The UN partnered with the government to refine the draft Green Paper on Comprehensive Social Security, aligning it with global best practices. The aim is to build a stronger, more inclusive social security system. This collaboration led to a multi-tiered system, expanding coverage and linking cash benefits to active labour market policies to enhance economic security and opportunity. To strengthen social protection for children, the UN conducted evidence-based research on the impact of essential goods and services on poor households. The findings will shape policy recommendations on the social protection floor to be presented to the President in 2025. High-level roundtables convened by the UN brought together key stakeholders to advance dialogue on cli mate financing, open budgets, and social protection. The resulting discussions are expected to inform policies that empower communities, strengthen economies, and promote transparent, inclusive, and effective public financial systems.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) aims to drive economic inclusion and social trans formation by generating 5 million work opportunities over five years. To enhance its impact, the UN partnered with the government to shape the pro gramme’s Fifth Phase, prioritizing innovation, scaling successful initiatives, and establishing sustainable exit pathways. This initiative is a key driver of job creation, skills development, and long-term economic empowerment. To promote greater participation of persons with disabilities in the EPWP, the UN supported the development and adoption of a transformative disability inclusion policy framework, ensuring more equitable access to opportunities.

The UN SheTrades initiative is reshaping the land scape for women entrepreneurs in South Africa by equipping them with the skills, resources, and market access needed to compete globally. To date, SheTrades has empowered over 3,500 women, enabling them to scale their businesses, increase exports, and contribute to economic growth. Efforts to boost women’s participation in public procurement gained momentum in 2024, supported by the UN in alignment with President Ramaphosa’s goal of directing 40% of government contracts to women-owned businesses. The passage of the Public Procurement Act marked a significant milestone, embedding gender equality and women’s empowerment provisions informed by UN recommendations. By prioritizing procurement access for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, the legislation advances a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape.

The EntreprenHER project is transforming women’s economic empowerment by equipping 150 low-income women entrepreneurs—especially those in male-dominated industries—with essential business, digital, and climate-smart agricultural skills. Through targeted training and peer learning exchanges in Limpopo, the initiative is fostering enterprise sustainability, job creation, and financial independence Advancing the Integration of Human Rights into Eco nomic Practices, the UN developed a strategic paper and spearheaded impactful awareness campaigns focused on the practical application of rights-based business models.

To advance a disability-inclusive Just Transition, the UN commissioned a landmark study assessing the integration of persons with disabilities in South Africa’s transition policies. By identifying gaps and opportunities for greater intersectionality, the research provided actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, ensuring full inclusion in climate action and Just Transition frameworks. The study culminated in a case analysis, serving as a roadmap for a more inclusive and equitable transition.

An innovative Policy Guide, jointly developed by the UN and GIZ, has advanced global gender equality efforts within the context of Just Transition and cli mate action. Drawing from real-world insights and case studies across Southern Africa, including targeted analysis of gender-based violence and harassment in South Africa’s mining sector, the guide offers strategic policy recommendations and showcases best practices for building a more inclusive and sustainable mining industry.

The Advancing Just Energy Transition Project, led by UN with funding from GIZ and EWSETA, is catalyzing South Africa’s green energy future by equipping young people—especially women—with critical renewable energy skills. In Limpopo, 28 lecturers and 101 female students from seven TVET colleges have completed specialized Solar PV Rooftop Standalone Installation training, building a workforce ready to drive the clean energy revolution. This strategic investment in human capital not only promotes gender equity and economic empowerment but contributes to strengthening South Africa’s transition to a sustainable and inclusive energy economy.

In a significant step toward advancing South Africa’s just energy transition and addressing the critical affordable housing shortage, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) committed a $300 million loan facility to expand access to renewable energy and affordable housing finance. Partnering with banks such as Standard Bank, this investment is set to catalyze lending for clean energy solutions and unlock home ownership for low-income South Africans. With a housing shortfall of approximately 3.7 million units predominantly in the low-income segment this initiative directly targets the most urgent market needs. Standard Bank will leverage the IFC’s financing through green and social loans, sustainability-linked instruments, and impact-driven financial products to scale renewable energy projects and inclusive housing finance. This collaboration not only accelerates climate-resilient infrastructure but also delivers tangible, people centred development out comes at scale.
 

A total of 639 unemployed youth completed a digital skills training programme, while 294 employed individuals enhanced their digital competencies through a collaboration between UNDP SA, GIZ, and CSIR across four provinces. In partnership with BPeSA, the initiative ensured training aligned with industry needs, enhancing employability and workforce readiness. The Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) is transforming South Africa’s 250 Technical and Vocation al Education and Training (TVET) campuses, which serve over 518,000 students but face challenges in delivering high-demand skills. Launched by the UN and the Department of Science and Innovation, HEIF is reshaping TVET institutions from traditional training centers into hubs for entrepreneurship and innovation, equipping students with future-ready skills.

Through a strategic partnership with NAACAM, the UN facilitated LEAN training for six key automotive component suppliers, resulting in a 1.2% productivity increase and a 10% rise in capacity per employee. This initiative improved efficiency, reduced waste, and strengthened workforce engagement for 272 workers, driving measurable gains across the sector.

Story of Change - Building ICT infrastructure and expanding connectivity

To enhance internet access in rural areas, UNDP supported women- and youth-led SMMEs in deploying TV White Spaces (TVWS) technology, utilizing unused radio frequencies to provide affordable connectivity. This initiative established 183 public Wi-Fi hotspots, linking 273 small businesses, 2,637 households, and 56 public facilities, benefiting over 70,000 daily users. Additionally, it created 144 job opportunities for local youth and women. To scale impact, UNDP set up a computer lab at Olwandle High School in KwaZulu-Natal, connected to the TVWS network. This facility enhances digital learning by enabling students to access online resources, conduct research, and apply for university admission and funding opportunities. UNDP’s youth empowerment strategy fosters digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Through initiatives like Accelerator Labs, young innovators receive technical training, business support, access to prototyping facilities, and seed funding. These efforts drive tech entrepreneurship, strengthen South Africa’s digital economy, and promote sustainable growth.