The experience of South Africa demonstrates that sustainable development is not an abstract category, but a set of pragmatic solutions based on a balance between opportunities and priorities, Olga Slavova writes.

       Amid global crises, increasing climate threats and persistent challenges to social stability, the issue of sustainable development no longer reflects an exclusively humanitarian agenda — it is becoming a strategic focus of national planning. The Republic of South Africa (RSA), despite objective challenges, is demonstrating positive dynamics in implementing a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is not about formally adapting the UN agenda, but about deeply integrating sustainability principles into key government strategies.

       In 2011, South Africa adopted the National Strategy for Sustainable Development and Action Plan (NSSD 1), which outlined the directions for the transition to an environmentally balanced and inclusive growth model. In 2012, the country adopted National Development Plan 2030 (NDP), a long-term programme that clearly sets out priorities for social justice, combating poverty and inequality, modernising infrastructure, and protecting the environment. It was this document that served as the basis for adapting the global Agenda 2030 to South African realities.

       Additionally, South Africa formalised its climate commitments through nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. These contributions partially correspond to the SDGs, particularly with respect to sustainable energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13), which emphasises the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable development and the need for coordination between environmental, social, and economic goals.

       This institutionally structured approach to sustainable development has allowed South Africa to focus on areas where measurable results are possible even with limited resources. Progress is particularly noticeable in areas such as health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), energy (SDG 7), industrialisation and innovation (SDG 9), climate (SDG 13), and the protection of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15).

       Thus, in the healthcare sector, there is a steady positive trend in reducing infant and maternal mortality, expanding vaccination coverage, and combating the HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis epidemics. The government is conducting large-scale campaigns in collaboration with international partners, including UNICEF and the WHO. The education sector has demonstrated a steady increase in enrolment in primary and secondary school education, including through free meal programmes and the modernisation of rural school infrastructure. Water supply and sanitation are reaching more and more households, including in rural provinces, which has been made possible by investments under the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan project.

       The transition to sustainable energy sources also deserves attention. The share of renewable sources in the overall energy balance is increasing, primarily due to solar and wind power plants. In order to promote industrialisation, the government is implementing its Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), focusing on the digitalisation of production and the development of logistics hubs. Regarding SDG 13, South Africa remains one of the leaders on the continent, thanks to its commitments to the Paris Agreement and the global partnership for a just energy transition (JETP). Conservation measures under SDG 15 have protected large areas and restored degraded ecosystems, including through the Working for Water initiative.

       Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), South Africa is making efforts to stimulate employment and increase productivity. The focus is on small business development, support for youth entrepreneurship, and the gradual inclusion of informal sector workers in the formal economy while ensuring their legal and social protection. There is a gradual increase in the number of jobs in the green economy and digital technologies. Regarding SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), South Africa is implementing social assistance and subsidy programmes aimed at mitigating structural inequalities. The state seeks to improve the targeting of social support and improve access to basic services for vulnerable groups, including the rural population and women.

       Of particular interest is the quantitative modelling in these areas, demonstrating progress trends for individual SDG indicators until 2030.

       Below are examples of graphs demonstrating the results of such modelling.

       Figure 1: SDG 1 indicator 1.1.1 forecast for achievement – ？？proportion of employed population living below the international poverty line (data for South Africa, age group 25 years and above, both sexes, ARIMA model)

       Figure 2: SDG 2 indicator 2.1.1 trend forecast – proportion of South African population with insufficient food consumption (ARIMA model)

       Figure 3: SDG 2 indicator 2.1.1 trend forecast – proportion of South African population with insufficient food consumption (ETS model)

       Figure 4: SDG 2 indicator 2.2.1 trend forecast – proportion of children under 5 years of age with stunted growth (%), ARIMA model

       The conducted regression and time analysis (ARIMA, ETS models) show that if the current trajectory is maintained, South Africa is capable of achieving the key indicators for the aforementioned Goals. However, in order to maintain and accelerate progress, a number of recommended measures can be identified.

