IN MEMORY OF Ms Edna Bomo Molewa. Page 1

POEM: CLAUDE Dearest Mme Molewa, hoped and prayed to the Almighty for you Ito’drecover, but alas some matters are totally be-

yond the concepts and control of us mere mortals. We may just beg at the feet of He who controls all life and death. Serving under you was more than a job, it was a life, an unpredictable and at times so fast paced. You had the energy and vibe like I have never experienced, and to be perfectly honest I was worried at times for myself, because I thought I would never keep up. Mama you knew each of us like your very own and you knew exactly what our strengths and our abilities were and you honed in on those, not for selfish reasons but to make us better people. I missed those times, all of it, the “reprimands”, “the thank you Claude “, the long nights and ever longer visions you had for all things you were passionate about, and you were passionate, precise and unpredictable, and your world-wind character achieved respect and results everywhere. You were one of a kind, fighter for those that had no fighter, protector of the helpless, and voice for the voiceless, but most of all you were a mother, a mother who loved and cared selflessly, and for that I say “thank you Mama”. There will be many after you, but none will come close to the giant you were. There will always just be one Edna Molewa. When I got news of your passing I was frozen in shock, I was in disbelief, and amazement, like a deer caught in headlights. I recalled a time just a year ago when we were in the Cape and you had taken up ill, and after been seen by your doctors on one occasion you sat up in your hospital bed and asked Dr Dlamini when you would be going home, to which he cleverly responded that you were starting your negotiations now. He spoke to Nono and I, and everyday before

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we left you we prayed with you. I also recall when still in the Cape during that time you were amazed that I was still there and that I had not traveled back to Gauteng, I responded that where you were I was going to be, and just because you were unwell I was not going to rush back or abandon you. Mama you gave selflessly, and you taught me to never give up, and so I never gave up on you. I believed in you, I believed your were indispensable. Little did I know then that I would be writing this letter to you today. In the days following your passing I spent time in your study upstairs at your home in Waterkloof, and when I needed a bit of distraction from the work I would turn around in the swivel chair and look up into the piles of files and notes that you had created. I felt honored to be in the space you tirelessly worked. I remembered the rare Saturdays when you were home, and these were rare, I would come through and find you in your study, in your home wear and your turban, busy at your assignments, you wasted no time, you valued life and everything that you were tasked with. You were a rare species, but you were not to be preserved like the rhinos that you fought for, your loss is the complete end of a breed never to come back. You were never one to be held back or stopped, you were a force above forces, a tornado that left no devastation, but rather you created Edens and oases wherever you went. Your last and most memorable trip was China, where again in true Edna style you wooed your audience, and then, quietly, ever so quietly, away from the applauding crowds and the cameras, you left this world through the low door in the wall....

FOREWORD his book is an attempt to stitch together the various commentaries, speeches and outpouring of T grief and emotions that were expressed in the wake of the untimely passing of the former Minister Ms

Edna Bomo Molewa. While there were many memorials held countrywide, this collation of speeches contained here is limited in the to speeches that were delivered at a hurriedly organized memorial by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in her honour - a mere two days following her passing. Unbeknown to the DEA, this was an inspired decision. The DEA’s Memorial was followed by similar memorials throughout the length and breadth of South Africa. Due to parliamentary schedule the ANC caucus was to hold its own Memorial after her burial. Not a single day passed for two weeks without a Memorial or two being held in one of the provinces. This placed a heavy toll on the family as the family was required to parcel family members to grace each Memorial with their presence. The family was only able to find a breathing space on the Thursday before Minister Molewa’s remains were brought home on the eve of her burial on Saturday. This book, a professional portrait of the late Minister is not intended to be the last word. The speeches were carefully and restricted to her professional life through the eyes of her staff and colleagues. Indeed, this may well be the first among a few books or booklets that will celebrate Minister Molewa’s contribution to her community, party, parliament, country and the rest of humanity. Having served as MEC, Premier and traversed various Ministries, Minister Molewa had an understanding of government and its complexities, from governance to policy making and how these impact on the ordinary people. She was fond of reminding officials that their policies, rules, plans and projects must find expression in making life better for those who are in the margins of society. If they didn’t, officials will be send packing to revise their plans and projects. It was precisely because of her understanding of government that she was asked to serve as Acting President on a number of occasions. Minister Molewa was at ease with the world. She was able to consort with the best in the scientific world, able to critique their work in an effort to advance social and environmental justice in the world. She was unfazed in the presence of scientific excellence and intellectual brilliance. Even so, she made it her point to highlight that science and technology is meaningless unless it is used to advance and resolve the challenges of ordinary people. No task was too big to handle or too complicated to comprehend and to master. For her it was a case of being both hands on and brains on. She straddled the capitals of the world, addressing world leaders and experts in places such as United Nations General Assembly in New York, Paris, China and Russia. Just a few days later she would move effortlessly and find comfort with the poorest of the poor in the country’s far flung areas, the wretched of the earth. She made good citizenship and visionary leadership worthy of the effort. This book was probably long in the making. Many that spoke had always desired to tell her story. The story of an extraordinary human being with a big heart. The book attempts to do justice to that yearning. It captures personal reflections, and to a certain extent a heartfelt anguish of those who have worked closely with the late Minister Edna Bomo Molewa. The collection is also a celebration of a supremely gifted person. Minister Gwede Mantashe, who has had various engagements and disagreements with her, first in his capacity as Secretary General of the ANC, and later as a colleague in Cabinet, opined that even if you disagreed with Minister Molewa, one thing you could not take away from her is “intellectual content of her arguments”. As if to amplify the point, Mantashe Page 3

FOREWORD asserted “I found her to be very intellectual in content, reading, understanding issues, [able to] persuade people by the force of argument and logic and not impose ideas on anybody.” Minister Molewa was a dedicated servant that approached every task with a missionary and revolutionary zeal. In paying tribute to her, Ms Nosipho Ngcaba, the Director General in the Department of Environmental Affairs had this to say; “Minister was a breath of fresh air. She liked to empower women. She was a leader that always stood for justice. She was passionate about each and every area of the environment. She knew the functions of all the branches, including administration and finance”. Minister Molewa always took the side of the weak, be it in society or government. Fellow female Ministers affectionately called her Queen Bee. This was in recognition of her having made it easy for them to have a safe landing in Cabinet. She always reminded the newly appointed that there are no senior Ministers in Cabinet and thus should stake their positions without fear. Minister Molewa lived long enough to see her work being recognized and celebrated. Among the litany of awards, she awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science by Vaal University of Technology. Following closely on this was her appointment as the first Chancellor of a newly minted Sefako Makgatho Health Science University of Southern Africa. The honour by the French Government is perhaps one of the finest in global terms. She was bestowed with the Officier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur (or Officer in the French Legion of Honour), the highest award that is bestowed to a foreign national. The honour was in recognition of “Minister Edna Molewa’s commitment to South Africa, the struggle for freedom and democracy, women’s rights and the fight against climate change sets an example for us all. France will always be grateful for your contribution.” Forever humble, she dedicated the award that her “work in the environmental sector but also for my role in the struggle for democracy and for women’s rights to Mama Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu; a woman who dedicated her life to the betterment of her people,” For those of us that had worked closely with her, the portrait that was being painted came as no surprise. It confirmed all that we knew and said about her time and again. She was a true democrat always willing to accept the outcomes of a democratic process. This is an attribute that is sadly missing amongst those who proclaim to be democrats. She supported the former President Thabo Mbeki in the historic political contest in Polokwane. But unlike her fellow travellers who have not recovered from that humiliating defeat, she moved quickly to support and embrace the democratic and electoral outcome. A perfectionist that she was, she did her best to prepare those that were close to her of her impending departure from this world. Indeed, had we listened carefully to her we will have heard her. Everything she said and did indicated that she was in a hurry to complete her tasks on earth. She told us where she wanted to be buried. An environmentalist to the end, she specified the kind of wood to be used in crafting her coffin. Only now when put the pieces together do we realize that she had long tried to prepare us for her ultimate passing. We were perhaps blinded by this closeness. In terms of bigger tasks and plans, none was left unattended.

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PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA Mme Esther Nnana Mmethi and the bereaved family Deputy President David Mabuza Secretary-General of the African National Congress Ntate Ace Magashule, Treasurer- General Ntate Paul Mashatile, Members of the NEC of the ANC Leaders of the Alliance partners SANCO, SACP and COSATU Former Presidents Mbeki, Motlanthe and Zuma le bo Mme Ministers and Deputy Ministers Premier of Gauteng, Mr David Makhura and other Premiers Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Members of Parliament Members of Provincial Legislatures Members of the Diplomatic Corps The bereaved family and friends Distinguished guests Ladies and gentlemen

a sad day, as we mourn the untimely passing of Iourt isdear sister, colleague and comrade. On behalf of

the Government of the Republic of South Africa and on behalf of the nation, I offer my deep condolences to the family. To her mother, Mme Esther Nnana Mmethi, to her daughters Keneilwe and Didi, to her sons Michael and Basiame, and to her siblings, I say, your sorrow is our sorrow, and your pain is our pain. I express to you our profound gratitude for having shared your daughter, mother and sister with us. We know only too well that her commitment to the struggle of our people for freedom and dignity came at a great personal cost to the family life she so cherished. We are gathered her to bid her farewell, but also to commemorate and acknowledge her immense contribution to her country. Dr Bomo Edna Edith Molewa’s life was one of sacrifice, selflessness and service – dedicated to the founding values of the organisation to which she dedicated her life, the African National Congress, and dedicated to realising the objectives of our democratic Constitution. She will be remembered for her unwavering belief in constitutionalism, in democratic values, in the unity of the South African people, and in the central role of government in forging a society based on freedom, justice and human rights for all. She was a woman Page 5

of courage, of extreme professionalism, and, above all, of principle. These are qualities she displayed from her early years, and which guided her throughout her rich political and professional life. It was as a young teaching student at the famed Hebron College in the 1960s that the first stirrings of political activism were awakened and she first began to identify with the aspirations of the then banned ANC. It was a dark time. Apartheid was at its height and the student and labour movements were actively working underground to overthrow the National Party government. She participated in the ANC underground, in the liberation army Umkhonto we Sizwe, in the civic movement and later in the trade union movement. For her loyalty to the liberation struggle she paid a harsh price. She was detained countless times. She was arrested in 1989 while still nursing her infant son and held in solitary confinement for six months. Comrade Edna was one of the founding members of the Congress of South African Trade Unions and served as second Deputy President of CCAWUSA, and later the first Deputy President of SACCAWU. She was an active leader in the trade union movement right until the early 1990s when the apartheid government and the liberation movement first began the negotiations that led to the unbanning of the ANC. Her entry into government began with the birth of our democracy, when she was amongst the first group of ANC parliamentarians in the new democratic Parliament. It is in tribute to the outstanding legacy that the late Dr Molewa has left behind that tributes to her have been received from the environmental and conservation community around the globe. She was a key figure in international environmental governance and was a leading voice in the development of and the subsequent adoption of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. The late Dr Molewa executed her role as Minister of Environmental Affairs with diligence, with ex-

cellence and with dedication. She lent immense stature and gravity to the role. She has ensured that the conservation of the environment has become a catalyst to advance the objectives of the National Development Plan. We have lost a leader who was widely respected on the world stage, due in large part to her role in the global effort to combat climate change. It was under her leadership that South Africa formulated its first National Climate Change Response Policy and National Adaption Strategy. Our robust response to the threat of climate change had its genesis at the COP17 summit in Durban in 2011. As leader of the South African negotiating delegation, Minister Molewa threw herself into an intense period of international diplomacy. This conference laid the groundwork for the historic climate change Paris Agreement in 2015, which Minister Molewa worked tirelessly to ensure was concluded and ratified. Africa and the international community Shasouth lost a true champion of the cause of environ-

mental justice and sustainability as a foundation for equitable socio-economic development. Dr Molewa provided leadership on the whole spectrum of issues in the environmental sector; from green economy, to biodiversity conservation, to wildlife management and protection. It pained her that the ocean’s health was being threatened by degradation, over-fishing, oil and plastic pollution. As part of the global effort to strike a balance between economic development and ocean health she was at the time of her passing preparing to launch a Source to Sea initiative, a national and international movement to address the sources of marine and river pollution at source, to restore our water systems to good health and to eradicate pollution. She was passionate about enhancing our role as a country in oceans research, especially in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Islands. She believed that African nations must first understand the oceans and their mysteries if they are to benefit from the opportunities they offer. She launched the first of a series of multinational Indian Ocean research cruises on our polar supply vessel, Miriam Makeba, staffed by young scientists from the Indian Ocean Rim Association countries. She had invited me to travel on one of these research cruises to Antarctica, an invitation which I still hope to honour. Page 6

r Molewa was clear that the environmental D portfolio in government was so much more

than a regulatory function; but a real catalyst for economic transformation. She was passionate about the role of the waste economy in addressing poverty alleviation and job creation. She was determined to provide dignity to waste-pickers by providing them with opportunities and tools of trade. It was under her leadership that South Africa pioneered the Recycling Enterprise Support Programme that has already made a material impact on black owned and managed enterprises. Her work has helped to ensure that more waste materials are diverted from landfill, and that materials such as tyres, electronic waste, paper and packaging are used to create much needed jobs and grow economy. She understood that such programmes were a critical part of the national effort to fundamentally transform our society. She championed the involvement of communities in the mainstream of conservation. She insisted that the country’s unique biodiversity held untapped potential to address South Africa’s job creation challenges. She fought for the transformation of the biodiversity sector, to advance the principles of access and benefit sharing from our natural resources, while ensuring responsible management for long term survival and sustainability of species in the wild. was a daughter of the South African soil, with Sdeephe love for nature, for her country and for the

African region. She led from the front and could often be found out in the field herself, in the trademark SANParks ranger uniform. She had a soft spot for the rangers in our national parks and gave them her firm support as they confronted ever more complex and ever more dangerous tasks. She pushed for the roll-out of a range of environmental programmes that offered work opportunities, skills development and training to thousands of young South Africans across a range of fields, from natural resource management, to fire suppression, to rhino conservation, to waste management, to eco-furniture production. It is testament to her hard work that the environmental programmes of the Expanded Public Works Programme continue to be among the most successful we have today. I want to single out here the Working for Water programme, which

Dr Molewa was particularly passionate about. This programme offers young people work opportunities to clear invasive plants, which not only threaten our biological diversity but also our water security. In a number of eco-furniture factories across the country, the biomass from cleared alien vegetation is being used to produce various wooden products such as school desks and low-cost coffins. True to her character, the late Minister Molewa told her colleagues and family that someday she wished to be buried in one of these eco-coffins. his wish has been realised through the T provision of the wonderfully crafted coffin, made from

invasive alien timber, that we see before us today. The concept has expanded to perhaps its greatest potential, that of building high-quality human settlements, schools, toilet blocks and other structures, using invasive alien plant biomass. Among the first programmes to have grown out of the Working for Water programme were the Working for Wetlands programme and the Working on Fire programme. One can see the discipline, fitness and dignity of the men and women from Working on Fire who are helping as marshals at today’s funeral, in their bright yellow shirts. Dr Molewa was always a champion of women’s issues, and it is remarkable to note that no other country has a wildland fire-fighting capacity that has more than 10% of its fire-fighters being women. Today, nearly a third of South African wildland fire-fighters are women and we are determined to grow this further in honour of her memory. Minister Molewa will be forever remembered by South Africans for her efforts to conserve the country’s wildlife, in particular our rhino. She had promised us that rhino would not go extinct on her watch, and this has been proven to be both prescient and true. And yet, while we should welcome the fact that rhino poaching figures on the decline, we know that there is yet much more to be done. The fight against poaching is not over, and we who remain must take it up with as much determination and passion as our dear sister did. In the last days of her life, Dr Molewa and her department were in liaison with my office to launch a landmark campaign to mobilise all South Africans to become environmentally conscious. The #Thuma Mina Good Green Deeds programme Page 7

is aimed at changing behaviour towards littering, towards illegal dumping, and towards waste in general. We will launch this campaign in her honour and spread her message to all South Africans that it is the responsibility of each of us to keep our communities clean. So long as millions of our people still bear the brunt and ill-consequences of poverty, inequality and underdevelopment, her work is not done. She never waivered in her commitment to the upliftment of our people and to the protection of their rights. We must draw lessons from the life of our departed colleague and comrade, wholly embracing the concept of cadreship and of putting the interests of the collective above those of the individual. If we are to retain the trust and faith our people have in us, we have to return to the values upon which our movement and our nation was founded. We have to remind ourselves – as she often did – that our society will never be truly free unless we are able to advance the cause of the poor and the downtrodden and improve their condition. Ladies and Gentlemen, Dr Bomo Edna Molewa never took the easy road, but rose to the challenge with every role to which she was deployed. Her legacy is deep, impactful and enduring, as it is assured. It is because of leaders like her that we will be able to bequeath to our children and grandchildren that which is the greatest gift of all – our natural world. She has returned to her Maker – and she joins the pantheon of exemplary women leaders and icons to which this country has given birth. e evoke your memories and spirits - boMama W Lilian Ngoyi, Albertina Sisulu, Charlotte

Maxeke, Helen Joseph, Ruth Mompati, Dorothy Nyembe and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Receive her, your sister and comrade; a leader who understood too well the dictum that we must become the change we want to see in the world. She has left this mortal world, but her work and her legacy is all around us. It is in the rich African soil, it is in our clear blue skies, it is in the abundance of our oceans, in the unique plants and the bountiful wildlife that we cherish and respect and preserve. Her legacy lives on in the people of this great land, as they strive together, sparing neither strength nor courage, to build the free, equal and just society to which she dedicated her very being. May her soul rest in peace. I thank you.

