South Africa will use its UN membership to advance the priorities of the AU Agenda 2063, which is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years, says Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane.
Addressing a media briefing in Tshwane on Thursday, Mokonyane said South Africa was recently elected to serve as a non-permanent member on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2019 until 2020.
“The election comes after a unanimous resolution to convene a Global Peace Summit in honour of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in September 2018, which is the centenary year of South Africa’s founding father. Our membership in the UNSC is dedicated to honour the legacy of Madiba,” she said.
The Minister briefed the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting that was held on Wednesday.
Budget Prioritisation Framework for 2019
During its meeting, Cabinet approved the release of the Budget Prioritisation Framework for Budget 2019 and also the timelines for the completion of the budget Prioritisation Framework for Budget 2020.
“The framework proposes the priority programmes for Budget 2019 that will enable government to tackle the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality within the available resources,” Mokonyane said.
Upcoming events
The Minister said President Cyril Ramaphosa will host the Word Economic Forum Roundtable in Johannesburg on 28 June 2018 under the theme ‘Shaping South Africa’s Economic Renewal - the role of Business’.
The event will bring together about 100 local and foreign business people and South African Government officials to engage on investment opportunities and partnerships.
“The meeting with the WEF business community is a precursor to government’s Investment Conference planned for later in the year, which aims to mobilise investment of US$100 billion over five years,” Mokonyane said.
The President will also lead a delegation that will attend the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit on 29 June 2018 in Botswana.
He will use the gathering to meet the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat to discuss the implementation of regional programmes.
“As the current Chair of SADC, South Africa has consistently supported broader regional integration through the SACU and SADC, and champions’ regional industrialisation and integration through various potential growth paths,” Mokonyane said.
The Water Institute of South Africa (WISA) 2018 Biennial Conference and Exhibition will be held from 24 to 27 June 2018 in Cape Town.
The conference is expected to attract 2 000 delegates who will discuss ways to ensure the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal number six, which centres around providing access to clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
The Southern African region faces increased uncertainty and vulnerability regarding water supply, and many parts of South Africa have recently experienced prolonged drought conditions. – SAnews.gov.za
