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in total employment by sector and sex
Figure 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in total employment by sex, 2008 – 2022
40.0
35.0
30.0
Percent (%)
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Males 30.2 27.9 28.6 28.1 27.3 27.1 26.8 29.7 29.5 29.3 30.2 30.2 27.5 28.9 31.0
Females 35.9 33.6 33.1 31.5 30.3 30.2 28.9 30.2 29.2 29.1 29.9 29.9 26.4 27.2 27.0
Total 32.6 30.4 30.6 29.6 28.6 28.5 27.7 29.9 29.4 29.2 30.1 30.1 27.0 28.1 29.2
Source: Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) 2008-2022, Stats SA
Figure 8.3.1 shows the number of people employed in the informal sector as a proportion of total
employment by sex. Between 2008 and 2014, the number of individuals informally employed as a
percentage of the total employment, declined steadily before stabilising from 2015 to 2019. However,
a 3.1 percentage point decrease from 2019 to 2020 was observed, while 2020 to 2021 and 2021 to
2022 saw an increase of 1.1%.
Indicator 8.4.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP2
Figure 8.4.1.1: Material footprint, million tonnes, 2015 – 2019

600.0
500.0 446.4 424.6 442.5 439.1 442.3
Million tonnes
400.0
300.0
200.0
100.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Source: 2015-2019, OECD
Figure 8.4.1.1, Material footprint, million tonnes, 2015 – 2019 illustrates South Africa's Material
Footprint (MF) between 2015 and 2019. Based on the available data, South Africa's total MF exhibited
a slight downward trend between 2015 and 2019, from 446.4 million tonnes (Mt) to 442.3 Mt. In 2015,
South Africa registered a GDP growth rate of 1.2%, which declined to 0.4% in 2016. In 2017, GDP
2
Indicator 8.4.1 also forms part of SDG 12 and more specifically, indicator 12.2.1.
121
growth recovered to 1.4% before easing to 0.8% in 2018. From the above, it is evident that MF is
related to economic growth.
Figure 8.4.1.2: Material footprint per capita, kilograms in thousands, 2015 – 2019
10.0
8.1 7.8
7.6 7.6 7.6
Kilograms in thousands
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Figure 8.4.1.2 illustrates South Africa's MF per capita between 2015 and 2019 as per data from OECD
(2019). In 2015, MF per capita in South Africa stood at 8.1 kilograms in thousands. It then declined and
remained relatively constant at 7.6 kilograms in thousands per person until 2019. This slight decline
could be ascribed to an overall deterioration in economic performance and reduced consumer
demand. This indicator also covers Indicator 12.2.1.
Indicator 8.4.2: Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, and
domestic material consumption per GDP3
Figure 8.4.2: Domestic material consumption per capita from 2007 – 2019
18.0
16.0
16.7 16.3
14.0
14.8
14.3
12.0 13.8 13.5 13.5 13.2 12.8 12.5 12.7 12.4
Tonnes
10.0 11.9
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Figure 8.4.2 presents South Africa's Domestic Material Consumption (DMC) per capita, which
measures the apparent consumption of materials in the economy as per data from OECD (2019). South
3
Indicator 8.4.2 also forms part of SDG 12 and more specifically, indicator 12.2.2.
122
Africa's DMC has been declining since 2007, from 16.7 in 2007 tonnes per capita to 11.9 tonnes per
capita in 2019. This indicator also covers Indicator 12.2.2.
Indicator 8.5.1D: Median monthly earnings of female and male employees by occupations
Table 8.5.1D: Median monthly earnings of female and male employees by occupations for the
years 2015-2020
Occupation 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female
Managers R20 000 R15 000 R19 000 R17 000 R19 000 R17 000 R17500 R19 000 R18 500 R20 000 R15 000 R15 000
Professionals R21 000 R17 000 R20 000 R18 000 R20 000 R18 600 R21 000 R19 000 R24 000 R21 833 R15 413 R21 000
Technicians R5 500 R7 000 R7 500 R7 000 R7 000 R6 000 R7 000 R7 000 R7 000 R6 000 R7 104 R10 000
Clerks R4 800 R4 333 R5 430 R4 500 R6 000 R5 000 R5 000 R4 700 R5 000 R5 000 R6 500 R5 800
Sales R3 500 R2 653 R3 800 R2 800 R3 900 R2 900 R4 000 R3 000 R4 100 R3 500 R4 500 R3 500
Skilled
R2 500 R1 213 R2 200 R2 000 R2 200 R1 200 R 2 426 R1 800 R3 100 R2 000 R3 250 R1 733
Agriculture
Craft R3 780 R2 800 R3 683 R3 200 R4 333 R3 100 R4 222 R3 500 R4 333 R3 700 R5 000 R3 900
Operators R3 600 R2 790 R3 900 R2 800 R4 116 R3 250 R4 000 R3 033 R4 100 R3 500 R5 200 R3 900
Elementary R2 400 R2 000 R2 600 R2 080 R2 700 R2 166 R2 800 R2 200 R3 033 R2 500 R3 328 R3 000
Domestic
R1 500 R1 500 R1 500 R1 500 R1 700 R1 733 R1 500 R1 950 R2 000 R2 000 R2 340 R2 166
workers
Table 8.5.1D showa a moderate increase in median monthly earnings for most occupation groups from
2015 to 2020. The data indicates that the gap in income, with regard to gender, has narrowed for most
occupation groups. This may be due to an increase in the median monthly earnings for female
employees. At the same time, males experienced a slight decline in median monthly earnings for
occupations such as managers and professionals. However, in seven of the ten occupations, females
still earn less than their male counterparts.
Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate by sex, age, and persons with disabilities
Figure 8.5.2.1: Unemployment rate by sex for 2008 – 2022

40.0
35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Total 22.5 23.7 24.9 24.8 24.9 24.7 25.1 25.3 26.7 27.5 27.1 28.7 29.4 34.3 33.5
Males 19.8 22.0 23.0 22.7 23.0 23.1 23.3 23.4 24.7 25.7 25.3 27.0 28.0 32.4 31.8
Females 25.9 25.7 27.2 27.3 27.2 26.7 27.2 27.7 29.1 29.6 29.3 30.7 31.2 36.6 35.6
123
Figure 8.5.2.2: Unemployment rate by age for 2008 – 2022
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Age (15 - 24) 45.6 48.3 51.2 50.3 51.7 51.4 51.3 50.1 53.3 53.4 53.4 57.0 59.3 65.2 61.5
Age (25 - 34) 25.8 28.1 29.3 29.9 29.6 29.1 30.1 30.2 31.7 33.1 33.4 35.4 36.7 42.9 40.9
Age (35 - 44) 16.0 16.6 17.7 18.1 18.2 18.6 19.1 19.5 21.1 22.0 21.5 22.7 24.4 28.9 28.5
Age (45 - 54) 10.3 11.2 12.6 12.6 12.8 12.8 13.4 14.1 14.8 15.9 15.8 16.9 17.6 21.4 21.0
Age (55 - 64) 6.7 6.2 7.6 6.2 7.0 7.7 7.7 8.7 9.0 9.5 9.6 9.9 11.1 12.4 12.9
Total 22.5 23.7 24.9 24.8 24.9 24.7 25.1 25.3 26.7 27.5 27.1 28.7 29.4 34.3 33.5
As shown in Figure 8.5.2.1, the female unemployment rate increased from 25.9% in 2008 to 35.6% in
2022, while the male unemployment rate increased from 19.8% to 31.8% over the same period. As is
evident in Figure 8.5.2.2, unemployment remains a burden for South African youth (aged 15-24 and
25-34) with an unemployment rate of 61.5% and 40.9%, respectively.
Indicator 8.5.2A: Youth (aged 15-34 years) unemployment rate
Figure 8.5.2A: Youth (aged 15-34 years) unemployment rate, 2008 – 2022
60.0
50.0 48.2
46.3
41.0 42.1
37.6 38.7 38.7
40.0 35.7 35.7 35.8 35.9 35.8
34.2 35.4
Percent (%)
32.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Figure 8.5.2A, shows that youth unemployment rate increased from 32.0% in 2008 to 48.2% in 2021.
This marked a record-high unemployment rate, with almost 50.0% of the youth in the labour force
being unemployed.
124
Indicator 8.6.1: Percentage of youth (aged 15–24 years) not in education, employment, or training
(NEET)
Figure 8.6.1: Percentage of youth (aged 15–24 years) not in education, employment, or training
(NEET), 2013 – 2022
40.0
35.0
30.0
Percent (%)
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Males (15–24 years) 29.3 28.8 27.9 28.6 28.6 29.0 30.7 31.0 31.2 33.7
Females (15–24 years) 34.7 33.9 33.1 33.9 33.8 34.2 34.3 33.8 34.6 36.6
The NEET rate for youth (aged 15 to 24 years) has remained relatively constant from 2013 to 2022.
The female youth NEET rate increased slightly from 34.7% in 2013 to 36.6% in 2022. The NEET rate for
male youth increased somewhat from 29.3% in 2013 to 33.7% in 2022.
Indicator 8.6.1A: Percentage of youth (15-34 years) not in education, employment, or training
Figure 8.6.1A: Percentage of youth (15-34 years) not in education, employment, or training, 2013 –
2022
60.0
50.0
40.0
Percent (%)
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Males (15-34 years) 33.4 33.4 32.5 33.3 34.3 35.0 36.8 39.5 41.1 41.8
Females (15-34 years) 43.0 42.7 41.8 43.0 43.0 43.5 44.0 46.2 48.3 47.6
Figure 8.6.1A illustrates the NEET rate for youth (aged 15 to 34 years). As seen for the broader age
group, the trend indicates a slight increase over the same period.
125
Indicator 8.7.1D: Proportion and number of children aged 7‑17 years engaged in child labour by sex
and age
Figure 8.7.1.1: Percentage of children aged 7–17 years engaged in child labour by sex for the years
2010, 2015 and 2019
25.0
20.0
Percent (%)
15.0
10.0 6.7 7.4 7.0

5.3 4.9 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.0
5.0
0.0
Males Females Total
2010 2015 2019
Source: Survey of Activities of Young People (SAYP) 2019, Stats SA
Figure 8.7.1.2: Percentage of children aged 7–17 years engaged in child labour by age for the years
2010, 2015 and 2019
25.0
20.0
Percent (%)
15.0
9.8 8.8
10.0 7.4 7.1 7.0
5.2 5.5 5.2 5.0
4.4
5.0 2.7 2.6
0.0
Age (7 - 9) Age (10 - 15) Age (16 - 17) Total
2010 2015 2019
Source: Survey of Activities of Young People (SAYP) 2019, Stats SA
Between 2010 and 2019 the percentage of children engaged in child labour declined steadily.
However, the rate of children aged 10 to 15 years involved in child labour increased slightly from 5.2%
in 2015 to 5.5% in 2019. Similarly, the percentage of female children engaged in child labour increased
by 0.1 percentage points from 2015 to 2019. Overall, the figures show a sustained decline from 2010
to 2019, except for children between the ages of 10 and 15.
126
Indicator 8.8.1: Fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries per 100 000 workers, by sex and migrant
status
Figure 8.8.1.1: Fatal occupational and non-fatal migrant injuries per 100,000 workers, by sex, 2017 –
2021
100.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
-
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Fatal (Male) - 1.9 1.0 1.5 0.8
Non-fatal (Male) 88.9 95.4 73.4 50.3 95.0
Non-fatal (Female) 32.6 30.6 49.6 13.1 27.9
Source: COID system 2022, DEL
Fatal occupational injuries for male and female migrants have remained low from 2017 to 2021.
Conversely, non-fatal occupational injuries for both male and female migrants decreased from 2019
to 2020. This may be attributed to the impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent implementation of
lockdown restrictions in 2020, as an increase followed the sharp decline in non-fatal occupational
migrant injuries for both males and females in 2021.
Figure 8.8.1.2: Fatal occupational and non-fatal non-migrant injuries per 100 000 workers, by sex and
migrant status, 2017 – 2021
3 000.0
Per 100 000 workers
2 500.0
2 000.0
1 500.0
1 000.0
500.0
-
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Fatal (Male) 25.6 19.8 19.6 16.1 20.1
Fatal (Female) 21.7 3.4 9.3 6.6 10.5
Non-fatal (Male) 2 325.7 2 364.4 2 401.2 2 044.1 2 225.9
Non-fatal (Female) 2 387.1 2 445.4 2 437.0 2 092.8 2 301.0
Source: COID system 2022, DEL
Non-fatal occupational non-migrant injuries for males and females decreased from 2019 to 2020.
Similar trends have been observed for fatal occupational and non-fatal non-migrant injuries. However,
non-fatal occupational non-migrant injuries for males and females have consistently exceeded 2 000
per 100 000 workers from 2017 to 2021.
127
Indicator 8.8.2: Level of national compliance with labour rights (freedom of association and collective
bargaining) based on International Labour Organization (ILO) textual sources and national legislation
Figure 8.8.2: Total number of Trade Unions, Total number of Employers and Number of Collective
Agreements
300
250
200
Number
150
100
50
0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Total number of Trade Unions 244 222 218 208 203 196 190 191 190 207 218 220
Total number of Employers’ Organisations 164 166 165 164 164 157 155 153 150 146
Number of Agreements 20 32 20 34 26
Source: Register of labour organisations 2022, DEL
Using both international sources and national legislation, this indicator aims to provide a
comprehensive assessment of the compliance of ILO member states with fundamental labour rights.
It allows for monitoring and evaluating the progress made by countries in ensuring these rights are
respected and upheld within their respective labour frameworks.
The number of extended collective agreements fluctuates over the years, ranging from 20 to 34
agreements. There is no clear trend or consistent increase or decrease in the number of
comprehensive collective agreements over the available years. The total number of trade unions
shows a general decline from 244 in 2009 to 190 in 2015. However, there was a slight increase in the
number of trade unions from 2017 to 2020. Furthermore, the data suggest a gradual decrease in
registered employers’ organisations over the years. Figure 8.8.2 illustrates the total number of trade
unions, total number of employers and number of collective agreements as per data from DEL (2022).
There are no clear, consistent patterns in the data, suggesting fluctuations and changes in the labour
landscape within South Africa during the given period.
128
Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate
Figure 8.9.1.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP, 2007 – 2020
4 3.7
3.5 3.1 3.0 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 3.0 2.9 2.9
3 2.8 2.7
2.6
Percent (%)
2.5 2.2
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) 2023, Stats SA
Figure 8.9.1.1 shows that tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP remained constant from
2007 to 2016. Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP declined from 2.9% in 2016 to 2.6% in
2017 then increased sharply, rising to 3.7% in 2019. It should be noted that a sharp decline in the direct
contribution of tourism to GDP declined substantially in 2020, mainly due to the onset of the COVID-
19 pandemic and its associated travel restrictions.
Figure 8.9.1.2: Tourism direct GDP in growth rate, 2016 – 2020
50.0 41.1
40.0
30.0
20.0 9.9 11.5
Percent (%)
10.0
-5.2
-
(10.0) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
(20.0)
(30.0)
-40.7
(40.0)
(50.0)
Source: Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) 2023, Stats SA
From 2017 to 2019, tourism's direct GDP growth rate increased by 46.3%. This is most likely due to a
significant increase in domestic tourism spending between 2018 and 2019 with a South African
Tourism Marketing Strategy encouraging South Africans to take overnight domestic trips (SA Tourism,
2019). However, tourism experienced a decline due to the lockdown restrictions imposed during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
129
Indicator 8.10.1: Number of commercial bank branches per 100,000 adults and (b) number of
automated teller machines (ATMs) per 100,000 adults
Figure 8.10.1: Number of commercial bank branches per 100 000 adults and (b) number of automated
teller machines (ATMs) per 100 000 adults, 2015 – 2018
80.0
70.0
Number per 100 000
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Commercial bank branches per 100
11.3 10.9 11.2 10.9 10.2 9.8 8.5
0000 population
Automated teller machines (ATMs)
75.0 75.0 73.6 72.5 69.8 62.6 46.8
per 100 0000 population
Source: Annual Financial Access Survey (FAS), IMF, 2022; Mid-year population estimates 2020, Stats SA
Figure 8.10.1 shows that the number of commercial banks per 100 000 adults has decreased from 11.3
in 2015 to 8.5 in 2021, while the number of ATMs per 100 000 adults has dropped from 75.0% in 2015
to 46.8 in 2021.
Indicator 8.b.1: Existence of a developed and operationalised national strategy for youth employment,
as a distinct strategy or as part of a national employment strategy
South Africa had developed an Integrated Youth Development Strategy in 2012 and an Integrated
Youth Development Strategy draft in 2018, both of which were not approved by the
President/Parliament as official youth strategies for the country. Furthermore, the country adopted
the National Youth Policy in 2020 and later the Integrated Youth Development Strategy 2025 was
approved by the President as the official youth strategy for South Africa.
130

2019 (or
Latest
measure value year)
value
value
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Target Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the
8.1 least developed countries
-0,2 -1,2 0,8
8.1.1 Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita GDP per capita
(2015) (2019) (2022)
Target Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high- value added and
8.2 labour-intensive sectors
The annual growth rate of real Gross Domestic Product
-2,5 0,5 -3,7
8.2.1 (GDP) per employed person conveys the annual percentage Annual growth rate
(2015) (2019) (2022)
change in real GDP per employed person.
Target Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the
8.3 formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
29,7 30,2 31,0
Males
(2015) (2019) (2022)
Proportion of informal employment in total employment, Total informal 30,2 29,9 27,0
8.3.1 Females
by sector and sex employment (2015) (2019) (2022)
29,9 30,1 29,2
total
(2015) (2019) (2022
Target Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to couple economic growth from environmental
8.4 degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead
Material footprint (Tonnes, 446,5 442,5 442,3
Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and Millions) (2015) (2017) (2019)
8.4.1
material footprint per GDP Material footprint per capita 8,1 7,8 7,6
(Kilograms in Thousands) (2015) (2017) (2019)
709,2 721,5 695,4
Domestic material consumption, domestic material DMC tonnes
(2015) (2017) (2019)
8.4.2 consumption per capita, and domestic material
12,8 12,7 11,9
consumption per GDP DMC tonnes per capita
(2015) (2017) (2019)
Target By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay
8.5 for work of equal value
16 500 19 000 15 000
Males
(2014) (2017) (2020)
Managers
15 000 17 000 15 000
Females
(2014) (2017) (2020)
16 000 20 000 15 413
Males
(2014) (2017) (2020)
Professionals
14 500 18 600 21 000
Females
(2014) (2017) (2020)
5 850 7 000 7 104
Males
(2014) (2017) (2020)
Technicians
6 000 6 000 10 000
Females
(2014) (2017) (2020)
5 000 6 000 6 500
Males
(2014) (2017) (2020)
Clerks
4 500 5 000 5 800
Females
(2014) (2017) (2020)
3 500 3 900 4 500
Males
(2014) (2017) (2020)
Sales
2 500 2 900 3 500
Females
Median monthly earnings of female and male employees (2014) (2017) (2020)
8.5.1D
by occupations 2383 2200 3250
Males
Skilled (2014) (2017) (2020)
Agricultures 2 000 1 200 1 733
Females
(2014) (2017) (2020)
3 500 4 333 5 000
Males
(2014) (2017) (2020)
Craft,
2 925 3 100 3 900
Females
(2014) (2017) (2020)
3 683 4 116 5 200
Males
(2014) (2017) (2020)
Operators
2 600 3 250 3 900
Females
(2014) (2017) (2020)
2 200 2 700 3 328
Males
(2014) (2017) (2020)
Elementary
1 900 2 166 3 000
Females
(2014) (2017) (2020)
1 200 1 700 2 340
Males
Domestic (2014) (2017) (2020)
workers 1 400 1 733 2 166
Females
(2014) (2017) (2020)
23,4 27,0 31,8
Males
(2015) (2019) (2022)
Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with 27,7 30,7 35,6
8.5.2 Females
disabilities (2015) (2019) (2022)
25,3 28,7 33,5
Total
(2015) (2019) (2022)
35,8 41,0 46,3
8.5.2A Youth (aged 15 -34 years) unemployment rate.
(2015) (2019) (2022)
131
2019 (or
Latest
measure value year)
value
value
Target
By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
8.6
Percentage of youth (aged 15–24 years) not in education, 30,5 32,5 35,2
8.6.1 Total
employment or training (NEET) (2015) (2019) (2022)
Percentage of youth (15-34 years) not in education, 37,1 40,4 44,7
8.6.1A Total
employment or training (2015) (2019) (2022)
Target Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the
8.7 worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms
6,7 5,3 4,9
Males
(2010) (2015) (2019)
Percentage of children aged 7–17 years engaged in child 7,4 5,0 5,1
8.7.1D Females
labour, by sex and age (2010) (2015) (2019)
7,0 5,2 5,0
Total
(2010) (2015) (2019)
Target Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in
8.8 precarious employment
47,3 29,93 31,27
Fatal
Fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 (2017) (2019) (2021)
8.8.1
workers, by sex and migrant status 4 835,47 4 961,83 4 654,35
Non - fatal
(2017) (2019) (2021)
Number of 32 34 26
Extended Agreements (2015) (2019) (2021)
Collective 1 245
Employees 712 874 593 409
Agreements 030
covered (2015) (2019)
(2021)
Total number of 190 218 220
Level of national compliance with labour rights (freedom
TU’s (2015) (2019) (2020)
of association and collective bargaining) based on Registration of
8.8.2 3 556 4 051 4 075
International Labour Organization (ILO) textual sources trade unions Membership
914 529 645
and national legislation, by sex and migrant status figures
(2015) (2019) (2020)
Total number of
157 150 146
Registered Employers’
(2015) (2019) (2020)
Employers Organisations
Organisations Membership 86 087 88 087 95 576
figures (2015) (2019) (2020)
Target By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and
8.9 promotes local culture and products
As proportion 2,9 2,7 2,2
Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in of total GDP (2016) (2018) (2020)
8.9.1 Percentage
growth rate 9,9 11,5 -40,7
In growth rate
(2016) (2018) (2020)
Target
Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all
8.10
Commercial bank branches per 100 11,7 10,9
Number of (a) commercial bank branches per 100,000
0000 population (2014) (2018)
8.10.1 adults and (b) number of automated teller machines
Automated teller machines (ATMs) 71,6 72,5
(ATMs) per 100,000 adults
per 100 0000 population (2014) (2018)
Target
Existence of a developed and operationalized national strategy for youth employment, as a distinct strategy or as part of a national employment strategy
8.b.1
Existence of a developed and operationalized national
x x
8.b.1 strategy for youth employment, as a distinct strategy or as
(2020) (2022)
part of a national employment strategy
4.8.3 Synthesis
South Africa has made limited progress toward SDG 8. There has been an improvement in access to
banking, insurance, and financial services. Furthermore, South Africa has an established and regulated
financial sector, with a diverse range of financial products and services typically offered and supported
via a national network of an ever-expanding network of access points of service. This provides a solid
foundation for advancing financial inclusion sustainably and beneficially.
When considering South Africa's policy environment, the country has the prerequisite policies and
strategies that provide an enabling environment for the achievement of SDG 8. These policies are
complemented with the appropriate programmes that can yield the desired results if correctly
132
implemented. Unfortunately, some targets lack measurable indicators, making tracking progress
difficult.
Key challenges related to SDG 8 have been the global energy crisis coupled with South Africa's ongoing
struggle to achieve a sustained electricity supply. This has had numerous negative impacts on overall
economic conditions and productivity, government ineffectiveness across all spheres of government,
specifically concerning coordinated policy implementation. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic was
linked to a significant decline in employment opportunities and subdued economic activity. Positive
outcomes of these challenges have included increased awareness of the necessity of disaster
management plans and policies within government to deal with future crises and unforeseen disasters,
as well as the increased urgency to move towards alternative energy sources such as renewables.
These challenges can potentially contribute to new pathways for economic growth and sustainable
employment.
133
GOAL 9
BUILD RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, PROMOTE INCLUSIVE AND
SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIALISATION AND FOSTER INNOVATION
Employment in the
manufacturing
sector as a proportion
of total employment
was 10.2%
Page
162
Manufacturing value
added as a proportion of
GDP has decreased from
12.5% in 2015 to 11.4% in
Proportion of 2022.
research and
development
expenditure in terms
of GDP was 0.62 Page
161
Page
163
134
4.9 SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and
foster innovation
South Africa faces several socio-economic challenges, including unreliable energy provision, inflation,
unemployment, poverty, and rapid urbanization, that can be addressed by achieving SDG 9, which
seeks to enhance the resilience of infrastructure while also promoting sustainable industrialisation
that can support economic growth, reduce poverty, and create more equitable societies. Additionally,
the goal encourages the adoption of innovative technologies and practices that can facilitate
sustainable development across various sectors. To achieve SDG 9, several targets have been
identified. These include increasing access to reliable and sustainable infrastructure, promoting
inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, enhancing technological innovation, increasing the number
of small and medium-sized enterprises with access to financial services and promoting sustainable
practices in industries.
Effective governance is crucial in promoting resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialisation

through clear regulations and incentives. The South African government, private sector, and research
institutions are taking steps to achieve SDG 9 by investing in infrastructure development, promoting
sustainable industrialisation, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Achieving SDG 9 will
promote inclusive economic growth and address infrastructure gaps, and the adoption of renewable
energy technologies and infrastructure can contribute to creating a more sustainable and resilient
economy.