       For example, as part of ongoing efforts to achieve SDG 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages), a number of measures and recommendations can be identified as a supplement:

       Expand the participation of the private sector in the modernisation of medical infrastructure and training of personnel, especially in remote and rural areas.

       Strengthen partnerships between the state, business and NGOs to introduce mobile clinics and AI tools for early diagnosis.

       In order to reduce inequality in access to healthcare, targeted support measures for vulnerable groups and more effective control over the distribution of budget funds are required.

       Particular attention should be paid to educational campaigns on disease prevention, including HIV / AIDS, as well as the strengthening of the intersectoral coordination of efforts to achieve SDG 3.

       Continuing the logic, the recommended approach is also applicable to the implementation of SDG 4 (ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education). Achieving this goal in South Africa requires the elimination of systemic inequalities in access to education, the overcoming of infrastructural barriers and an update in the content of education. First and foremost, it is necessary to reform the school funding model, ensuring a fair distribution of resources, especially in rural and underserved areas. The digitalisation of education, including the introduction of mobile computer classes and the development of digital competencies among students and teachers, is also a priority. Educational programmes must meet the requirements of the labour market, helping to prepare graduates for modern challenges.

       SDG 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) remains an important goal, linked to the historical legacy of apartheid and social inequality in South Africa. The following steps are needed in order to move forward in this direction:

       Strengthen mechanisms for the legal protection of women, including work on violence prevention, the expansion of the crisis centres network and making legal aid more accessible.

       Promote a gender agenda in the sphere of employment: introduce quotas and incentive mechanisms for the hiring and career advancement of women in science, technology and management.

       Support educational and awareness-raising initiatives aimed at breaking down gender stereotypes in schools, universities and the media.

       Ensure gender sensitivity in the development and implementation of policies in various sectors - from healthcare to the environment.

       An integrated approach is also needed to achieve SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Given the high degree of interrelationship between these goals, recommendations for them are formulated within a single block:

       Develop long-term investment programmes in water supply and sanitation infrastructure, especially in rural and marginalised areas.

       Stimulate the development of renewable energy sources through tax incentives and public-private partnership mechanisms.

       Implement national standards for sustainable production, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly technologies and the circular economy.

       Develop a system of environmental education and involve local communities in environmental practices.

       Strengthen environmental monitoring and regulatory institutions, including stricter control of industrial emissions and the protection of biodiversity.

       Promote the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources, including through the introduction of digital solutions for monitoring fisheries and preventing pollution.

       There is also a need to increase attention to the implementation of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), which remain systemic challenges in the South African context:

       Strengthen the links between the labour market and the education system, especially through the development of dual training and internship programmes.

       Develop mechanisms to protect platform workers and freelancers, including access to a pension system and basic health insurance.

       Implement targeted measures to increase labour productivity, including the digital transformation of SMEs and access to innovative technologies.

       Introduce a progressive scale of taxation and income redistribution with an emphasis on reducing the wealth gap.

       Create a national system for monitoring social inequality with open data and civil control mechanisms.

       Strengthen interdepartmental coordination in the implementation of programmes aimed at integrating marginalised groups (including women, youth, people with disabilities and residents of rural areas) into socio-economic life.

       The implementation of the above recommendations can ensure that South Africa not only continues to progress in reaching individual SDGs, but also strengthens the overall sustainability of the country's socio-economic model. The proposed measures take into account the specifics of the South African context and are based on the principles of realistic planning, inclusiveness and a scientific approach.

       The experience of South Africa demonstrates that sustainable development is not an abstract category, but a set of pragmatic solutions based on a balance between opportunities and priorities. In this sense, South Africa is an example of how the Global South is capable of not simply catching up, but setting the pace in certain sectors of the 2030 agenda.

       Views expressed are of individual Members and Contributors, rather than the Club's, unless explicitly stated otherwise.