MINISTER NALEDI PANDOR wish to thank our government for granting me the Iprivilege to honour this wonderful devoted patriot of South Africa.

On behalf of all my colleagues in government, our organisation the ANC my own family and the broader public, I wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family, staff and friends of Minister Molewa I know she will be missed and we will always remember her fondly. It is trite to say none of us imagined we would be in this place for such an occasion when we were with the minister in China just three weeks ago. Losses such as this one are beyond comprehension and beyond questioning. We have lost a warrior woman of the people in the prime of her life. During the state visit to China and at FOCACCIA comrade Edna was jovial elegant engaged and happy, talking to each one of us in the delegation and taking lots of photos. As we imagine how to celebrate her, our thoughts must surely turn to our year long commemoration of our two great leaders, Mama Sisulu and Mr Mandela. These were South African leaders, African leaders and global pacesetters. Mrs Albertina Sisulu was a woman of indomitable will, courageous, bold, nurturing, consistent, and determined when tough action was called for. She is also remembered as warm and loving and as able to outline a strategic roadmap for any task of struggle. Ethical, frank and not afraid to express her viewpoints. We also celebrate Mr Nelson Mandela our great icon a man of the people always looking to the greater good, unlimited by circumstances, refusing to allow a decline in values and principles even in the face of the most extreme provocation and r epression.

the past few days, a mother a teacher, a freedom fighter, an environment activist of note. served in many capacities in all the twenty Sfourheyears of our democracy. Premier of North West

2004-2009, Social development Minister 20092010, water and environment 2010-2014 and her greatest love, minister of environment 2014 until her passing. In July this year she received an esteemed honor from France, the high honor of Officier de Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur (Officer in the French Legion) one of that country’s to honours. She joined distinguished recipients such as Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, Kader Asmal, Archbishop Desmond Tutu,and Nadine Gordimer. Comrade Edna leaves us at a time when our organisation is re asserting its revolutionary principles. She would most certainly played a keen role in re asserting the true values and ethos of the ANC as she always devoted herself to achieving positive outcomes for South Africa for the ANC and for her departments cause of environmental sustainability I remember her from serving as a whip in 1994. was chair of the portfolio committee on trade Sandheindustry and we would chat in the back rows

of the assembly. She told me she was a former unionist in the catering and allied workers sector. It’s only later that I discovered she was the unions deputy president before coming to serve in parliament. As a whip I can co firm she was a hardworking dedicated MP who prepared well and led her committee very well. I was quite distressed when she was deployed to North West as an MEC because we enjoyed conversing in Setswana and The contribution and life of comrade Edna Molewa would have riveting discussions about Bo Tholo and mirrors the worthy attributes of these remarkable Bangwato. leaders. Let me turn to comrade Edna more fully and how she practically projected these characterome of you present here today may remember istics in in her political and parliamentary career. our negotiations for a new Constitution, and parYou have been learning about Minister Molewa in ticularly the formulations of a bill of rights. You will

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recall that the Ready to Govern document of the ANC was one of the most modern forward looking policy documents of the then New Democratic era. It set South Africa on a new path of human civil and political rights. The inclusion of second generation socio economic rights in the Constitution resulted primarily from that document and other ANC submissions. Thereal innovation of the ANC however was insistence on the emerging third generation rights of environment shelter and water. These rights shaped comrade Edna’s principal executive career, but it was as minister of water and environment and then fully environment that this national treasure of ours began to bloom. She had found her full passion sustainability, responsiveness to climate change, protection of the oceans, a world intact for our great grandchildren that is what drove this minister that is where her immense energy intellect and resolve really showed. I will never forget her serious determination to ensure Durban 2011 would not be a jamboree, the climate change outcomes must have substance she insisted and she worked tirelessly for that and succeeded. passion one sees rarely in politics. I recall A one night at the climate change conference I was

hanging outside the deep negotiations venue and she came out for a minute I think it was eleven thirty pm when will you finish( Le Tla hetsa leng ? ) I asked her, when we’ve got a proper resolution she replied and went back in. Achieving what she has on environmental sustainability was no small feat, building an Agulhus two, overseeing the oceans economy implementation and protecting our fauna and flora against all odds are all her lasting excellent contributions to our nation. She has done great service for all of us and for generations to come, she infused her commitment into colleagues on the continent ensured it lived in the United Nations and in this way became herself a woman of the world a woman of humanity Rest in peace dear friend, dear sister, dear colleague. Thank you. Page 9

SA MOURNS A TRUE PAN-AFRICAN CONSERVATIONIST Barbara Thompson and Nosipho Ngcaba Word count 1 328 ith the passing of the Minister of EnvironW mental Affairs, Dr Edna Molewa, South Africa and

the international community has lost a visionary leader who elevated the portfolio to reach global stature; and who was instrumental in the design and implementation of the nation’s post-apartheid national environmental policy.

and other provincial protected areas: all of which have contributed towards the growth of ecotourism in the North West. As the first female Premier of North West, she continued to keep herself abreast of strategic environmental programmes, especially where collaboration was necessary between the North West, Gauteng and national government, to advance natural and cultural heritage conservation objectives. During her tenure the Cradle of Humankind, Taung, Makapan’s Valley, as well as World Heritage Sites in the Free State and North West Province were established.

It is testimony to her impact way beyond South Africa’s borders that tributes continue to pour in from individuals and organizations across the globe that interacted with her: from the Uniter successful track record as Minister of Envied Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to the International Union ronmental Affairs, a position she assumed in 2010 for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as well as when the Ministry was still attached to Water Affairs, is long and varied. from the diplomatic community.

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Amongst the most poignant tributes paid to her was by the French Embassy in Pretoria – that only a month ago bestowed the honour of Officier de l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur on the late Minister in recognition of her contribution to the global climate change effort. inister Molewa, whose career in environM mental conservation began when she headed the Department of Environment and Tourism in the North West Province in 1996, was a true champion for conservation. Since the dawn of democracy she actively led the new environmental architecture through what was referred to as the Consultative National Environmental Policy Process (CONNEP).

During her tenure in the province, she led efforts to reform provincial legislation and institutions creating a good model for conservation and tourism in provincial protected areas, amongst other things. Results of these efforts include successful ecotourism products in Pilanesberg, Madikwe, Page 10

In the field of biodiversity conservation, she was a leader and a champion for the conservation of South Africa’s fauna and flora. It was Minister Molewa who advocated for the security cluster to be brought on board to tackle rhino poaching – and she pushed for the adoption by Cabinet in 2014 of the Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros approach. It is thanks to this multi-disciplinary approach that rhino poaching numbers have continued their successive decline, as reflected in the recently released statistics. The translocation of rhino to establish new rhino ranges, particularly in countries whose rhino had been lost to poaching, was a hallmark of her tenure. The successful translocation of Rhino to Chad earlier this year was part of this effort. lso in the biodiversity field, she strongly advoA cated for a science based approach to conservation

and biodiversity decision making; that resulted in the transfer of the National Zoological Gardens from National Research foundation to the South African Biodiversity Institute. The aim was to en-

SA MOURNS A TRUE PAN-AFRICAN CONSERVATIONIST hance the SANBI animal mandate and ensuring the enhancement of faunal based science for the sector including forensic services. During her time as Minister, the Khomani Cultural Landscape in the Northern Cape and the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains in Mpumalanga became South Africa’s newly inscribed World Heritage Sites. This brought to 10 the number of South African sites on the UNESCO world heritage list. In addition, four new biosphere reserves were also added to the UNESCO world network of biosphere reserves. r. Molewa believed that the biodiversity field D offered untapped opportunities to address South Africa’s economic challenges; and could contribute to socio-economic transformation. She led calls for the transformation of the sector, in particular for the principle of access and benefit sharing from natural resources or wildlife resources.

In her last official engagements in South Africa she presided over the first-ever African Ranger Awards, a Women and Environment programme, the Operation Phakisa Biodiversity Economy, the hosting of the 8th People and Parks Conference, and the official ministerial visit to the Thohoyandou Botanical Garden. was internationally respected as a leader Sandheexpert in her field on the world stage; and led

South Africa’s delegations to amongst others, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the World Heritage Convention (WHC), and the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES). With regards to the latter, her active role in these fora resulted in South Africa hosting the 17th Conference of the Parties to CITES in 2016, in Johannesburg – a first for the African continent. In the chemicals and waste space, she led the Page 11

Department through negotiations that saw South Africa become signatories to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Protection and the Minamata Convention for the phasing out of Mercury. Under her leadership, South Africa has become known as a leader on the continent in the field of circular economy and its role as a catalyst for job creation, skills development and economic growth. Amongst the successful initiatives she pioneered and championed is the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Recycling Enterprise Support Programme (RESP). At the time of her passing she was working towards the launch of a countrywide greening programme called Thuma Mina Good Green Deeds. In the oceans space, she headed the lead Department driving Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy. She also led South Africa in discussions for the development of a BRICS Oceans Economy programme through sharing of best practices, technology and skills development whilst paving a way for investment attractions in these key areas. Passionate about increasing South Africa’s role in the marine and coastal environment, it was Minister Molewa who dedicated South Africa’s famous research and polar supply vessel, the SA Agulhas II to Mama Miriam Makeba. This vessel has been the basis for the cutting edge scientific research at Antarctic and Prince Edward Islands, and demonstrates her foresight and understanding of investing in knowledge production and the important role of science in understanding our oceans. She insisted that good science work undertaken must be translated into knowledge that all South Africans can easily access and launched the first of a number of Indian Ocean research cruises last year October. What Dr. Molewa will best be remembered for is her contribution to the global fight against climate change. A week before she took ill she had just delivered the annual Climate Lecture at the prestigious Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Tsinghua University

SA MOURNS A TRUE PAN-AFRICAN CONSERVATIONIST in Beijing – becoming the first African leader to do so. Her commitment to transitioning the country to a low-carbon, inclusive, climate change resilient future was evidenced a soon as she took office. She championed the drafting and adoption of South Africa’s National Climate Change Response Policy in 2011– the same year South Africa hosted the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP17). She worked tirelessly to ensure not just that the historic Paris Agreement to Combat Climate Change was adopted, but she also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and dialogue in ensuring that the countries of the world meet their obligations in terms of the Agreement. Dr. Molewa was an ardent advocate for cooperative governance and always ensured that the Department’s policies worked and functioned in tandem with the work of other government departments at both a provincial and national level. The Department of Environmental Affairs has lost a great champion for the cause of a cleaner, greener planet. We remain committed to the course, and to advancing the various causes she led so dearly. This is the most fitting tribute to honour her exceptional legacy. BARBARA THOMPSON IS THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND NOSIPHO NGCABA IS THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

MR TREVOR BALZER

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MR TREVOR BALZER TRIBUTE: LATE MINISTER BOMO EDNA EDITH MOLEWA. t was with great shock and sadness that we Ilearnt of the untimely death of Minister Dr Bomo

Edna Edith Molewa on Saturday 22 September, really still quite difficult to comprehend. Like a bad dream. Let me start by passing my and Linda’s (my Wife) Condolences to the Family, Friends and Comrades of the Late Minister Edna Molewa, as well as my colleagues from the Department of Environmental Affairs AND Department of Water and Sanitation. The pain which you are feeling, I am sure, is as intense as my own pain. Where does one begin to talk about a women who has made such an indelible mark not only in South Africa but Globally. I had the privilege of working with Late Minister when she was appointed as Minister for Water and Environmental Affairs. She came into the Department like a whirl wind, no a Hurricane, when she was appointed to the post on 31 October 2010, she was like the proverbial “breath of very fresh air”. In no time at all we were carrying out a Business Process Re-engineering for the Department to determine our future and fix those things which we were not doing so well, and while a team of experts were appointed to do the task, we were never left in doubt in the direction we were being taken she lead from the front and with passion which was difficult to describe, a veritable workaholic of note. She was a great Leader and she lead from the front at great speed………. Yes, great speed. This was a moving train (or plane if you want) and we were making repairs and doing refurbishment while in motion. There was no time to be a passenger. In all this, she gave us the space to perform our Professional and Administrative responsibilities. She listened to, accepted and use our Professional and Technical advice while at the same time getting us to understanding the Political nuances of what we were doing. The fact that we were serving South Africa in general and it’s people in Page 13

particular was a driving force in redressing the inequalities of the past, dealing with poverty reduction and at all times improving service delivery. We used to work hard, and I mean hard!! We used to work late and I mean really late!! This certainly brought new meaning to the notion of “burning the mid-night oil”. During this “hustle and bustle” she never lost that Motherly touch and her feminimity. One incident which always brings a smile to my face is when on a Saturday morning in January (don’t worry about the year) we were doing last minute briefings for WEF which was taking place the next week…so there we were….. sitting on the balcony at 320 Rigel, I was going through the briefing while late Minister had the Hair Stylist doing the hair and the Nail Technician doing the nails…. This took multitasking to a new level. (Gail in particular will understand this scene!!!) While many people if ask what legacy Late Minister has left you would excuse them for thinking that it was only with environmental matters and climate change and dealing with rhino poaching amongst many other things, she has also left a legacy in the Water Sector. In this respect I will only make reference to World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Water Resources Group 2030 (WRG) in particular. Very soon after the establishment of the WRG we signed a memorandum of understanding with the WRG which lead to the establishment of a multi stakeholder group the Strategic Water Partners Network (SWPN) in 2011. This partnership is still very active and has been used as the benchmark for setting up partnerships in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mexico, Peru, Bangladesh, India, Mongolia and Vietnam. She also served on the Governing Board as the only Government representative, the other 19 members being private Sector partners. What a legacy, What a Woman. Go in Peace Minister Edna Molewa, Go in Peace. We will remember you.

I thank you.MORAL REGENERATION MOVEMENT

1994 when he called for the RDP of the Soul. rogramme Director, the Molewa Family, I know about the MRM because in 1998, rememComrades and friends and all protocol observed. ber she was an ANC Member, the NEC of the ANC released a statement called an NEC stateI am here from the Moral Regeneration Move- ment on ethical transformation, and that is availment to convey our sincere condolences to the able. And I would like to believe as a matter of Molewa family, to the Political family to which fact that that particular statement to some extent the deceased belongs, the ANC. And we also informed a later document called The Eye of the want to share with you our own, particularly my Needle which informed the ethical conduct and own experience having worked and lived with the behavior particularly of ANC Leaders. late Minister Molewa. We were contemporaries in parliament for a number of years after which hen in 2008, after a five year research, the she was the redeployed to the North West ProvMRM produced a booklet called The Charter of ince as the Premier. Positive Values. Since then this booklet has been endorsed in its totality by the National Conference hen she took up that position I had a discus- which launched the Social Cohesion Conference sion with her. The discussion revolved around the in 2012. At the end of last year, I am just quoting partnership between the Province and the MRM history, these are historical facts. At its 54th Conand she said to me Padre, she always called me ference, the ANC endorsed this booklet because Padre, I don’t know why. She says, I think I know it understood that MRM belongs to everybody, about MRM, MRM was launched in 2002 in Tsh- every regional organization, every culture, every wane It was also as a result of a call by Madiba in race, every ideology, it is all inclusive.