GOAL 9: BUILD RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, PROMOTE INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIALIZATION
AND FOSTER INNOVATION
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support
economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross
domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
9.3 Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including
affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater
adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance
with their respective capabilities
9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing
countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers
per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending
9.a Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and
technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States
9.b Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy
environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities
9.c Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to
the Internet in least developed countries by 2020
135
Indicator 9.1.2D: Passenger journeys and freight payload (volumes) by mode of land transport only
(i.e., rail and road transportation)
Figure 9.1.2D: Rail and Road trends, 2008 to 2022

900
800
700
600
Millions
500
400
300
200
100
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Rail passenger: millions 591 620 503 512 534 545 530 478 399 317 255 175 30 22 19
Road passenger: millions 285 290 290 301 320 309 331 328 303 321 316 305 209 222 244
Rail freight: million tons 177 177 180 192 204 210 218 217 213 223 215 212 189 176 155
Road freight: million tons 550 490 520 563 563 572 613 589 611 673 733 713 628 685 839
Rail passenger: millions Road passenger: millions

Rail freight: million tons Road freight: million tons
Source:Land transport survey 2008-2022, Stats SA
Figure 9.1.2D indicates the rail and road trends regarding the number of passengers and the freight
volume (million tons) as published in the Land Transport Survey (LTS) (2023).
The transportation industry is a vital part of any country's infrastructure, with railways and roads being
key components. In recent years, the rail and road passenger and freight industries have seen
significant changes in the number of passengers and volume of freight transported. Between 2008 and
2013, the rail passenger industry experienced a gradual decline in the number of passengers, dropping
from 591 million to 545 million. This declining trend then accelerated significantly with 399 million
passengers in 2016, dropping further to 175 million in 2019. This decline can be attributed to
vandalism and failing infrastructure as inefficient systems fail to meet the demands of commuters,
leading to decreased passenger numbers. The COVID-19 pandemic, also ghad a significant impact on
the industry, with only 30 million rail passengers in 2020, 22 million in 2021 and 19 million in 2022.
The sharp decline observed in 2020 in rail passengers is primarily attributed to the government's
restrictions on movement and people's reluctance to travel during the pandemic.
On the other hand, the road passenger industry experienced a gradual increase in passengers during
most of the period under review, from 285 million in 2008 to 309 million in 2013 and 321 million in
2017. However, there was a decrease in the number of passengers in subsequent years, with 316
million passengers in 2018, 305 million in 2019 and 209 million in 2020. The sharp decline in 2020 was
attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the increase in 2021 and 2022 resulted from the re-
opening of the economy and the easing of restrictions on movement.
Regarding rail freight, there was a continuous increase from 177 million tons in 2008 to 192 million
tons in 2011 and 218 million tons in 2014. However, there was a decrease in the following years,
dropping to 217 million tons in 2015 and 212 million tons in 2019. From 2020 to 2021 and 2022, rail
freight decreased to 189 million tons, 176 million tons and 155 million tons, respectively.
136
The road freight experienced fluctuations throughout the period under review, but overall has
increased from 550 million tons in 2008 to 613 million tons in 2014 and 839 million tons in 2022. This
can be attributed to the growth of the logistics and e-commerce industries and the convenience and
flexibility of road transport.
Indicator 9.2.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita
Figure 9.2.1.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP, 2015 to 2022

14.0
12.5 12.5 12.3 12.3 12.2
11.5 11.7 11.4
12.0
10.0
8.0
MVA per GDP (%)
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Source: Gross Domestic Product 2015-2023, Stats SA
Figure 9.2.1.1 shows that the manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP has decreased from
12.5% in 2015 to 11.4% in 2022. This could be attributed to declining demand for manufactured goods
or a decrease of the production of manufactured goods due to unreliable energy provision.
Figure 9.2.1.2: Manufacturing value added per capita, 2015 to 2022

12 000
10 025 9 923 9 761 9 766

10 000 9 556
8 784 8 659
8 318
8 000
MVA per capita
6 000
4 000
2 000
-
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Source: Gross Domestic Product 2015-2023, Stats SA
Figure 9.2.1.2 shows that manufacturing value added per capita has been on the decline since 2015.
Value added per capita was reported to be 10 025 in 2015 and declined to 8 659 in 2022.
137
Indicator 9.2.2: Manufacturing employment as a proportion of total employment
Figure 9.2.2: Manufacturing employment as a proportion of total employment, 2015 – 2022

12.0 11.2 11.0
10.7 10.8 10.8
10.1 10.2
10.0 9.6
8.0
Percent (%)
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Source: Quarterly Labour Force Survey 2015-2022, Stats SA
Figure 9.2.2 shows the employment in the manufacturing sector as a proportion of total employment
as derived from the QLFS published by Stats SA (2022). The general trend shows that employment as
a share of total employment decreased from 11.2% in 2015 to 9.6% in 2021, therafter it saw a slight
improvement to 10.2% in 2022. This correlates with the declining Manufacturing Value Added (MVA)
discussed in the previous sub-section and could result from declining manufacturing activities or
output.
Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added
Figure 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value-added, 2001 – 2017

50.0
43.8 43.6
45.0 42.1 42.9 42.8 42.7 42.7 42.0 41.9
40.0 37.7 38.6
35.6 35.6
35.0 33.2 34.5
31.4 31.2
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Source: Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2022, DFFE
Figure 9.4.1 shows that the CO2 emission per unit of value added experienced some fluctuations
throughout the period. However, a significant increase was noted from 38.6 in 2008 to 43.8 in 2009,
after which it declined to 42.9 in 2012 and 41.9 in 2017. This shows that CO 2 emissions per unit of
value added experienced some improvement between 2012 and 2017.
138
Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP
Figure 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP, 2010/11 - 2021/2022
0.80 0.73 0.75 0.76
0.71 0.69
0.66 0.67 0.67
0.70 0.62 0.61
0.60
Percent (%)
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
-
Source: National Survey on Research and Experimental Development 2021, DSI
Figure 9.5.1 shows that the proportion of research and development expenditure in terms of GDP
fluctuated during the period under review. However, the share of research and development
expenditure decreased from its 0.76% peak in 2017/18 to 0.61% in 2020/21.
Indicator 9.5.1A: Business expenditure on R&D (BERD) as a percentage of gross domestic expenditure
on R&D (GERD)
Figure 9.5.1A: Business expenditure on R&D (BERD) as a percentage of gross domestic expenditure on
R&D (GERD)
50.0
45.3
45.0 42.7 41.4 41.0
39.3
40.0
35.0 31.0 30.0
30.0
Percent (%)
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Source: National Survey on Research and Experimental Development 2021, DSI
The expenditure from businesses on research and development (R&D) has declined significantly from
45.3% in 2014/15 to 30.0% in 2020/21. The decline in expenditure on R&D has a direct impact on the
information and knowledge being generated within specific sectors. The importance of R&D can be
summarised as follows:
 Increased market participation

 Cost management benefits
139
 Advancements in marketing abilities and trend-matching
The decline in expenditure on R&D has moved South Africa further from reaching the target set for
2030. Additional measures need to be taken to ensure increased R&D expenditure is undertaken by
businesses, such as incentivised programmes and initiatives.
Indicator 9.5.2: Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants
Figure 9.5.2: Researchers per million inhabitants
600
519 505
494 484
500 474 467
434
400
Researchers
300
200
100
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: National Survey on Research and Experimental Development 2021, DSI & Mid-year population estimates 2021, Stats
SA
Figure 9.5.2 shows the number of researchers per million inhabitants between 2014 and 2020. The
data shows that there has been an increase in the number of researchers, from 2014 to 2017, 434 to
519, respectively. After which we observe a slight decrease to 467 in 2020.
Indicator 9.a.1D: Disbursements for infrastructure in South Africa and the rest of Africa
Figure 9.a.1D: Sum of loans, equity and grants disbursed to South Africans and the rest of African
institutions
18000 17102.73
15789.62
16000 13624.61
14000 13243.03
11850.12 12460.69 12127.22
12016.95
12000
8313.02 8380.37
R million
10000 8975.13 8966.91

8152.33
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Source: SAP, n.d.
140
Figure 9.a.1D illustrates the total contribution spending in R/million towards Africa, including South
Africa, on infrastructure from 2010 – 2021. This includes the sum of loans, equity and grants to Africa
through international support. Significant fluctuations in terms of international support to
infrastructure are evident for the period between 2010 and 2022, reaching R13 625 million by 2022.
Indicator 9.b.1: Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added
Figure 9.b.1: Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added of
manufacturing, 2007 - 2020
30.0
24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4
25.0 22.1 22.7 23.0
21.2
20.0
MHT
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: CIP database 2021, UNIDO
Figure 9.b.1 shows the proportion of medium-high and high-tech industry (MHT) value added in total
MVA as a ratio value between the value added of MHT industry and MVA derived from the Competitive
Industrial Performance (CIP) database as published by United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO) (2021). Between 2007 and 2010, fluctuations in the MHT are evident, with a
steady increase from 2008 to 2011. It is clear that from 2011 onward, a stable 24.4 MHT has been
achieved.
Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology
Figure 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, 2015 to 2021

120%
100%
Percent (%)
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
3G 98% 99% 98% 100% 100% 100% 100%
LTE 53% 75% 77% 86% 93% 96% 98%
3G LTE
Source: The state of the ICT sector in South Africa 2022, ICASA
141
Figure 9.c.1 shows that the proportion of the population within the range of 3G technology increased
from 98.0% in 2015 to 100.0% in 2021, while the population in the range of Long Term Evolution (LTE)
risen from 53.0% in 2015 to 98.0% in 2021.

2019 (or
Latest
Baseline nearest
value year)
value
value
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Target Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human
9.1 well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
477,55 175,45 19,12
Rail passenger: millions
(2015) (2019) (2022)
327,82 305,13 244,49
Road passenger: millions
9.1.2D Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport (2015) (2019) (2022)
217,29 212,34 154,68
Rail freight: million tons
(2015) (2019) (2022)
589,17 713,10 839,22
Road freight: million tons
(2015) (2019) (2022)
Target Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with
9.2 national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
12,5 12,2 11,4
MVA as a proportion in GDP
Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and (2015) (2019) (2022)
9.2.1
per capita 10 025 9 556 8 659
MVA per capita
(2015) (2019) (2022)
Manufacturing employment as a proportion of total 11,2 10,8 10,2
9.2.2 Percentage
employment (2015) (2019) (2022)
Target By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and
9.4 environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
42,79 42,67 41,91

9.4.1 CO2 emission per unit of value added kg CO2e/$US
(2013) (2015) (2017)
Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030,
Target
encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and
9.5
development spending
Research and development expenditure as a proportion of 0,71 0,69 0,61
9.5.1 Percentage
GDP (2015) (2019) (2021)
Business expenditure on R&D (BERD) as a percentage of 42,7 39,3 30,0
9.5.1A Percentage
gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) (2015) (2018) (2020)
Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million 473,87 504,75 466,66
9.5.2 Per million inhabitants
inhabitants (2015) (2018) (2020)
Target Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African
9.a countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States
12
Disbursements for infrastructure in South Africa and the 8 966,91 13 624,61
9.a.1 (R million) 016,95
rest of Africa, (2019) (2022)
(2015)
Target Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia,
9.b industrial diversification and value addition to commodities
Fiscal year end: March 31; reporting

Proportion of medium and high- tech industry value added 24,4 24,4 24,4
9.b.1 period for national accounts data:
in total value added (2014) (2017) (2020)
CY.
Target Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed
9.c countries by 2020
98 100 100
3G
Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by (2015) (2019) (2021)
9.c.1
technology (Narrowband and broadband) 53 93 98
LTE
(2015) (2019) (2021)
4.9.3 Synthesis
South Africa faces several socio-economic challenges, such as unreliable energy provision, degraded
rail infrastructure, inflation, unemployment, poverty, and rapid urbanisation, that can be addressed
142
by achieving SDG 9, which focuses on promoting resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialisation,
and innovation. However, South Africa is generally not doing well in achieving SDG 9 and more
concerted efforts are required.
Several key trends have emerged when examining performance concerning achieving SDG 9 by 2030.
The rail passenger and rail freight industries both experienced a gradual decline in the number of
passengers, while the road passenger industry showed an overall increase. This can be attributed to
the growth of the logistics and e-commerce industries.
Progress towards sustainable industrialisation has declined, indicating potential issues with demand,
energy provision and declining manufacturing activities. Overall, there has been an improvement in
reducing CO2 emissions per unit of value added between 2012 and 2017, probably due to increasing
investments in improved energy effeciancy and renewable energy. In terms of the target of increasing
research and development, there has been a decrease in expenditure and number of researchers per
million people between 2017/18 and 2019/20. This potentially affects South Africa's competitiveness.
Renewable energy and sustainable development projects are priority investment projects. South
Africa has made good progress in mobile coverage. The population covered by 3G technology
increased between 2015 and 2021, while the balance covered by LTE also increased during the same
period.
The manufacturing sector in South Africa has seen a decline in value-added and employment share,
possibly due to declining demand and unreliable energy provision. Although, South Africa's energy
crisis has disrupted industrial operations, it has also encouraged investments in renewable energy. The
shortage of skilled labour is a growing concern, and manufacturers must increase their recruitment
and talent development efforts to keep up with technological change and innovation.
Other challenges in achieving SDG 9 include inadequate funding, weak governance, severe weather
conditions and rising interest rates. The decline in research and development expenditure and the lack
of data analysis efforts may negatively affect South Africa's competitiveness. Funding for
infrastructure development in South Africa comes from various international sources and is focused
mainly on renewable energy and green, low-carbon, sustainable developments. However, economic
conditions and investor confidence may affect the sum of loans, equity, and grants disbursed in Africa.
143
GOAL 10
REDUCE INEQUALITY WITHIN AND AMONG COUNTRIES
Labour share of
GDP in South Africa
was 46.0%
Page
173
Within-group inequality,
particularly for black African-
and coloured-headed
Race-based households are increasing
discrimination remain
the most prevalent
form of discrimination
reported in South Africa Page
170
Page
172
144
4.10 SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
SDG 10 calls for reducing inequalities in income as well as those based on age, sex, disability, race,
ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status within a country. SDG 10 also addresses inequalities
among countries, including those related to representation, migration, and development assistance
(UN, 2019). According to the UN, income inequality between countries has improved, yet income
inequality within countries has become worse (UN, n.d.). This often leads to financial and social
discrimination. While there has been some progress in recent years, inequality has remained almost
stagnant in the most unequal countries. For nations to flourish, equality and prosperity must be
available to everyone – regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs or economic status.
South Africa is, by most contemporary measures, the most unequal country in the world. According to
the World Bank (2022) high inequality is perpetuated by a legacy of exclusion and the nature of
economic growth, which is not pro-poor and does not generate sufficient jobs. Inequality in wealth is
even higher, and intergenerational mobility is low, meaning inequalities are passed down from
generation to generation with little change over time (World Bank, 2022). Yet, relatively little attention
has been given to country’s wealth inequality. It is crucial to accurately measure the concentration of
wealth inequality over time, identify the root causes of the current persistence of extremely high levels
of inequality in South Africa, and eventually understand how to best overcome it (Chatterjee et al,
2020).
Efforts to reduce inequality in South Africa have focused on higher social spending, targeted
government transfers, and affirmative action to diversify wealth ownership and promote
entrepreneurship among the previously marginalized. Despite these efforts inequality has remained
stubbornly high.
Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

10.1 By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate
higher than the national average
10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex,
disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws,
policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
10.4 Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
10.5 Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the
implementation of such regulations
No data available for this target.
10.6 Ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in decision-making in global international
economic and financial institutions in order to deliver more effective, credible, accountable and legitimate
institutions
10.7 Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the
implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies
10.a Implement the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries, in particular least
developed countries, in accordance with World Trade Organization agreements
145
10.b Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including foreign direct investment, to States where
the need is greatest, in particular least developed countries, African countries, small island developing States and
landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their national plans and programmes
10.c By 2030, reduce to less than 3 percent the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance
corridors with costs higher than 5 percent
Indicator 10.1.1: Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40
percent of the population and the total population.
Figure 10.1.1: Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40% of
the population and the total population, 2006 to 2015 by population group
100% 9.0
90% 7.8 8.0
80% 7.0 7.0
7.0
70%
Income share
5.4 5.4 6.0
Palma ratio
60% 5.6 4.9 4.7 5.0 5.0
50%
3.8 4.0 4.0
40% 3.2 3.1
2.8 3.0
30% 2.2 2.4
20% 2.0
10% 1.0
0% 0.0
2006 2009 2011 2015 2006 2009 2011 2015 2006 2009 2011 2015 2006 2009 2011 2015
Black African Coloured Indian/Asian White
Population share Bottom 40% Middle 50% Top 10% Ratio
Source: Inequality Trends in South Africa 2019, Stats SA
Figure 10.1.1 shows the income shares and Palma ratios for the different population groups in South
Africa. When comparing the racial inequality patterns across the four data points, it is observed that
households headed by black Africans and coloureds remain the most unequal. Black African-headed
households recorded the highest level of within group inequality in 2009, when the top 10% earned
53.2% of the total income, making it 7.9 times more than those in the bottom 40%. Households headed
by whites and Indians/Asians experienced their lowest levels of inequality in 2011, with their Palma
ratios being 2.2 and 3.2, respectively.
A very interesting fact that was observed in the national data, is that within-group inequality,
particularly for black African- and coloured-headed households are increasing, from 3.9 and 4.5 in
2006 to 4.8 and 4.6 in 2015, respectively. This is one of the main contributors to the high levels of
inequality in the country (Stats SA, 2019).
146
Indicator 10.2.1 Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by sex, age, and persons
with disabilities
Figure 10.2.1.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age
50.0
45.0
40.0
Percent (%)
35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
2006 2009 2011 2015
0 - 17 yrs 42.7 44.3 47.1 43.5
18 - 24 yrs 36.3 39.7 42.9 38.4
25 - 34 yrs 23.4 27.4 30.6 28.9
35 - 44 yrs 23.4 24.6 25.9 24.0
45 - 54 yrs 24.1 26.4 25.8 23.3
55 - 64 yrs 22.3 26.6 26.5 23.4
65 + yrs 23.3 26.6 26.1 21.1
All groups 32.6 35.0 37.0 33.5
Source: IES 2006 & 2011, LCS 2009 & 2015, Stats SA
Figure 10.2.1.1 shows that the highest proportions of people living below 50% of the median income
per capita among the age cohorts was for the child population (0–17 years) at above 42.0% across the
four data points. The proportion of children living below 50% of the median income per capita was
approximately twice the percentage of pensioners (aged 65+). It is not unexpected for the proportion
of pensioners living below 50% of the median income per capita to be among the lowest proportions,
as the old-age grant was set at R1 410 per month in 2015, which is R613 higher than 50% of the median
income per capita threshold of R797 per month. The figure further shows that 43.5% of children in
South Africa were living below 50% of the median income per capita in 2015, which is 10,0 percentage
points higher than the national rate of 33.5%. In 2015, 38.4% of 18–24-year-olds and 28.9% of 25–34-
year-olds were living below 50% of the median income per capita. This illustrates the greater
disadvantage that the youth also face in South Africa.
Figure 10.2.1.2: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by sex
45
38.8
40 36.6 35,0 37,0
34.6 35,0 35.1 33.5
32.6 33.4 31.8
35 30.5
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2006 2009 2011 2015
Male Female RSA
Source: IES 2006 & 2011 and LCS 2009 & 2015, Stats SA
147
In 2015, 31.8% of males in South Africa were living below 50% of the median income per capita
compared to 35.1% of females. The proportions for females living below 50% of the median income
per capita remained higher than the respective national proportion over all four data points, while the
proportions for males living below 50% of the median income per capita remained lower. There is a
difference between female and male proportions, with the largest difference occurring in 2006 at just
4.1 percentage points. The difference narrowed over the decade, reaching 3.3 percentage points in
2015. There continued to be a gender bias between males and females which supports the argument
that women bear a disproportionate burden of unemployment, constitute the majority of casual or
contract workers, generally occupy low-wage job positions, and are poorly represented in senior and
top management positions.
Indicator 10.3.1 Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or
harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under
international human rights law.
Figure 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting some type of discrimination

8 6.8
7
6
Percent (%)
5
4
3 2.5
2.0 1.6
2 1.5 1.5 1.3
0.9 1.0 0.7 0.9
1 0.1 0.5
0
Source: GPSJS 2018/19, Stats SA
The data collected on reported forms of discrimination reflects an ongoing commitment to tracking,
measuring, and reporting on human rights violations. The data suggests that various forms of race-
based discrimination (6.8%) remain the most prevalent form of discrimination reported in South Africa
and indicate that greater effort needs to be made to achieve the NDP objective of social cohesion.
Reported discrimination on the grounds of gender or sex is low (0.9) and given prevailing norms around
gender and sexual orientation suggest that women and LGBTQI+ communities remain hesitant to
report discrimination. The second most reported form of discrimination relates to language or dialect,
which suggests that issues related to language remain contested despite recognition of 11 official
languages in South Africa. This indicator also covers Indicator 16.b.1.
148
Indicator 10.4.1 Labour share of GDP
Figure 10.4.1: Labour share of GDP in South Africa 2007 to 2021

60%
47 48 49 49 49 49 49 49 48
50% 44 45 45 46 46 46
40%
Percent (%)
30%
20%
10%
0%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Share of GDP (%)
Source: Gross Domestic Product 2021, Stats SA
The labour share of GDP in South Africa has remained relatively constant since 2007, although the
drop in 2020/21 is likely due to labour market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its
aftermath. A worrying effect of declining labour shares can be that improvements in macroeconomic
performance may not translate into commensurate improvements in personal incomes of households.
Historically in South Africa a higher capital share is associated with higher inequality in the personal
distribution of income. If the trend in declining labour share continues this may have a disruptive effect
on labour relations in South Africa, which has a long history of labour movement activism. This could
potentially have political consequences if it erodes support for market-oriented economic policies or
unravels the long-standing tripartite relationship between labour, government and the private sector
is South Africa. Importantly, trends in labour shares negatively affect the main macroeconomic
aggregates, namely household consumption, private sector investment, net exports and government
consumption (ILO 2015). In South Africa explanations for changes in labour shares include an
expanding informal sector, technological change, globalization, financial markets, product and labour
market institutions, the bargaining power of labour and unemployment. According to the OECD (2015)
declining labour shares are frequently associated with more income inequality because capital is more
concentrated than labour endowments.
Indicator 10.6.1D The number of international organisations in which South Africa has membership
and voting rights
According to the UN’s charter, SDG 10.6.1D is based on a principle of sovereign equality of all its
member states and assesses the extent to which member states are equally represented in various
international organisations. As per the 2019 SDG Country Report, South Africa has membership and
voting rights in 8 out of 11 major international organisations. This indicator also covers Indicator
16.8.1D.
149
Indicator 10.7.4D Proportion of the population who are refugees in South africa per 100,000 of the
South African population.
Figure 10.7.4D: Proportion of the population who are refugees in South africa per 100,000 of the South
African population.
180.000
162.518
156.041
160.000 143.607
133.938
Proportion per 100 000
140.000 129.266 125.927

