Pretoria - Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, says South Africa is committed to a better tomorrow by ending the practice of open defecation in the country by 2030 or sooner.
Minister Radebe announced South Africa’s commitment on behalf of South African President Jacob Zuma, on Saturday, at the 2016 Global Citizen Festival which was held in Central Park, in New York.
The Minister, who is also the Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, themed his address “South Africa's role in the (Sustainable Development Goals) SDGs and achieving water and sanitation for all”.
But the festival theme was “water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)”. So far, over 1.3 million health actions have been taken by global citizens everywhere.
Minister Radebe said the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 is South Africa’s very own master plan to get citizens to a country that is significantly better off than it is today.
“It is about the long-term planning for the country that you want and the future you wish for generations to come. At the core of all our global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2063 and our very own NDP sits the urgency to address the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality to improve the lives of all our people.
“Through these initiatives, South Africa stands for employment, global water and sanitation, and a brighter future for our youth.
“Through our leadership on the High Level Panel on Water, our government also commits today to ensure the panel champions proper sanitation and waste management services in cities around the world,” said the Minister.
Minister Radebe said government supports a world in which children thrive instead of suffering from disease, malnutrition, and stunting. “A world in which everyone has the opportunity for a dignified and full life.” - SAnews.gov.za