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I thank you.MORAL REGENERATION MOVEMENT Finally let me end by saying that for me what is most important is what she left behind. There is a saying which says that what is most important is for anyone on the day of their departure from this earth to be able to say when I came into this world I found this world in a particular state, as I leave this world I have made a difference. It is different from the way I found it, whether in my home, whether in the neighbourhood, whether in Government, whether in Church, whether in political organizations, women’s organizations but wherever I have been I have made a difference for the better. You have heard the testimonies that were given here. They make that very clear. How she conducted herself in her job, how she related to ordinary people in the communities, that is something that after her death we can appropriate he said the reason why I am in support of the and make it – almost internalize it and make it MRM it is because it deals with issues that have our own. to do with the life and the aspirations of ordinary people. It is not talking about the pie in the sky o with these words I would therefore like to or something like that. It is talking about unem- say to the Molewa family thank you very much ployment, poverty, it is talking about violence in for having allowed such a wonderful woman to be society especially against women and children, it with us to serve this nation for so many years and is talking about social pathologies that have real- may her Soul Rest In Peace of Christ and may she ly become almost a cancer in our society, includ- rise again in glory. ing, particularly the culture of materialism, and of corruption, those kinds of things that are anti the Thank you. common good, that is where she came from. And she said for that reason you are going to have my support.

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omrade Edna was particularly interested also in this booklet for another reason, it has 9 Chapters, values and one of the values says, Protect the Environment. She sat me down and she said to me I am now the Premier of this Province and according to the resolution of the launch of the MRM in 2002 the resolution was that MRM must be lead and directed by Civil Society supported by government. She said I am here just to offer support, there is an office for you, there is someone who will do the coordination of your work but that is your responsibility. So if things don’t go right with MRM, do not blame me. You are the driver of that project I am merely rendering support that is necessary.

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I am here therefore, to say to her, thank you very much Comrade for what you did, for what you stood for, because for you it was a matter of principle. Not simply because either she like me or she liked other people who were activists in the MRM but simply because it was the right thing to do.

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THANK YOU PROGRAMME DIRECTOR.

To the Molewa family and to the Biodiversity Family I greet you all in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. been thinking as to who am I to be standIinghave here really talking about the giant, about a

woman who was not only beautiful in her looks but who did a great job for this country. From a Biodiversity point of view we have learnt to understand that biodiversity is our heritage. Having learnt that Biodiversity is our heritage we kept on thinking that it is there to be protected, but Mama Molewa taught us that lesson. She said whilst you are protecting Biodiversity you must ensure that the people of this country benefit from it. This is what sustainable development is about. The speakers that have spoken about her here have really painted a good picture about her. She was a mother, she was a loving mother – not

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just a mother, a loving mother. She enjoyed everything that she did and she did it with distinction. In SANBI we feel the loss, in fact with felt the loss the day we heard. And as we felt the loss we started to reflect about the Minister’s messages and achievements. The Minister was very passionate about her work. She would attend each and every event, and be present not just to attend, she would be present and dedicate the whole day or her time in that particular event and you cannot go unprepared. he will ask you questions as the Board, as to Swhere you are taking this entity to and you must

answer now and you must not start to beat around the bushes. She would ask; “what are the issues here” and you must respond now as to what the issues are and what you are doing about those issues. The event prior to the one that the Programme Director referred to was the one at the

THANK YOU PROGRAMME DIRECTOR. Walter Sisulu Garden, where we were unveiling the statue of the late Walter Sisulu. The first issue that came up was, she said “what are the issues” we said; Not much Minister this garden and this and that. She said “okay tell me about the community, the court case, what is happening ?” And we started to look around, okay where are we with the court case what is happening, who has taken who to court, as we were starting to whisper amongst ourselves, she said “Mayor, Mayor of the Magalies and this Conservationist, come, come close, this things must stop now, there will no court case and SANBI ensure that we engage these stakeholders. Let us agree to withdraw from court, we cannot be in court about protecting our environment, we cannot be in court about providing housing to our people. Let us find a solution and a solution must come now”. s we speak SANBI is working hard on that A solution for the Minister. The court case has been

withdrawn from and we are ensuring that we take forward her vision. She was a true visionary but she was not just a visionary and doing nothing, she was really hands on. As I am talking to you today, I am proud to say from SANBI through the Minister’s leadership we were accredited as an implementing entity. That accreditation did not come without her hard work. Besides the accreditation itself, the Minister has ensured that we secure R1.3 billion from the GCF, which we are currently implementing at SANBI. SANBI has come through difficult time in terms of financial sustainability and all that but through the leadership of the Minister we are happy to say we are a financially sound organization and there is no turning back. The Minister has lead that organization with passion. As you hear, she had lightened SanParks, she has lightened the Department wherever she has been. She was a true leader.

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ne thing that you cannot take away from O her is that motherly love. Minister, I met her

once when she was inducting us as a Board. The next trip, I was flying from Cape Town and I was in a flight with the Minister. You do not easily greet a Minister, she was sitting there “Hello SANBI, hello, hello SANBI”. I had to turn back and go to her and say Hello Minister I did not know that you still remember me. o she was such a warm person. It is a huge loss Sto the sector. I know I am not being insensitive to

the family, indeed it is a huge loss to you as the family but we must allow her Soul to Rest in Peace. I thank you.

DIRECTOR GENERAL:

...are structured and controlled in terms of some of the rules that apply so this was supposed to be more of a free for all if I use that language and in honour of Minister. inister was my boss. I am very proud to have M met her, Wow! I think most of you may not quite

understand how I was relating to Minister. But I had more laughter when I was with Minister. We would work push each other. She would push and I would say, Minister please can we do this tomorrow, negotiate my way through her. There were a few things that I liked specifically about her. Beyond her beauty I loved her intellect, when I am looking for words when we discuss in a briefing or when we are preparing for something she would have very interesting way of presenting and putting across what she would want us to do whether it is in a policy, whether it is legislation or whether it is in a budget speech and so on and so on. She knew all of us and she understood our style, she would say DG did you read this? I would say Minister I had to process Page 18

it because you wanted it yesterday, “I can see you did not read” and that was Minister. When she arrived as Minister in our Portfolio in 2010 I was already appointed as a Director General from the previous administration. Some people were wishing me good luck, I was not sure what they meant. I had some experience with Minister when she was still in North West by the way, because I was in the sector already when she was a Premier as well as when she was MEC because there are those intergovernmental forums MINMECS. hen former Minister van Skalkwyk was apW pointed as Minister of Environment and Tourism

there were still outstanding matters related to some of the world heritage sites in NW that were linking to Free State and she had a meeting with this Minister.. I think Minister was not even a year in the portfolio, a few months. She arrived and when she arrived and she was like it is already late, we were waiting outside and Minister van SkalkWyk was inside the Boardroom. She said;

DIRECTOR GENERAL: “Are we going straight there? Where is the door? Minister in Cape town in the evening – there we were flying we took a flight at 8 pm so we flew Do we go in here?” down to Cape town to meet her at her residence he did not even wait and I was wondering what with our thick files I was with Dorah and Joan, would happen but we had to start with a meeting reason being one of the files is about handover, and as she was clear she was never wanting to be one about the structure of the organization, delebullied, very clear as a woman, she presented her gations, financial management and all of that and case about the Vrededorp.Why it must be man- then some of the strategic issues that need imaged by the province not national even if it was mediate attention of a Minister and one of those going to be a world heritage site and that was the which were immediate was that there was going test that I had of her with a ponytail at the time. to be one of this climate change meetings and she So it was quite interesting to now anticipate how I needed to make a decision whether she was going to attend the basic meeting or not hence I went am going to work with this woman. We first had this meeting but let me first mention with Joan so that we fully brief her. Now I was one thing, DGs in the public service are an endan- wondering from 8 o’clock to 10 o’clock tomorrow gered species if you check the records the DPME is Cabinet, we were also going to brief her on Cabright now in its M and E report has indicated, I inet but I assumed she is going to read the cabinet think last year that the average stay of a DG in file. Now we start and she start saying DG, let a department is about two and half or 2 years 6 us hurry up we are still going to go through the months, average, it is a tough job. And it is not just Cabinet file (aaaah in my head) and we are still tough it is tough because of relationships. There going to discuss the climate, we are still going to is this big word that is used it is referred to as a po- discuss this (wow) and the rest is history. But in litical administrative interface, I was not sure how that discussion she crystalized three things if my I was going to manage this interface with Minister recollection is accurate.

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but I thought I am going to take my chance and I saw that she wanted to take a chance also with me. So I had some fears and if the first meeting is anything to go by, as Adora mentioned but I also had noted it when I was thinking about where do I start and how I even think how I related with Mme Edna. We had an appointment on this day after those normal formal arrangements at the Presidential Guest House, we had an appointment with her in Pretoria, then we were informed that, I had a meeting with the DDGs, I had a 3D meeting, the Department has got different categories of meetings 3Ds is DG with the DDGs, 4D is the DG with the Chief Directors, 5D is the DG with the ……………so we have those Ds and I found it there myself so I cannot account for it. So Minister then we get informed she is still meeting Water Affairs then we were wondering, okay. Then the day ended we got the message in the afternoon. We are informed that you will meet the Page 19

ne, it was on the biodiversity area the world O heritage issues of Vrede, she wanted us, we were struggling with the finalization of the regulations and therefore, that was also delaying the development of the management plan for the Vredefort Dome so she picked up that issue and it was more of a stakeholder management issue and she said immediately she is going to want a meeting. ”Let us get into the details let the whole Team come so that we have a discussion on that matter in making sure that we comply with the UNESCO requirements.” Secondly, she wanted to have a discussion about a matter that related to climate, it was biodiversity then in oceans, we were still busy with the allocations for both…shackage diving…. That is how the panel of the Special Advisor, Mme Bridget Mabandla was established. So on those matters we went back and we had to then brief her so

DIRECTOR GENERAL: there was a meeting then the next day. The next day when we left in the morning we will have to meet again. But without going into further details about some of the stories that I wanted to share, but to me Minister was a breath of fresh air and in that she valued stability. he did not come and make changes to the SDepartment right, like it happens when there is

a change, she looked and she applied her mind to try to understand and then said these are the things that I want changed and we then worked on a process of amending or making changes in those respective areas. Secondly as a mother, a few times, as I said, she had an option not give me another contract. When she came I had a three-year contract, she gave me a five year contract, she gave me a second one, I have two five year contracts that I was given by Minister Molewa. With this second one particularly because now I am two years into it, we had a long discussion because I said Minister I am tired of this job, this type of job, I hear people wanting to have DGs being permanent. I wish them luck. I honestly think, even if you have the nicest DG and nicest Minister you have to do it and move on. Our discussions, I had at least two opportunities where I could leave the Department and when I discussed those with her wow, she really dissected what was I thinking, what could happen and just the nature of those institutions transformation wise and so on. I really gave it a lot of thought and she proceeded, she called HR to work on a submission for my another five year contract so that she takes it to Cabinet whilst I was deciding, and looking back because I wanted to retire at fifty and now I am fifty two and looking back I say thank to her actually, because I could have rushed and then our final agreement on this five contract was that I would be here then for three years until the end of this term then with the two years she can decide at least she can appoint a new DG, God allowing that she comes back to the Department because we always prayed that she comes back as a Minister so that we keep the stability. Page 20

I then said to her, “well my other focus, I want to go and farm in my rural Province, back in the Eastern Cape”. And we had a lot to share about farming, she said well are you serious DG, I said I am very serious I am a rural woman. We shared aspects of what we understand about life in rural areas we also, even in terms of traditional leaders by the way, not because I see Nkosi Phatekile here, Minister loved Ukhosi, she believed in the role of AboKhoshi, I believe in it myself and I think it is a debate for other forums but in general we had such discussions. We had private discussions when I had my trouble with my husband and other things when she had her own troubles, we were open to each other, there was time for just that sisterly discussion, I never felt that she is a Minister that does not want, she likes empowering women, girl children, even now before she left for China she was telling me about this other research student that she was giving pocket money to. She said; “DG, that is a bright girl!”. he was supposed to send me the CV of the Sbright girl and I have not quite yet managed to get

it because she did not come back from China or at least when she got back we did not get time to continue to even explore that opportunity. Just a few of the things that I think are outstanding from ourselves – as a woman of a questioning mind, she was a leader that always stood for justice. She was passionate about each and every aspect of the area environment. Each of the branches, she knows its work, back and forth, including administration, finance, I am a DG, I have been sharing this with other DGs, because we have the powers that we enjoy from PFMA as DGs. The Ministers have their original powers more in the public service administration regulations or legislation. In the Department we have always had a practice I prepare financial delegations with HR delegations, we sit down with Minister and we discuss what she wants to delegate what she does not want to delegate. What I delegate in terms of financial delegations and what I should not

DIRECTOR GENERAL: delegate. So in my view she is a real model Minister that you could get and if I just run quickly through a few of the areas, already on oceans and coast I know that it was already mentioned her work that she lead on the oceans economy. To me it was about how she used that oceans economy as a mechanism to create a wealth of public understanding about South Africa’s oceans. Marine week two years ago, she said it must be in, we must go have the whole simulation lab in Limpopo and Gauteng, move the simulation to Limpopo however much it cost because she was saying we need scientists from all provinces of South Africa to have an interest in marine science in various other studies including the weather climate science. I think her intellect managed to help her connect all the time, what is strategic, what is linked to each other because as human beings when I study biology because she used to stand in front and say don’t look at that small DG, she is a scientist and I said Minister you really say I am a scientist? “She is a scientist”. In Biology that I learnt, Biochemistry or even Physiology I never saw the connections but I see them now that I work in this Department. Social science is linked to environmental education. Everything, ocean, you cannot talk about an ocean and not talk about the life in the ocean and the life of humans and animals that benefits from the oceans. So that is the beauty of her mind and the way she was gifted in connecting the issues. She loved the oceans, she loved as a vessel. You would ask why she was so fond of it, she named it herself, as Miriam Makeba because she wanted to dedicate it because she said your know, some people are complaining about tsunamis being named after woman Catherina whatever, but most vessels are also…………so she said it should be a woman and lets think about a woman and she went through that process and the Oceans Team at the time did not appreciate why she wanted the galas to be named Miriam Makeba. She wanted that vessel to be used as an instrument to understand the Indian Ocean to make sure that we have knowledge that can help us both in protecting ourselves from either certain changes in Page 21

the ocean overtime which may have devastating effects at the same she also wanted us to use that as an instrument for economic empowerment. Really in her, in terms of her last official engagement during the visit to China the first leg of it was very much about the work of oceans economy having been supported by Andre who she really liked so much and the colleagues that were with her Gail and the Team. Over and above that, Judy, I just want to mention that you have to make sure that that research and our contribution to the association programme is achieved because this is something that she wanted so it is your homework and my homework for us to really make sure we take forward. She was acknowledged through the award through the WWF gift of the earth award which is very much important and already ……… Du Plessis has spoken about it. She liked Shoni, Shoni your homework and from what I recall in the previous discussions with the Minister, in the area of Bio prospective when we implement the benefit in access regulations her question and her preoccupation was how do we not shortchange communities, how do we give them tools that will enable them to negotiate beneficial agreements with pharmaceutical companies or even bio traders in their use of their traditional knowledge of plants whether they are medicinal plants or other plants so that is a homework that we have not pursued further. We have to make sure that we carry that forward. Fundi was mentioning that when Minister said she needed counseling – Fundi, I understood that sms because you were saying you are unable to sleep so, your response is what triggered her to say you need counseling because I also responded after that 3 a.m. but she did not say I need counseling. Minister always wished that Guy must go and setup more eco furniture factories to be run by women in villages. There were villages we were talking about, their names, and COO was a witness to one of the meetings that I had with Minister. Wherein the value added industries which are based on utilization of wood which is the biomass

