The year 2024 marked a pivotal period for South Africa, characterized by political and governance shifts, economic challenges, and social transformation. Against this backdrop, the United Nations Country Team in South Africa remained steadfast in its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting the nation’s development priorities. This report highlights our collective efforts, achievements, and lessons learned as we worked with government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and development partners.

South Africa’s economic landscape in 2024 present ed a complex mix of slow growth, persistent unemployment, and fiscal constraints. While GDP growth remained subdued at 0.6%, the unemployment rate stood at 31.9%, placing a particularly high burden on women and youth. In response, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) reinforced its support for inclusive economic growth, focusing on job creation, strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), and advancing social protection initiatives. The expansion of the social relief of distress grant and the creation of millions of work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme reflected the impact of our efforts to promote eco nomic inclusion and women empowerment. 

With 65% of young people aged 15 to 34 currently unemployed or not in education or training, tackling youth unemployment is one of the most urgent priorities for South Africa’s future. In response, the UN launched Generation Unlimited South Africa (GenU SA) to equip over 1.5 million young people with digital, scientific, and entrepreneurial skills by 2030. This initiative has become a catalyst for cross-sector collaboration, expanding digital connectivity in schools, fostering entrepreneurship, and positioning youth as co-creators of social innovation.

Beyond national efforts, South African youth have also played a key role in shaping global discussions at the UN Summit of the Future, where they influenced decision-making on critical issues such as climate change, digital transformation, and social justice. Through platforms like the Youth Imbizo, young leaders moved beyond rhetoric to action, co-developing policy recommendations and advocating for systemic reforms that embed youth leadership in governance and economic poli cy. These initiatives reaffirm the UN’s commitment to empowering young people as agents of change, ensuring they are at the forefront of shaping South Africa’s economic and social future. 

Throughout 2024, our support for human capital development and building human capabilities was instrumental in improving access to health, education, and social services. The UN played a key role in advancing the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, expanding HIV/AIDS treatment, and promoting nutrition security. Education initiatives, such as early childhood development (ECD) programmes and digital learning platforms equipped young learners with essential skills working across the education sector, while programmes addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection reinforced social safety nets for the most vulnerable women and children.

The global urgency of climate action is evident, and South Africa’s leadership in the Just Energy Transition (JET) became a focal point of United Nation`s collaboration. Through policy support, public awareness campaigns, and technical assistance, the UNCT contributed to advancing the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy in line with the National Development Plan. At the same time, our efforts in biodiversity conservation, water resource management, and disaster preparedness strengthened environmental resilience and sustainability.

South Africa’s assumption of the G20 Presidency presented a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of the Global South, with the UN playing a key role in shaping the agenda through insights from Indonesia, India, and Brazil, as well as guidance from Executive Office of the Secretary-General and UN Sherpa teams. This collaboration ensured that global priorities reflected diverse stakeholder aspirations, reinforcing the G20’s role in advancing a fairer, more sustainable world.

At all levels of government, national, provincial, and district, the UNCT played a catalytic role in strengthening oversight, planning, democratic governance and state capability. In partnership with DPME, SAL GA, COGTA, the District Development Model (DDM) and other platforms, the UN advanced improved plan ning and monitoring for service delivery, launched innovative citizen engagement platforms, localized the SDGs, reinforced accountability mechanisms, and supported the professionalization of the public service. Strategic support was also extended to the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), including contributions to the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), to reinforce integrated planning, monitoring, and evaluation across sectors.

The UN’s close engagement in the May 2024 national elections reflected its commitment to inclusive democratic processes, providing in-depth political analysis and supporting the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU). This was complemented by on-the-ground efforts to ensure peaceful, participatory elections—training over 600 domestic observers and mobilizing more than 100,000 youth through the WeAreVoting campaign. In collaboration with the Independent Electoral Commission, Independent Elections Observer Missions, civil society, and media practitioners, the UN addressed mis- and disinformation, promoted civic awareness, and strengthened social cohesion through mediation and legal support mechanisms for vulnerable groups, including women, youth and asylum seekers. 

As we look ahead, 2025 presents an opportunity to accelerate progress toward the SDGs, leveraging the lessons learned and strengthening partnerships. The UNCT remains dedicated to working in unity with all stakeholders, fostering innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind in South Africa’s development journey.

Under the leadership of Resident Coordinator Mr. Nelson Muffuh, the UN Country Team (UNCT) in South Africa has played a pivotal role in advancing the Cooperation Framework, ensuring a coherent, effective, and impact-driven UN response to nation al development priorities. Comprising 24 UN entities, including 20 resident and 4 non-resident agencies, the UNCT functions as a key inter-agency platform for joint planning, policy coordination, and strategic decision-making. Through strengthened collaboration, the UNCT has delivered integrated support to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), deepen government partnerships, and promote inclusive and sustainable development. By aligning expertise, resources, and policy guidance, the UN system in South Africa continues to operate as One UN, maximizing its impact and ensuring that no one is left behind.  See UN agencies in South Africa: Un Entities | United Nations in South Africa