120.000
100.000
80.000
60.000
40.000
20.000
0.000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Data source: Department of Home Affiars 2022, mid-year population estimates2022, Stats SA
As seen in figure 10.7.4D, the number of refugees decreased from 162 518 in 2016 to 125 927 in 2021,
per 100 000 of the South African population.
Indicator 10.c.1D Inward and outward remittance flows
Figure 10.c.1D: Inward and outward remittance flows

1 600
1 423
1 353 1 320
1 400
1 158 1 182
1 200 1 070 1 085 1 094 1 098 1 052 1 066 1 019
1 033
971 980
1 000 913 897 874 929 890 921 927
Amount in USD
825 811
755
800
600
400
200
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Inward remittance flows Outward remittance flows
Data source: 2022, World Bank
As shown in Figure 10.c.1D, the remittance received is lower than the amounts received during the
period 2010 to 2021. The remittance received saw an increase in 2011 from $1 070 to $1 1 58,
thereafter the value saw a decline till 2016, followed by a slight increase in values. Remittance sent
from the country followed a similar trend to that of the amounts received across the years reported.
150

2019 (or
Latest
Baseline nearest
value year)
value
value
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
Target
By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average
10.1
4,8 5,0 5,5
Male
(2009) (2011) (2015)
Bottom 6,5 6,8 6,9
Female
40% (2009) (2011) (2015)
4,7 4,9 5,3
RSA
(2009) (2011) (2015)
42,2 44,0 44,8
Male
(2009) (2011) (2015)
Middle 34,9 36,9 38,1
Female
50% (2009) (2011) (2015)
37,9 39,3 40,8
Growth rates of household expenditure or income per RSA
(2009) (2011) (2015)
10.1.1 capita among the bottom 40 per cent of the population
53 51,0 49,7
and the total population Male
(2009) (2011) (2015)
58,7 56,3 55,0
Top 10% Female
(2009) (2011) (2015)
57,4 55,8 53,9
RSA
(2009) (2011) (2015)
11,0 10,2 9,0
Male
(2009) (2011) (2015)
Palma 9,1 8,3 8,0
Female
ratio (2009) (2011) (2015)
12,2 11,5 10,2
RSA
(2009) (2011) (2015)
Target
Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income, by sex, age and persons with disabilities
10.2
33,4 35,0 31,8
Males
(2009) (2011) (2015)
Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median 36,6 38,8 35,2
10.2.1 Income per capita Females
income, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (2009) (2011) (2015)
35,0 36,9 33,5
RSA
(2009) (2011) (2015)
Target Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate
10.3 legislation, policies and action in this regard
Race 6,8
(2018)
Nationality 1,5
(2018)
Poverty or wealth status 2,0
(2018)
Ethnic/tribal group 1,6
(2018)
Language or dialect 2,5
(2018)
Sex or gender 0,9
Proportion of population reporting having personally (2018)
felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous Political affiliation 1,0
10.3.1
12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination (2018)
prohibited under international human rights law Religion 1,5
(2018)
Education status 1,3
(2018)
Sexual orientation 0,1
(2018)
Disability 0,5
(2018)
Region/province of origin 0,7
(2018)
Age 0,9
(2018)
Target
Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
10.4
49,1 48,9 46,2
10.4.1 Labour share of GDP Labour share %
(2015) (2018) (2021)
Target 10.6 Ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in decision making in global international economic and financial instituitions in order to
deliver more effective, credible, accountable and legitimate instituitions
The number of international organisations in which
10.6.1D x x x
South Africa has membership and voting rights
Target Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration
10.7 policies
Proportion of the population who are refugees in South 162,5 133,9 125,9
10.7.4.D Proportion per 100 000
Africa per 100,000 of the South African population. (2016) (2019) (2021)
Target
By 2030, reduce to less than 3% the transaction cost of migrant remittance and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5%
10.c
151
2019 (or
Latest
Baseline nearest
value year)
value
value
825 890 1 019
Inward remittance flows (USD)
(2015) (2019) (2022)
10.c.1D Inward and outward remittance flows
980 1 052 1 066
Outward remittance flows (USD)
(2015) (2019) (2021)
4.10.3 Synthesis
In post-apartheid South Africa inequality has remained stubbornly high and has in fact increased.
Extreme economic inequalities persist, and post-apartheid governments have struggled to overcome
the challenges of the dual economy system. The richest 10% of the South African population own over
80.0% of household wealth, while over half the population have more liabilities than assets. While
Black South Africans have outnumbered Whites in the richest 10% of the population over the past
decade, the gap between South Africa’s richest and poorest hasn’t narrowed as the decline in racial
inequality has been driven almost entirely by a surge in the top black incomes rather than increased
wealth for the poorest (World Inequality Report, 2022). This means that consumption growth
continues to stagnate and is skewed towards the richer segments of society. A lack of social mobility
erodes people’s perceptions of fairness and their trust in society, which in turn undermines the social
stability needed to generate prosperity.
By far the most prominent driver of income inequality in South Africa is wage inequality. The wage
Gini, a measure of wage inequality, rose from 58 in 1995 to 69 in 2014. The wage distribution remains
problematic, with growth in earnings at the bottom of the distribution was hovering around 2.0% per
year on average. Right in the middle of the distribution, workers were experiencing an average growth
rate of zero or even slightly negative growth. South Africa is characterized by high wealth inequality
and economic polarization, particularly across labour markets. Inequality of opportunity is also a
challenge and is determined by factors such as race, inter-generational poverty, education, and
patterns of internal and cross-border migration. The level of excessive inequality in South Africa
hampers long-term growth and a more equitable spread of the country’s resources. Inequality has
long-lasting negative effects on economic growth through channels such as political and social
instability, crime and corruption, weaker incentives for human capital formation, and ineffective
institutions.
152
GOAL 11
MAKE CITIES AND HUMAN SETTLEMENT INCLUSIVE, SAFE,
RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE
12.3% of the urban

population in South
Africa live in
informal dwellings
Page
179
Annual mean levels of

fine particulate
matter in cities was 50
PM10 and 26 PM2.5
South Africa has
adopted 13 Disaster
Risk Reduction
strategies
Page
180
Page
182
153
4.11 SDG 11: Make cities and human settlement inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
SDG 11 aims to create sustainable cities and communities that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and
sustainable. SDG 11 recognises that cities are growing at an unprecedented rate, with more than half
of the world's population currently living in urban areas. SDG 11 highlights the need for affordable
housing, sustainable transport, access to green and public spaces, and the preservation of cultural and
natural heritage. Achieving SDG 11 is critical for building sustainable and liveable cities that can
support the well-being and prosperity of their residents while also safeguarding the planet.
To address issues like urbanisation, climate change, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure, a multi-
stakeholder approach that encompasses governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals
must be used. In South Africa, the government primarily participates in policy formation and offers
support for local initiatives and programmes. The commercial sector contributes money to support
programmes and initiatives that are part of a commitment to the community and the environment.
While some academic and research organisations are dedicated to green projects like the creation of
green buildings, others focus on relevant research areas.
A key challenge that impacts progress on SDG 11 is the inadequate and unreliable provision of energy.
Unfortunately, low-income households are particularly affected, as they often resort to alternative
energy sources such as solid fuels and paraffin. This not only poses a health hazard to the individuals
themselves but also exacerbates air pollution.
Increased inflation results in higher prices, while the cost of basic service delivery also increases. This
means that people have less purchasing power, affecting access to capital for home loans.
Environmental forces such as recent flooding caused large-scale damage to infrastructure and affected
access to basic service delivery, impacting the achievement of SDG 11.
To promote sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for urban residents, it is crucial
to improve access to affordable housing, transportation, green spaces, and cultural heritage.
Prioritising the needs of marginalised and vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly,
persons with disabilities, and those living in informal settlements, is essential. By working together,
we can create a more liveable and sustainable future that benefits everyone.

Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
11.1 By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
11.2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road
safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable
situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons
11.3 By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and
sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
11.5 By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially
decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including
water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations
154
Indicator 11.5.1 is covered under Goal 1, indicator 1.5.1D
11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to
air quality and municipal and other waste management
11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for
women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities
11.a Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by
strengthening national and regional development planning
11.b By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing
integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change,
resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels
Indicator 11.b.1 is covered under Goal 1, indicator 1.5.3D
11.c Support least developed countries, including through financial and technical assistance, in building sustainable
and resilient buildings utilizing local materials
Indicator 11.1.1D1: Percentage of urban population living in informal dwellings
Figure 11.1.1D1: Percentage of urban population living in informal dwellings

15 12.7 12.6 13.1 12.7
12.2 11.7 12.3
11.4
Percent (%)
10
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
As shown in Figure 11.1.1D1, the percentage of the urban population living in informal dwellings
remained relatively stable between 2015 and 2022. This indicates a need for an improvement to
ensure that more people have access to adequate housing and informal dwellings be upgraded.
Indicator 11.1.1D2: Percentage of urban residents having access to basic services within informal
dwellings by type of service
Figure 11.1.1D2: Percentage of urban residents having access to basic services within informal dwellings by type
of service, 2014 to 2017
100
Percent (%)
80
60
40
20
0
Electricity Refuse removal Improved Sanitation Improved Water
2014 77.6 62.2 64.3 95.8
2015 73.9 59.3 56.8 93.1
2016 78.4 60 59.8 92.4
2017 78.4 60.6 59.3 92.7
2014 2015 2016 2017
155
As indicated above, there was a slight increase in access to electricity between 2014 and 2017.
Although access to refuse removal, sanitation, and water fluctuated over the period, there has been a
general decrease when comparing 2017 with 2014. With a 5.0 percentage point decrease observed
over the period, access to sanitation has seen the most significant decline. The decrease noted can be
attributed to several reasons, including the rise in population, the formation of additional informal
settlements, and the deterioration in municipal infrastructure, among others.
Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate
Figure 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate (LCRPGR), 2006 and 2011
1.00
0.90 0.81
0.80 0.69
0.70
LCRPGR
0.60
0.50
0.40 0.36
0.28
0.30
0.20
0.04 0.07 0.04 0.03
0.10 0.02 0.01
0.00
2006 2011
National < 100 000 100 000 - 250 000 250 000 - 1 000 000 > 1 000 000
Source: Annual Reports (n.d), South African National Space Agency
Figure 11.3.1 indicates the LCRPGR per urban area type with different densities as outlined by the
South African National Space Agency (SANSA, n.d.). For all urban types, except those with a population
between 100 000 and 250 000, the LCRPGR moved further away from one (optimal land use efficiency)
towards zero. This shows that land use efficiency is decreasing.
Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (i.e., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities
(population weighted)
Figure 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (i.e., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities, 2016 to
2021
60
50 51 50
50
40 34 34
μg/m³
28 27 26
30 24 23 25
19
20
10
0
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
PM10 PM2.5
Source: Functional and operational National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network 2021, DFFE
156
Figure 11.6.2 shows that the annual mean levels of both PM10 and PM2.5 have fluctuated over the
years. For PM10, this has increased from 28 micrograms per cubic metre in 2016 to 50 and 51
micrograms per cubic metre in the last three years (2019, 2020 and 2021), which exceeded the
National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) limit value of 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Levels
of PM2.5 has not followed the same pattern, increased only slightly from 24 micrograms per cubic metre
in 2016 to 26 micrograms per cubic meter by 2021. This highlights the need for effective measures to
reduce the levels of these pollutants and improve air quality in the country. Some measures to be
taken include the following:
 Policy intervention with specific reference to the levels of pollutants

 Implementation of emission standards specifically geared towards power plants and industrial
land uses.
 Reducing urban sprawl and increasing densities within already formalised areas and cities.
 Providing education surrounding pollutants and measures that can be implemented on an
operational level to curb pollution.
Indicator 11.6.2A: National Air Quality Indicator (NAQI)
Figure 11.6.2A: National Air Quality Indicator (NAQI), 2007 to 2021

1.40
1.23
1.17 1.15 1.12 1.14
1.20 1.12 1.12
0.96 0.95
1.00 0.91 0.95
0.82 0.77 0.77 0.81
0.80
NAQI
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Source: Functional and operational National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network 2021, DFFE
Between 2010 and 2018 (apart from 2012), the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
values remained below one, indicating that the concentration of particulates (PM10) and SO2 were
within the acceptable limits set by the NAAQS. On the other hand, prior to 2010 and since 2018, values
have been greater than one, indicating that the concentration of PM10 and/or SO2 exceeded acceptable
limits and the air quality in those years was regarded as harmful to human health and well-being.
Indicator 11.a.1: Number of countries that have national urban policies or regional development
plans that (a) respond to population dynamics; (b) ensure balanced territorial development; and (c)
increase local fiscal space
Indicator 11.a.1 looks at whether South Africa has policies that respond to population dynamics,
territorial development, and fiscal space. South Africa's broad developmental policies include the
National Development Plan (NDP) and Intergrated Development Plan (IDP), which responds to
population dynamics, territorial development and fiscal space.
157
Indicator 11.b.1D: Number of national and local disaster risk reduction strategies adopted by South
Africa
Based on the data received, South Africa had adopted 13 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies by
2015. Given the number of municipalities or districts in South Africa, this falls short of what is required
to ensure that all urban areas are prepared for risks stemming from a disaster.
158

Latest
Baseline 2019 (or nearest
Target Indicator Diassagregation and unit of measure available Status
value year) value
value
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Target
By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
11.1
Percentage of urban
11,7 12,6 12,2
11.1.1D1 population living in informal Percentage
(2015) (2016) (2017)
dwellings
73,9 78,4 78,4

Electricity Percentage
(2015) (2016) (2017)
Percentage of urban residents 59,3 60 60,6
having access to basic services Refuse removal Percentage
11.1.1D2 (2015) (2016) (2017)
within informal dwellings by 56,8 59,8 59,3
type of service Improved Sanitation Percentage
(2015) (2016) (2017)
93,1 92,4 92,7
Improved Water Percentage
(2015) (2016) (2017)
Target By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all
11.3 countries
0,3586
National 0.80897
(2001-2011)
(1996-2001)
0,68538 0,27512
< 100 000
(1996-2001) (2001-2011)
Ratio of land consumption
0,0382 0,03732
11.3.1 rate to population growth 100 000 - 250 000
(1996-2001) (2001-2011)
rate
0,06554 0,03498
250 000 - 1 000 000
(1996-2001) (2001-2011)
0,01985 0,01118
> 1 000 000
(1996-2001) (2001-2011)
Target By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross
11.5 domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations
Number of deaths attributed
290 437 288
11.5.1D to disasters and other forces Total
(2013) (2016) (2018)
of nature.
Target
By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
11.6
28 50 50
Annual mean levels of fine PM10
(2016) (2019) (2021)
particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5
11.6.2
and PM10) in cities 24 27 26
PM2,5
(population weighted) (2016) (2019) (2021)
National Air Quality Indicator 0,77 0,95 1,14
11.6.2A PM10 and SO2
(NAQI) (2015) (2018) (2021)
Target
Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
11.a
Number of countries that X X X
National Development Plan (NDP)
have national urban policies (2015) (2019) (2022)
or regional development plans
11.a.1 that (a) respond to population
X X X
dynamics; (b) ensure balanced Intergrated Development Plan (IDP)
(2015) (2019) (2022)
territorial development; and
(c) increase local fiscal space
By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency,
Target
mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030,
11.b
holistic disaster risk management at all levels
Number of national and local

disaster risk reduction 13
11.b.1D Number
strategies adopted by South (2015)
Africa
159
4.11.3 Synthesis
SDG 11 aims to create sustainable cities and communities that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and
sustainable. Achieving this goal requires a multi-stakeholder approach that involves governments, civil
society, the private sector, and individuals working together to address challenges such as
urbanisation, climate change, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure. South Africa has made limited
progress towards achieving SDG 11, with only a few indicators showing some improvement. The
government is mainly involved in developing policies and assists with initiatives and programmes
implemented locally. Several policies provide guidelines to enact plans on a local level. However,
progress is primarily hindered by the slow implementation of programmes and plans, such as risk
reduction strategies and policies focused on regulations and adherence to waste management and
recycling.
Unreliable energy provision, inflation rates, unemployment and poverty, and environmental factors
have had significant impacts on South Africa's progress towards SDG 11. Inconsistent energy provision
leads to a lack of access to energy, resulting in the burning of solid fuels and paraffin, negatively
affecting air quality. Increased inflation and the rising cost of basic service delivery reduce people's
purchasing power, affecting access to capital for home loans. Environmental impacts, such as flooding
events, may cause damage to infrastructure and affect access to basic service delivery. It is crucial to
address these issues to achieve sustainable development in South Africa.
160
GOAL 12
ENSURE SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
PATTERNS
National recycling
rate in South Africa
was 0.6% in 2021
Page
189
South Africa has

produced seven TSA
tables from 2007-
2019
Volume of hazardous
waste generated was
40.2 Mt in 2021
Page
189
Page
189
161
4.12 SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
SDG 12 focuses on promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, and is critical for
achieving sustainable development, especially within the context of the current climate crisis and the
need to adapt to climate change. As such, the goal is inherently based on the advancement of
technological capacity, resource efficiency and reduced waste generation. The long-term viability of
the South Africa economy and society depends on its ability to shift towards sustainable consumption
and production patterns. SDG 12 calls for the implementation of comprehensive actions by businesses,
consumers, and policymakers to shift towards sustainable practices. Reaching sustainable
consumption and production patterns is highly reliant on collaboration between the public and private
sectors.
South Africa faces several socio-economic challenges that hinder its attainment of SDG 12. These
include restrained economic growth, the state of local municipalities, an increasing population and a
lack of consumer participation and awareness. Although economic growth often adversely affects
sustainability, it is a necessary element that facilitates the transition and attainment thereof. To
facilitate the country’s efforts towards attaining sustainability, higher levels of economic growth are
necessary. However, the economic performance of the South African economy is significantly
restrained by recurring loadshedding and fluctuations in international markets given its reliance on
activity within the primary sector. Essentially, South Africa’s inability to reach and maintain the
necessary level of economic growth is central to its inability to attain sustainability. South Africa also
faces many environmental challenges such as water scarcity and the prevalence of linear waste
management practices. The latter is considered an environmental challenge given the threat it poses
to ecosystems, which subsequently impacts sustainability efforts.
Despite the above, sustainability efforts have been integrated in South Africa to a significant extent by
various agents such as national government, provincial and local government, private sector, research
entities and academia, and community-based entities. This suggests an overall willingness to shift
towards sustainable production and consumption patterns and further emphasises the importance of
collaboration. These efforts may also be crucial in facilitating consumer participation and awareness,
which is considered the cornerstone of achieving sustainability.

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
12.1 Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, all
countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and
capabilities of developing countries
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
Indicator 12.2.1 is covered under Goal 8, indicator 8.4.1
Indicator 12.2.2 is covered under Goal 8, indicator 8.4.2
12.3 By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along
production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
162
12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life
cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water
and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to
integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable
development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
Indicator 12.8.1 is covered under Goal 4, indicator 4.7.1 and Goal 13, Indicator 13.3.1
12.a Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more
sustainable patterns of consumption and production
Indicator 12.a.1 is covered under Goal 7, indicator 7.b.1
12.b Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that
creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
12.c Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market
distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out
those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the
specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their
development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities
No data available for this indicator
Indicator 12.1.1D: Number of policies being developing, adopted or policy instruments implemented
aimed at supporting the shift to sustainable consumption and production
In 2012, South Africa adopted the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption
and Production Patterns (10YFP) at the World Summit on Sustainable Development. The 10YFP is a
global framework to enhance international cooperation to accelerate the shift towards sustainable
consumption and production in both developed and developing countries, including measures that
support capacity building and improve access to technical and financial assistance for developing
countries (UNEP, 2013).
Apart from the 10YFP, South Africa has also developed specific instruments and targets that support
the attainment of sustainable consumption and production, in addition to the monitoring thereof. In
2019, the following instruments or targets were adopted or developed:
 South Africa’s 4th Biennial Update Report

 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which was updated in 2021
 Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill of 2021
 Sectoral Emission Targets (SETs) Framework
 Company-level carbon budget
 Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill of 2021
More recently, South Africa introduced its National Climate Change Bill, of which the purpose is to
enable the development of an effective response to climate change while facilitating a just transition
to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy over the long term.
163
Indicator 12.4.2: (a) Hazardous waste generated per capita; and (b) proportion of hazardous waste
treated, by type of treatment
Figure 12.4.2.1: Hazardous waste generated per capita, kilograms, 2018-2021

1
0.78
0.8 0.68 0.67
Kilograms
0.6 0.65
0.4
0.2
0
2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Tonnage Reports 2022, SAWIC; Mid-year population estimates 2021, Stats SA
Overall, hazardous waste generated per capita in South Africa remained relatively constant over the
assessment period, with minor variations recorded in 2019 and 2020. In 2021, hazardous waste
generated per capita stood at 0.67 kilograms. The decline from 2019 to 2020 may be attributed to the
COVID-19 pandemic, which diminished household consumption and reduced industrial activity.
Figure 12.4.2.2 illustrates the volumes of hazardous waste treated in South Africa per treatment type
between 2018 and 2021 as per SAWIC (Tonnage Reports, 2022) data.
Figure 12.4.2.2: Proportion of hazardous waste treated (by type of treatment), tonnes, 2018-2021
1000 000.0
900 000.0
800 000.0
700 000.0
Tonnes
600 000.0
500 000.0
400 000.0
300 000.0
200 000.0
100 000.0
-
2018 2019 2020 2021
Biological 16 330.1 15 265.5 11 780.0 19 330.0
Physical 678 242.4 866 656.3 74 607.4 305 527.2
Chemical 300 748.6 174 475.3 23 649.6 60 561.1
Thermal 202 955.7 444 197.0 777 894.6 206 391.3
Source: Tonnage Reports 2022, SAWIC
In 2018, physical treatment of hazardous waste was the dominant method of treating hazardous
waste, with nearly 700 000.0 tonnes of hazardous waste being physically treated during the year. This
was followed by chemical treatment (300 748.6 tonnes) and thermal treatment (202 955.7 tonnes).
The overall treatment of hazardous waste increased substantially in 2019, driven mainly by thermal
and physical treatment increases. After that, in 2020, hazardous waste treatment declined across all
treatment types, apart from thermal treatment.
As previously mentioned, this may be ascribed to reduced industrial activity due to the COVID-19
pandemic. In 2021, volumes of hazardous waste treated recovered across all treatment types apart
from thermal treatment.
164
Although substantial volumes of hazardous waste are treated in South Africa, they should be
considered relative to the annual volumes. In 2018, 39.2 Mt of hazardous waste was generated, which
increased to 45.7 Mt in 2019. The volume of hazardous waste generated declined to 38.9 Mt in 2020
before rising to 40.2 Mt in 2021. As such, hazardous waste treatment in South Africa is low relative to
the volumes generated annually.
Indicator 12.5.1D: Percentage of municipal waste generated that is recycled
Figure 12.5.1D: Percentage of municipal waste recycled, 2015 - 2021

2.0
1.5 1.3
1.1
Percent (%)
1.0 0.8 0.9

0.7 0.6
0.5
0.3
0.0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: SAWIS 2022, DFFE
In 2015, 1.3% of municipal waste generated in South Africa was recycled. However, since 2015, the
national recycling rate trended downward to a low of 0.3% in 2017. Although a slight recovery is
evident over the remainder of the assessment period, the national recycling rate stood at 0.6% in 2021.
It may therefore be concluded that the recycling of waste in South Africa remains significantly below
the volumes of municipal waste generated on an annual basis. Thus, it is unlikely that South Africa will
meaningfully improve waste recycling rates by 2030, which impedes its ability to attain sustainable
consumption and production.
Indicator 12.b.1: Implementation of standard accounting tools to monitor the economic and
environmental aspects of tourism sustainability
This indicator assesses the degree of development in South Africa of the Tourism Satelite Account
(TSA) and System of Environmental and Economic Accounts (SEEA) tables. From 2007 to 2019, the
following seven TSA tables were produced by South Africa each year:
 TSA Table 1 on inbound tourism expenditure