DIRECTOR GENERAL: that arise from clearing invasive species from our landscapes that we should really make sure that we use that as a tool for empowerment because again participation of women and previously disadvantaged individuals was a preoccupation that she had for some time. Mark in Chemicals and Waste, my understanding again Minister believed heartedly in beneficiation of waste products to empower the youth and young girls, she wanted that we definitely make sure that we move even beyond the tires, we look at all the other waste streams including the fact that she was rushing us for the last two months working on a concept which she worked on herself in terms of making South Africa clean, making South Africa beautiful. We cannot fail her legacy. Dr Tsakane Ngomane who is the new DDG in the Climate Team must make sure that South Africa represents us as a sector with distinction at this coming conference of parties including the biodiversity conference of parties for Shoni and the Team. The work of the Environmental Management Inspectorate, Minister appreciated and I believe that she would like that it should continue especially if it can help to crack the illegal killing of rhinos. Remember her wish in terms of how to cooperate between yourselves and the Waste Branch and the other branches in terms of facilitated compliance which in my understanding, after long discussions with her, meant proactive education to help all of the people that come into the waste area especially in the industry because that is an industry that has limited transformation. You have to help them to understand the environmental legislation before you crack the whip. That is my understanding of her wish. Limpho already there was a declaration here made by Paul that in terms of the ministerial hand book we are above the numbers and you know, all of us, Minister did not like to be told “you cannot do this”, you would have to get out of that door once you start saying, you cannot say it cannot be done, you have to say Minister we can do it in this way, Minister we can do it this way, or let us explore this, maybe we might be in trouble but you would Page 22

have to put all your reasoning of why you would be in trouble. So this notion of the size of ministries she does not like it, at least she has communicated it in various platforms when we met with the Public Service Commission she said, firstly I do not like it is illogical, secondly, this thing of not making people permanent when they work in Ministries it is also not good. So she stood for justice and whatever it meant and other people would say - can say whatever they want to say. So that declaration is already made Paul, I have already declared it. I went to the Presidency yesterday and I presented the structure and everybody so that is known and Minister of Public Service. Andre was telling me that actually she had more time with the Minister of Public Service because she wanted a bilateral many times before they travelled so maybe she has also been give a message in that respect so we will have to manage it. Lastly, Alph – Minister and yourself come a long way and certainly you probably have your own tribute let me not dwell into that. Minister knew who what strengths each one of the Team has and she would push you to your limits because she knows you can do it and with Limpho she still liked you but when she does not like something o ea koata. Lastly, at the prayer services at home there was a sharing of the word about when death strikes like an earthquake what do you do. I was asking myself what do we do and I think we have a lot of work to continue to present and preserve the legacy of Minister Molewa. I shall always treasure the time I worked with her and the opportunity I got, it is an experience that I will never, never, never lose until myself I get taken by the Almighty. So we will have to learn to adjust and accept and work through even our emotions and at this point in time we will have to manage ourselves much better so that we avoid causing each other stress. To the family, we love Minister Molewa. We love her. We think that she is gone but she can never be more than a thought away for as long as her memory lives with us in our hearts. I would like to handover to my colleagues.

MR GUY P…….. DDG: ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES Good afternoon to the family, Deputy Minister Comrade Bridget, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Guy P….. the DDG for Environmental Programmes. think for many of the speakers there is a Isimilarity in the experiences that we have had. I

just want to talk on two of the aspects that really did impress me about Minister Molewa. The first is her intellect. She really had an extraordinary grasp of such a wide range of subjects and was so quick to understand these subjects and get to the real gist of what it is that needs to be addressed in our work and that really shone through in so much of the work that I have been privileged to be part of in the Department. I think the second thing that I would highlight is her warmth. Amongst the pictures that have been shown here there is one of her throwing her head back at the ship with ……. Cotzee and that wonderful smile that she has, always permeated so no matter what you did that was wrong, and there were many of those, it was always that warmth and that sense of humour that for me came through in so much of the interactions with our Minister. I think across the Programmes that we were running, when I talk here I hope am talking on behalf of not just the five hundred odd people in our Branch but in fact the hundreds of thousands of people who have worked through our 14 Programmes that we run, led by Minister Molewa. She paid particular attention to detail and she had, as many other have said, this phenomenal memory in fact you got hit from both sides because our DG also has this extraordinary memory so you could not get away with not paying attention to the aspects and she would pick up on things. I remember a case of an infrastructure project that I tried to convince her that it was all in hand Page 23

and she persisted and then when we went to look at it indeed she was right and we were wrong and we had to then fix that but she persisted in terms of wanting to know that we had done the corrections that were necessary and that kind of attention to detail that memory where she would not forget the DG mentioned the eco coffins, we have not dealt with the eco coffins in a way that she wanted. She wanted us to use them as a way of empowering woman of empowering the stockvels to get these to reduce the cost of bereavement for the poor, we will still do that Minister Molewa, we will still honour that commitment that we made to you and I think there are many other examples of things that we want to do. Dr Duplessis talked about the…………… things, and one of the things that we are looking to do beyond that is eradicate the mice which are causing such extraordinary damage to the sea beds of the islands and her comment to me one of the last times that I saw her in fact was “do it, don’t wait, do it”. We will do these things in honour of this giant of a Minister that it has been a privilege to serve, in my case, for seven years. To the family, my deepest sympathies. I always wondered at how hard the Minister pushed herself to point of exhaustion in many cases. It is a great loss and my thoughts are with you and indeed all of my colleagues and comrades …… loss.

MR SHONI

DDG Mr. Shonisani Munzhedzi’s speech- semi-edited Thank you very much, thanks DG, DM and all the dignitaries that are here today. I’m one of the youngest in the team and she used to call me “small Fundi” for whatever reason. It’s only recently that she changed and she would call me DDG Shoni, I was so surprised. Then I asked myself why was she calling me “small Fundi” from the beginning, I think I learnt that she was trying to say that you must learn from those who walked before you and try and do better, referring to my former colleague and supervisor. e worked with Minister very well. We will W forever cherish the moments that we had with her. The other time I decided not to join the team because I was very tired when they were going to Colombia and the US not knowing that I will be part of the team at their time zone while being here in South Africa. I remember very well; I was called around 10h00 to rewrite the speech from the beginning. Then she gave a long list via SMS of how the speech should look like. Then I started writing, the Wi-Fi was gone at home, so I drove to where the signal was, at a nearby garage somewhere. I worked up until 01h00 and it was only my car there and they were looking at this car, what’s going on in here. Because I couldn’t give an excuse, I sent the first draft, she commented on Page 24

DDG:

it. I sent the second draft and then the other draft until she was satisfied. I told my wife that I should have gone to Colombia, because I was in Colombia while here in South Africa. We had all those night vigils of work and they were so many of them. You knew that you would meet her at 13h00 for the start of the meeting and if you leave before 12 midnight, you were very lucky on that day. Some of the meetings would still continue early next day especially those involving rhino statements. The other time I drove I think it was around 2am or so just to go and change and come back, because we were to be there on time again for the presentation of the statement. So these were moments with her. She taught us that Biodiversity is not just what we think, it goes beyond what we see into other socio political realms. I titled what I’m talking to here under the theme, ‘This Minister’. I do this because I believe she was not a Minister, but was “The Minister”. You know when you are talking about “The Minister of Environmental Affairs “not just a Minister. This one was “the Minister”. The affirmation of women was very clear, when it comes to her approach. There is no protocol in her orientation and approach to issues. Colleagues were telling me that she would talk to them and say walk tall, walk straight, be courageous despite the circumstances around you. She would encourage us to know more and present things with confidence. The other time I asked her, why do you always put all these many comments on the submissions and you want to talk to them. She said to me , Shoni, every submission is like a contract with legal implications. I didn’t appreciate it as much before. I remember her petty subject on Political Economy. She would talk to this endlessly and with passion. The other time we went there at her home, and normally at home you would sit around that table signing things. This time she said we’re sitting by the couches there. We are going to talk about political economy. It was a very long lecture about political economy, world order, how it influences our policies and thinking and implications thereof.

MR SHONI ‘You must know what is behind what you see, the north and the south dynamics’ she said emphasizing the many associated things. She would demand that when we deal with bioprospecting issues. For an example, we have to think about the bigger picture and in the main the question of who benefits, who owns and to what extentthose are critical questions. When you say this person is part of this, what about shareholding? We learnt economics, we learnt accounting, we learnt politics from her. You wouldn’t be with her and not know all these things. Towards the end of her life…, sometimes we don’t read the signs. We went to talk to permits that were not being signed by here, each one had a reason why, and there were so many and when we arrived the stack was so big. I brought the whole team, because this time around I thought maybe the problem was me. We sat there prepared to argue, clarify and talk to these applications again. That time for the record, she signed 36 of them. When we came out I said wow, this has never happened and she was still asking if there were still others outstanding. What was amazing was her intimate knowledge about each one of them and she would tell you what was discussed on each previously. She could even quote what you said previously and was very very clear on what she wanted from each one of them, ‘This Minister’ he last part was when we went to have the conT ference in Thohoyandou. There were four major

things we were doing in four days. Many s people didn’t realize, that we had the launch the projects in Matsila Development projects, we had a Ministerial visit which she led to the Thohoyandou Botanical Garden, we had the People and Parks conference to be officiated by her, and the biggest one was we Presidential Launch of the Biodiversity Economy Operation Phakisa. All these in just 4 days and she was part of them and giving leadership. ‘This Minister’. So I looked at these holistically and concluded that ‘This Minjister was a concoction of technical, strategic, scientific, political, social and whatever that you Page 25

DDG:

would battle to define. ‘ This minster was adaptive, hard but yet soft, forceful yet understanding, a fighter yet a peacemaker, confrontational yet diplomatic, loving and lovable at the same time, complex and yet ordinary. Its not easy to bring mining and biodiversity into the same room, and yet she managed to do that. She managed the navigation of getting the support to the Protected Areas Strategy. She also brought the police, defence, and many other stakeholders together in the fight against poaching and wildlife trafficking. hen we went to Moganedi’s funeral, one of W our former directors, we gave her a speech and

she looked at it and said this thing is not complete. I asked her why and she said I need a bible verse into the speech. We were looking for a bible, and she said I need a verse. So we had to put a verse in there, but before I read one other verse that we gave to her, I need to quote this poet who wrote t described grief as a medicine, and he said “grief cleanses the anguish from the souls, it sets us back in the path of life, so we can dance”. This must bring some healing to all of us, but we know it will take a lot of time. One Saturday we called her to her appointment with the global youth group. She told me that she was very tired and committed, but she still decided to come over, reluctantly so. When she arrived we had the event, you saw the picture when she was dancing. She danced hard with the youth. At the end she said tome, that was the best therapy for her. The youth sent numerous messages of appreciation. ‘This Minister’ Now, that verse that ‘This minster “read at that funeral as I conclude, was, Numbers chapter 6 verse 24 to 26 to the family. “May the lord bless you and keep you, the lord makes his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the lord turn his face towards you, and give you peace”. The peace e are talking about is peace beyond human understanding. I say God is all, in all, and for all. ;’This Minster” THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

INPUTS FOR MINISTER’S MEMORIAL SERVICES People and Parks Aspect

The first time, the Minister interacted with the People and Parks Programme was when she was a Premier of North West in 2008. She supported the programme implementation because she understood exactly what the programme was seeking to achieve, integrating communities that she valued the most into matters related to protected areas management. She was one the first Premiers to honour and appreciate the programme at that time, despite hectic schedules heads of provinces have. Since then, she never mixed her words until she become the National Minister of Environmental Affairs. To demonstrate her closeness to communities, when the country was faced with the high rates of rhino poaching, and a committee of inquiry on rhino poaching was commissioned in 2012, she ensured that communities are involved in the committee. As a result the Chairperson of the programme was appointed to represent communities. I remember her saying “where are communities, this initiative is doomed if they are left behind”

gether with communities to ensure they benefit and the central role they playing in our activities on general. Learning from South Africa through her championship, the CITES created a platform, calling on all state parties to involve communities in CITES matters. Leading by examples, recently she had ensured that communities are represented in the decision-making on the Board of conservation public entities under DEA. Leading a winning country in international resolutions’ implementation, the Minister endorsed the establishment of Youth Conservation Forum a couple of years back. Once again, a milestone in involving communities in our work space. Last year, 10 South African youth were sent to Italy to participate on biosphere conference. Another demonstration of the minister being central on community issues. Vibrant as ever, last year she participated in the Global Youth Biodiversity Network workshop where youth from various countries descended to South Africa in Mist Hill to discuss critical issues youth can contribute to the sector. She was mingling and dancing ‘phata phata’ with the youth. In fact there is even a video of this memorable activity with her.

Mostly when she delivered her speeches in People and Parks Conferences, she would say “owners of the land, these people are land owners, custodians and critical role players in the management of protected areas”, and as such should accrue benefits from the countries rich biodiversity protected Heritage Aspects areas are safeguarding. The Minister was a true patriot She was a champion of the heritage cause. She beShe had always practically advocated the impor- lieved strongly in the interrelationship between tance of communities benefiting in the rich nat- culture and nature and thus the need to integrate ural resources the countries has got to offer. In cultural elements into biodiversity conservation 2014, she took delegates of communities to Aus- in order to manage conservation areas holistically tralia where she was showcasing how South Afri- and effectively as an importance element of naca mainstreamed communities into Environmen- tion building and enhancement of socio-economtal issues following the 2002 Durban Accord and ic development. This is why she spearheaded the recent international calling on the matter. development of tools to ensure mainstreaming of Radically so, often she would share stages with culture (Cultural Heritage Survey Guidelines and community representatives when talking about assessment tools) and effective management of biodiversity conservation, the threats and bene- world heritage sites (Procedure for nomination fits thereof and how government is working to- of world heritage sites and compliance managePage 26

INPUTS FOR MINISTER’S MEMORIAL SERVICES ment framework for management authorities). As a result, working with the departmental officials and management authorities, she managed to effectively address some of the developmental and management related issues that bedeviled sites such as Mapungubwe, Robben Island, Fossil Hominid Sites, etc. This is why she believed that the World Heritage Convention was appropriately placed in DEA by the President She went beyond the call of duty and mandate in scrutinizing other related legislation by other governments and proposed strengthening in certain areas as these are complementary to DEA legislation. Her humility allowed her to engage with officials of other governments to get expert advice on relevant technical matters.

Drought Aspects

Minister Molewa was a good advocate for the vulnerable and downtrodden. This was demonstrated in her leadership of the African Region in the UNCCD which is considered as an African Convention as loss of soils and productive land mostly affects vulnerable communities mostly in developing countries.

ister whose reputation as a fireball preceded her. Fortunately, at the time she was Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, and the water side was so much more demanding that she seldom dealt directly with the Chief directorates. The first direct experience with the Minister was the Rio Ecosystems pavilion during UNFCCC COP17. We were in an inter-ministerial preparatory meeting and given the hype around the hosting of the COP, there was a lot of political interest. I hinted to the minister that we had this Rio platform that required a few high profile speakers. Little did I anticipate at that time what that would entail, she went on to deploy every minister that wanted anything to do in Durban to that platform. South Africa was commended as having the most high profile Rio pavilion ever – with her quick thinking and quick wittedness we were able to customise roles for everyone and keep them fully engaged. We hosted ministers responsible for home affairs, science and technology, transport, women, youth and people with disability, justice and constitutional development and the deputy president! That was way back in 2011! South Africa introduced mainstreaming biodiversity way back then!

The next memory was an outreach event in Kommagas in Northern Cape. We had a bioprospecting community outreach event in Kommagas. I was acting CD:BPM at the time, and I travelled with the then COO Lize McCourt and Albi Modise in the charter plane together with the Minister. She was in a relaxed mood and offered us all wine on the flight. On arrival in Kommagas, as we were getting off the plane, I was a little tipsy and needed to hold onto the minister to avoid falling. We proceeded to the radio station where minister had an interview about the event. Because she was a little tipsy herself she kept getting confused about the name of the place where we were and referred to “kokamas throughout the interview which had International Aspects us all laughing throughout the event. When the Minister took over the Department in The next morning, we had a live morning live 2010, we were so anxious to meet this new min- broadcast, and as it was my first live TV interview, Minister Molewa played a pivotal leadership role during the UNCCD COP11 hosted by Namibia in 2013 (she even changed her return flight many times as she was requested to unblock numerous sticky issues relating to the negotiations during the COP). She was instrumental in finalizing the housing arrangements for key structures of the Convention such as the Global Mechanism and Africa Regional Coordination Unit, as well as a specific drought decision and translation of Sustainable Development Goals into the the UNCCD strategic frameworks primarily to achieve a land degradation neutral world.

