Minister Sisulu leads South African delegation to UN HABITAT III to share South African successes with the world
“What has been achieved by the Government and the people of South Africa is a miracle, no one else in the world can claim what we have achieved, over 4.3 Million houses and opportunities delivered since 1994 providing shelter to more than 20 Million people, the world is learning from us, we are number one in the world” Minister Sisulu.
Delegates at the at the Third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) South Africa for prioritizing provision of decent housing and community infrastructure for the poor.
Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu, MP, is leading a South African delegation to share the successes and experiences of South Africa at the scheduled for 17-20 October 2016 in Quito, Ecuador.
Habitat III is hosted by the United Nations every 20 years to secure a renewed global commitment to addressing housing and sustainable urbanisation through the adoption of a forward-looking, action orientated outcome agreement expected to be implemented by all member states including the Republic of South Africa.
As part of the Conference is a Global Exhibition that is focusing on how countries are addressing urbanisation and broader housing challenges. The South African exhibition which tells the story of the country’s journey from Housing to Human Settlements is one of the most popular exhibition stands. “The South African Pavilion tells a story of how South Africa is addressing human settlements challenges; the number of visitors at the exhibition is an indication of how the world is interested in understanding how we achieved what we have achieved. All our housing institutions, South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and other implementation partners are also part of the exhibition”, said Minister Sisulu.
In preparation for the Habitat III Conference South Africa submitted a National Report on the Implementation of the Habitat II Agenda adopted in 1996 and also contributed to the international preparations by hosting a Habitat III Thematic Meeting on Informal Settlements in April 2016.
The Cabinet approved report submitted to the United Nations raises a number of issues for inclusion in the Habitat III Agenda. These include the importance of understating rural dynamics in accelerating inclusive growth, employment creation and servicing the poor, youth empowerment through education, strengthening integral planning with organs of states, and addressing urban mobility challenges.
Minister Sisulu is accompanied by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Des Van Rooyen, the newly elected President of the United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) and SALGA Chairperson, Cllr Parks Tau and Member of Parliament and former SALGA Chairperson, Mr Thabo Manyoni.
Minister Sisulu and her delegation will also hold a number of bi-lateral meetings with Ministers from various countries attending the conference.
Enquiries
Ndivhuwo Mabaya
Cell: 083 645 7838 or Tuso on 072 127 1565
E-mail: Ndivhuwo.mabaya@dhs.gov.za or E-mail:Tuso.zibula@dhs.gov.za (Texts or watsup messages are encouraged)