 TSA Table 2 on domestic tourism expenditure
 TSA Table 3 on outbound tourism expenditure
 TSA Table 4 on internal tourism expenditure
 TSA Table 5 on production accounts of tourism industries
 TSA Table 6 on domestic supply and internal tourism consumption
 TSA Table 7 on employment in tourism industries
The SEEA seeks to measure the links between the environment and the economy regarding water and
energy flows, in addition to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and solid waste. From 2007 until 2013,
South Africa produced the SEEA table depicting energy flows. From 2012 until 2016, the country
165
produced the SEEA table showing water flows. No SEEA tables on GHG emissions and solid waste were
produced over the period. Furthermore, it should be noted that no SEEA tables were created post-
2016. As such, it may be concluded that the country has an outdated understanding of resource flows
throughout the economy, which may impede its decoupling of economic growth and environmental
degradation in its efforts towards sustainability.
166

Disaggregation and unit of 2019 (or nearest year) Latest
Target Indicator Baseline value Status
measure value available value
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the
Target 12.1
lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries
1. South Africa’s 4th
Biennial Update Report.
2. Nationally
Determined
South Africa adopted
Contribution (NDC). 3.
the 10-Year Framework
Marine Pollution
of Programmes on
Number of policies developing, adopted (Prevention of Pollution
Sustainable National
or policy instruments implemented from Ships) Amendment
12.1.1D Consumption and Climate Change
aimed at supporting the shift to Bill of 2021. 4.Sectoral
Production (10YFP) in Bill
sustainable consumption and production Emission Targets (SETs)
2012 at the World
Framework. 5.
Summit on Sustainable
Company-level carbon
Development.
budgets .5.Marine
Pollution (Prevention of
Pollution from Ships)
Amendment Bill of 2021
Target 12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
Material footprint (Tonnes, 446,449 442,4976 442,3026
Millions) (2015) (2017) (2019)
Material footprint, material footprint per
12.2.1
capita, and material footprint per GDP Material footprint per capita 8,0606 7,7618 7,5532
(Kilograms in Thousands) (2015) (2017) (2019)
Domestic material consumption, 709,2 721,5 695,4

DMC tonnes
domestic material consumption per (2015) (2017) (2019)
12.2.2
capita, and domestic material 12,8 12,7 11,9
DMC tonnes per capita
consumption per GDP (2015) (2017) (2019)
By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and
Target 12.4
significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
0,68 0,65 0,67
Generated per capita
(2018) (2020) (2021)
16 330,07 11 779,98 19 330,02
Biological
(2018) (2020) (2021)
(a) Hazardous waste generated per
12.4.2 capita; and (b) proportion of hazardous 678 242,39 74 607,36 305 527,20
Type of Physical
waste treated, by type of treatment (2018) (2020) (2021)
treatment 300 748,64 23 649,56 60 561,08
Chemical
(2018) (2020) (2021)
202 955,67 777 894,58 206 391,34
Thermal
(2018) (2020) (2021)
Target 12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
Percentage of municipal waste 1,32% 0,83% 0,58%

12.5.1D Percentage
generated that is recycled. (2015) (2018) (2021)
Target 12.8 By 2030 ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
X X X
National education
(2017) (2019) (2022)
X X X
Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for Curricula
(2017) (2019) (2022)
12.8.1 sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education
X X X
policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment Teacher education
(2017) (2019) (2022)
X X X
Student assessment
(2017) (2019) (2022)
Target 12.a Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production
0,041 0,070 0,098
12.a.1 Installed renewable energy-generating capacity (PER CAPITA) National
(2015) (2019) (2022)
Target 12.b Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
Total
Tourism
number of 7 7 7
Satellite
tables (2013) (2016) (2019)
Account (TSA)
produced
Implementation of standard accounting
System of
tools to monitor the economic and Total
12.b.1 Environmental
environmental aspects of tourism number of 2 1
and Economic
sustainability tables (2013) (2016)
Accounts
produced
(SEEA)
9 8 7
Grant total
(2013) (2016) (2019)
167
4.12.3 Synthesis
SDG 12 entails the attainment of sustainable consumption and production patterns. However,
achieving sustainability without sacrificing economic development is a delicate balance. In South
Africa, significant emphasis is placed on sustaining and improving livelihoods which often restrains its
pursuit of climate-related objectives. Nonetheless, providing such support is critical.
In terms of South Africa's attainment of SDG 12 and its respective targets, minimal progress has been
made. This may be attributed to a myriad of factors, such as limited financial resources, inadequate
consumer awareness and participation, and insufficient recycling capabilities, which hinders the
recovery of valuable resources and the continued dependence on fossil fuels with minimal recovery.
Waste management in South Africa still largely follows a linear approach, resulting in the loss of useful
materials which may be reused. This is evident when evaluating the country’s progress towards
reducing its material footprint, which, on average, remained relatively stable suggesting little to no
improvement in the reuse of resources. This is further showcased in a near-constant MF per capita
over the evaluation period. Although the country’s total and per capita material footprint did not
change significantly over the evaluation period, despite continued population increases, it does not
suggest a more efficient use of resources but rather a potential deterioration in living standards. As
such, the country needs to strike a delicate balance between sustainably improving living standards,
while decoupling the intensity of resource extraction.
This is also evident in the country’s per capita generation of hazardous waste and the treated volumes
of hazardous waste annually. Hazardous waste generated per capita has also remained relatively
constant over the evaluation period, while the volumes of hazardous waste treated have remained
significantly below the volumes generated annually. This further suggests a blunted shift towards the
implementation of a circular economy.
South Africa’s national recycling rate remains significantly below annual volumes of municipal waste
generated. This showcases an inadequate recovery of valuable recyclable material that may be used
as inputs in the generation of new products.
As such, and within this context, low recycling rates are anticipated to restrain South Africa’s ability to
attain sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Although South Africa has made significant progress towards creating an enabling environment that
facilitates the attainment of SDG 12, little progress has been made in the shift towards sustainability.
However, the country faces the challenge of implementing climate change adaptation measures while
addressing prevailing socio-economic conditions and poor economic performance.
168
GOAL 13
TAKE URGENT ACTION TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS
IMPACTS
Per capita CO2

emissions have
decreased to 7.42 Mt
CO2 emissions per
capita
Page
196
South Africa has mobilised

significant funds to support
climate change mitigation
and adaptation
South Africa has made
significant progress in
refining its policy and
legal framework for
disaster risk reduction Page
198
Page
195
169
4.13 SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
SDG 13 aims to drive action for combatting climate change. Government capacity and societal
resilience to climate extremes are important components which determine the level of vulnerability
to which development projects have to respond, to achieve reduced future climate related risks. The
measurement of SDG 13 targets supports the identification and implementation of processes that
enable socio-cultural and economic resilience to primary climate impacts (e.g., high temperatures
affecting crops) as well as secondary climate impacts (e.g., a need to amend town planning schemes,
infrastructure design or operations due to changes in flood characteristics).
South Africa is already experiencing the effects of climate change. In large portions of the country, the
observed rate of warming is 2°C per century or higher, in the order of twice the global rate of
temperature increase (The Republic of South Africa, 2020). Rainfall trends between 1960 and 2010
have shown high inter-annual variability and a tendency towards a significant decrease in the number
of rain days implying a tendency towards an increase in the intensity of rainfall events and increased
duration of dry spells (DEA, 2013). The effects of climate change are disproportionately severe on
those living in poverty and as such there is a high level of vulnerability to the impacts of climate change
in South Africa.
In order to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate, South Africa has developed a range of
legislation, policies, strategies and plans. As such, South Africa is pursuing a low-carbon growth
strategy and aims to build the country's resilience to climate change as intended under SDG 13.

Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation,
adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
13.a Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to
address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on
implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
This target is not applicable to South Africa
13.b Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in
least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local
and marginalized communities
This target is not applicable to South Africa
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Indicator 13.1.2D: Number of national and local disaster risk reduction strategies adopted by South
Africa
This is the domesticated version of Indicator 13.1.2 Number of countries that adopt and implement
national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
2015–2030. In 2015, South Africa had adopted 13 national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
South Africa has made significant progress in refining its policy and legal framework for disaster risk
reduction and institutionalising implementation arrangements. The Constitution (1996) grants the
primary responsibility for disaster management to the government through Section 41(I)(b) that
stipulates that all spheres of government are required to “secure the well-being of the people of the
Republic”. Additionally, disaster management is a functional area in Part A of Schedule 4 of the
Constitution, meaning that both the national and provincial spheres of government are competent to
develop and execute laws within this area and have powers and responsibilities in relation to disaster
management.
South Africa was an early adopter of a more proactive approach to disaster management that focuses
on disaster risk management (DRM) through adaptation, prevention, and mitigation. The Disaster
Management Act (Act 57 of 2002) and Amendment Bill, along with the National Disaster Management
Framework (2005), provide guidelines and recommendations that aim to achieve more effective
disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. The Act makes provision for National, Provincial
and Municipal Disaster Management Centres to enable the implementation of disaster risk
management policy and legislation and the integration and co-ordination of disaster risk management
activities. In addition to providing the legislative framework for DRM across all spheres, South Africa
has also developed several tools to support climate change adaptation. Examples of these are The
Green Book (CSIR, 2019) and the South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas (SARVA) (SAEON, 2021).
Overall, South Africa has developed proactive legislation that is aligned with international best
practice, with the national disaster management framework placing explicit emphasis on disaster risk
reduction. This empowers DRM at all spheres across government. Various tools and reference
materials have been developed to support government and parastatals to identify
locations/geographies vulnerable to climate impacts, intervention options, and potential climate
adaptation projects. In line with this focussed move, in 2015 already, South Africa had adopted no less
than 13 national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
171
Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries with nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies,
national adaptation plans and adaptation communications, as reported to the secretariat of the
UNFCCC
Table 13.2.1: South Africa’s climate change documents submitted to the UNFCCC
Document Type South Africa’s Submission Date
National Adaptation Plan National Climate Change Adaptation Plan August 2020
Long term strategy South Africa’s Low Emission Development Strategy February 2020
2050
Adaptation communication First Nationally Determined Contribution Under the September 2021
Paris Agreement
National communication Third National Communication March 2017
South Africa has recently updated its nationally determined contribution, long-term strategy, national
adaptation plans and adaptation communications which are all available on the UNFCCC website as
shown in the table above.
Indicator 13.2.2 Total greenhouse gas emissions per year
Figure 13.2.2: South Africa’s annual greenhouse gas emissions
500
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
400
(Mt CO2e)
300
200
100
0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
Source: GHG Inventory 2022, DFFE
GHG emissions increased from 2000 until 2009 and then proceeded to decrease. The 2020 GHG
emissions of 442 Mt CO2 emissions represent a minor decrease of 0.8% since 2000, however, the
emissions in 2020 are 20.0% lower than those in 2009. Per capita CO2 emissions have decreased to
7.42 Mt CO2 emissions per capita in 2020 from 10.22 Mt CO2 emissions per capita in 2000.
The carbon intensity of the economy has steadily decreased by 40.1% between 2000 and 2020, and
the intensity of energy supply (i.e. total net emissions per energy unit) has decreased by 32.3% over
the same period. These trends indicate that South Africa is making progress in its transition to a low-
carbon economy and that decarbonisation of the energy sector has the potential for an even more
significant impact on GHG emissions.
172
Indicator 13.3.1 Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable
development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education;
and (d) student assessment
UNESCO collects data for this goal through a reporting process as part of the implementation of the
1974 Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Co-operation and
Peace and Education relating to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom. Although South Africa has
not participated in the UNESCO reporting process, considerable effort has been made to promote and
mainstream sustainable development education.
Key laws and policies relating to global citizenship education and education for sustainable
development are summarised in the following table. The National Climate Change Response White
Paper (2011) includes the following activities of relevance to this target:
 Ensure that a holistic understanding of climate change and related issues (specifically the
required response to climate change) is included in all relevant aspects of formal education
curricula. This will prepare future generations for a rapidly changing planet and the transition
to a lower-carbon society and economy.
 Include climate change elements in the review of the National Skills Development Strategy
and ensure that all Sector Education and Training Authorities add climate change to priority
skills development programmes in the formal, informal and non-formal sectors of the
education and training system. This will be accompanied by requisite resource reallocation.
 Establish incentives for research and training such as bursaries to encourage students and
scholars to research and study climate change.
Table 13.3.1: Key laws and policies relating

Laws and Policies Description
White Paper on Education Section 20 of chapter 4 states that “environmental education, involving an
and Training (1995) inter-disciplinary, integrated, and active approach to learning, must be a
vital element of all levels and programmes of the education and training
system, to create environmentally literate and active citizens and ensure
that all South Africans, present and future, enjoy a decent quality of life
through the sustainable use of resources”.
Constitution (1996) Section 29 of the South African Constitution enshrines the right to education
Section 24 Bill of Rights and defines the positive responsibilities of the state in this respect.
White Paper on Goal 5 aims to “promote the environmental literacy, education and
Environmental empowerment of South Africa’s people. Increase their awareness of, and
Management Policy concern for, environmental issues; and assist in developing the knowledge,
(1998) skills, values and commitment necessary to achieve sustainable
development.” Furthermore, the policy aims to integrate environmental
education in all programmes, levels, curricula, and disciplines of formal and
non-formal education and in the National Qualification Framework.
National Climate Change Section 11 of this White Paper includes several actions that the government
Response White Paper will implement to use education to meet the challenge of climate change.
(2011)
173
The National Curriculum Statement for Grades R-12 includes the following environmental principle:
“Human rights, inclusivity, environmental and social justice: infusing the principles and practices of
social and environmental justice and human rights as defined in the Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa” (DBE, 2021). It aims to produce learners that are able to “use science and technology
effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others”
(DBE, 2021). The key subjects relevant to education for sustainable development are incorporated are
Life Sciences, Geography, and Life Orientation. Life Sciences includes content on biodiversity and
environmental impacts. Geography covers water management, sustainable development, and climate
change. Life Orientation incorporates the topic of environmental health.
The Fundisa for Change programme aims “to enhance and strengthen transformative Environment
and Sustainability Education and environmental learning through teacher education” (Fundisa for
Change, 2022). The Keep it Cool – Climate Change Education project by Fundisa for Change, in
partnership with the Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance and
GreenMatter, ran from 2019 to 2022 and aimed to fill the gap between policy and practice by training
Natural Sciences and Geography teachers from 100 schools in KwaZulu Natal, the Eastern Cape and
Limpopo to incorporate climate change education into the curriculum (Thomas, 2022).
Overall, although South Africa has not participated in the UNESCO reporting process for this target,
progress has been made for integrating global citizenship education and education for sustainable
development in policies, curricula and teacher education.
Indicator 13.a.1: Amounts provided and mobilised in United States dollars per year in relation to the
continued existing collective mobilization goal of the US$100 billion commitment through to 2025.
In South Africa’s 4th Biennial Update Report, climate finance means “all resources that finance the cost
of South Africa’s transition to a lower-carbon and climate resilient economy and society. This covers
both climate-specific and climate-relevant financial resources, public and private, domestic and
international. This includes financial resources that go towards reducing emissions and enhancing
sinks of greenhouse gases; reducing vulnerability, maintaining and increasing the resilience of human
and ecological systems to negative climate change impacts; climate-resilient and low-emission
strategies, plans and policies; climate research and climate monitoring systems; as well as climate
change capacity-building and technology.” (DFFE, 2021b).
South Africa has mobilised significant funds to support both climate change mitigation and
adaptation. This includes the following:
 In 2015 the International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimated a climate-smart investment

potential of US$ 588 billion in South Africa between 2016 and 2030 (IFC, 2016).
 In support of South Africa’s JET IP for the five-year period, 2023–2027, the International
Partners Group comprising the governments of France, Germany, United Kingdom, United
States, and the European Union has pledged US$8.5 billion. The total financing requirements
for the plan are US$1 480 billion.
 The Green Climate Fund (GCF) currently has US$180 million allocated to South Africa to
support eight projects through the accredited agencies of the Development Bank of Southern
Africa and SANBI (GCF, n.d.).
174
 The Adaptation Fund aims to provide funding to help developing countries improve their
resilience and adapt to climate change (Adaptation Fund, 2021). The fund has US$998 million
allocated to climate adaptation initiatives. South Africa has received US$10 million from the
fund for two projects through SANBI which is an accredited National Implementation Entity
(DFFE, 2023a). These are the uMngeni Resilience Project and the Community Adaptation Small
Grants Facility Project.
175

2019 (or
Latest
measure value year)
value
value
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts[a]
Target
Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
13.1
Number of deaths attributed to disasters and other forces 290 437 288
13.1.1D Total
of nature. (2013) (2016) (2018)
Number of national and local disaster risk reduction 13
13.1.2D Total strategies
strategies adopted by South Africa (2017)
Target
Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
13.2
National
National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2020)
Adaptation Plan
Number of countries with nationally determined Long term South Africa’s Low Emission Development Strategy
contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation strategy 2050 (2020)
13.2.1 plans and adaptation communications, as reported to the
secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Adaptation First Nationally Determined Contribution Under the
Climate Change communication Paris Agreement (2021)
National
Third National Communication (2017)
communication
503 479 442
GgCO2e 710,4 766,8 125,1
13.2.2 Total greenhouse gas emissions per year (2014) (2017) (2020)
503,7 479,8 442,1
MtCO2e
(2014) (2017) (2020)
Target Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction
13.3 and early warning
RSA Constitution(1996) Section 24 Bill of Rights

National
education National Environmental Management Act (1998)
Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii)
education for sustainable development are mainstreamed National Climate Change Response White paper (RSA 2011
13.3.1
in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher
education; and (d) student assessment Curricula South African National Curriculum (CAPS) 2012.
Teacher Framework for Quality Teaching in Sustainable Schools

education (Fundisa for Change (2012)
4.13.3 Synthesis
Of the six indicators applicable to South Africa for SDG 13, data was presented for four of the
indicators. This is an improvement from the 2019 report in which only one indicator was reported on.
South Africa has a comprehensive climate change policy landscape and has detailed plans and
strategies for reducing its GHG emissions.
Based on the latest GHG emissions data, South Africa has made progress towards achieving its 2030
target for indicator 13.2.2. South Africa’s GHG emissions increased from 2000 and peaked in 2009. By
2020, South Africa’s emissions had decreased by 20.0% relative to peak emissions in 2009 and
decreased by 0.8% since 2000. Per capita emissions have decreased from 10.22 Mt CO2 emissions per
capita in 2000 to 7.42 Mt CO2 emissions per capita in 2020, and the carbon intensity of the economy
has decreased by 40.1% between 2000 and 2020 (DFFE, 2022). South Africa is making good progress
at reducing GHG emissions and is on track to meet the 2030 targets of the NDC. The formation of the
Presidential Climate Commission in 2020 shows the commitment of the Presidency to making these
plans a reality.
176
GOAL 14
CONSERVE AND SUSTAINABLY USE THE OCEANS, SEAS AND
MARINE RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
South Africa has made

progress in reducing
certain types of marine
pollution
Page
205
South Africa has supported

global efforts to address
issues such as overfishing,
marine pollution, and the
impact of climate change
Mainland coastal
on the world's oceans
ecosystem types
increased in protection,
from 36.0% to 42.0%
Page
211
Page
209
177
4.14 SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable
development
SDG 14 aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, sea and marine resources for sustainable
development. South Africa has rich marine and coastal ecosystems that offer a range of economic,
cultural and ecological services (Kirkman, 2021). Coastal and marine biodiversity contribute
significantly to the benefit of people and the economy. The oceans and coasts support key sectors and
critical activity including coastal tourism, small-scale fishing, commercial fisheries and aquaculture,
shipping, ports and transport, marine manufacturing, and off-shore exploration and mining (Turpie,
2011). The marine environment is also an important site for a range of cultural and recreational
activities that are central to the wellbeing of a large proportion of South Africa’s people. South Africa
recognises that these resources should be managed in a way that is consistent with the principles of
sustainable development. As a result, South Africa is committed to the conservation and sustainable
development of oceans and marine resources.
South Africa has made great strides in policies and strategies to advance SDG 14 at a local level. An
example of this has been the development of the Ocean and Coastal Information Management System
(OCIMS) to provide reliable marine and coastal environment data. However, there are still significant
challenges to overcome, including marine pollution; illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing;
ocean acidification; and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Overall, the country’s oceans and coasts are under pressure from competing interests and demands
on natural resources. Improving the country’s ability to report on SDG 14 and its targets can contribute
to an improved knowledge of how to tackle these pressures and reduce negative impacts.

Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1 By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities,
including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts,
including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and
productive oceans
14.3 Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at
all levels
14.4 By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and
destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in
the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their
biological characteristics
14.5 By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international
law and based on the best available scientific information
14.6 By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing,
eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing
new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing
and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies
negotiation
178
14.7 By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from
the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture
and tourism
14.a Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account
the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine
Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the
development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.b Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.c Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law
as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the
conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we
want"
Indicator 14.1.1a: Index of coastal eutrophication (ICEP)
Figure 14.1.1a.1: Indicator for coastal eutrophication based on Phosphorus loading, 2015 – 2022
25.00
20.00
Percent (%)
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Year
SML SHBML NML KML

Linear (SML) Linear (SHBML) Linear (NML) Linear (KML)
Source: 2023, DFFE
The data shows a general increase in phosphorus concentration which can have several implications
for marine ecosystems. This can lead to an increase in the growth of primary producers, such as
phytoplankton, resulting in eutrophication, where excess nutrients fuel the growth of algae, leading
to algal blooms and subsequent oxygen depletion in the water (Ngatia, 2019). This can negatively
impact other organisms in the ecosystem, leading to a decrease in biodiversity, fish kills, and even the
formation of dead zones where many previously naturally occurring organisms cannot survive. The
data shows a general decrease in nitrogen. There is an overall indication of steady increase of coastal
eutrophication over time. This suggests that the achievement of the target to eliminate or substantially
reduce pollutants (eutrophication) by 2025 is unlikely (Larsen, 2021).
Samples were collected along four locations relative to the shoreline spanning the continental shelf
and slope between the following coordinates indicated in brackets below (Flynn, 2020). The
abbreviations for the monitoring points, as well as their geographic locations, are as follows:
 SML – Scarborough Monitoring Line (-34,15; 18,29 S to -34,56 17,24 E)

 SHBML – St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (from -32,29991667 S; 18,31166667 E to -32,683
S; 18,08833333 E)
179
 NML – Namaqua Monitoring Line (-30,553 S; 17,391E to -31,068 S; 15,113 E)
 KML – Kleinsee Monitoring Line (-29,384 S; 16,922 E to -30,139 S; 14,222 E
The SHBML and SML are respectively influenced by the Cape Columbine and Cape Peninsula
upwelling cells. The SHBML runs along 200km of Elands Bay on the west coast of South Africa (Ismail,
2017). The KML and NML are influenced by the Namaqua cell (Flynn, 2020).
Figure 14.1.1a.2: Indicator for coastal eutrophication based on Nitrogen loading, 2015 - 2022
40
30
Percent (%)
20
10
0
-10
-20
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Year
SML SHBML NML KML

Linear (SML) Linear (SHBML) Linear (NML) Linear (KML)
Source: 2023, DFFE
This finding is mirrored in the following figures where level 2 (nationally sourced) in-situ observations
are showing a similar trend of increase over time.
Figure 14.1.1a.3: In-situ observations of Phosphorus, 2015 – 2022
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
SML SHBML
Source: 2023, DFFE
180
Figure 14.1.1a.4: In-situ observations of Silica, 2015 - 2022
12
10
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
SML SHBML NML10 KML01
Source: 2023, DFFE
Indicator 14.1.1b: Plastic Debris Density
Figure 14.1.1b: Plastic ingested by Biota (Zooplankton)

90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Camps bay Queens beach Green Point Cape Town 1 Elands Bay 1 Elands Bay 2 Elands Bay 3
Beach Lighthouse
PE PVC PS PET PA-12
Source: 2023, DFEE
South Africa has made progress towards SDG 14.1 through national initiatives and policies aimed at
reducing marine pollution, such as the National Waste Management Strategy (2020) which guides the
implementation of waste management practices, including the reduction of marine debris from land-
based sources. Additionally, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has developed a
National Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation Bill and the National Oil Spill
Contingency Plan (NOSCP) to proactively enhance preparedness management of marine pollution
incidents to lessen their impact on the environment (Cape Business News, 2021). In terms of specific
achievements, South Africa has made progress in reducing some types of marine pollution. For
example, a ban on the manufacture, import and sale of products containing microbeads (tiny plastic
particles) was implemented in 2019 (Climate Carbon and Environmental Legal Consulting, 2020), which
has reduced microplastic pollution entering South Africa's waterways and oceans (Bezerra, 2021).
181
South Africa has also implemented measures to reduce nutrient pollution in certain areas, such as the
implementation of a nutrient management plan for the Berg River estuary (Adams, 2020).
Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based
approaches.
South Africa is making progress in applying the principles of an ecosystem-based approach (EBA),
especially in coastal zone management. South Africa launched its first National Coastal and Marine
Spatial Biodiversity Plan (MSBP) in 2022. This used the recent Ecologically or Biologically Significant
Marine Areas (EBSA) work extensively. EBSA considerations are increasingly applied in the practical
management of coastal environments.
For example, coastal management in South Africa has developed from ad hoc sector-based
management in the 1970s to a more systems-oriented, integrated, and people-centred approach.
South Africa has made efforts toward improving the enabling environment for achieving SDG 14.2. For
example, the country has established a number of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) to conserve and
protect its marine and coastal ecosystems. As of 2020, South Africa had 48 MPAs covering around 5%
of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (Kirkman, 2021).
In addition, South Africa has a range of legislative, policy, and strategic frameworks in place to support
the sustainable management and protection of its marine and coastal ecosystems. These include the
Marine Living Resources Act (1998), the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015-2025),
the National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (2008), and the National Climate Change Response
Strategy (2020). South Africa's first national coastal and marine spatial biodiversity plan launched at
the end of 2022 and serves as a comprehensive framework that aims to guide the sustainable use and
conservation of the country's marine and coastal resources (SANBI, 2022a). The plan, which was
developed through a collaborative process involving stakeholders from various sectors, provides a set
of spatial management tools and guidelines that can help ensure the effective management of marine
and coastal ecosystems. The plan includes a detailed analysis of South Africa's marine and coastal
biodiversity, identifying key areas of ecological importance and vulnerability, and proposing measures
to protect and restore these areas. It also includes provisions for the establishment of a network of
marine protected areas, which can help safeguard biodiversity and support ecosystem resilience.
Overall, the plan represents a significant step towards achieving the targets set out in SDG 14,
particularly in relation to the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems.
182
Indicator 14.3.1: Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling
stations.
Figure 14.3.1.1: Average marine acidity (pH), 2014 - 2019

10
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
SML SHBML NML KML
Source: n.d, DFFE
Figure 14.3.1.2: Total Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC), 2014–2019

2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
SML SHBML NML KML
Source: 2023, DFFE
Figure 14.3.1.3: Total Alkalinity, 2014 – 2019

3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
SML SHBML NML KML
Source: 2023, DFFE
183
Figure 14.3.1.4: Carbon Dioxide Partial Pressure, 2014 - 2019
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
SML SHBML NML KML
Source: 2023, DFFE
Figure 14.3.1.5: Aragonite Saturation State, 2014 - 2019

4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
SML SHBML NML KML
Source: 2023, DFFE
The data submitted towards SDG 14.3.1 is noted as an estimate of measurement uncertainty in the
metadata. Autonomous sensors for pH and pCO2 require calibration and maintenance to validate
sensor performance and identify drift or sensor malfunction. Ocean acidification is a direct
consequence of the absorption of higher levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the oceans, which
lowers the pH of seawater.
The Aragonite Saturation State is a measure of the ability of seawater to support shell-forming
organisms, such as corals, molluscs, and some plankton (Harris, 2013). Three categories of
measurement quality were established for the reporting of SDG 14.3.1 being: climate quality, weather
quality and measurements of undefined quality.
184
Indicator 14.5.1D: Proportion of Marine and Coastal ecosystem types that are well-represented in
protected areas
Figure 14.5.1D: Domestic indicator of percentage of marine and coastal ecosystem types that are well
protected
% of Ecosystem types that are Well
100%
90%
80%
70%
Protected
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Coastal Mainland 36.8% 36.8% 36.8% 36.8% 42.1% 42.1% 42.1%
Coastal PEI 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Marine Mainland 14.3% 14.3% 14.3% 14.3% 27.7% 27.7% 27.7%
Marine PEI 16.7% 16.7% 16.7% 16.7% 16.7% 16.7% 16.7%
Source: 2023, DFFE; n.d. SANBI
According to Figure 14.5.1D, the important trends to note are the stability of the protection levels in
the Prince Edward Islands (PEI) EEZ in the Southern Ocean, where all coastal ecosystems and 16.7% of
marine ecosystems are Well Protected (100.0%). No MPA expansion is planned in the PEI region at this
stage. In contrast, in the mainland EEZ the percentage of ecosystem types that are Well Protected
doubled between 2018 and 2019 (from 14.0% to 27.0%), following the declaration of 20 new MPAs,
many of which were offshore. Mainland coastal ecosystem types saw a more modest increase in
protection, from 36.0% to 42.0% Well Protected.
Indicator 14.5.1A: Additional South African Marine Protected Areas (MPA) as a percentage of the
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Figure 14.5.1A: Additional Indicator of South African Marine Protected Areas (MPA) as a percentage of
the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
40%
35%
Extent of MPA (as % of each
30%
25%
20%
EEZ)
15%
10%
5%
0%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Mainland EEZ 0.46% 0.46% 0.46% 0.46% 5.37% 5.38% 5.38% 5.38%
PEI EEZ 35.80% 35.80% 35.80% 35.80% 35.80% 35.80% 35.80% 35.80%
Source: SAPAD (DFFE)
185
Through indicator 14.5.1A South Africa can report that 14.7% of its marine extent is protected and has
remained steady since substantial increases in early 2019 when 20 new Marine Protected Areas were
declared. The result was that the mainland EEZ portion of South Africa’s marine extent saw an increase
in protection from just 0.4% in 2018 to just over 5.4% in 2019. The Subantarctic EEZ portion around
Prince Edward Island saw the addition of an increase in MPS from 2015 resulting in over 35.0%
coverage.
Indicator 14.6.1: Progress by countries in the degree of implementation of international instruments

aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
Whilst South Africa is able to outline its status as party or non-party to the international instruments
contained in this indicator, further analysis is required by South Africa to understand its state of
implementation of the various international instruments. Therefore, South Africa is unable to formally
report on progress against this indicator. However, South Africa has made some progress in achieving
this target. In 2020, the government adopted a new Fisheries Policy, which aims to transition towards
a more sustainable and equitable small-scale fishing sector, and to regulate the commercial fishing
sector to ensure long-term sustainability of fish stocks and the marine environment. South Africa has
also taken steps to eliminate subsidies that contribute to IUU fishing. For example, in 2019, the
government implemented a new licensing regime for the hake trawl fishery, which requires that
vessels have electronic monitoring systems to improve compliance and monitoring of fishing activities.
The government has also signed and ratified various international agreements and treaties related to
fisheries management, such as the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and the Agreement on Port
State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.
Indicator 14.a.1D: Marine sciences funding as a proportion of total government funding and GERD
Figure 14.a.1D: Marine science expenditure as a share of GERD (%)

9%
8%
7.69%
7%
6%
Percent (%)
5% 3.53% 5.43%
4%
3% 3.33%
3.23%
2%
1%
0%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
GERD (%)
Source: National Survey on Research and Experimental Development, DSI 2020
South Africa has made some progress achieving this target, particularly in terms of research and
capacity building. The country has several world-class research institutions focused on marine and
coastal issues, including the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), SANBI, and the
Oceanography Department at the University of Cape Town. These institutions conduct research issues
related to marine and coastal sustainability and have helped build the country’s research capacity.
186
The South African government has developed several policies, strategies, and initiatives aimed at
enhancing research and technology for sustainable ocean development. For example, the South
African Marine Research and Exploration Forum (SAMREF) was launched in 2020 to promote research
and exploration of the country's marine environment. In addition, the National Marine Research and
Development Strategy (NMRDS) was launched in 2021 to guide the country's marine research and
development activities.
South African academic institutions and research organizations have also made significant
contributions. For example, the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research (SANCOR)
facilitates the sharing of knowledge and research in marine science and technology. Although funding
for research and capacity building is limited, particularly in marginalized coastal communities, there is
a need to strengthen the links between scientific research and policy-making to ensure that research
findings are effectively translated into policy and action. There is also a need for increased investment
in technologies that can support sustainable marine resource use, particularly in the areas of fisheries
and aquaculture.
Indicator 14.b.1: Progress by countries in the degree of application of a legal/ regulatory/ policy/
institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small-scale fisheries
Further analysis is needed to ensure that the South African data are comparable to the globally agreed
methodology for this indicator. Furthermore, while this is not a quantitative indicator, the responsible
agency is currently exploring its relevant policy/legislation appropriate for the South African context,
as well as progress toward the target.
Therefore, South Africa is unable to formally report on progress against this indicator. However, in
2020, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries released the Small-Scale Fisheries Policy,
which aims to provide support and access to marine resources for small-scale fishers. The policy seeks
to address the historical marginalization of small-scale fishers, who have often been excluded from
access to marine resources and markets. The policy also seeks to promote sustainable fishing practices
and protect marine ecosystems. In addition, South Africa has established various small-scale fisheries
co-management committees, which are made up of small-scale fishers and government officials.
These committees are responsible for managing and monitoring small-scale fisheries in their
respective areas, and work to ensure that fishing practices are sustainable and that small-scale fishers
have access to markets.
Indicator 14.c.1: Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing
through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement
international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the
conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
South Africa formally ratified and implemented UNCLOS in 2020. The country is a member of the
United Nations and has supported global efforts to address issues such as overfishing, marine
pollution, and the impact of climate change on the world's oceans. South Africa has also participated
in a number of international research initiatives focused on marine and coastal sustainability.
187

2019
(or Latest
Baseline
Target Indicator Disaggregation and unit of measure nearest available Status
value
year) value
value
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Target
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1
6,5 7,5 8,1
SML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
15,3 12,2 14,3
SHBML
Phosphorus (2015) (2020) (2022)
loading in % 11,3 12,8 11,9
NML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
13,2 8,2 13,9
KML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
6,8 9,1 2,9
SML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
12,0 -8,1 11,3
SHBML
Nitrogen (2015) (2020) (2022)
loading in % 18,7 7,4 12,5
NML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
Index of coastal
eutrophication; 25,3 7,9 16,5
KML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
In-situ 0,33 0,4 0,3
SML
observations (2015) (2020) (2022)
of
0,67 0,9 0,6
Phosphorus in SHBML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
%
3,1 4,1 2,6
SML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
5,3 11,3 6,5
In-situ SHBML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
observations
3,1 3,6 5,1
of Silica in % NML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
4,3 2,0 5,3
KML
(2015) (2020) (2022)
10,5
PE
(2018)
Campas bay 16,8
PVC
beach (2018)
13,4
PET
(2018)
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b)
14.1.1 81,7
plastic debris density PE
(2018)
Queens beach
12,2
PET
(2018)
10,5
PE
(2018)
9,2
PVC
(2018)
10,5
PVC
Green point (2018)
Lighthouse 5,4
PS
(2018)
17,0
PET
(2018)
plastic debris 29,2
PA - 12
density (2018)
41,4
PE
(2018)
9,3
PVC
(2018)
9,1
Elands bay 1 PS
(2018)
13,0
PET
(2018)
29,2
PA - 12
(2018)
11,5
PE
(2018)
Elands bay 2
81,9
PA - 12
(2018)
55,2
PE
(2018)
6,3
Elands bay 3 PS
(2018)
19,2
PA - 12
(2018)
Target By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take
14.2 action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
188
2019
(or Latest
Baseline
Target Indicator Disaggregation and unit of measure nearest available Status
value
year) value
value
Proportion of national exclusive economic
zones managed using ecosystem-based
14.2.1
approaches.
Target
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3
8,0 8,0 8,0
SML
(2015) (2017) (2019)
9,0 7,9 8,0
SHBML
Average marine (2015) (2017) (2019)
acidity (pH), 8,02 8,1 8,0
NML
(2015) (2017) (2019)
8,0 8,0 8,0
KML
(2015) (2017) (2019)
2 2
2 116,43
SML 094,18 075,77
(2019)
(2015) (2017)
2 2
2 126,71
SHBML 125,04 148,93
Total Dissolved (2019)
(2015) (2017)
Inorganic Carbon
2 2
(DIC) 2 099,21
NML 105,33 033,15
(2019)
(2015) (2017)
2 2
2 004,26
KML 019,44 115,69
(2019)
(2015) (2017)
2 2
2 335,15
SML 328,02 328,15
(2019)
(2015) (2017)
Average marine acidity (pH) measured at 2 2
14.3.1 2 323,21
agreed suite of representative sampling stations SHBML 318,93 314,67
(2019)
(2015) (2017)
Total Alkalinity
2 2
2 328,68
NML 321,79 944,37
(2019)
(2015) (2017)
2 2
2 323,83
KML 316,42 324,31
(2019)
(2015) (2017)
453,43 420,17 501,81
SML
(2015) (2017) (2019)
534,25 665,52 505,2
SHBML
Carbon Dioxide (2015) (2017) (2019)
Partial Pressure 462,83 455,2 473,96
NML
(2015) (2017) (2019)
520,6 523,85 488,91
KML
(2015) (2017) (2019)
2,6 2,78 2,4
SML
(2015) (2017) (2019)
2,2 2,0 2,2
SHBML
Aragonite (2015) (2017) (2019)
Saturation State 2,4 3,3 2,5
NML
(2015) (2017) (2019)
2,2 2,4 2,5
KML
(2015) (2017) (2019)
Target By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific
14.5 information
Percentage of Marine and Coastal ecosystem 21,2 21,2 30,4
14.5.1D Total
types that are Well Protected (2015) ((2018) (2021)
South African Marine Protected Areas (MPA) as
0,113 0,147 0,147
14.5.1A a percentage of the Exclusive Economic Zone Total
(2015) (2018) (2022)
(EEZ)
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
Target
Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the
14.a
development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
Marine sciences funding as a proportion of total 3,229 3,328 7,695

14.a.1D GERD %
government funding and GERD (2015) (2017) (2019)
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the
Target
Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of “The
14.c
future we want”
Number of countries making progress in RSA ratified UNCLOS
ratifying, accepting and implementing through (2020)
legal, policy and institutional frameworks,
ocean-related instruments that implement
14.c.1
international law, as reflected in the United RSA implemented UNCLOS
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for (2020)
the conservation and sustainable use of the
oceans and their resources
189
4.14.3 Synthesis
South Africa has made significant strides towards meeting the SDG 14 target of conserving coastal and
marine areas by 2030. Notably, there has been an increase from 21.0% to 30.0% in the protection of
various ecosystem types across the nation's marine and coastal territories.
This positive trajectory indicates that South Africa is well on track to achieve the recent Kunming-
Montreal Targets. However, there remains a need to strengthen the protection of critical habitats and
ecosystems beyond MPAs. Estuaries, critical biodiversity areas and ecologically or biologically
significant marine regions require enhanced safeguards to ensure their long-term preservation.
Acknowledging the importance of scientific research, the South African government has made efforts
by increasing budget allocated to marine sciences by approximately 10.0%.
This investment demonstrates the country's commitment to understanding and managing its marine
resources effectively. South Africa has been actively engaged in international efforts to promote
sustainable ocean development. Moreover, South Africa's active engagement in international efforts
to promote sustainable ocean development underscores its dedication to collaboration and shared
learning. Although the country is formally ratified, there are still improvements to be made in
implementing legal, policy and institutional frameworks.
While South Africa has developed fisheries management plans for key fisheries, incorporating
measures to promote sustainable practices and prevent overfishing, challenges persist in addressing
these issues comprehensively. Overfishing and the implementation of sustainable fishing practices
demand continued attention and adaptive management approaches. Scientists, policymakers, and
fishing communities remain committed to finding innovative solutions to ensure the long-term
viability of fisheries.
There are several significant challenges that South Africa must confront in its pursuit of SDG 14. Marine
pollution, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, ocean acidification, and the impacts of climate
change on marine ecosystems pose substantial threats. Tackling these complex issues requires
sustained efforts and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Nevertheless, South Africa's commitment to
sustainable ocean management and dedication to transparent and proactive reporting and sustainable
practices are positive signs for the future of SDG 14 reporting in the country.
In conclusion, while South Africa has made considerable progress in its journey towards SDG 14,
challenges persist, demanding further action and collaboration. By continuing to prioritize marine
conservation, sustainable fishing practices, and addressing pressing threats, South Africa can build a
resilient and thriving marine ecosystem for future generations.
190
GOAL 15
PROTECT, RESTORE AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE USE OF TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS,
SUSTAINABLY MANAGE FORESTS, COMBAT DESERTIFICATION, AND HALT AND REVERSE LAND
DEGRADATION AND HALT BIODIVERSITY LOSS
Terrestrial and
Freshwater Key
Biodiversity Area covered
by protected areas has been
successfully tracked in SA
Page
219
Forest area as a proportion

of total land area was 8.01%
in 2020
Mountain ecosystem
types are relatively better
protected compared to
terrestrial ecosystems
Page
217
Page
222
191
4.15 SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably
manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt
biodiversity loss
SDG 15 aims to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably
manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity
loss. Terrestrial ecosystems are crucial for the health of the planet and provide valuable resources
critical for livelihoods. Forests are key habitats for regulating the water cycle, provide habitats for
wildlife and absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) helping to mitigate climate change. In South Africa, there are
extensive Thicket and Savanna Woodland ecosystems that fit the Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) definition of Forests and provide similar ecosystem services. Degradation of land, such as
desertification and erosion, can have severe consequences negatively impacting agricultural
productivity and thus food security, increasing vulnerability to climate change and also cause conflict
between land users. Another vital aspect of SDG 15 is biodiversity which is critical for the functioning
of healthy ecosystems. Species loss can upset the balance and destabilise whole ecosystems.
South Africa has faced several crises over the last few years such as the COVID-19 pandemic, invasive
alien species, fire management and droughts that have had severe impacts on terrestrial ecosystems.
Despite these challenges, South Africa has endeavoured to use these crises to mobilise support for
terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
The country’s national policy and strategic context has provided a solid foundation for supporting
environmental sustainability of which the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(DFFE) has been the main institutional role player for restoration, protection and sustainable
management of terrestrial systems in South Africa.
SDG 15, as all other SDGs, requires consistent and regular update of data value inputs across all
indicators. The DFFE is a key player in fostering greater relations and communication with existing data
providers, but also has the opportunity to capitalise on new key partnerships (public-private) that will
innovate and aid either domesticating indicators or regularly computing indicators in line with global
standards. South Africa is making progress by increasing the number of indicators being reported on,
and piloting other indicators with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). However, additional
positive impact can be attained when programmes and projects in the country capitalise on and
synergise its activities with private and civil sector, NGOs and NPOs, as well as the many funding
facilities/agents and development partners/international cooperating partners (ICPs), and SADC
regional and transboundary organisations (such as River Basin Organisations (RBOs) and Transfrontier
Conservation Areas (TFCAs) that are producing work that support terrestrial and freshwater
conservation.
192

Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat
desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems
and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under
international agreements
15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore
degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
15.3 By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought
and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world
15.4 By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their
capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development
15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by
2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
15.6 Promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote
appropriate access to such resources, as internationally agreed
15.7 Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both
demand and supply of illegal wildlife products
15.8 By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien
species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species
15.9 By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes,
poverty reduction strategies and accounts
15.a Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity
and ecosystems
No data for this target
15.b Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and
provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and
reforestation
15.c Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species, including by increasing
the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities
Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area
Figure 15.1.1: Forest extent (Natural and Plantation Forest by % of mainland)

20%
Forest extent (% of mainland)
18%
16%
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
2014 2018 2020
Natural Forest 6.42% 6.34% 6.29%
Plantation Forest 1.52% 1.68% 1.72%
Total 7.94% 8.02% 8.01%
Source: National Vegetation Map (vegetation units meeting the FAO definition of forest were selected) (SANBI); National
Land Cover Data 2021, DFFE
193
Figure 15.1.1 shows the extent of forest cover by total mainland area (%) as defined by the FAO. The
data show that plantation forest coverage has increased by 0.2 of a percentage point while natural
forest coverage has decreased by 0.1 of a percentage point between 2014 and 2020. The changes in
landcover and the small increase in alien tree plantation forest extent from 2014 to 2020 is likely due
to escapees invading non forest ecosystems (grassland / fynbos) in which the plantations are situated.
Plantation forestry in South Africa is one of the main drivers of landcover change (Skowno, et al., 2020).
Indicator 15.1.2D: Percentage of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem types that are well protected
Table 15.1.2D: “Ecosystem Protection Level” indicator classifications

Protection Status Extent of Protected Area
Well-Protected (WP) Exceeds the biodiversity target
Moderately Protected (MP) Between 50 and 99% of the target
Poorly Protected (PP) Between 5 and 49% of the target
Not Protected (NP) Less than 5% of the target
The table above classifies ecosystem protection according to the extent of area protected. An
ecosystem type is considered well-protected when its full biodiversity target falls within a protected
area. Biodiversity Targets are between 16 and 32% depending on the species diversity of the
ecosystem type.
Figure 15.1.2D: Terrestrial & Freshwater Protection Level by %

30%
% of Ecosystem types that are Well
25%
20%
Protected
15%
10%
5%
0%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Terrestrial 26.6% 27.5% 27.5% 28.8% 29.3% 29.7% 29.7% 29.7%
Freshwater 9.6% 9.9% 9.9% 10.4% 10.5% 10.7% 10.7% 10.7%
Source: SAPAD, DFFE; Ecosystem Data, SANBI
Figure 15.1.2D indicates steady increases between 2015 and 2022 in the number of Well Protected
ecosystem types and shows that Freshwater ecosystem types are relatively poorly protected (10.0%
compared to 29.0% for Terrestrial types). Terrestrial protection levels increased by 3.1%, while
Freshwater protection levels increased by 1.1%, between 2015 and 2022. Both Terrestrial and
Freshwater Ecosystems would have an “Ecosystem Protection Level” classified as Poorly Protected.
194
The improvements in Terrestrial Protection Levels have been driven by private conservation initiatives
linked to Biodiversity Stewardship Programmes and the declaration of a large Protected Area (PA) in
the Northern Cape (Meerkat National Park). Efforts are underway to explore further opportunities and
mechanisms to expand the PA and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM)
network to meet the ambitious targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The difference between the share of terrestrial ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems that are well
protected, in the trend analysis, is a function of the PA4 designation process. In South Africa,
freshwater systems require targeted freshwater protection efforts because protection status is
sometimes reliant on terrestrial protection (e.g., water flows within terrestrial ecosystems), and poor
freshwater detection tools (Skowno, et al., 2020). For example, at times multispectral images are
unable to distinguish vegetated wetlands from adjacent terrestrial vegetation, resulting in poor
representation of these wetland systems (Skowno, et al., 2020). There are multiple efforts targeted
at conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems, such as the Working for Water programme
and biodiversity plans (e.g., National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA), National
Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan).
South Africa has made significant progress in the protection of its terrestrial ecosystems in recent
years, but there are ongoing threats to these ecosystems. South Africa has established a system of
protected areas (terrestrial surface area) that cover approximately 8.0% of the country's land area
(MPA 2021). In terms of the CBD Aichi Biodiversity Targets, which predicted an increase to 8.8% by
2013 and to 12.0% in the next twenty years (i.e., by 2042) (CBD, 2022), South Africa is currently behind.
South Africa's terrestrial ecosystems are still facing major threats, such as habitat destruction, climate
change, invasive species, and poaching. However, notable strides have been made in various policy
fields, including alien invasive species regulation and programmes (e.g., Working for Water
programme).
In summary, South Africa has successfully tracked the mean percentage of each Terrestrial and
Freshwater Key Biodiversity Area covered by protected areas, between 2015 and 2022. However,
South Africa still needs to develop a comprehensive KBA network and cannot yet use the
recommended approach, therefore, the indicator has been domesticated. The Terrestrial protection
level increased by 3.1%, while Freshwater protection levels increased by 1.1%, between 2015 and
2022. The Ecosystem Protection Level for both Freshwater and Terrestrial environments are
categorised as Poorly Protected (Freshwater is 10.0% compared to 29.0% for Terrestrial types).
4
The protected areas dataset is freely available from DFFE’s EGIS website, and the terrestrial and freshwater
ecosystem types of datasets from SANBI’s BGIS website. This indicator is not driven entirely by the size of
Protected Areas but focuses on the location of PAs. The objective is to track how well the PA network captures
all the ecological variation in our terrestrial and freshwater areas.
195
Indicator 15.2.1D Progress towards sustainable commercial forest management
Figure 15.2.1D: Total Forest Management Areas (in hectares) 2008-2019