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INPUTS FOR MINISTER’S MEMORIAL SERVICES

inister went out of her way to coach me and Over the years, Minister was consistent in her M get me comfortable. She gave me a hug and told interest in the welfare of the team. When she me to go for it. It was one of many times over the years when she would affirm the team in her own way, and indicate the importance of girls reaching for the stars. I have fond memories of celebrating Minister’s birthday with her in the office in 2016 after we had signed the MoU with China. We were not aware that it was her birthday, and we had the usual fractious briefing where we fumbled with documents and minister questioned everything. She went on to graciously host her guests, sign the MoU and pose for photographs. Once the guests had left she asked us to stay behind and we expected to be in more trouble. So you can imagine our surprise when she announced that it was her birthday and we could join her for tea. The cake was a beautiful chanel handbag with a shoe on top!

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arrived in Cancun for the CBD COP high level segment, she was most concerned when she realized that logistical constraints with obtaining food. She looked for suitable mechanisms to address the challenge, and ended up leaving us with her ministerial car to support the delegation with purchasing food from the city centre. inister had an ability to make us cry, laugh M and learn all in the same engagement. This was

demonstrated when we hosted the Global Biodiversity Youth Network event. After a tense start to the day, we ended up dancing to pata pata and having an extensive photoshoot with the young people that came from 19 countries!

NAME: CHEMICHALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT here are many attributes to emulate from T Minister and I just want to list them very quick-

reetings to everybody and on behalf of the G staff of the Branch of Chemicals and Waste Man-

agement we want to extend the warmest condolences to the immediate family and indeed to the family of the Department and the Sector. This is indeed a great loss for us. We have lost a giant, a stalwart a champion for the rights of the poor the down trodden a great mentor, a great leader and now a legend. I loved her very much and I am sure many of you have and she has made a very indelible impact on my life and the lives of many, her untimely loss has indeed left behind a great vacuum, and I think for great people, the greater the people the greater the vacuum. e have many fond and loving memories of W Minister Molewa. Much has been spoken about

the late nights, working on public holidays, we would cancel holidays sometimes, tell the wife, sorry we are not going now, I am busy with the Minister. That was a lot of learning for me and for the sector she made great strides in the Chemicals and Waste Sector she really took it to another level. The Sector that was once the background, if I can say that, she really brought it to the foreground and made it stand on the international global agenda. Page 29

ly. She was dedicated, devoted, passionate, determined, persevering, caring, sharing, serving. She was tireless, selfless, dynamic, intelligent, coherent, wise, astute, loving, kind, generous, skillful, industrious, matriculate, impeccable, eloquent, concise, precise, independent, thought leader on her own. Very confident, dignified, courageous, inspiring, patriotic, energetic and one thing that stood out for me was that she never gave up. There was an incident, I was stranded somewhere I think between Taiwan and Japan a few years ago and the national courier and I think the international courier said there is nothing they can do for me the travel agent also says sorry there is nothing they can do for me, you are on your own. Somehow Minister had found out about this because I was going to meet her on the other side she says, I say well, I have to try make ways to get back home now, she says you are not going anywhere you just stay there, I will call you back. Half an hour later, she called back there was a new flight, redirected me, got to the other side, got to go see her smiling and she said there is nothing that is impossible, and that for me really struck – it is a big highlight for me and she never gave up on many things. No was not in her vocabulary. he really supported us thorough the various Sprogrammes in the sector the many …..the con-

ferences, the budget speeches, working till late at night, early mornings. But for me the other big thing that stood out was her commitment and her conviction about the plight of the poor was indeed foremost in her heart she was truly moved with compassion when she saw the way behind the trade and the streets the sights and in fact one of the Budget Speeches we had to really write a story of speaker because she was really convicted about that and said we have to change the plight of these ……….. At an international level we really recognized her

NAME: CHEMICHALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT leadership and indeed the rest of the world she has been spoken about. She lead many agreements in the world in the space of chemicals and waste management particularly in October 2013, she lead and spearheaded South Africa’s signing of the Convention for the protection of the world from mercury/mockery. In October 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda, when there was a decade long deadlock and a stalemate in terms of the Montreal Protocol, Minister played a very very important prominent role in unlocking and unblocking that particular agreement and today it has been signed and universally adopted. She really put the issues of waste, plastic pollution, litter on the global agenda.

Shoni was saying something about including a scripture somewhere and a verse and I was thinking about John 12:24 and the Bible says: except the grain of wheat falls to the ground it abides alone but if it dies it will bring forth much fruit. A grain by itself on the ground actually is meaningless but when the grain and seed dies it brings forth much fruit. What we see here today is the fruit of her work but we are going to see much more in terms of a bigger harvest that can be realized through the seeds that she has sown in each one of us.

S

die for it. Indeed she did, in the course of duty in the line of duty she gave her life and I believe she will continue to speak for many years to come and she will be forever remembered.

he had a lot of respect of being an intellectual really a force to be reckoned with in terms of negotiation ability and she was nominated many times to chair to lead, facilitate several international sessions and plenaries in many of United Nations Conventions. She was often called upon by ministerial colleagues from other countries to get involved in some of the sessions that built up to these agreements. In many respects I would call her the bridge between the global South and the global North. She was indeed a bridge builder. She was about getting win-win solutions for her it was let us negotiate let us facilitate an outcome, she did not want the Court to tell her how to run her business. e will miss that a lot, her expertise her influW ence and exceptional ability also to work behind

the scenes in these international negotiations. She was a thought leader. She established the Africa Economy Alliance in 2016. She also was very involved in this concept in the BRICKS Summits. Much to be said of her but for the sake of time I will skip a lot of things just to say that she had relentless pursuit for justice, for transparency, for equality for transformation and she was a champion of the oppressed the down trodden, the outcasts. Page 30

I believe that she served with true conviction Sando many of her convictions she was prepared to

We salute you Minister. Long live the spirit of Edna Molewa, long live.

LAWYER:

Good afternoon. Two words come to mind when I think of Edna Molewa. The one is energy and the other one is attitude. As far as energy goes, I used to tease and say Minister I want that mutti that you drinking please give me some because she would just go on and on and on. In terms of attitude she had a can do attitude it does not matter what it is once she has made her mind up you need to find a way to do it. was a very dynamic, intelligent, hardworkSingheMinister and certainly one of the better Min-

isters that I have worked with personally. She had a very sharp eye but she had an even sharper tongue is you messed up. She would scrutinize our work and you know, we lawyers, we think we are very clever people but she would find mistakes and she had a view on everything I think much to our chagrian as the Legal Department much to our chagrian as the Compliance and Enforcement Section. I think what we learnt there was that you cannot into anything, she knows your areas of work, she knows it intimately and she brought new ways of thinking into the way that we did things, our responses, our responses to Parliament and we worked with her on many fronts from an Environmental Impact Assessment perspective she was always willing to assist the Departments but I think if a project improved the lives of a fellow South African she would definitely look Page 31

at ways of approving that particular project, she would support it whole heartedly. She was an ardent supporter of Compliance and Enforcement work as the DG said. She went with us to several international forum and she our work big time. She referred to us as her environmental police when she was happy with us. I remember fondly we went to the Kruger and we tagged a rhino and Minister sitting on the rhino and assisting the vet to actually push the tag in. That is the type of person she was she will be able to stand up in an international forum and address an international forum and then go work with people on the ground, so I have those memories of her. As I said our Legal Team also had extensive engagement with her and she would argue about everything. So we used to often say to her, Minister you have chosen the wrong profession you should have actually been a lawyer. I think I have a ball spot here that I can credit to her. I must admit we fought bitter battles she and I often did not see eye on eye on a few things but when it came to fighting battles with outsiders she was always there she had your back and she would protect us and I think that is the fondest memories that I have of her. I am not going to say too much except to say that I pray that the Almighty grant patience to all of us that have been left behind and also that her soul rest internally in peace. Thank you very much.

JUDY

Family Molewa, family Mmethi, Deputy Minister, Colleagues. My name is Judy, it has been an extraordinary privilege to serve under the leadership of Minister Molewa in the Climate Change Team and now as part of the Ocean and Coast Team. I really have two points. One is to thank the Molewa family and Mmethi family for sharing Minister with us. I think DG said we love Minister - most extraordinary woman. We spent many many hours in the negotiating halls and Minister was always the last person almost to leave. On the second point I want to thank you DG. I want to thank DG because it was through DG that we grew to understand Minister and with so much energy that Minister carried through DG and throough the Ministry, Paul and the Ministry and I think also through Alpha who has worked with Minister for so so many years – you are the ones that enabled us to prepare in time. DG you also encouraged us to have our own relationships with Minister and in fact you encouraged our Page 32

Teams to have their relationships with Minister, so that Minister was able to access us as a team and she knew who she could call and what time and that was a really extraordinary privilege for all of us. I think DG just one last point is to say that Minister was absolutely intent on ensuring that South Africans could get to know and see and understand what is beneath our oceans and Monai mentioned earlier that she recognized the importance of the oceans, she also pushed us and pushed us until we finally together with …….. produced a map, an annotated map, a map of each of the proposed marine protected areas with visuals that in fact, also with videos so that you can see what is under the ocean at that particular point in the proposed protected areas and DG that was launched last night and there is a video to go with it. It was really testimony to Minister’s intention, her clear vision as to what was needed at that particular time. Thank you.

MS LIMPHO MAKOTOKO:

Good afternoon, I am Limpho Makotoko. In concluding the Departmental tributes I would just like to say. Since Saturday we have had a lot of tributes even today that reflected on the contribution of Minister Molewa in the Sector. Allow me therefore, not to focus on her work in the Sector but to rather reflect on Mama Edna because Mama Edna was like a mother she was not only a principle to most of us particularly to me she was a mother who understood that I still deserved and needed to grow. Need I add, a very techno-savy mother. She would always tell me that I am acting as if I was born before technology. A few times she would call me, always in a rush always in a hurry “Limpho e tla mo, etla mo, etla mo re sebetse kapele” and I would say Minister I need to rush and get my laptop or something. “Why do you need your laptop kanthe phone e ea hao Limpho can’t allow you to do things we need to do ? Where did you get it or is it this RT thing that you are giving us in the Department ?” Those would be her words. Page 33

She was hard on us, very hard on us and yet so gentle a mentor. Often remind us that she was a Teacher. Alby Sekhooa sa Garankuwa never cut it with her. She was a woman of excellence, thorough and paid attention to detail, a trade that challenged all of us to proof read and be very clear in our submissions. You needed to know that Minister was going to ask a question on something that you had not put in that submission and you better have an answer otherwise you would have to go back with that submission and rethink it again. That is how thorough she was. But in all these, she was a truly loving and caring Mother. DG to ensure that we did not burnout there was a constant supply of bioplus and rescue. She was always on the run rushing from one engagement to the next and giving selflessly of herself. But I must say, the last engagement I had with her was somehow different. I seemed to be more worried about time than she was. I seemed to be more worried about her engagements than she was it was at the Woman Leadership Dialogue. It was meant to a break-

MS LIMPHO MAKOTOKO: fast, It was meant to start and 07h30, in true Minister style that was not going to happen and we had to accept that it was not going to start at 07h30 but at least we thought by 12 o’clock latest we must get her out of this venue if we are late. I remember trying to manage young vibrant women who had so many questions and I thought we have run out of time, and she looked at me and said “Batloghele, let them talk”. And we ended up staying there - the whole day. Dorah this is the event where you and I were reminded that we are not so young anymore that we are old and we don’t walk so straight anymore but I must add, she indicated that she on the other hand was still very young and energetic. In closing I want to say, thank Ma for your leadership, your passion, your energy and I cannot forget the sense of humour because anyone that knew Minister - knew that she had the greatest sense of humour. I thought I should read a little poem that says:

Forever in our hearts fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow but remember me in every tomorrow remember the joy the laughter the smiles i have only gone to rest a while although my leaving causes pain and grief my going has eased my hurt and given me relief so dry your eyes and remember me not as i am but as i used to be i will remember you all and look on you with a smile understand in your hearts that i have only gone to rest a while as long as i have the love of each of you i can live my life in the hearts of all of you. Rest in power ma. Page 34

NAME

Greeting everyone, Mmethi Family, Molewa Family, Nono, Bassie, my condolences. I am not going to repeat what we have all heard but I just want to share with you some characteristics and qualities that perhaps we have not focused on of Mama Molewa. I remember like yesterday the first day I met Minister Molewa. It was in 1996 in July just after the National Party had withdrawn from the Government of National Unity. Minister was redeployed from National Assembly to the Province to take over the Department of Tourism, Environment and Conservation. At that point in time I was newly appointed into Government at a relatively junior level, at a Director Level. On her first day she called all the management team together of the Department of Tourism, Environment and Conservation in order for us to brief her on what the programmes of this Department of Tourism, Environment and Conservation were and in a typical Minister Molewa fashion, every briefing that she received on any particular function she totally dissected, analysed and pointed out how this was Page 35

not aligned to the RDP and how this was not benefitting women, was not empowering people, was not achieving transformation and we needed to pull our socks up. At the end of this meeting, this is where all the Chief Directors were briefing and the Directors were sitting at the back, observing. She just summarized and said really we need to have a new vision for this Department. This Department has so much potential to contribute to the development of our people but we are focused on the wrong things. The Head of Department who was ex Bophuthatswana Senior Bureaucrat. Then painted the Minister into a bit of a corner because he said, well you have got such a lot of things, could you come tomorrow with a document which describes your new vision so that we can plan for that. I went home that night to share with Lize, my wife, what an amazing lady I had just met and seen how absolutely intelligent and bright. Lize said to me, that is fantastic, maybe now you can start putting in some of your ideas and things that you want to a activate and so on and so forth. She said, where

NAME is this new Minister and I said you see those moving trucks over there, that is where I think she is moving in. Lize said and she has to produce a vision document by tomorrow morning, are you crazy ? (Doosh) She kicked me out the house, she said you better go and help her. there at 7 o’clock at night and the MinSistero Iwaswentthere organizing moving furniture put-

ting Bassie to bed doing all family things and she said come in come in, what can I help you with ? I did see you in the back of the room. I said Minister I am just here to help you put together this document that you promised to deliver tomorrow at 9 o’clock in the meeting. She said oh! I forgot about that. Okay I am going to be using this room here as my study, you seat there and you write down what you think you remember what I said. So by 10 o’clock I had finished writing down what I thought I remembered what she had said. And she came through she put Bassie to bed, had a bit of food and she came through it must have been about 10h30 or so and said let me read what you have. So I had over what I had there. As you can imagine she dissected my understanding of what she said, analysed it. We finished that document at about 07h00 in the morning. She duly send me home and said you better go get some sleep remember we have a meeting at 09h00. So that was Minister Molewa. We had a meeting at 09h00, she produced that document and all these bureaucrats were completely amazed at what this Lady had done and moved and looked after her family and made sure that the food was cooked. So that was the beginning of our relationship. I spent many long nights and I am not going to go into that. wo more things I want to say, first I want to T speak about her being a perfectionist. She would never let anything go until it was perfect. If you area writing a speech for her, I remember a first Page 36

budget speech that I wrote for her she wanted every single detail, in there, every single detail, it was nineteen pages long, this was her budget speech and she had 20 minutes or 25 minutes, 19 pages, I don’t know how she did it, but she delivered that speech with all the detail. What I can say about when we were working on a speech or a piece of work like that it is never finished until the delivery is finished because she is working on it even as she is speaking she is adding new things there, as a perfectionist. ut the biggest quality I want to talk about is her B heart, Maa Molewa had such a generous heart, yes she could be tough and demanding and all of that but she would give you the short of her back, she was so generous, so soft hearted, so concerned about what is happening in your life, when you are in a room with Edna Molewa she always called me Masondo, it is my Zulu name, Masondo, you felt like you were the centre of the universe, you felt like you were the centre of the universe she paid attention to you as a human being and each individual in those rooms would feel like that. She lit up the room. Rest in peace Mama. Thank you.

DEPUTY MINISTER ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: BARBRA THOMPSON

Thank you very much Programme Director. he Molewa family and the extended family T at large, Comrades, Team DEA, led by our DG, Nosipho, Sis Bridget, My Leader, Hadija, you were always at Minister’s side, UNEP Leadership, Industry, Leaders of Faith Based Organisations, Government Departments that are present, all our stakeholders, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I just want to first say that, actually all that is happening today at the house really does not make sense to me and I am sure it is the case with many of you. UMfundisi said we should not always, when days like this come, we must not say why, why, but I keep on saying why I keep on saying it why, at one stage when I heard the news from the DG I really really critizised God because it just did not make sense to me knowing UMinister, how vibrant she was, how energetic she was but I am humbled and honoured at this opportunity that is afforded to talk about someone that I Page 37

worked so closely with but where does one start to talk about Minister such a highly highly decorated individual. I have always know Comrade Edna at an ANC level. Our organization ANC, lead by the former President Zuma at the time, saw it fit to deploy both us to this Department. We were further humbled by President Matomela Ramaphosa when he also saw it fit to keep us in the same Department. You can imagine what was our thinking, are we going to be shifted, whose is going to be my minister and all of that but we were fortunate to stay in the same Department. he mandate of our Organisation is very clear. T It is very simple but challenging that mandate was

to make sure that we change the lives of an ordinary South African and make sure that we secure a better future for the next generation. This is the task that Minister never ever took lightly, she took it with vigour with passion and determination till the end. Minister contributed immensely to the Environment Sector. The heartfelt messages

DEPUTY MINISTER ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: throughout the globe serves as proof to her cle of economic advancement in our Country, contribution to the Sector. the forefront of major programme such as Ocean Economy, she sang it like a song, Wildlife Econuring our time together I have had the plea- omy as well as the Waste Economy. You know sure of attending high level forums internation- Minister knew that we were actually surrounded ally with our Minister where one would witness by these natural resources. I remember one day her spearheading some of the most crucial issues. she asked me, she wanted to know what are assets One must say that she is highly highly respected in Nguni language ? I said Minister Sithi ifa, amaglobally. Through her contributions South Afri- fa (assets) so she said, with her broken Nguni, ya ca is recognized and respected as a major major DM amafa am amafa a bantobethu lao, you know, stakeholder on these issues, indeed her demise is I will really miss her.

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not only a loss to South Africa but to the entire world. Minister’s vast knowledge of the Sector allowed her to lead the Department with ease and passion, without a doubt Minister was one of the most hard working Ministers. Working to the early hours of morning was normal to her and as most officials of DEA would attest, Minister was a perfectionist.

I want to say that I really really could not keep up with Minister’s pace and I realize some of the DDGs here did not mention that at times they would wink an eye at me, to say how do we try and cut the meeting and would just say and we would go out one by one laughing it out. She also demanded work of high high quality she was strict, very strict and very forthright as she was always understood to be very very principled and being fair. You know for one to be a principled leader you must have acquired some qualities and for me one of them is courage the second one is fairness of course there are others that will go along, loyalty, honesty. inister was very courageous and she was very M fair. So you cannot have the one, you cannot be

fair but you are not courage enough, you know, to say what you want to say, and vice versa, so she possessed both qualities. Through Minister Molewa’s visionary leadership DEA has now been positioned as a critical vehiPage 38

inister’s fight against rhino poaching and M the negative impact of pollution is also well doc-

umented. When she fell ill she was supposed to have gone to but then she could not go so I was asked to go along with the South African delegation, we have not even reported to you DG that at that gathering South Africa was awarded, we received an award for having spearheaded some of these environmental issues. I said to one of the Ministers, I think it was to the one from Namibia. I said this is for Minister because all of this is her work as well as the former Deputy Minister Umama Mabudafasi. For me personally it has been nothing but an honour to serve as a Deputy Minister to Comrade Edna and I will always be ever grateful for this opportunity. Comrade Edna knew what it meant to be a team player and always consulted and solicited views of all our stakeholders. Over the years Comrade Edna not only became my Minister or our Minister but she became a mentor, a sister and friend. Throughout our informal relationship over the years, Comrade Edna and myself never ever addressed one another by name. She would always call me sister and when she was in high spirit the she would sisters or she would say sistos, and I would just laugh and say what is that supposed to mean Minister and she would….. you know how she looked like when she was in a good mood. This compassion was not only accorded to me as her Deputy but to millions of citizens of our

DEPUTY MINISTER ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: Country. Comrade Edna was so full of life and energy to such an extent that her death does not make sense to many including myself as well and I am sure that goes to the family. Official engagements we attended together, Minister would walk so fast that I would not be able to keep up with her pace. I would then remind her that sistas I am older than you and she would say, by how much sistas, then I would say by 3 years then she would laugh and say no it is not too much. Just yesterday somebody send me a picture that was taken in Cape Town where Minister was practically holding and pulling me by hand simply because I could not keep up the pace. Apparently this picture was taken by some mischievous official of our Department. I will dearly miss her for all that.

that because I do not want to get into a little bit of trouble. o the officials of the Department of the EnviT ronmental Affairs and the Ministry in particular

let me extend my appreciation for the support you extended to Comrade Edna in the execution of her duties, I am fully aware that at times as politicians we may frustrate you and push you too far, you know that, and she was good at that, and sometimes we would seem to be very very impossible but please bear with us, remember the commitment we have made to our people in the quest to transform society. You contribution never go unnoticed you are a hardworking team.

Again to the family, myself and the entire Department, we would like to extend our condolences to (Insert Picture) Insert the picture of Minister pull- you. We have lost someone who was very dear to ing Deputy Minister us, we also express our gratitude to you for having allowed us to share Minister with you. To Umama, Comrade Edna’s mother, as you age, may the good Lord comfort you during these difficult times. I know how much Comrade Edna lover her Mum, she always spoke about her. To my beloved ANC, let me also express my gratitude for giving me the opportunity of partnering me with this wonderful woman who has left an indelible mark in my life as well as to may South Africans. In conclusion, I decided to write this in the Nguni because she lover Nguni just that she could not express herself and she used to say “sistas you know I speak Esisulu” and she would say to me “you speak Isizutho” and we would laugh. I am saying to her hamba kahle I ntombi e mhlophe, e ntle e fana le ihlabathi solwandle. Thank you In all the years that I have worked with Minister for leadership your guidance and the growth you Molewa never has she ever, not even on a single contributed in our life, thank for serving your occasion embarrassed, undermined or disre- people and your Country with distinction. spected me and for that I sincerely thank her. To the officials you would know what happens what We will surely miss you. Thank you very much. we sometimes see in the media, I will not get into Page 39

MR FANA MMETHI: REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MOLEWA AND MMETHI FAMILIIES

Thank

you Programme Director let me just greet you in the name of the Almighty God and also welcome our DGs and the colleagues of my late sister.` I am here to represent the family of Mmethi, I am going to talk about two things. First of all I just was to thank the colleagues/staff of Edna Mmethi. You were so very good to us from day one until the last day.

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DR GODFREY MMETHI

hank you Programme Director, as I was introT duced ke nna Godfrey MMethi, I will be repre-

formation power. In her last gathering with our family she recommended about 8 books that we senting family ea Mmethi, koo Aus Edna a tsoa- must read, in fact when she was in China I sent her a message to say please give us the authors of letsoeng ko teng and also family ea ga Molewa. It is so always very difficult for us as family ea those books. However, we will get them from the Mmethi, we observe protocol so much and having videos. So her power was expert power. to step mo litlhakong tsa Abuti Fana is always an honour and is not easy. As a family we were very eadership is about a leader, followers and the comforted by your words. We had the privilege of situation. We have learnt as you were talking now owning Ausi Edna as her family and later we had to say she was very influential, she had a vision, I to share her with our Country, beloved Country mean if you read in fact it is more than vision it South Africa and the greater globe. is charisma. When you check operation Phakisa and I think it is vision 2032, I am under correction, s a family we always asked ourselves, what where it is expected to generate about R177billion type of a leader is she was our sister, is she a leader to our GDP. A leader with such a vision must have whose followers can be willing to die for or she is a great charisma. As a family we are proud to have type whose followers will be willing to assassinate. a sister who has a vision that is more like faith beThe question was answered today. We have real- yond faith. We have learnt from this podium that ized she lived to be that remarkable leader whose she worked well with everyone, and that she was followers have been here on this podium and have well renowned and recognized globally. We have confirmed that they were more than willing to die also learnt from this podium that our sister had for her. It is with a sense of pride that as a family a very diplomatic way of getting her visions to be realise that she was powerful indeed. Her power driven by her followers. How she would switch was legitimate as bestowed by the South African from being angry, to shouting people and telling Government but she also had expert power, she them they should take their work seriously to attaining the objectives of the mission and excelling was well read, and she liked reading. in her performance.

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a professional but always consulted with IAusamEdna on any matter. She would always say Her leadership style was transformational. She Godfrey go back to school. I wanted to be like developed her followers, we heard the testimonies Aus Edna, really. She had expert power and in- this morning. She was encouraging her followers.

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DR GODFREY MMETHI

nurtured her relationship with her follow- It will be very difficult to find a replacement for Sershe– some regarded her as their mother. What a Aus Edna in our hearts as a family in the Country pride we have in her as the Mmethis. Our sister did us proud she represented us well. She branded our family. Branding is about uniqueness it is about doing things differently. ow she branded our family was through perH formance, she was a great performer who won a

lot of awards. She worked under all the Presidents democratically elected. President Nelson Mandela had trust in our sister. President Thabo Mbeki had faith in our sister. President Kgalema Motlanthe felt a need to have him in his team. President Zuma kept her in his team and the current President Ramaphosa is still was still using our sister. That was a wow moment for the Mmethi family. When she was awarded the highest honour by the French Government, it was a wowh moment for us as the family it was further said that only Madiba, Nelson Mandela was awarded such an award in South Africa, our sister was the second one to be awarded and that was another wow moment. I can go on and on mentioning the wow moments that she branded our family with. We enjoyed family occasions. She attended most of them and wherever she went she would talk and encourage us as a family. In our last encounter with her, that was last month in a family gathering where she was requested to talk. She said this year I want to host you I want the whole family to visit me I will be your host. And then she left for China and keep asking ourselves, could this be what she meant when she said she wanted to host us?

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and the whole world. We are saddened by her departure but of course she left us with a legacy. She used to talk about triple bottom line as the people, planet and profit. She would not emphasize profit but when we see the prospected revenue in the Oceans Economy, it is evident that a lot of people will benefit, and that employment will be created. Our nominal GDP will improve, she left us a legacy from the triple bottom line. She was so considerate about the future generations and sustainability. As we use our beautiful resources today we must be mindful about our future generation. Is that not a mother who is very considerate about future generation who left so much work to contribute towards legacy? s the Mmethi family and as Abut Fana has A said, we are very very sad and we want to thank all of you, the Department, the DG who has always been with us ko ntlong and her Team that I cannot mention all - your amazing support. To everyone of you who is here to come and pay tribute we are really, really grateful and we agree that ke Thato ea Molimo though it is difficult for us to accept. Ka matla a lona rea amogela. Kea leboga.

NUNU: MINISTER MOLEWA’S DAUGHTER

Thank you Programme Director, Ntate Alby things in Mafikeng and of course Basiame who is Modise. I greet you all in the name of our Lord seating here. I want to thank you all for the love our Savoir our Redeemer, Christ Jesus who our Mother not only loved not only had a relationship with but served until her last breath. DM, Mme Barbra Thomson, I greet you, I also greet the other Deputy Ministers that are here, the Members of the Diplomatic corps that are here, all protocol observed, I thought earlier that I had seen Deputy Minister Hankekom, I may have been mistaken, to my family, to friends, colleagues who are here baneng ba bereka le Mama, I greet you all. It is on a sad note that we are standing here today and yet our hearts celebrate. We celebrate because we had a privilege to call Mme Edna Bobo Edith Mmethi Molewa our mother. We had the privilege to be raised by the best, we had the privilege to be mentored by the best, we had the privilege to be loved by the best and I stand here on behalf of my siblings, Didi who is standing here with me, Michael who is still sorting out some few work Page 43

that has been pouring really the tributes that have been coming that have been strengthening us and the prayers that have been pouring out t give us strengthen us we are truly grateful for that. I particularly want to speak to the DEA Family, and to the DEA family I would to say thank you for being a part of Mama’s life for the last eight years. Thank you for being there for her, for being her family when she was away from home, for caring for her, for the late night dinners that you have had, for the calls that took in the middle of the night, for the text messages that your received and the endless whatsapp messages that you had to receive from her. Thank you for not only taking those but for being understanding and also being patient and understanding that her intent was to serve and to serve the people of this country and to serve and to deliver to bring service delivery for what she was actually called to do. I particularly want to say that, the DEA family has

NUNU: MINISTER MOLEWA’S DAUGHTER not just been Mama’s family, as it has been rightly said earlier. The DEA family became our family as well and I have had the privilege to work very closely with many of you over these last years that Mama was there and I can attest she loved her country, she loved her job to the end and most of all she loved the people. I would like to say to you Mama loved DEA, she loved each one of you there and that is why she gave you her best. I would like to pass special gratitude to Mme Barbra Thomson, the Deputy Minister, for having worked so well with Mama and having worked together with her to deliver on the mandate on the constitutional mandate that you were both given to deliver to South Africans the right to have the environment protected. For all of us, that we can say, you have truly given us an environment that is not harmful to our existence and for that I truly thank you. I know she used to say, DM, let us walk together. I remember the last budget vote that we had in Cape Town and as we were meeting by the elevators she said “DM come phela, ha re lo kgalema lenyatso, girl power” that is what she used to say. To DG I would like to thank you for being diligent in your work for bringing joy in her everyday working life, she always used to talk about how excellent your work is. What Mama ensured was that she taught us that we may be able to support her and support her well. So she also wanted us to understand what was going on in her Department. She made sure that we understand what her work entailed and not only as to what her diary looks like or where she had to go but the actual content of what it is that she had to do. So she always said you need to understand content. So I would go with her to ANC Conferences and they would speak about snobalo content a I never used to understand that but she said it means you must understand what is going on, if you are to support me you need to know what is going on in my life and thank for that DG. To the Chief of Staff, Paul, you have walked a very long road with her, we started with you in the North West Province. Paul is one of the peoPage 44

ple that raised us as well, you know in our schools people used to wonder do you have a white dad or an Indian dad or another white dad because it would be Paul, it would Alph and it would be K………… I know that Mama was harsh and I understood her harshness to be love because she always used to say “ha ke rate you know this women ba ba softenyana ba, you need to be tough. You cannot be crying every single corner nyoe, nyoe, nyoe, you must be strengthened, you must be tough because the world is looking at you”. So when we talking about Mbogotho we were really referring to my mother. That is how she loved - she corrected those that she loved. She ensured that she would push you, she would be hash so that you bring out the best that you have. She actually wanted to bring out the best in you. Another thing that I can say, Mama treated her entire team like her own family. She loved them like her own family. She loved them like her own children. She never had a life outside DEA, she never had a home life and an official life. I remember the one point where I said to her but you know Mama you always take this public servant thing too seriously and she said to me you are never not a public servant, even when you are in your bedroom you are a public servant so you must always think about the people and think about how you serve them wherever you are. To her Support Team, thank you for being there for her for really travelling with her, taking care of her when she was sick, and I want to particularly thank Gail and Clot who truly worked 24/7 with her. Who ensured that they were there even on weekends and I must say that Gail and Clot have never seen themselves only as support for Mama but they have seen themselves as support for us as well. So they would always ask are you okay, have you eaten, when Mama is not around, they would want to find out, do you guys have bread at home do you have milk and we used to say we are a bit more grown up now but we really truly appreciate your love and your support. To her Protectors Warrant Officer Billy Miller,