1 400 000
1 200 000
Commercial Forest Management
1 000 000
Area (in hectares)
800 000
600 000
400 000
200 000
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Forest 1257341 1257340 1274870 1273357 1268443 1265811 1233259 1224456 1220726 1212383 1191638 1191638
Source: Report on commercial timber resourves and primary round wood processing in South Africa, 2017/18 & 2018/19,
DFFE
Figure 15.2.1D shows that as of 2019, South Africa measured a 5.0% decline in commercial forest
management area since 2008. It is noteworthy that indicator 15.2.1D has shifted from focusing on
forests in protected areas (natural forest, savanna and Albany thicket) to progress towards sustainable
commercial forest management. Therefore, commercial forests are measured for the first time in this
report.
The forestry sector has huge potential for job creation whilst ensuring the sustainable use of natural
resources and contributes around 10.0% of the agricultural GDP. However, most commercial
plantations are alien invasive species. Although the commercial plantation forestry industry is
generally well-organised, the unmeasured impacts on water security in strategic water source area is
concerning (WWF, 2020). To address these issues, South Africa has implemented several policies and
initiatives to promote sustainable commercial forest management such as forest certification through
Sustainable Forest Management Plans, and the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). South Africa has
displayed great strides by ensuring 80.0% of South Africa’s plantation forests are FSC certified. This
certification is linked to responsible managing of wetlands and riparian areas (WWF, 2020). The
forestry industry also subscribes to various best practice guidelines for sustainable forest
management, and environmental or freshwater management sustainability.
Overall, South Africa has successfully tracked progress of commercial forest extent between 2008 and
2019 using a domesticated measure. South Africa measured a 5.0% decline in commercial forest
management area between 2008 and 2019. South Africa has made progress towards sustainable
commercial forest management, although ongoing efforts through policies and initiatives aimed at
promoting sustainable commercial forest management are required.
196
Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area
Figure 15.3.1: The extent of Land Degradation (% of landmass)

40
Extent of Land Degradation (% of
35
30
25
landmass)
20
15
10
5
0
2015 2019
Degradation 34.75 29.31
Source: SANBI and TRENDS.Earth
Figure 15.3.1 shows a general decrease in degradation from a relatively high base line of 34.75% in
2015 to 29.31% in 2019. Further research is required to determine the reason for inconsistent results,
and to validate the models further using in situ data and expert elicitation.
For this review period, land degradation assessments yield high values, but these are provided with
various caveats. Firstly, the “one out, all out” (1OAO) approach adopted by the SDG15.3.1 approach is
very strict, because if any one of the layers used to assess land degradation indicates degradation at a
particular point, that point is considered degraded, regardless of what the other two indicators show.
This could bias results towards overestimating degradation. Secondly, of the three sub indicators used,
the one for “trajectory” (as part of productivity) can be calculated in numerous ways, depending on
the choice of land productivity indices and climate calibration model used. SANBI ran various models
in TRENDS.Earth to assess trajectory (and therefore, productivity), and most maps yielded relatively
high values for degradation (approaching 30.0% in some cases). However, the actual areas identified
as degraded by these models differed considerably. UNCCD indicators on land productivity in the
South African context, suffers from multiple “false positives”. In particular, it records alien plant
invasions and bush encroachment as positive trends, whilst these are regarded as some of our most
concerning land degradation impacts. A secondary concern is that when used to record change over
short periods, the indicator tends to report on recent rainfall trends rather than land degradation.
Overall, the progress in reporting on this indicator indicates a decrease in degradation from a relatively
high base line of 34.75% in 2015 to 29.31% in 2019. This should be carefully considered with several
caveats around differing indices and climate models. Further research is required to determine the
reason for inconsistent results, and to validate the models further using in situ data and expert
elicitation.
197
Indicator 15.4.1D: Percentage of mountain ecosystem types that are well-represented in protected
areas
Figure 15.4.1D: Percentage of mountain ecosystem types well protected

50.00%
% of Ecosystem types that are
45.00%
40.00%
35.00%
Well Protected
30.00%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00%
0.00%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Mountains 44.57% 45.65% 45.65% 45.65% 45.65% 45.65% 45.65% 45.65%
Source: Suuth African Protected Area data base, (DFFE), Ecosystems (SANBI)
Figure 15.4.1D reports on mountain protection level status by measuring the percentage of Ecosystem
types that are well protected. The data show that improved ecosystem protection for mountainous
areas has stagnated since 2016, after a 1.0% increase between 2015 and 2016. This is well aligned with
South African protected areas expansion policy (NPAES, 2018) because mountains are considered
better protected than adjacent lowland habitats, so the lowlands have seen great efforts at PA
expansion in recent years.
Mountain ecosystem types are relatively well protected (45.6%) compared to terrestrial ecosystems
in general (19.7%). The reason is two-fold a) these areas were identified as important water
catchments in the early 1900s and remained in state hands, eventually being transferred to nature
conservation agencies for control, and b) mountains generally provide fewer opportunities for
agriculture and human settlements settles than lowland areas. The overall progress towards
protecting mountain ecosystems is positive, with net increases in declared Protected Environments
such as the Mountain-Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environment (Stats SA, 2021c).
Overall, South Africa has successfully tracked progress using a domesticated measure to assess
mountain protection level status by measuring the percentage of Ecosystem types that are well
protected, between 2015 and 2022. South Africa has a strong basis for domestication through the
clear process for classifying and mapping ecosystem types, while the delineation of the KBA is in
progress. In future, this indicator can be computed using the recommended approach.
198
Indicator 15.4.2: Mountain Green Cover Index (MGCI)
Table 15.4.2: MGCI Global Estimates

Time Period Comment OBS Unit Measure Bioclimatic Belt OBS Value
2015 FAO estimate Km2 Nival 0
2018 FAO estimate Km2 Nival 0
2015 FAO estimate Km2 Alpine 0
2018 FAO estimate Km2 Alpine 0
2015 FAO estimate Km2 Montane 1 161.78
2018 FAO estimate Km2 Montane 86.33065
2015 FAO estimate Km2 Remaining Mountain Area 5 641.494
2018 FAO estimate Km2 Remaining Mountain Area 720.753
2015 FAO estimate Km2 Total 6 803.275
2018 FAO estimate Km2 Total 807.0836
SANBI is currently working with FAO in a pilot study alongside other countries to compute this indicator
using more nationally relevant land cover data. Historically, MGCI was computed using the Collect
Earth and the 2015 FAO/MPS global map of mountains. In 2020, the FAO introduced a new data
collection approach that directly measures the indicator through a quantitative analysis of
standardized land cover maps (European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative Land Cover maps—
ESA CCI-LC) (De Simone, et al., 2021). Therefore, the global default source of land cover data for this
indicator is the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative (ESA-CCI) Land Cover product with
annual updates from 1992 to 2020. A global mountain area map sub-divided by bioclimatic belts has
been developed by FAO and made available to national authorities to compute this indicator.
Overall, South Africa has successfully tracked progress which measures the area and changes of green
cover in the mountain, between 2015 and 2018. Despite the limitations listed, the current formulation
of the indicator has significant strengths. The refinement of the SDG indicator 15.4.2 will address the
limitations, by introducing a new sub-indicator to monitor land use change.
Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
Figure 15.5.1.1: National Red List Index
0.8
Red List Index
(National )
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
RLI - National 0.899 0.898 0.897 0.897 0.896 0.895 0.894 0.894 0.893 0.892 0.892 0.891 0.891
Source: SANBI Threatened Species Programme
199
The RLI is expressed as changes in an index ranging from 0 to 1. The lower the value, the more species
are at risk of extinction. If the value is 1, species are of Least Concern, and if the value is 0, all species
are extinct. The slope of the line indicates rate of decline; a steep downward slope indicates rapid
declines towards extinction.
Figure 15.5.1.1 indicates an overall negative trend over the assessment period (1990-2022), with
species becoming more threatened over time. This is due to factors such as illegal collection or trade,
climate change (i.e., long-term droughts related to climate change), and ongoing land degradation
(e.g., livestock overgrazing and mining) (SANBI, 2022).
Figure 15.5.1.2: Red List Index (Disaggregated)

1
Red List Index (Dissaggregated )
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
Amphibians Birds Butterflies Dragonflies
Freshwater fish Mammals Plants Reptiles
Source: SANBI Threatened Species unit
Figure 15.5.1.2 displays disaggregated Red List Indices, calculated as the arithmetic mean of the Red
List Indices for each taxon group. Disaggregation of the national Red List Index indicates that not all
taxonomic groups are declining at an equal rate. Freshwater fishes are the most threatened taxonomic
group and are declining rapidly.
Butterfly species have also declined rapidly in recent years. In other taxonomic groups, such as birds
and mammals, sustained conservation actions have led to positive recovery of the populations of some
threatened species.
South Africa’s overall trend for species’ risk of extinction remains negative and requires ongoing
conservation action such as protected area expansion, prevention of poaching, and removal of alien
invasive species to achieve Target 15.5.
Overall, South Africa has successfully tracked progress on threatened species (RLI) trends between
2010 and 2022. South Africa shows an overall negative trend over the assessment period (1990-2022),
with species becoming more threatened over time. While some species have shown genuine
improvement (e.g., Bird species), the general negative trend of these species groups remains negative,
particularly Freshwater Fish.
200
Indicator 15.6.1D: Number of bio-prospecting/biotrade permits and biodiversity sharing agreements
issued/approved
Figure 15.6.1: Number of Permits/Agreements

400
permits/agreements
300
Number of
200
100
0
2011/122012/132013/142014/152015/162016/172017/182018/192019/202020/212021/222022/23
Financial Year
Bio-prospecting permits issued Biotrade permits issued
Integrated Biotrade and Bioprospecting permits issued Benefit Sharing Agreements approved
Source: n.d. DFFE
As of financial year 2022/23, 68 bioprospecting permits and 64 Integrated Biotrade and Bioprospecting
permits had been issued by the Minister of Environment Affairs. These reflect national sovereignty
over access to bioresources, recognition of traditional knowledge and rights, and the equitable sharing
of biological resources. A challenge, however, is whether BABS regulations will foster equitable sharing
of resources or exempt certain stakeholders during the bioprospecting application process due to lack
of clarity regarding eligibility.
Indicator 15.7.1: Proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly traded
Table 15.7.1: The share of all trade in wildlife detected as being illegal (South African CITES
Annual Report 2016 - 2021)
Disaggregation / 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Variables
Percent
Export Live Animal 0.12 0.60 0.62 0.50 0.93 0.75

Plant 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28 4.27 2.28
Animal 1.06 1.09 3.20 1.22 1.37 0.94
Processed
Plant 1.80 0.64 0.15 5.79 0.00 0.00
Import Live Animal 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.22
Plant 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Animal 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.17
Processed
Plant 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Table 15.7.1 shows a concerning trend in the share of all trade in wildlife detected as being illegal from
2016 to 2021, particularly the export of live animals. In the South African CITES Annual Report for 2016,
the percentage in export of live animal detected as illegal was estimated to have increased by 0.1%.
This increased further by 0.6% in 2017 and by 0.6% in 2018. The percentage decreased by 0.5% in 2019
201
but increased again by 0.9% in 2020 and by 0.7% in 2021. The 2022 report is not yet available. These
trends indicate that illegal wildlife trade remains a serious and growing threat to wildlife populations
in South Africa. It highlights the need for stronger enforcement efforts and stricter penalties for those
involved in this illegal activity.
Indicator 15.8.1: Proportion of countries adopting relevant national legislation and adequately
resourcing the prevention or control of invasive alien species.
South Africa has successfully tracked the adoption of relevant national legislation and adequate
resourcing towards the prevention or control of IAS. South Africa has three main pieces of legislation
related to Invasive Alien Species (IAS) namely, the Agricultural Pest Act, 1983 (Act 36 of 1983) (APA),
Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983) (CARA) and the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA). South Africa
provides resourcing towards the prevention or control of IAS, through but not limited to, the Working
for Water (WfW) Programme and several SANBI initiatives.
Since 2014, South Africa has published and made provisions for the categorisation and management
of alien and invasive species. The NEMBA Alien and Invasive species lists were amended in 2020 to
include 566 species in the NEMBA Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (RSA, 2020a). South Africa
also issues and monitors permits required to carry out certain restricted activities involving alien and
invasive species. These are key platforms for future reporting on IAS. In addition, South Africa has
committed to report on the status of biological invasions and their management.
Indicator 15.9.1: Integration of biodiversity into national accounting and reporting systems, defined as
implementation of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting
South Africa has published three accounts in Statistics South Africa’s Natural Capital series that
integrate biodiversity, namely the Land and Terrestrial Ecosystem Accounts, 1990 to 2014 (Stats SA
2020), the Accounts for Protected Areas, 1900 to 2020 (Stats SA 2021), and the Accounts for Strategic
Water Source Areas, 1990 to 2020 (Stats SA 2023).
Overall, South Africa has successfully tracked the integration of biodiversity into national accounting
and reporting systems, in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
202

2019 (or Latest
year) value value
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification,
and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Target By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands,
15.1 mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
6,4 6,3 6,3
Natural Forest
(2014) (2018) (2020)
1,5 1,7 1,72
15.1.1 Forest area as a proportion of total land area Plantation Forest
(2014) (2018) (2020)
7,9 8,0 8,0
Total
(2014) (2018) (2020)
19,0 20,8 21,1
Total
(2015) (2019) (2022)
Percentage of Terrestrial and Freshwater ecosystem 26,6 29,3 29,7
15.1.2D Terrestrial
types that are Well Protected (2015) (2019) (2022)
9,6 10,5 10,7
Freshwater
(2015) (2019) (2022)
Target By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase
15.2 afforestation and reforestation globally
1 191
Progress towards sustainable commercial forest 1 224 456 1 212 383
15.2.1D Area in ha 638
management (2015) (2017)
(2019)
Target By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land
15.3 degradation-neutral world
34,8 29,3
15.3.1 Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area Landmass Percentage
(2015) (2019)
Target By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for
15.4 sustainable development
Percentage of Mountain ecosystem types that are Well 44,57 45,7 45,7
15.4.1D Mountain Percentage
Protected (2015) (2019) (2022)
6 803,3 807,1
Total Area in square km
(2015) (2018)
0,0 0,0
Nival
(2015) (2018)
0,0 0,0
15.4.2 Mountain Green Cover Index Alpine
(2015) (2018)
1 161,8 86,3
Montane
(2015) (2018)
5 641,5 720,8
Remaining Mountain Area
(2015) (2018)
Target Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of
15.5 threatened species
0,895 0,892 0,891
Total
(2015) (2019) (2022)
0,893 0,889 0,888
confidence band lower
(2015) (2019) (2022)
0,897 0,895 0,893
confidence band upper
(2015) (2019) (2022)
0,895 0,892 0,891
Amphibians
(2015) (2019) (2022)
0,923 0,921 0,919
Birds
(2015) (2019) (2022)
0,936 0,93 0,925
15.5.1 Red List Index Butterflies
(2015) (2019) (2022)
0,914 0,913 0,912
Disaggregation Dragonflies
(2015) (2019) (2022)
by taxonomic
0,758 0,752 0,747
grouping Freshwater fish
(2015) (2019) (2022)
0,869 0,868 0,868
Mammals
(2015) (2019) (2022)
0,904 0,902 0,900
Plants
(2015) (2019) (2022)
0,964 0,962 0,961
Reptiles
(2015) (2019) (2022)
Target Promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote appropriate access to such resources, as
15.6 internationally agreed
Number of Bio-prospecting permits 4 3 3
issued (2015) (2019) (2022)
0 4 1
Number of Biotrade permits issued
(2015) (2019 (2022)
Number of countries that have adopted legislative, Number of Integrated Biotrade and 6 7 2
15.6.1D administrative and policy frameworks to ensure fair and Bioprospecting permits issued (2015) (2019) (2022)
equitable sharing of benefits
Number of Benefit Sharing 11 31 13
Agreements approved (2015) (2019) (2022)
21 45 19
Total
(2015) (2019) (2022)
203
2019 (or Latest
year) value value
Target
Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products
15.7
0,12 0,50 0,75
Animal
(2016) (2019) (2021)
Live
0,00 0,28 2,28
Plant
(2016) (2019) (2021)
Export
1,06 1,22 0,94
Animal
(2016) (2019) (2021)
Processed
1,80 5,79 0,00
Plant
Proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly (2016) (2019) (2021)
15.7.1
trafficked 0,00 0,00 0,22
Animal
(2016) (2019) (2021)
Live
0,00 0,00 0,00
Plant
(2016) (2019) (2021)
Import
0,00 0,00 0,17
Animal
(2016) (2019) (2021)
Processed
0,00 0,00 0,00
Plant
(2016) (2019) (2021)
Target By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or
15.8 eradicate the priority species
Agricultural Pest Act, 1983 (Act 36 of X X X
1983) (APA) (2015) (2019) (2022)
Conservation of Agricultural
Proportion of countries adopting relevant national X X X
Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of
15.8.1 legislation and adequately resourcing the prevention or (2015) (2019) (2022)
1983) (CARA)
control of invasive alien species
National Environmental
X X X
Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004
(2015) (2019) (2022)
(Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA)
Target
By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts
15.9
Land and Terrestrial Ecosystem Completed Published
integration of biodiversity into national accounting and
Accounts,1990 to 2014. (2019) (2020)
15.9.1 reporting systems, defined as implementation of the
System of Environmental-Economic Accounting Accounts for Protected Areas, 1900 Completed Published
to 2020 (2020) (2021)
4.15.3 Synthesis
The Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) aims to enhance life on land by safeguarding,
restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It focuses on key objectives
such as sustainable forest management, combating desertification, halting land degradation, and
preventing biodiversity loss.
South Africa recognizes the importance of these goals and has made significant strides in several areas
while acknowledging the need for further efforts to address challenges and achieve sustainable
development.
Terrestrial ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining the planet's health and supporting livelihoods.
Forests, in particular, serve as essential habitats for wildlife, regulate the water cycle, and help mitigate
climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. South Africa has made commendable progress in
sustainable commercial forest management, a key aspect of SDG 15. The country has implemented
policies and initiatives to ensure responsible growth in this sector. However, more efforts are required
to reduce or prevent land degradation and promote sustainable practices in commercial forestry. By
enhancing existing policies and developing new initiatives, South Africa can further advance the cause
of sustainable forest management.
Land degradation, including desertification and erosion, poses severe consequences, such as
diminished agricultural productivity and increased vulnerability to climate change. It can also lead to
204
conflicts between land users. South Africa has successfully tracked progress in indicators related to
land degradation. However, the overall negative impact on species remains a concern.
While some species, like bird species, have shown improvement, others, particularly freshwater fishes,
continue to decline. To combat land degradation effectively, South Africa should allocate increased
funding for conservation efforts, strengthen protection measures, and implement robust monitoring
mechanisms. Preserving the country's extensive network of protected areas and safeguarding
threatened species are critical priorities in this regard.
Biodiversity is a crucial component of healthy ecosystems. The loss of species disrupts the delicate
balance and stability of entire ecosystems. South Africa should allocate additional efforts to enforce
laws related to wildlife trafficking and increase public awareness of its devastating impacts. Illegal
wildlife trade remains a significant and growing threat. By strengthening law enforcement efforts and
educating the public about the consequences of wildlife poaching and trafficking, South Africa can
contribute to preserving biodiversity and safeguarding its natural heritage.
South Africa has established a solid foundation for supporting environmental sustainability through its
national policy and strategic context. DFFE plays a central role in the restoration, protection, and
sustainable management of terrestrial systems. The country has shown progress by reporting on an
increasing number of indicators and collaborating with FAO to pilot additional indicators. Cooperation
between development partners, international cooperating partners, and regional and transboundary
organizations within SADC further enhances South Africa's efforts in terrestrial and freshwater
conservation.
205
GOAL 16
PROMOTE PEACEFUL AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT,
PROVIDE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL AND BUILD EFFECTIVE, ACCOUNTABLE AND
INCLUSIVE INSTITUTIONS AT ALL LEVELS
Proportion of the
population that feels
safe walking alone
around the area they live
in after dark has been
decreasing
Page
234
Number of human trafficking

incidence has decreased
Criminal court
consistently remains the
court where most
people receive free
legal representation Page
235
Page
239
206
4.16 SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access
to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
SDG 16 is directly related to democracy and the pursuit of peace and is underpinned by the principal
of leaving no-one behind. It aims to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable
development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive
institutions at all levels". It therefore addresses issues such as crime, human trafficking, gender-based
violence (GBV), access to justice, and legal identity, all of which are key challenges in South Africa
today.
In South Africa, all sectors of society have implemented various measures to address the challenges
associated with SDG 16, including establishing community policing forums, legal aid clinics, and anti-
corruption agencies, and implementing programmes to address human trafficking, GBV and
corruption.
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and
build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
16.1 Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
16.2 End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children
16.3 Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
16.4 By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets
and combat all forms of organized crim
16.5 Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
16.8 Broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance
16.9 By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration
16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation
and international agreements
16.a Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all
levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime
16.b Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development
Indicator 16.b.1 is covered under Goal 10, indicator 10.3.1
207
16.1.1D: Number of murder victims per 100 000
Figure 16.1.1D: Number of murder victims per 100 000
The number of reported murder cases per 100 000 has increased from 32.6 in 2014/15 to 41.8 in
2021/22 financial year. However, there was a slight decrease to 33.5 reported murder cases per 100
000 in the 2020/21. The drop in reported murder cases could be attributed to COVID–19 lockdown
restriction measures and effective visible policing.
Indicator 16.1.3(a)D: Proportion of population aged 16 and above who experienced at least one
incident of assault in the past 12 months
Figure 16.1.3aD: Proportion of population aged 16 and above who experienced at least one incident of assault
in the past 12 months
1 0.9 0.9
0.9
0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
0.7 0.6 0.6
0.6
0.5
Proportion
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
208
Source: Victims Of Crime Statistics (2013/2014 – 2017/2018); Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (2018/2019 –
2022/2023), Stats SA
From 2013/2014 to 2014/2015 there has been a high level of proportion of population 16 years and
above who experienced incidents of assault in the past 12 months. However, from 2014/2015 to
2019/2020 there has been a consistent decline in proportion of population 16 years and above who
experienced incidents of assault in the past 12 months. The lowest decline was recorded in 2019/20-
20222/23.
Indicator 16.1.3(a) A1: Proportion of households that experienced at least one case of home robbery.
Figure 16.1.3A1: Proportion of households that experienced at least one case of home robbery
1.4
1.2 1.2
1.2
1.1 1.1
1
Proportion of households
1
0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9
0.8
0.6 0.6
0.4
0.2
Source: Victims Of Crime Statistics (2010-2012) & (2013/14–2017/2018), Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey
(2018/19-2022/23), Stats SA
There was a steep decline in the proportion of households that experienced at least one case of home
robbery, from 2.6% in 2010 to 1.4% in 2011. Thereafter, the data followed a downward trend to 1% in
2022/23.
Indicator 16.1.4D: Percentage of individuals who feel safe walking alone in the dark.
Figure 16.1.4D: Percentage of individuals who feel safe walking alone in the dark
45.0 41.8
39.6
40.0 36.0 37.0
35.1
35.0
30.0
Percent (%)
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23
209
Source: Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (2018/19 – 2022/23), Stats SA
According to the data reported, the proportion of the population that feels safe walking alone around
the area they live in after dark has steadily been decreasing. In 2019/20, 41.8% of individuals, felt safe
walking alone around their neighbourhood after dark, this figure decreased to 39.6% in 2020/21 and
further decreased to 36.0% in 2021/22, with a slight improvement to 37.0% in 2022/23.
Indicator 16.2.1D1: Percentage of school attending children who experienced any physical punishment
and/or psychological aggression at school in the past 3 months
Figure 16.2.1D1: Percentage of school-attending children who experienced any physical punishment and/or
psychological aggression at school in the past 3 months
14
12.2
12 11.2
10
Percent (%)
7.8 7.5
8 6.7 6.9
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2022
The percentage of school-attending children who experienced any physical punishment and or
psychological aggression at school significantly declined since 2013. While 14.4% of the children who
participated in the General Household Survey of 2013 indicated that they had experienced some
physical punishment in the past 3 months, this number decreased to 6.9% in 2019 and then increased
slightly to 7.5% in 2022. This could be an indication of the effective implementation of policies aimed
at reducing violence against children.
Indicator 16.2.2D: Incidence of human trafficking for sexual purposes brought to police attention (per
100 000)
210
Figure 16.2.2D: Incidence of human trafficking for sexual purposes brought to police attention per 100 000
0.06
0.05 0.05
0.05
0.04
0.04
0.04
0.03
Number Per 100 000
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.02 0.02
0.02
0.01
0.01 0.01
0.01
0.00
0.00
Source: Reported Crime Statistics 2022, SAPS
While human trafficking for sexual purposes is challenging to measure statistically, administrative
records based on reported crime kept by the South African Police Services (SAPS) provide some
insights into what is happening in this regard. Figure 16.2.2D indicates that the number of human
trafficking incidence decreased between 2014/15 to 2019/20 with a slight increase in 2020/21.
Indicator 16.3.1D: Proportion of victims of assault (aged over 16 years) who indicated having
reported at least one incident to the police.
Figure 16.3.1D: Proportion of victims of assault (aged over 16 years) who indicated having reported at least one
incident to the police
70
61.4
60 55.1
48.6 48 50
50 45.6 47
41.4
Percent (%)
40
30
20
10
0
2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2022/23
Source: Victims Of Crime Statistics (2013/14 – 2017/18), Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (2018/19 – 2022/23),
Stats SA
The proportion of victims of assault who have reported incidences to the police declined during the
period, increased to 61.4% in 2022/23.
Indicator 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a percentage of the overall prison population.
211
Figure 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of the overall prison population
Percent (%)
Source: Annual Report 2022, DCS
As a proportion of the overall prison population, the number of unsentenced detainees remained
constant across all the years, with a slight peak in 2020/21. This indicates that more focus should be
given on minimising the number of unsentenced detainees in prison.
Indicator 16.3.2A2: Conviction rates across all courts
Figure 16.3.2A2: Conviction rates across all courts