NUNU: MINISTER MOLEWA’S DAUGHTER Sergeant John Hockey, Sergeant Abraham Nkuna and Sergeant Edwin Mashishi, I want to thank you for having served her with love excellence for being with her in the hospital even in these last days for being there with the family and praying for her healing until her last breath. I want to say you have truly served her and for that I thank you. To the people she affectionately referred to as Team SA, this was her pride, I must say, this is her climate change negotiating team which was lead by Alfonse, hona le bo Ntate Tlou. I want to thank you for the constant feedback I had the opportunity to travel with her to a number of these conferences and so I was always sleeping with her in the bedroom and you can imagine that she would not rest until she knows that they have the final text. So I want to thank you for the updates and Judy as well, I see Judy seating there. I want to thank you for the updates that you kept on giving her to say this is how far we are with the text, particularly on that very troublesome Article 9 which kept her awake for a very long time so I really want to say thank you for that. To the DDGs for having worked so hard, also receiving text messages in the morning to say can we meet at home on a Sunday morning at 9 o’clock for an hour and then you know you are going to stay there and you will be lucky if you leave before midnight thank you for having worked that hard. I also want to take this opportunity to say thank you to you families because you sacrificed your time with family as well to ensure that she succeeds in her work to ensure that she and DM deliver on the mandate on that they have been called to deliver on so I do thank you for that. Her success was not hers alone it is said that behind every successful man there is a woman but in the case I will say behind every successful and powerful woman there is an equally powerful team and I applaud you for that. To the Communications Team bo Aus Zanele and Ntate Alby and the Team at large I want to thank you really for working tirelessly, the speeches were changed from time to time. It is indeed true Mama was a perfectionist. She always said if you Page 45

do something do it right or do not do it at all. That is what she taught us as well. I thank you for allowing her to teach you as she did and including teaching you English as she would always say that English ya ko Karankuwa will not work. She would constantly send back letters and say ask them to rework that letter because I will not put my name on that thing, if it is not perfect I will not put my name on that thing. Really thank you for your patience and your love and allowing her to actually be there for you and sharpen you. More on a personal note, we knew her as Mama, you knew her as Minister and I know that she was a mother to most of you. Although I stand here with my one sibling and saying I represent her, Michael and Bassie, I do acknowledge that there is a host of us that had the privilege to call her Mama. We could actually fill this stage and I am not sure Paul what the Ministerial Handbook would say about that but that is just how it is – she had many many children. We knew her as Mama and I particularly affectionately called her Mamateng, she was really my supporter, she was my best friend. She would call me also very early hours of the morning 6 o’clock and ask me, are you at home ? And by that she would be referring to am I at her house and I would be saying but Mama but I am a married woman I am still at my house and she would say but you should have actually left earlier to be here we have quite a lot of things that we are doing. We share, we stand here at this very difficult time strengthened because of the memories that we share with her because we had our own private moments where we could just lie on the bed, get into her bedroom every single morning and find her holding her phone, which we began to actually give it a name because she would never separate with her phone so we nicknamed her phone and we said let us name this phone Sophie. Whenever we were sitting at a dinner table we would say Mummy should we set a place for Sophie, will Sophie be coming with us to the table. She had her phone wherever she was because she did not

NUNU: MINISTER MOLEWA’S DAUGHTER to miss on anything that is important whether it was the ANC work or the Department work or a colleague that called to say they need help or just a woman that is calling from Pitsi…………… that she called, she loved so much to say you know there are women ba ba ko Likhaolong… that would call me, if a woman from Pitsi………. Sends me a call, please call, I need to be able to respond to that so we understood that that is the kind of person that she was. One particular memory that comes to mind is when I was 10 years old and my sister was 7 years old and we were lying on the bed in her house ko Unit 8 ko Garankuwa and we had a Carol King Album, we call it Album but she called it Record then, hakere you know that it was called a Record then, so we were sitting there, lying on the bed and she was teaching us the song Carol King, You’ve got a friend. As we were sitting there she said I need to teach you to sing it in an orderly way, there is the right way of signing it and there is a wrong way of signing it, you need to sing it note by note by note. I must say I still have not learnt that because my husband is still trying to teach me that today but nonetheless those were our special moments those were are special songs. We would walk into the bedroom and joke all morning and plan what we needed to plan and these jokes are what she carried with even when she travelled without us because she would call me in the middle of the night But Shoni, she would call in the middle of the night she would be in Columbia and I am in South Africa but she is calling to ask me, what was that joke that you were saying, how does it go again, I am seating here with Minister Dipuo Peters will you repeat the joke so that she can hear it. So she kept us working really throughout. Today I am grateful that those jokes warmed her heart and they kept her going even when times were difficult wherever she was. She taught everything we know really. She taught us how to walk. She was very particular about how you walk. She would tell you, why are walking like a horse ? A lady does not walk like that, a lady does not seat like that, a lady does come Page 46

down the stairs like that, a lady does not ascend the like that, she taught us how to behave she taught us how to present ourselves, even how to talk to people and she always said you remember that people see something in you but you must determine what it is that people see in you. A lot of times many of you were asking where she gets her strength from, and I can assure you that it was not from bioplus. She always kept bioplus in her bag but she often meditated on scripture because she loved the Lord. She was strengthened in the word. She had a favorite scripture which she often meditated on, Isaiah 40:29-31, which says “He gives strength to the weary and increase the power of the week, even youth grow tired and weary and young man stumble and fall but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength they will soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint”. So you now understand where she got her strength from and why she was walking the way she was walking. DM if it is any consolation, I could not keep up with her as well. I was always running behind her and walking behind her but I was always learning. So there was a question also as I was seating there, we were talking about the issue of time and how she did things in a hasty manner, and I always asked her, why are you so rushed. Mama sort of thought that there were more hours in a day than there were, she would really drive the diary team crazy and say I want to see this one and this one and this one and want to make the impossible to work and they must just make it work because it is possible to happen. So we devised a plan to get the hair team and nail team and eating team and everybody that wanted to the submissions and that is how we got to that place where everybody was doing everything at the same time. As I was reflecting on some of the talks that we had with her I remember particularly one day when we sharing a scripture on time and why she did things the way she did things and she referred me to Ecclesiastes 9:11 that says “I have seen something under the sun, the race is not to the swift or the battle

NUNU: MINISTER MOLEWA’S DAUGHTER to the strong nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned but time and chance happens to them all”. So she was saying whether you are learned, whether you are strong, whether you are weak we all have the same 24 hours in a day and she used her time wisely. So I want to say that - that is the lesson that we learned, that we need to use our time wisely she understood that she was a steward given a mandate with a time limit and she maximized all the time that she had. I lastly want to give special thanks to three people particularly that she relied on as advisors. Mme Bridget Mabandla, Mama Bridget I was to say really thank you, you have walked the road, the political road with Mama, you were not only just her Advisor, you were a friend, you were a sister and she always used to say Mama Bridget is the one that was BBT, born way before technology and then I was born before technology and you guys are born in technology. I want to say to you she loved you so so much she relied upon you for political guidance and sometimes just an ear you know, a sisterly ear and I thank you for being there for her. To Khadija Magadi Bradlow, you were the Special Advisor to her and she relied upon you for wisdom just for advise I thank you for being there for her I thank you for, even on those international trips you know, seating in the lounge, redrafting speeches five minutes before she goes to the podium and I want to say the nerves of steel that you have, I know she kept rescue in her bag and I do suspect you do have rescue in your bag and that is how you got through it as well and I really thank you for that. Lastly, Professor Sipho Seepe, Mama relied on you for advice she relied on you just you know, for an ear when things got tough and I thank you for being there for her through thick and thin and not looking at what she had, the influence. One of my mentors the late Dr Miles Mnroe said, when you choose a successor you need to choose somebody who loves you and not somebody who loves your power and not somebody who loves Page 47

your influence because when you are dead they are going to chase your children away and I thank you really for having been with us at the hospital, for being there with us when we prayed, for being there with us when we trusted and just giving her support when she was there I truly and I think I speak on behalf of my siblings as well to say thank you for that. Bo Malome who have raised us, nna I was raised ko ga Mmethi, ke holetse ko ga Mmethi, ke kgolistsoe ke Malome Fana who was standing here before I could come and speak. Malome you have been a pillar of strength to the family you have a pillar of strength to Mama. She relied upon you for very many things. She would be comfortable to delegate things to you and she had always said that I know even if I die, my children will be in a good place because my brother will be there. To the entire Mmethi family, bo Mmamalome bo Mmane, I call them in very funny names, like Malome Abut Fana, Mmane Mmapula, Rakgadi Koko, that is how I call them. I really want to say thank you for loving my Mother I know that she was your sister and you had to love her because she was sister. None of us are perfect but you loved her even more in her imperfections and you understood that that is how God has made her and that in those imperfections there is a lot of perfection that come out of that. I truly want to say we love you we appreciate you and the support that you have given us is truly truly appreciated. I also want to say to our spouses, particularly to my husband Judah, thank you truly for being there at this difficult time, for praying with me with us as a family, for those nights when we took communion for even the support from the church that you had arranged for Mama to be prayed over, to be anointed, to make ensure that she is well in her soul and she is taken care of I truly appreciate that. On behalf of my brother-in-law, Thabang, my sister’s husband, I also want t say thank you for truly being there and being with us in hospital day-inday-out. To UTefo who is not hear as well. We were praying as a family, we understand that there

NUNU: MINISTER MOLEWA’S DAUGHTER is power in prayer in actual fact the day before Mama passed away, we got into the room and as the Doctors were telling us that she has complications that you know, this organ is not working and that organ is not working I remember the 3 of us standing there saying we are going to stand on the word of God we are going to stand on the promises of God, we are not going to believe the report of the Doctors but if it is God’s will then God will do His will. We prayed over her that night before she passed and in the corning when the called us and said we must quickly come to the hospital we met as siblings in the house at 6 in the morning and we prayed and we prayed we were saying Lord we are just surrendering her in your hands, what will be – will be and it will be your will. To our very recent Makoti, Azie, you know very well that Mama was looking forward to the birth of your child, she came back from China with a suitcase full of clothes for the baby and though she has departed though she is not here with us she will forever be with us she will forever be a Granny to your child and one thing that comforted even in the end was that we are together and we are united that we will be able to stand and truly take care of one another. Last year when we had her 60th Birthday I said to her Mama, you are always worried about what would happen to us if you had to pass but I assured her that even if she were to go and be with the Lord that we would be okay because we are strengthened we would be okay because she taught us well and that also the Lord is carrying us. With those few words I would like to say thank you for your love, your support and your prayers that are continuing to go out for us. Thank you.

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BASSIE: MINISTER MOLEWA’S DAUGHTER

Ke ea le dumelisa kaofela. All protocol observed. I just wanted to thank you, those who are all here, those who have been coming to the house since this weekend. I want to thank you, those who have taken to social media to show the love that you have shown for our Mother. It was mentioned the hours that were spent at home, yes we had a Mother who was not the typical Mum who 90% of her job is take care of just solely her children she had a much bigger mandate than that. Marr I want to thank you because it was not wasted, it was costly, it was costly for us but the love that you are showing us back the love that you are pouring out for her, your appreciation the legacy ea gae that you are emphasizing will carry on- it shows that the benefits are far more than what we will ever know and it was worth it. From her we are learning as well to be more than what we think we can be. So for that I thank you.

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PASTOR JONAS MOSOTLA

HYMN Ha le mpotsa tsepo eaka Ke tla re ke Jesu Le re ke boneng ho ena Ke bone phomolo Kana ka nyoreloa bottle Ka tsotsoa ke batla Ka tsieloa ke ntho tsoohle Ka felloa ke matla Anthe Jesu O na mpona Ha ke lela joalo A mpitsa a re tlo honna O fole matsoalo

Ke ea le dumelisa ka lebitso la Morena Jesu Kreste oa Nasareta. Amen. Ke le lumelisa ka lebitso la Jesu Kreste oa Nasareta. Halleluja. Ke bona nako e setse e tsamaile, we are way behind time. The last memorial service mo re ne re na le Minister le hona re ntse the whole day but because o na le teng ebile and because o na nthata a re le sekebe la tsamaea ke batla hore le utloelle Moruti oaka - eanong today she is not here ha ke its eke lo emelloa ke mang. Amen. Ke rata ho dumelisa ba family ke dumedise all the DGs and the DDGs ke lumelise bana ba Mme Minister, ke dumelise Deputy Minister, I greet you all in Jesus name. Page 50

PASTOR JONAS MOSOTLA Ba bang ba rona ha le re tsebe, but re antse letsoele la bo lona. Ba bang ba lona le re bona for the first time but we labored with her mona hae mo South Africa. I remember, ke tlo ea mo lentsoeng now now. I remember she called me from Polokwane, I was signing in Polokwane and she said I want you here ko Olympias Stadium ko Rustenburg. I drove all the way to Polokwane to go and sing in Olympius Stadium and when I got the there, the Programme was just to go to the end and baneng ba le teng that day ba ne ba try to stop, hore ke se ke ka opela and she came in her typical way, a goanta, a e ja fatse, a apere liphahlo tsabo Mme tsa ANC. She stopped the programme hore Moshemane o oa opela, le rata le sa rate and Stadium seo sa duma. Ha ke be ho ea ka nna, ne re ka opela efore I go to the word, I am going to be very ka mo. very brief. I just want to mention hore my name is Jonas Mosotla. I am the Pastor and a Chaplain Morena dipoko li ea O tsoanela in the Parish and I am a singer, I like signing and O kare nka krea chance in one Memorial Service the Minister used to call me to sing for her. In all ka tla ka tlo opela ka tlhobola colar ka opella Minher Departments where she used to work I used ister. to sing for her and above all we became very close and at some stage I was also briefed, I lost my wife Come with me in the book of Samuel, Chapter and she came. And she strengthened me during 20:18. It reads as follows: “Then Johathan said that time ene ke hopola sentle it was at night ko to him tomorrow is a new morning and you will Nelmapius, I do not think hona le Minister tse ntji be missed because your seat will be empty. Then tseli ka eang Nelmapius bosiu. She stood up in Johathan said to him, tomorrow is a new moon a memorial service and she said Moruti I always and you will be missed because the seat will the call you to come and sign for me and I always call empty”. I want to speak to the family and to the you to come and Preach wherever I go. But today Department and to South Africa gore we have ha ona matla today you cannot even lift your fin- lost a giant and tomorrow when the President ger that is why I am here with you to come and calls a meeting whether be in Cabinet or NEC or strengthen you. wherever, the seat of Edna Molewa will be empty. Hona le batho ba attendang Stadium sa ko NelSo somebody stood here and said this is like a son Mandela Stadium. They are the people who dream. When I received a message on Saturday favour Chippa United, the song that they always hore she is no more, I also did not want to believe sing when they are in the Stadium bare asepheleit, even now I still think hore re ka tsoha from this langa. And I want to say to South Africa today dream somebody a be a re mo rona, April fool, asephelanga u sho diEdna. asephelanga ke ne ke hlala ka lona. But unfortunately she is no more and I want to say to bana gae ba hae ba From where we are reading, it is a story of a man Mmethi le ba Molewa Molimo O tla le fodisa. called David and I know you know about this

B

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PASTOR JONAS MOSOTLA man called David. I want to tell you a few things about this man. One thing about David is that David was a worshiper. When he came into the house of the King called Saul, his main purpose was to come and worship. And the Bible teaches us that the was an instrument that David was playing and there was this spirit that would come upon Saul and every time when Saul was covered by this spirit, David would worship to an extend that the spirit would move away, so David was a worshiper. Over and above being a worshiper, David was a shepherd. He looked after the sheep of his father. Every time when you look at David, he is found behind the sheep, so he was not just an ordinary man but he was a shepherd. He defended the sheep of his father. He fought. He killed a bear and he killed a lion defending the sheep of his father. But as a worshiper and as a shepherd, David was a sinner. We are told that one day David took a woman called Batsheba and he slept with her. So much as David was used by God, much as David fought for the sheep of his father, he was also a sinner just like me, just like you. We are not perfect and there is no perfect person and in this world and in this hall. What I want to talk about this afternoon as we leave is that David was a warrior – he fought a bear and he fought a lion in his secret places. When David was fighting a lion, no one was there to see him, when David was fighting a lion no one was there to witness that. But one day, the Bible says, David went to his brothers and when he got to his brothers when they were fighting where they were, there was a man called Goliath who was despising the God of Israel and David said I can fight this man and when they said to him, can you really fight this man ? He asked a question what can be given to man who can defeat this man? In other words David was saying when I was fighting my battles, when I was fighting a lion and a bear I was fighting in secret places, but now that I am fighting in public and this is not my battle, something must be given to me. Now with all these things, the Bible teaches us that the man called Saul started Page 52

to hate David, he hated him with passion, until his son called Jonathan saw that something was wrong and where we are reading today is where David is talking to Johathan and is saying your father hates me, your father is behind me, your father wants to kill me. I can tell you can never be loved by all the people, there is always someone who is behind you to pull you down, there is always someone who has a bad motive behind you. Now in this conversation, Jonathan is saying to David how can I help you ? What can I do to help you? Now David is answering this man, you can take me away and watch the behavior of your father and he is saying here tomorrow, in other words if we were using the language of today, he would say tomorrow is a cabinet meeting, tomorrow the president is calling, your father is calling us to come and seat but do me a favour, I will not be there on my seat it is a new moon and my seat will be empty. I came to tell you today my friends we had a giant amongst us, we had a loving mother amongst us, we had a beautiful lady amongst us, ke le utloeletse bohle ban eng ba buoa mona ha ke utloe motho ea neng a buoa ka bontle ba Mme ona, you know she would stand and speak with a presence ene o bone Mme o mopila feela, ka nako e ngoe o ska tlhola o ultoa o reng, o lebelletse botle ba hae. A le ska ba le jealous e reng Amen. Mee ona o ke buang ka ena o ne a pila ene e ne ele Mme ea ithatang ene e ne ele Mme ea nang le presence o ne ke oa seke oa tsamaea fela mo pela hae o ja meno, she was a beautiful woman. Tomorrow she won’t be there on her seat, somebody say Amen. Somebody will come – ba tla mo replaca. I don’t know whether ba se entse ba khethile o mong or batla khetha but ha ele o ena oh my goodness! We were lucky bazalwoane to share a space with this beautiful woman. We were lucky ho anya letsoele la Mme ona, we were lucky ho ratioa ke Mme ona. You know, when my wife passed on in 2014 amongst many things that people were asking ke hore Moruti o kgona joang, kare ke kgona joang eng ? O kgona joang hore Minister a tle ko lesung, a tle a tlo buoa le oena ? Can I get an Amen.