1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
Percent (%)
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Conviction rate 88.79% 89.93% 91.69% 92.31% 93.05% 94.09% 94.72% 94.26% 93.80% 94.28%
District courts 90.83% 91.90% 93.62% 94.17% 94.74% 95.57% 96.13% 95.70% 95.30% 95.90%
Regional courts 74.26% 75.07% 76.00% 76.55% 78.41% 79.76% 80.99% 81.72% 82.50% 82.20%
High courts 84.62% 87.52% 88.79% 91.00% 89.92% 90.98% 91.66% 89.96% 90.90% 93.80%
Source: The National Prosecuting Authority Annual 2020/21 Report, NPA
The National Prosecuting Authority’s 2021 annual report indicates that conviction cases that are in all
courts are significantly high. The conviction rate is defined as the percentage of cases finalised with a
verdict in which a guilty verdict was obtained.
Indicator 16.3.2A3: Number of backlog cases and outstanding roll in courts
212
Figure 16.3.2A3: Number of backlog cases and outstanding roll in courts
200000
Number of cases 150000
100000
50000
0
0 0 0 0 0 0
Backlog cases Total 0 0 0 0 0 0
Backlog cases District courts 0 0 0 0 0 0
Backlog cases Regional courts 0 0 0 0 0 0
Backlog cases High courts 0 0 0 0 0 0
Outstanding roll Total 0 0 0 0 0 0
Outstanding roll District courts 0 0 0 0 0 0
Outstanding roll Regional courts 0 0 0 0 0 0
Outstanding roll High courts 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source: The National Prosecuting Authority Annual 2020/21 Report, NPA
Data from the National Prosecuting Authority (2022) indicates that from 2016 to 2021, there has been
a steady increase in outstanding roll in both District Courts and Regional Courts. In the 2016/17
reporting period, the outstanding roll in District Courts was 129 508, increasing to 151 677 in 2020/21.
Similarly, outstanding roll in Regional Courts increased from 40 812 in 2016/17 to 48 741 in 2020/21.
In the High Court, the outstanding roll has been fluctuating. In 2016/17, the figure stood at 992,
increased to 1 130 in 2017/18, and decreased to 971 and 961 in 2018/19 and 2019/20, respectively,
after which it increased to 1 145 in 2020/21.
From the 2016/17 reporting period, backlog cases, in Regional Courts have significantly increased from
14 327 to 24 527. During the same period, backlog cases in District Courts more than tripled from 13
652 to 41 997. In the High Court, backlog cases increased from 236 in 2016/17 to 357 in 2020/21.
Indicator 16.3.3: Proportion of the population who have experienced a dispute in the past 2 years and
accessed a formal or informal dispute resolution mechanism by type of mechanism.
Figure 16.3.3: Dispute and access to formal dispute resolution mechanisms.
Religious authority
Mediation, Conciliation, or Arbitration Authority (CCMA)
Traditional authority
Court or tribunal
Police
Community organization
Family/friend
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Percent (%)
2021 2018
Source: Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey 2022, Stats SA
213
Family and friends remain the most popular go-to for people when they experience disputes. For
instance, 28.9% of participants in the GPSJS survey of 2021 indicated that they engaged their friends
to resolve disputes. The second-highest source of recourse for dispute resolution is community
organisations, with 13.4% of all the survey participants appealing to them to resolve disputes. The
same GPSJS data highlights that the least used dispute resolution mechanisms are religious authorities,
with only 1.5% of the survey participants indicating that they appeal to them when faced with disputes.
Indicator 16.3.3A2: Total number of people who accessed free legal representation at court by type
(criminal and civil).
Figure 16.3.3A2: Number of people who accessed free legal representation.

500 000
Number of people
400 000
300 000
200 000
100 000
0
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Civil 52 364 58 990 55 415 53 990 51 177 27 818
Criminal 388 692 385 972 371 202 362 213 351 061 269 388
Criminal Civil
Source: Annual Report 2022, Legal Aid South Africa
The criminal court consistently remains the court where most people have received free legal
representation. This said, the number of people who were provided with free legal representation in
the criminal court declined from 351 061 in 2020 to 269 388 in 2021. Likewise, people who got free
legal representation in the civil court declined from 51 177 in 2020 to 27 818 in 2021. The decline could
be a result of the restrictions on movement that were placed during the COVID-19 lockdowns and the
closing of courts.
Indicator 16.4.2: Proportion of seized, found or surrendered arms whose illicit origin or context has
been traced or established by a competent authority in line with international instruments.
214
Figure 16.4.2: Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
20 000
17 558
18 000 16 134 15 736 15 779
16 000 15 116 14 772
13 549
14 000 12 930
12 000
Number
10 000
8 000
6 000
4 000
2 000
-
2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22
In 2014/15, SAPS detected 15 116 illegally possessed firearms and ammunition. Although detected
cases increased to 17 558 in 2017/18, the number decreased to 12 930 in 2020/21, with a slight
increase in 2021/22 to 13 549. The drop in cases in 2020/21 could be a result of COVID-19-related
movement restrictions, which meant that prospective criminals could not easily operate and be
detected.
Indicator 16.5.1D: Proportion of the population aged 16 and above who were asked for a bribe by a
public official in the previous 12 months
Figure 16.5.1D: Proportion of the population who were asked for a bribe by a public official
0.35 0.31
0.3
0.25
Percent (%)
0.2 0.18
0.15
0.09
0.1
0.05
0
2016 2017 2018
Source: Victims Of Crime Statistics 2015/16–2017/18, Stats SA
The proportion of the population aged 16 and above who were asked for a bribe by a public official in
the previous 12 months continues to increase. In 2016, the proportion was 0.09 but has since then
significantly increased to 0.18 in 2017 and to 0.31 in 2018. A possible explanation for this could be a
long-standing culture of bribery, which often evades the legal frameworks for combating bribery and
corruption.
Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
215
Figure 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services
100 91,0
86.9
77.4
80
Percent (%)
60
40
20
0
Health Education Home Affairs
Source: GPSJS 2019/20, Stats SA
A GPSJS survey on the citizens’ general perceptions of the availability and quality of services in the
Health, Education and Home Affairs sectors revealed that citizens are most satisfied with the Education
sector. Ninety-one per cent of the survey respondents were satisfied with the Education sector.
Meanwhile, 86.9% of the survey respondents were satisfied with Home Affairs, with 77.4% of the
respondents registering satisfaction with the Health sector.
Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions in national and local institutions, including (a) the
legislatures; (b) the public service; and (c) the judiciary, compared to national distributions, by sex, age,
persons with disabilities and population groups.
Figure 16.7.1.1: Proportions of positions in public service by sex and population groups
120.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
Percent (%)
40.0
20.0
-
African/Black Coloured Indian/Asian White Total Foreign Grand total
Males 33.5 4.7 1.0 2.4 41.6 0.2 41.7
Females 47.8 4.9 1.1 3.6 57.3 0.1 57.4
Toal 81.3 9.5 2.1 6.0 98.8 0.3 99.1
Source: Employment Equity Report 2022, DEL
Figure 16.7.1.1 shows that overall, females with no disabilities are better represented than their male
counter-parts in national and local instituitions, 57.4% and 41.8% respectively.
216
Figure 16.7.1.2: Proportions of positions in public service by sex and population groups (persons with
disabilities)
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
Percent (%)
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
-
African/Black Coloured Indian/Asian White Total Foreign Grand total
Males 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.5
Females 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.4
Toal 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.9 0.0 0.9
Source: Employment Equity Report (2022), DEL
When looking at the representation of persons with disabilities in national and local instituitions, males
are much better represented than females, 51.0% and 40.0% respectively.
Indicator 16.9.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age whose births have been registered with a
civil authority, by age.
Figure 16.9.1: Registration of children’s births

1 400 000
1 200 000
1 000 000
800 000
600 000
400 000
200 000
0
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Current births (published) Late birth registrations

Total registered births CRVS Estimated number of births mid-year estimates
Source: Civil Registration and Vital Statistics 2020, Stats SA
The Births and Deaths Registration Act of 1992 governs the birth registration of all children born within
South Africa – whether they are born to South African or foreign parents. According to the Act, births
should be registered within thirty days of birth. If this is not complied with, a child can be registered
following a process called late registration of birth. As a proportion of published births, late birth
registrations are considerably high among children aged under five years.
In 2020 alone, 104 004 children out of 1 003 307 births recorded by the Central Registration and Vital
Statistics were registered late (Stats SA, 2020).
217
This said, there has been a gradual decline in late birth registrations over the years. This development
could reflect the progress of the Department of Home Affairs in facilitating the early registration of
births per the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Act of 2010.
Indicator 16.10.2D: Number of constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to
information that South Africa has adopted and implemented.
Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA ) guarantees constitutional, statutory and/or policy for
public access to information in South Africa. PAIA, in particular section 83, should be read with the
SAHRC’s protective mandate. This requires the SAHRC to assist individuals who are attempting to
exercise their right to access to information through the use of PAIA.
Indicator 16.a.1: The existence of independent national human rights institutions in compliance with
the Paris Principles.
In line with Indicator 16.a.1, the South African constitution (Section 184 of the Constitution of the
Republic of South Africa, 1996) mandates the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to be
a custodian of human rights in South Africa. Among other specific directives, it stipulates that the
SAHRC must promote respect for human rights and a culture of human rights; promote the protection,
development, and attainment of human rights; and monitor and assess the observance of human
rights in the Republic.
In pursuit of its constitutional mandate, the Commission has adopted several priority human rights
focus areas for the planning period 2020 – 2025, which are in line with the Status of National
Institutions (the Paris Principles) and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights. These include pro-human rights budgeting; governance; anti-corruption and human rights;
health; education; human settlements, water and sanitation, land and food security; environment and
food security; civil and political rights. Some of the key issues which the SAHRC has conducted in recent
years include, the impact of corruption on human rights (following the release of the State of Capture
Reports); the impact of COVID-19 on human rights; and facilitating a national dialogue on the causes
of the 2021 July unrest and finding permanent solutions (SAHRC Report, 2021 – 2022).
218
2019 (or
Latest
Baseline nearest
value year)
value
value
Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective,
accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Target
Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
16.1
16.1.1D Number of murder victims 18 673 21 022 19 972

Number (2015) (2018) (2020)
Proportion of population aged 16 and
above who experienced at least one 0,7 0,7 0,6
16.1.3(a)D proportion
incident of assault in the previous 12 (2015) (2017) (2019)
months
Proportion of households that 1,1 0,9
16.1.3 (a) 1,1
experienced at least one case of Proportion (2018) (2021)
A1 (2015)
home robbery
Percentage of household heads who 30,7 29,4 31,8
16.1.4D Percentage
feel safe walking alone in the dark (2015) (2016) (2017)
Target
End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children
16.2
Percentage of school attending
children who experienced any
12,2 7,8 6,9
16.2.1D1 physical punishment and/or Percentage
(2015) (2017) (2019)
psychological aggression at school in
the past 3 months
Incidence of human trafficking for Incidence of human
0,02 0,01 0,01
16.2.2D sexual purposes brought to police trafficking for sexual
(2014) (2017) (2020)
attention (per 100 000) RSA purposes (per 100 000)
Target
Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
16.3
Proportion of victims of assault (aged
over 16 years) who indicated having 48,6 47,0 41,4
16.3.1D proportion
reported at least one incidence to the (2015) (2017) (2019)
police.
Unsentenced detainees as a
26,28 26,53 26,59
16.3.2 percentage of overall prison Percentage
(2015) (2016) (2017)
population
92,3% 94,7% 94,28%
16.3.2A2 Conviction rate Percentage
(2014) (2017) (2020)
26 545 30 381 66 881
Backlog cases Total
Number of backlog cases and (2015) (2017) (2020)
16.3.2A3 Number
outstanding roll in courts 162 847 179 033 201 563
Outstanding Roll cases
(2015) (2017) (2020)
28,6 28,9
Family/friend (2018) (2021)
5,3 13,4
Community organization (2018) (2021)
9 9,2
Proportion of population who have Police (2018) (2021)
experienced a dispute in the past 2
8,4 8,1
16.3.3 years and accessed a formal or
Court or tribunal (2018) (2021)
informal dispute resolution
3,9 5,6
mechanism by type of mechanism.
Traditional authority (2018) (2021)
2,5 3,2
Mediation, Conciliation, or Arbitration Authority (CCMA) (2018) (2021)
0,8 1,5
Religious authority (2018) (2021)
52 364 55 415 27 818
Total number of people who accessed Civil
(2016) (2018) (2021)
16.3.3 A2 free legal representation at court by
388 692 371 202 269 388
type (criminal and Civil) Criminal
(2016) (2018) (2021)
Target
By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crim
16.4
Proportion of seized, found or
surrendered arms whose illicit origin
16 134 15 736 12 930
16.4.2 or context has been traced or Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition
(2016) (2018) (2020)
established by a competent authority
in line with international instruments.
Target
Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
16.5
Proportion of population aged 16 and
above who were asked for a bribe by 0,09 0,18 0,31
16.5.1D proportion
a public official in the previous 12 (2016) (2017) (2018)
months
Target
Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
16.6
77,4
16.6.2. Health
(2019)
219
2019 (or
Latest
Baseline nearest
value year)
value
value
91,0
Education
(2019)
Proportion of population satisfied
with their last experience of public
service 86,9
Home Affairs
(2019)
Target
Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
16.7
Proportions of positions in public service by sex and
Proportions of positions in national 99.1
population groups
and local institutions, including (a) (2022)
the legislatures; (b) the public service;
16.7.1 and (c) the judiciary, compared to Proportions of positions in public service by sex and
national distributions, by sex, age, population groups (persons with disabilities) 0.9
persons with disabilities and (2022)
population groups
Target
Broaden and strenghthen the participation of developing countries in the instituitions of global governance
16.8
The number of international
16.8.1D organisations in which South Africa 8 out of 11 International voting rights
has membership and voting rights
Target
By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration
16.9
Proportion of children under 5 years
of age whose births have been 80,6%
16.9.1 Percentage of birth registrations (0–4 year-olds)
registered with a civil authority by (2014)
age
Target
Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedom, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
16.10
Number of constitional, statutory

and/or policy guarentees for public South Africa has adopted Promotion of
16.10.2D
access to information that South Access to information (PAIA)
Africa has adopted and implemented
Target Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to
16.a prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime
Existence of independent national

X X X
16.a.1 human rights instituitions in
(2015) (2019) (2022)
compliance with the Paris principles
Target
Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development
16.b
Race 6,8
(2018)
Nationality 1,5
(2018)
Poverty or wealth status 2,0
(2018)
Ethnic/tribal group 1,6
(2018)
Language or dialect 2,5
(2018)
Proportion of population reporting Sex or gender 0,9
having personally felt discriminated (2018)
against or harassed in the previous Political affiliation 1,0
16.b.1
12 months on the basis of a ground of (2018)
discrimination prohibited under Religion 1,5
international human rights law (2018)
Education status 1,3
(2018)
Sexual orientation 0,1
(2018)
Disability 0,5
(2018)
Region/province of origin 0,7
(2018)
Age 0,9
(2018)
220
4.16.3 Synthesis
South Africa has made progress towards the achievement of some SDG 16 targets. One of the most
commendable strides towards the achievement of SDG 16 has been the steady decline in the
proportion of children who experienced corporal punishment at school. This could be attributed to
the development of policies and legislation that focus on addressing violence against children at home
and school. There has also been a gradual decline in late birth registrations over the years, which could
be attributed to the progress of the Department of Home Affairs in expediting birth registrations.
From 2016, crimes such as home robberies and robberies outside the home have not increased
significantly, and some crimes like assault have declined slightly. However, the population that feels
safe walking alone around the area they live in after dark has been steadily decreasing. Despite the
statistical evidence, most households consistently think that violent crime has increased in the last
three years. The number of unsentenced detainees as a proportion of the overall prison population
remains significantly high.
Strong institutions, both public and private, are critical for ensuring that all people live in peaceful, just
and inclusive societies. The country has strong legal frameworks and institutions for the promotion of
human rights and access to justice. It has also made progress in addressing corruption, with the
establishment of the Anti-Corruption Task Team and the adoption of the National Anti-Corruption
Strategy. Besides, the establishment of the Office of the Public Protector and the Auditor-General
boosted the country’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability. The country has also made
strides in promoting civic engagement and participation, with the adoption of the Community Work
Programme and the establishment of the Social Cohesion and National Building Programme. However,
challenges remain in ensuring inclusive and participatory decision-making, particularly at the local
level. There are concerns about the lack of consultation with communities in decision-making
processes, particularly concerning land and resource management. These challenges pose a significant
obstacle to achieving SDG 16.7, whose focus is on ensuring responsive, inclusive, participatory and
representative decision-making at all levels.
Much more needs to be done to create a truly peaceful and inclusive society, ensure equal access to
justice for all, and promote effective and accountable institutions at all levels.
221
4.17
GOAL 17
STRENGTHEN THE MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND REVITALISE THE
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Proportion of
domestic budget
funded by domestic
taxes was 79.7%
Page
249
Volume of remittances as
a proportion of total GDP
was 1.11 in 2021
77.5% of
households in South
Africa have access to
internet
Page
250
Page
252
222
SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for
SDG 17 aims to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for
sustainable development. It focuses on partnerships and stresses the need for member states to
collaborate instead of competing. International investments and support are needed to ensure
innovative technological development, fair trade, and market access, especially for developing
countries. To build a better world, we need to be supportive, empathetic, inventive, passionate, and
above all, cooperative. This goal focuses on the means of implementation for all other SDGs and is
central to achieving the other sixteen SDGs.
South Africa is making strides on most of the targets of SDG 17, as seen in the thematic areas of SDG
17 which are finance, technology, capacity building, trade and systemic issues. The country has
demonstrated its commitment to achieving SDG 17 by establishing various partnerships at the national
and international levels with civil society organizations, the private sector, and international
organizations to promote sustainable development.
Table 17: Targets for goal 17
Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
17.1 Strengthen domestic resource mobilization, including through international support to developing countries, to
improve domestic capacity for tax and other revenue collection
17.2 Developed countries to implement fully their official development assistance commitments, including the
commitment by many developed countries to achieve the target of 0.7 per cent of ODA/GNI to developing countries
and 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of ODA/GNI to least developed countries; ODA providers are encouraged to consider setting
a target to provide at least 0.20 per cent of ODA/GNI to least developed countries
17.3 Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources
17.4 Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt sustainability through coordinated policies aimed at
fostering debt financing, debt relief and debt restructuring, as appropriate, and address the external debt of highly
indebted poor countries to reduce debt distress
17.5 Adopt and implement investment promotion regimes for least developed countries
17.6 Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science,
technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved
coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global technology
facilitation mechanism
17.7 Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to
developing countries on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed
17.8 Fully operationalize the technology bank and science, technology and innovation capacity-building mechanism for
least developed countries by 2017 and enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and
communications technology
17.9 Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to
support national plans to implement all the Sustainable Development Goals, including through North-South, South-
South and triangular cooperation
17.10 Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under the
World Trade Organization, including through the conclusion of negotiations under its Doha Development Agenda
17.11 Significantly increase the exports of developing countries, in particular with a view to doubling the least developed
countries’ share of global exports by 2020
223
17.12 Realize timely implementation of duty-free and quota-free market access on a lasting basis for all least developed
countries, consistent with World Trade Organization decisions, including by ensuring that preferential rules of origin
applicable to imports from least developed countries are transparent and simple, and contribute to facilitating market
access
17.13 Enhance global macroeconomic stability, including through policy coordination and policy coherence
17.14 Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development

17.15 Respect each country’s policy space and leadership to establish and implement policies for poverty eradication and
17.16 Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that
mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the
Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries
17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience
and resourcing strategies of partnerships
17.18 By 2020, enhance capacity-building support to developing countries, including for least developed countries and
small island developing States, to increase significantly the availability of high-quality, timely and reliable data
disaggregated by income, gender, age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, disability, geographic location and other
characteristics relevant in national contexts
17.19 By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that
complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries
Indicator 17.1.1: Total government revenue as a proportion of GDP, by source
Figure 17.1.1: Total government revenue as a proportion of GDP, by source

35.0
30.1
30.0 27.4 28.2 27.8 27.7 28.3
26.2 27.1
25.2
25.0
Percent (%)
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Financial statistics of consolidated general government (2013-2021) and GDP (2013-2021), Stats SA
A large part of government revenue comes from taxes and other revenue (fines, rent, etc.). Total
government revenue, expressed as a proportion of GDP, increased from 26.2% in 2013 to 28.2% in
2016. There was an improvement in the ratios recorded in 2019 and 2020 (28.3% and 30.1%
respectively) after two consecutive years of lower growth. In 2021, the ratio decreased significantly
to 25.2%, which makes South Africa vulnerable to increased indebtedness. The fluctuations in total
government revenue expressed as a proportion of GDP are mainly attributable to increases/decreases
in taxes and other revenue collected.
224
Indicator 17.1.2: Proportion of domestic budget funded by domestic taxes.
Figure 17.1.2: Proportion of domestic budget funded by domestic taxes.

90.0 81.6 83.5 82.2 84.1 83.0 81.8 79.7
80.0 76.8
67.2
70.0
60.0
Percent (%)
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Budget Review (2013 – 2021), National Treasury
The proportion of South Africa’s domestic budget funded by taxes remained relatively constant over
the past years, except for the years 2019 and 2020. The decrease in the ratio in 2019 was mainly
attributed to an increase in government total expenditure. The government recorded a decline in
domestic taxes in 2020, mainly due to decreased tax collection (Stats SA, 2022i). However,
tax revenue strengthened significantly in 2021/22, well above projections (National Treasury, 2022).
This shows that progress continues to be made in rebuilding the South African Revenue Service. Over
the past years, tax policy has focused on broadening the tax base, improving administration, and
lowering tax rates. The government intends to continue with this approach by avoiding tax rate
increases to the degree possible, subject to major expenditure decisions.
Indicator 17.3.1 Additional financial resources mobilized for developing countries from multiple
sources
Figure 17.3.1: Additional financial resources mobilized for developing countries from multiple sources.
2 000.00
1 800.00 1 786.06 1 544.91
1 600.00
1 400.00 1 458.31 1 276.39
Rand in milion
1 200.00 1 505.29
1 249.12 1 155.44
1 000.00
800.00
600.00
400.00
200.00
-
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22
Source: Reconstruction and Development Fund 2022, National Treasury
Figure 17.3.1, shows variations in additional financial resources mobilized for developing countries
from 2015/16 to 2021/22. Multilateral and bilateral donor funding saw an increase from 2015/16 to
2016/17, thereafter a steep decline in funding was observed for the period 2017/18.
225
Funding remained relatively stable up until 2019/20, after which the country received a boost in
donor funding. This boost could be as a result of the additional funding received to deal with the
global COVID-19 pandemic.
Indicator 17.3.2: Volume of remittances (in United States dollars) as a proportion of total GDP
Figure 17.3.2: Volume of remittances as a proportion of total GDP

1.400 1.270
1.200 1.108
1.028
1.000 0.938 0.943 0.940
Volume in (US$)
0.855 0.853 0.876

0.800
0.600
0.400
0.200
0.000
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Quarterly Bulletin 2021, SARB
The volume of remittances as a proportion of total GDP increased steadily from 2013, reaching its
highest (US$1.27) in 2020 and then dropping to 1.11 in 2021. This was higher in 2020 as a result of
COVID-19 as people were sending aid to their families in different countries.
Indicator 17.4.1D: Debt service as a proportion of exports of goods, services and primary income
Figure 17.4.1D: Debt service as a proportion of exports of goods, services and primary income
30.000 27.266
25.990
24.341
25.000
20.000 18.709 18.729

Percent (%)
14.793
15.000 13.477
11.212
10.000 8.564
5.000
0.000
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: International Debt Statistics 2021, World Bank
Debt service as a proportion of exports of goods, services and primary income has been fluctuating
over the past years, with high peaks recorded in the years 2015 (25 990), 2018 (24 341) and 2020 (27
266). The country’s international finances are healthier when these ratios are low.
226
In 2021, the debt service as a proportion of exports of goods, services and primary income improved
to 18 729, which means the country’s international finances were healthier compared to the previous
year.
Indicator 17.6.1: Fixed Internet broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, by speed.
Figure 17.6.1: Fixed Internet broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, by speed
3.000
Per 100 inhabitants
2.500
2.000
1.500
1.000
0.500
0.000
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Speed: (256to2 - 256 kbit/s to less than
0.167 0.080 0.148 0.085 0.027 0.038 0.010
2 Mbit/s subscriptions)
Speed: (2to10 - 2 Mbit/s to less than 10
1.858 1.507 1.316 1.126 0.936 0.688 0.446
Mbit/s subscriptions
G10 - Equal to or above 10 Mbit/s
0.430 0.460 0.604 0.704 0.753 1.040 2.590
subscriptions
Source: DTPS 2021, ICASA
There has been a significant increase in the fixed internet broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
under the category G10- Equal to or above 10Mbit/s. Figure 17.6.1 also shows a constant decline in
the subscriptions of Speed: (256to2 - 256 kbit/s to less than 2 Mbit/s subscriptions) and Speed: (2to10
- 2 Mbit/s to less than 10 Mbit/s subscriptions).
Indicator 17.8.1D: Proportion of households using the Internet
Figure 17.8.1D: Percentage of households using the internet.

100.0
90.0
80.0
Percent (%)
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
Western Eastern Northern Free KwaZulu North Mpumal South
Gauteng Limpopo
Cape Cape Cape State Natal West anga Africa
2018 72.4 55.3 55.4 65.8 59.4 58.9 74.6 70.2 46.2 64.7
2019 74.3 52.5 54.8 60.3 55.7 58.6 74.8 67.4 43.2 63.3
2020 80.9 61.2 70.0 68.5 72.3 62.3 85.2 77.6 58.4 74.1
2021 89.1 64.7 66.7 72.6 75.9 67.5 86.7 76.6 63.7 77.5
2022 84.6 66.9 68.5 72.6 75.9 67.8 80.0 78.8 62.2 75.3
Figure 17.8.1D shows that on average, households using internet in the country recorded an increase
from 74.1% in 2020 to 77.5% in 2021, then dropped to 75.3% in 2022.
227
Indicator 17.10.1: Worldwide weighted tariff average.
Figure 17.10.1: Worldwide weighted tariff - average

6.00
5.37
5.00 4.51 4.61
4.38 4.32 4.40
3.87
4.00
Percent (%)
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Source: World Bank 2021, WITS
The trade-weighted average is the average rate of duty per imported value unit. It is normally lower
than the simple average duty because high duties are normally less attractive for importers than low
duties. High duties tend to deflect imports and thus lower the trade-weighted tariff average. The
worldwide weighted tariff only exceeded 5.0% in 2019 and dropped to 4.4% in 2020.
Indicator 17.11.1: Developing countries and least developed countries share of global exports.
Figure 17.11.1: Developing countries and least developed countries share of global export
0.600
0.484 0.463 0.469
0.500 0.452 0.436 0.453 0.442 0.428 0.415
0.400
Percent (%)
0.300
0.200
0.100
0.000
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Source: Quarterly Bulletin 2023, SARB and Data Bank 2021, World Bank
Figure 17.11.1 shows the declines in South Africa’s share of global exports from 2013 (0,484) to 2016
(0,436). In 2017, the share increased to 0,453; however, there was a constant drop until 2020 (0,415).
The share of global exports improved to 0.469 in 2021, following the declines recorded in the previous
years. This shows how South African businesses are getting into different spaces and participating well
in international trade systems resulting from partnerships and collaborations.
228
Indicator 17.13.1 Macroeconomic Dashboard
Figure 17.13.1: Macroeconomic Dashboard
MACROECONOMIC DASHBOARD 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
ANNUAL GROWTH OF REAL GDP 2.5 1.4 1.3 0.7 1.2 1.6 0.3 (6.0) 4.7
(%)
ANNUAL INFLATION, CONSUMER 5.7 6.1 4.6 6.4 5.3 4.7 4.1 3.3 4.5
PRICES (%)
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 24.7 25.1 25.3 26.7 27.5 27.1 28.7 29.4 34.3
CURRENT ACCOUNT (R BILLION) (206) (199) (192) (127) (120) (157) (144) 110 228
CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL 180 248 210 132 110 146 105 (129) (244)
ACCOUNT (R BILLION)
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT (R 107 146 123 241 220 38 130 (113) (803)
BILLION)
EXCHANGE RATE (R/US$) 9.7 10.8 12.8 14.7 13.3 13.2 14.4 16.5 14.8
TOTAL RESERVES IN MONTHS OF 4.3 4.4 4.9 5.3 4.9 4.7 5.1 7.2 5.4
IMPORTS
Source: Quarterly Bulletin 2022, SARB and GDP, CPI, QLFS (2023), Stats SA
The real sector and unemployment, the Real GDP growth rate has been subdued over the past years
registering an average of 0.8% from 2013 to 2021. The COVID-19 crisis has weakened an already fragile
economy with a 4.7% growth recorded in 2021 as a result of the rebound of economic activities from
the pandemic. Unemployment rate remains high, with the highest rate of 34.3% reported in 2021 and
the youth are the hardest hit. Although fluctuations were observed for the inflation rate, inflation was
contained within SARB’s 3-6% inflation target range for most of the years, with the exception of the
years 2014 and 2016.
For the external sector, the current account balance recorded a deficit from 2013 to 2019 (-R206 billion
and -R144 billion respectively), which implied that the country had fewer incomings from abroad than
it had outgoing to foreign residents. However, current account surpluses were recorded in 2020 (R110
billion) and 2021 (R228 billion) as the country received greater inflows from abroad than it had
outflowing to foreign residents. The capital and financial account is showing negative growth since
2020. As of 2021, the capital and financial account was R244 billion. The exchange rate has been
fluctuating and the Rand had not performed well. Portfolio investment was on the negative side in
2020 (R113 billion) and 2021 (R803 billion), following positive growth from 2013 till 2019. Total
reserves in months of imports rose to 7.2 in 2020, then fell to 5.4 in 2021.
229
Indicator 17.18.2: Number of countries that have national statistical legislation that complies with
the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
South Africa’s National Statistics Office (NSO) is regulated by the Statistics Act no.6 of 1999, which
complies with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics. The NSO also subscribes
to the African Charter of Statistics.
Indicator 17.18.3: Number of countries with a national statistical plan that is fully funded and under
implementation, by source of funding.
South Africa’s statistics plan is run by the NSO, that is fully funded by the government. Furthermore,
the country also has a vibrant planning, monitoring and evaluation ministry, which supports the NSO.
Indicator 17.19.2: Proportion of countries that (a) have conducted at least one population and
housing census in the last 10 years; and (b) have achieved 100 per cent birth registration and 80
percent death registration.
(a) South Africa conducted a community survey in 2016 and a census in 2022.
Figure 17.19.2: Birth and Death registrations

100.0% 96.0 96.0
89.2 88.6
90.0%
80.0%
70.0%
Percent (%)
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
Total birth registration Total death registration
2011 2021
Source: Civil Registrations and Vital Stats 2022, Stats SA
(b) According to Figure 17.19.2 the CRVS, in 2021 shows the total birth registration (88.6%), was
below the target of 100.0%, conversely the country’s death registration was well above the
target, 96.0%.
230

2019 (or nearest Latest available
Target Indicator Disaggregation and unit of measure Baseline value Status
year) value value
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
Strengthen domestic resource mobilization, including through international support to developing countries, to improve domestic capacity for tax and other revenue
Target 17.1
collection
Total government revenue as
27,4 27,7% 25,2%
17.1.1 a proportion of GDP, by Indicator value
(2015) (2018) (2021)
source
Proportion of domestic budget 0,822 0,818 0,979

17.1.2 Domestic Taxes / Total Expenditure
funded by domestic taxes (2018) (2018) (2018)
Target 17.3 Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources
Additional financial resources

mobilized for developing 1 458,31 1 155,44 1 505,29
17.3.1 Rands in Millions
countries from multiple (2015/16) (2019/20) (2021/22)
sources
Volume of remittances (in Compensation of Employees plus Other

0,8763 0,9403 1,1083
17.3.2 United States dollars) as a Sectors' current transfers which include
(2015) (2018) (2021)
proportion of total GDP gifts.
Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt sustainability through coordinated policies aimed at fostering debt financing, debt relief and debt restructuring,
Target 17.4
as appropriate, and address the external debt of highly indebted poor countries to reduce debt distress
17.4.1D Debt service as a

proportion of exports of 25,99 24,341 18,729
17.4.1D
goods, services and primary (2015) (2018) (2021)
income
Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge-
Target 17.6 sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global
technology facilitation mechanism
Speed: (256to2 - 256 kbit/s to less than 2 0,167 0,085 0,010

Mbit/s subscriptions) (2015) (2018) (2021)
Fixed Internet broadband

17.6.1 subscriptions per 100 Speed: (2to10 - 2 Mbit/s to less than 10 1,858 1,126 0,446
inhabitants, by speed Mbit/s subscriptions (2015) (2018) (2021)
G10 - Equal to or above 10 Mbit/s 0,430 0,704 2,590

subscriptions (2015) (2018) (2021)
Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms, including on
Target 17.7
concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed
Total R&D (Million constant Rand values)

28 307 30 381 35 693
(2010) (2013) (2016)
Research Field
Share of green R&D from total (RF)_Million 4 529 5 667 6 091
R&D by (a) Research Field (RF) constant Rand (2010) (2013) (2016)
17.7.1D values
and (b) Socio-Economic Green R&D
Objectives (SEO) codes Socio-Economic
Objectives (SEO)_ 5 119 5 899 7 095
Million constant (2010) (2013) (2016)
Rand values
34,08 38,067 36,94
Share green (R&D)
(2010) (2013) (2016)
Fully operationalize the technology bank and science, technology and innovation capacity- building mechanism for least developed countries by 2017 and enhance the
Target 17.8
use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology
Percentage of households 54,1 64,7 77,5

17.8.1D South Africa
using the internet (2015) (2018) (2021)
Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization, including through the
Target 17.10
conclusion of negotiations under its Doha Development Agenda
Worldwide weighted tariff- AHS Weighted Average in % for All 4,38 4,32 4,40
17.10.1
average Products (South Africa) (2015) (2018) (2020)
Target 17.11 Significantly increase the exports of developing countries, in particular with a view to doubling the least developed countries’ share of global exports by 2020
231
2019 (or nearest Latest available
Target Indicator Disaggregation and unit of measure Baseline value Status
year) value value
Developing countries’ and
0,45 0,44 0,46
17.11.1 least developed countries’ Indicator value
(2015) (2018) (2020)
share of global exports
Target 17.13 Enhance global macroeconomic stability, including through policy coordination and policy coherence.
1,3 1,6 4,7

Annual growth of real GDP (%)
(2015) (2018) (2021)
4,6 4,7 4.5
Annual inflation, consumer prices (%)
(2015) (2018) (2021)
25.3 27.1 34.3
Unemployment rate
(2015) (2018) (2021)
-191 833 -157 367 227 693
Current Account
(2015) (2018) (2021)
209 587 145 645 -244 242
Capital and financial account
(2015) (2018) (2021)
12,7507
Exchange rate 13,2339 14,7787
(2015)
17.13.1 Macroeconomic Dashboard (2018) (2021)
Merchandise trade as a proportion of GDP 47,71 47,4 50,79
(%) (2015) (2018) (2021)
Foreign direct investment, net inflows, as 0,50 1,35 9,76

a proportion of GDP (%) (2015) (2018) (2021)
Portfolio investment, net (BoP, current 122 622 38 157 -803 451
US$) (2015) (2018) (2021)
4,9 4,7 5,4
Total reserves in months of imports
(2015) (2018) (2021)
4,6 4,1 6,9
Annual inflation, consumer prices (%)
(2015) (2019) (2022)
By 2020, enhance capacity-building support to developing countries, including for least developed countries and small island developing States, to increase significantly
Target 17.18 the availability of high-quality, timely and reliable data disaggregated by income, gender, age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, disability, geographic location and other
characteristics relevant in national contexts
Percentage of sustainable
development indicators
produced at the national level
63,0 64,0
17.18.1D relevant to the target, in Percentage
(2017) (2019)
accordance with the
Fundamental Principles of
Official Statistics
Number of countries that
have national statistical
X X X
17.18.2 legislation that complies with Statistics Act No 6 of 1999
(2015) (2019) (2022)
the Fundamental Principles of
Official Statistics
Number of countries with a X X X
National Statistical plan
national statistical plan that is (2015) (2019) (2022)
17.18.3 fully funded and under
implementation, by source of 2 273,5 2 311,1 4 648,3
Total Expenditure_Vote 14 (R' million)
funding (2015) (2018) (2021)
By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product, and support statistical
Target 17.19
capacity-building in developing countries
Proportion of countries that Population Census Census 2011 Census 2022

(a) have conducted at least
one population and housing 88,6% 88,6% 88,6%
Total birth registration
17.19.2 census in the last 10 years; (2015) (2018) (2021)
and (b) have achieved 100 per
96% 96% 96%
cent birth registration and 80 Total death registration
(2015) (2018) (2021)
per cent death registration
4.17.3 Synthesis
South Africa has achieved significant strides in the development of partnerships and collaborations for
sustainable development.
232
From 2015 to the present, South Africa has participated in several structures, formation and
sustenance of networks, partnerships, and collaborations, at all levels, from local, South to South,
South to North and private and public partnerships to achieve all sustainable development goals.
Through the various structures led especially by the presidency and DIRCO, South Africa has
participated in collaborations for the achievement of SDGs in South Africa and globally.
The report has demonstrated South Africa’s commitment to achieving SDG 17 by establishing various
partnerships at national and international levels with civil society organizations, the private sector,
and international organizations to promote sustainable development.
This was traced in the thematic areas of SDG 17, which are finance, technology, capacity building,
trade, and systematic issues.
The financial indicators of partnerships and collaborations show that South Africa’s Total government
revenue as a proportion of GDP by source has decreased especially between 2018 where it was 27.7%
and 2021 where it fell to 25.2%. The proportion of domestic budget funded by domestic taxes
insignificantly in 2018 and also to note is unavailability of data for other years from 2018. The
mobilization of additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources seen a
significant increase to USD715 341 720 in 2018 but a sharp fall in USD135,790,060 in 2021. The Volume
of remittances as a proportion of total GDP has been steadily increasing since 2018 to 2021 and debt
service as a proportion of exports of goods, services and primary income has continued to decrease
which is a positive trend resulting from South Africa’s participation, positioning and benefits from
being an active member in the international community.
On the technological side, South Africa witnessed a significant increase in fixed internet broadband
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, particularly under the category G10- Equal to or above 10Mbit/s.
Households are adopting faster internet broadband systems as they are coming in. By so doing people
are upgrading from slower internet options which is shown by a decrease in the numbers of
subscribers for (256to2 - 256 kbit/s to less than 2 Mbit/s subscriptions) and (2to10 - 2 Mbit/s to less
than 10 Mbit/s subscriptions) and increase in the use G10 - Equal to or above 10 Mbit/s subscriptions.
The percentages of households using internet grew from 54.1% in 2015 to 77.5 in 2021. Since 2010
South Africa has shown significant strides towards the promotion and investment in the development,
transfer, dissemination, and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries
on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed.
There is no noticeable change in the promotion of universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory,

and equitable multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization, including through the
conclusion of negotiations under its Doha Development Agenda. There was no significant change on
worldwide weighted tariff average which was on 4.4% in 2015, 4.3% in 2018 and 4.4% in 2020. This
was the same case with efforts towards increase the exports of developing countries, with a view to
doubling the least developed countries’ share of global exports by 2020. Developing countries and
least developed countries’ share of global exports has been below 0.5% from 2015 to 2020.
The Macroeconomic Dashboard which shows efforts towards global macroeconomic stability,
especially through policy coordination and policy coherence is indicating positives in other areas and
challenges in other areas for South Africa.
233
For example, the country’s current account, merchandise trade as a proportion of GDP (%) and foreign
direct investment, net inflows, as a proportion of GDP (%) is growing significantly. On the other hand,
the exchange rate, capital and financial account and inflation are telling a negative story.
On building existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that

complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries
South Africa as a country has a fully funded Statistical Department.
By 2023, the country had the capacity to report on 72.3% of sustainable development indicators
produced at the national level relevant to the target, in accordance with the Fundamental Principles
of Official Statistics.
234
5. PRIORITIES, CHALLENGES & INTERLINKAGES WITH SDGs
South Africa has made progress in realising the SDGs, but continuous to face significant challenges. In
order to accelerate its realisation of the SDGs, the following government priorities as identified in the
President’s state of the nation address in 2023, challenges and their interlinkages with relevant SDG
targets are put forward.
PRIORITY 1: RESTORE ENERGY SECURITY
CHALLENGES
Lack of maintenance of infrastructure resulting in unreliable provision of energy
SDG TARGETS
7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
7.b By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable
energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island
developing States, and land-locked developing countries, in accordance with their respective
programmes of support indicators
PRIORITY 2: GROWING THE ECONOMY AND JOBS
CHALLENGES
Low economic growth, misalignment of skills for job market and exclusion of vulnerable groups
in the economy
SDG TARGETS
1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal
rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and
other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial
services, including microfinance
235
4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including
technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at
least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries
entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-,
small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men,
including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share
of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in
least developed countries
10.4 Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve
greater equality
PRIORITY 3: BUILDING BETTER LIVES
CHALLENGES
Poverty, inequality, unemployment, social exclusion, high burden of disease and climate
change
SDG TARGETS
1.2 By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in
poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
2.1 By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable
situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round
2.2 By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed
targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of
adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons
3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential
health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and
vaccines for all
4.5 By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education
and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and
children in vulnerable situations
236
6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation
management
7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
8.6 By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
8.10 Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to
banking, insurance and financial services for all indicators
10.1 By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the
population at a rate higher than the national average
11.1 By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and
upgrade slums
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
PRIORITY 4: FIGHTING CORRUPTION
CHALLENGES
Perceived high levels of corruption and bribery; weakened institutions; continued need to
increase access to justice in a resource-constrained environment
SDG TARGETS
16.3 Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for
all
16.5 Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
237
PRIORITY 5: MAKING COMMUNITIES SAFER
CHALLENGES
Persistence of high levels of crime
SDG TARGETS
5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres,
including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
11.2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for
all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the
needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older
persons
11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in
particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities
16.1 Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
PRIORITY 6: MAKING GOVERNMENT WORK
CHALLENGES
Unequal access to basic services, social exclusion and inadequate integration of ecosystem and
biodiversity values into national planning
SDG TARGETS
1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors,
and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
5.5 Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels
of decision-making in political, economic and public life
situations
238
7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-,
small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and
transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on
affordable and equitable access for all
10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of
age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable
practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
17.3 Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources
17.6 Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and
access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed
terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the
United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism
239
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Sustainable Development Goals: Country Report 2023

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa

MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY

MESSAGE BY RSA PRESIDENT ................................................................................................................ iv

3. IMPACT OF KEY SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ON ATTAINING THE SDGS IN

FIGURE A: OVERVIEW OF KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUTH AFRICA ........................................................................................ 5

TABLE A: SOUTH AFRICA’S PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE SDGS .................................................................................. 2

10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

IHR International Health Regulations

2.1 AGENDA 2030 IN SOUTH AFRICA

Figure A: Overview of key characteristics of South Africa

Furthermore, government involves local communities in water management by establishing

2.4 Report drafting process

The four SWGs formed were:

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably

Tier Classification Criteria/Definitions:

Figure C: Data availability for SDG reporting

The specific objectives of this report, therefore, are the following:

 To update progress reported in the 2019 SDG Country Report;

3.1 Impact of global events

COVID-19 pandemic had a rippling effect on many countries

South Africa a hot spot for climate change

3.2 Impact of National Events

Loadshedding and energy provision in South Africa

Flooding on the coast

Indicates the data are showing a positive

Indicates the data are showing a negative

Indicates there is no noticeable change in the

Indicates that there was either insufficient

The total number of grants

4.1.1 Progress per target

Table 1.1: Targets for goal 1

Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Figure 1.2.1A: Number of social grants beneficiaries by type of social grant

Source: Social Grant Payment System (SocPen) 2023, DSD

7.0 7.5 7.0

Source: Poverty Trends in South Africa 2017, Stats SA

Source: Poverty Trends in South Africa 2017, Stats SA

Figure 1.3.1 Total population covered by social protection floors/systems

Source: Social Grant Payment System (SocPen) n.d DSD

Source: General Household Survey 2023, Stats SA

Indicator: 1.4.2D: Number of agricultural populations with secure land rights

Figure 1.4.2D: Number of agricultural populations with secured land rights

94 280 92 032 92 643

Source: Mortality and Causes of Death 1997-2018, Stats SA

Source: Estimates of National Expenditure 2022/23, National Treasury

Indicator 1.b.1D: Proportion of consolidated government expenditure on social wage

Figure 1.b.1D: Proportion of consolidated government expenditure on social wage

Source: Budget Review 2023, National Treasury

SDG Indicator Tracking table

Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Total official development assistance grants from all donors

Progress Stagnant/No change No Progress Insufficient/No data

In 2020, the amount of