PASTOR JONAS MOSOTLA Now I want to say to all of us who spoke here, I want to say to all of us who shared in this space, let us celebrate hore re phetse le ena, let us celebrate hore she spoke amongst us. I remember just the other day ha hone ho hlokahetse somebody ko Department amongst the things that she was talking o ne a re Mme ona o tsamaileng o ile ko re eang ba bohle. When the fone came hore ha a sa hlola a le teng, I said really, this must be a terrible joke. But I came to say to you today bana ba ko gae, Mme oa lona e ne ese Mme oa lona fela, Mme oa lona e ne ele Mme oa sechaba Ausi oa lona e ne ese Ausi oa lona fela, Ausi oa lona e ne ele Ausi oa sechaba. There is a lady in my church who connected me with her, Lebitso la ha eke Ausi Ncheli, as I speak she is on her way coming back from New York she is coming o ne a tsoanetse a tsamae for three weeks but she is coming back. I always wondered hore mara Ausi Ncheli why lona lesa khotsi because le phela le bereka ? She said it is because I worked with Minister Molewa and ha hona nako ea ho khutsa re lo khutsa ko lebitleng. I want to say to you today Molimo a le folise, Molimo a le apese, Molimo a le matlafatse. I was reading something just the other day ha ke hopotse ka ena, I read a story and this story goes hore there was this man who was a man of God this man served the lady, this man gave all, he was a Minister of religion, he was there for the poor and for the widow and the man just like all of us, he died, and after he died the family was crying. Until a bolokoa the family was crying. A week later the family was crying, two weeks later three weeks later the family was crying. Missing words, mike off People trying to comfort the family but the family e lla everyday and then one day it says the wife was sleeping and she had a dream and in her dream she saw men and woman who have passed all of the she looked at their faces, are people who are dead and they were going up and down with candles that were on. But amongst these people the wife saw the husband and the husband was also carrying a candle but the candle ea gae e Page 53

ne e timile and because candle e ne e timile this man was falling and batho ba ne ba bo monamela ba mogata ka maoto and in her dream the wife asked God and said Father this man worked so hard, this man was a man of God, this man served the nation, why is he battling ? Why is his candle not like the candles of others, why ea gae e timile why are they stepping on him ? And God said to her the problem is yu guys are crying and you are crying to much and when you are crying le tima kerese ea gae so he cannot move he has done what he was supposed to do on earth and now he is gone. Some people say it is not about how long you live on earth, they say it about what you do when you live on earth. Hona le batho ba bang ba phelang, ba phele, ba phele, o ba kentse mo societing o ba ba ntse bas a tsamae, ba phele Marr ho o re kea hoopla hore in their lives ba elitse eng, you cannot even write two pages ea seo ba se elitseng, but some people come they come they impact our lives and they go. That is why I like mantsoe ana a ngoloang ko mabitleng a reng Rest in Peace. Ha ke rate ha a ngotsoe in full, but ke a rata ha ngoetsoe in abbreviation, ha a re RIP because in that case a bolela le rona bohle. For those ba berekileng joalo ka bo Minister a re Rest in Peace and for those ba robalang ka 6 ba tsoha ka 7 hosane ka hosane or ka 9 a re, return if possible and try again. May God heal your family may God empower you, may you celebrate her life. May you know ga o tsamaea khaitseli eaka gore oena o antse letsoele la a giant.

ARTICLES INTRODUCING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY By Edna Molewa May 9, 2017 Cape Times e have only one planet, and it is our duty to W protect it at all costs by creating sustainable jobs

and growth while protecting the environment, writes Edna Molewa, Minister of Environmental Affairs South Africa is geared to play an important role in assisting Africa to create a sustainable circular environment economy model. During a joint media briefing at the World Economic Forum in Durban, I and Daniel Calleja, director-general of the EU’s Directorate-General for Environment, outlined opportunities created by the circular economy model through several first-rate testimonials and technical interventions. The circular economy seminar brought together a number of high-profile delegates and successful companies worldwide as well as start-ups, experts and policy-makers. The circular economy is an economic model that minimises resource input and waste generation. The value of the resources used in products is retained by returning them into the product cycle at the end of their use. By doing so, the circular economy imitates nature, where nothing is wasted. Opportunities for job creation exist in moving waste away from landfills towards alternative waste treatment across the entire waste hierarchy. This can be achieved through cleaner production, industrial efficiency, dismantling, refurbishment and re-use, as well as new methods of collection, sorting, reprocessing and manufacturing. he circular economy is a trillion-dollar opT portunity with huge potential for innovation, job

creation and economic growth. The wealth to be found in waste could generate a host of jobs and viable enterprises, helping to counter any country’s unemployment rates, thus contributing to economic growth. Page 54

During the dialogue and the discussions between South Africa and the EU, we hope to continue with the work being done to align the global Sustainable Development Goals with the National Development Plan (NDP). The South Africa-EU strategic dialogue covered crucial and important matters as varied as product design, waste management, symbiotic technologies, remanufacturing. he circular economy model creates enorT mous opportunities for sustainable and inclusive

growth as well as new jobs. We underlined the importance of the model for transitioning to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. The circular economy package provides the opportunity to develop, re-use activities and create jobs locally. Calleja pointed out how the EU is rapidly pursuing the transition to a circular economy as a priority, adding that it is undertaking in-depth reforms to enable Europe’s economy to transition towards ambitious sustainability objectives while strengthening the competitiveness of our companies and maintaining a healthy environment for our citizens. We need to forge alliances between like-minded partners, such as the EU and South Africa, not only at government level but also through innovative business and research partnerships. The seminar follows the signing on September 23, 2016 of the new terms of reference for the Forum on Environment, Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Water between the European Commission and both the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Water and Sanitation of South Africa. The forum met in Pretoria on the May 3, 2017, where the circular economy was also discussed among other issues

ARTICLES INTRODUCING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY of mutual interest. As a sustainable-development model, the idea behind the circular economy will keep resources at their highest possible level of value at all times, thus eliminating the very idea of waste, and leaving “enough for all forever”. aste in the context of a circular economy W is broader than physical rubbish. It also refers to

product end-of-life and the enormous under-utilisation of products and assets in markets. For example, a discarded product that is not recycled is a waste, but so is ending the working life of a product prematurely or letting it sit idle. A typical car, for example, is used only 5% to 10% of the time, and as much as 80% of the items stored in a typical home are used only once a month. With the right business model, products could remain in the economy much longer, and consumption rates of everything from cars to consumer goods could increase tenfold by utilising innovative sharing models. Most notably, the circular economy encourages companies to think about how goods can be designed, produced and marketed with re-use in mind.

is contributing significantly to unlocking much of the value to be found in waste products. By focusing on the development of the waste economy, many more jobs can be created in the formal and informal sectors through a process led by the Department of Environmental Affairs called Working on Waste. While implementation of the circular economy is new in South Africa, the country’s tyre industry serves as an important case study of how it can successfully turn “waste into worth”. As a result, in the past few years it has succeeded in generating new jobs, establishing a number of viable small businesses, and recycling a growing percentage of South Africa’s waste tyres. The Tyre Plan makes the entire operation possible by managing the operations of, and revenue in, the sector. t also helps what is referred to as waste pickers Iorganise themselves into co-operatives, generates

jobs for waste transporters, sets up the necessary storage depots as new small businesses, and provides financial and other aid to many of the recycling plants needed to repurpose the spent tyres. Emphasis was also made on moving waste away from landfills, which provides considerable social, economic and environmental opportunities for a country, including job creation and enterA key challenge for the global economy is to prise development. decouple economic growth from resource constraints. If nothing is done to address the situa- In South Africa and other developing countries, tion, demand for constrained resource stocks where unemployment is high, this will not only such as biomass, fossil energy and many metals is provide access to valuable resources through the expected to reach 130 billion tons by 2050. development of the circular economy, but will Even with an optimistic forecast for technologi- also provide benefits while reducing the envical innovation, the economy is unlikely to be able ronmental and social impacts of waste, including to produce more than 80 billion tons, leaving a greenhouse gas emissions. The government has shortfall of around 40 billion tons by 2050. Such identified a host of sectors where wealth could be shortages will expose countries and companies to extracted from the so-called dead capital of waste significant risks. That’s where the circular econo- products. One of these is plastics. my comes into play. We, as the South African government, are workBy prioritising its implementation in line with ing hard to amend the waste legislation to allow the 2030 Development Agenda, the government for independent operators to run clean-up and Page 55

ARTICLES INTRODUCING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

processing operations in the various waste management sectors. Wherever this is economically feasible, more than one operator should work in each sector, to encourage more participation and promote efficiency.

achieved through cleaner production, industrial efficiency, dismantling, refurbishment and re-use, as well as new methods of collection, sorting and reprocessing.

The dialogue is in line with the South Africa-EU he South African waste sector employed 30 Trade, Development and Co-operation Agree000 people in 2012, of which 20 092 are in the ment and the Strategic Partnership Joint Action public sector – mostly in local and metropolitan Plan. municipalities – and 9 741 worked in the private sector. am hopeful that this dialogue will enhance poAnother important factor is the inclusion of litical co-operation on regional, African and globthe youth. Youth unemployment in South Afri- al issues. Molewa is Minister of Environmental ca is worse than that experienced in many oth- Affairs and the first female chancellor of the Seer emerging markets. Overcoming this problem fako Makgatho Health Sciences University (forand opening up opportunities for young people is merly known as the Medical University of South vital to social and economic stability. This is rec- Africa, or Medunsa) ognised in the NDP, published in 2012.

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The public sector could absorb an additional 5 000 employees – mostly young people – if current vacant positions in municipalities were filled. However, if South Africa is to achieve this, the government must look towards the private waste sector for growth and employment opportunities in the present economic climate. Opportunities for job creation exist in moving waste away from landfills towards alternative waste treatment across the entire waste hierarchy. This can be

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SA CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY IS PROGRESSIVE & AMBITIOUS

EDNA MOLEWA t is less than three months to go before the 17th IConference of the Parties under the United Na-

tions Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The protocol, legal instrument or agreed outcome with legal force hoped to be finalized at Paris will be applicable to all Parties, and will come into effect from 2020. South Africa is proud to announce that we are in the final stages of consolidating our Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to be submitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat ahead of the 1 October deadline. The draft INDC discussion document has been widely circulated and published ahead of a series of provincial INDC conferences, engagements and stakeholder workshops with business, labour and civil society, including vulnerable communities. Our INDC includes 3 distinct components on mitigation, adaptation and the means of implementation. It builds on our 2009 emission reduction pledge, and presents an emission reduction trajectory range for 2025 and 2030. It further sets a number of national adaptation goals, including the development of a National Adaptation Strategy and plan, the strengthening of institutional capacity for addressing adaptation at all levels, and developing a national early warning system. The formulation and finalization of our INDC evidences political will by South Africa to do its part to aid the global effort to tackle climate change. Climate change affects nearly every cog in the many wheels that keep this country running: from healthcare, to agriculture and forestry, to biodiversity and ecosystems, to infrastructure and human settlements, to defense, to water and sanitation. It poses one of the most serious threats to Africa’s long-term sustainable development, economic growth and the quality of life of her people. The multilateral agreement that will be concluded at the Paris negotiations in December must be Page 57

ambitious, fair and effective. South Africa’s position has been that efforts to protect the atmosphere should be shared fairly among countries in accordance with their “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities, and social and economic conditions”. The UNFCCC itself implicit recognizes both the vulnerability of poorer countries to the effects of climate change, and the right of poorer nations to economic development. Although it sets out obligations for all countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the unavoidable adverse effects of climate change and report on national implementation – it also sets out obligations for developed countries to support climate change activities in developing countries. Some have incorrectly claimed that this country’s National Climate Change Response Policy lacks ambition, favours large corporate polluters. From our perspective, we have repeatedly emphasized that our response must balance making a fair contribution to the global effort to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations - with consideration of the national interest. This includes addressing economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation. Our policy is guided by the overarching principle of sustainable development, which is the cornerstone of Vision 2030 contained in the National Development Plan (NDP). South Africa is not resting on its laurels waiting for the outcome of the Paris negotiations. We have been actively stepping up efforts to reduce this country’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. To ensure our country’s food, water, energy security and infrastructure are not negatively impacted by climate change we have developed Long Term Adaptation Scenarios, and climate change vulnerability assessments. Work has been done with business and industry and other stakeholders to analyse the emission re-

SA CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY IS PROGRESSIVE & AMBITIOUS

EDNA MOLEWA duction potential in key economic sectors, and to understand the potential social and economic opportunities and impacts of South Africa’s transition to a lower carbon economy and society. Our Green and Blue Economy Strategies provide the strategic directive to attract investment in the green and blue sectors, create jobs, improve the country’s competitiveness and overall promote equitable, inclusive, sustainable and environmentally-sound economic growth. hrough the national Green Fund, we have T adopted an innovative approach to catalysing investment in green programmes. The Ministry of Public Works is leading a programme to unlock the so far largely untapped potential for energy savings in public buildings at national, provincial and local level. There has also been rapid uptake of large-scale renewable energy technologies through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Purchase Programme (REIPPP).

The new agreement hoped to be concluded in Paris will address six key issues, namely climate change mitigation, adaptation, and the finance, technology and capacity building support required for developing country implementation, as well as arrangements for transparency of action and support. To this end, INDC’s will be crucial to the success of the UN climate deal, both in 2015 and beyond. We further clarified – as we have consistently

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done, that the extent to which this outcome can be achieved depends on the extent to which developed countries will meet their commitment to provide financial, capacity building and technology support to developing countries. International finance and investment is a crucial element of the Paris agreement – to be provided to those countries that are not only vulnerable to climate change, but also least responsible and without the means to transition to low carbon economies. As the current chair of the Group of 77 plus China, we emphasize that the principles of the Convention must apply, in particular the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR). South Africa as a responsible global citizen has played an instrumental role in these negotiations. We are rallying other BASIC countries to support the African position and further strengthen South South coordination and cooperation.

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EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

EDNA MOLEWA *this article is an extract of the inaugural Climate Change lecture delivered at the University of Johannesburg on 14 September 2015. ime for a frank discussion about SA’s energy T future; Edna Molewa

As part of the country’s plan to procure nuclear energy, the South African government has signed framework agreements with several countries, the latest being France. These are effectively cooperation accords between South Africa and the respective countries, and are precursors to procurement. For a number of reasons, they have generated controversy. Lost in the headlines is the critical question: could nuclear energy in fact make a positive contribution towards South Africa’s energy future? And given our commitment to sustainable development, could it solve the challenges posed by both economic development and climate change - a phenomenon being hastened by an increased reliance on fossil fuels. Members of the public should be assured that throughout the procurement process, the South African government has and will continue to follow the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and all other laws. But issues of procurement and cost should not derail what should be a frank, reasonable discussion on whether nuclear energy could in fact be good for South Africa. In a developing country such as ours, the state walks a policy tightrope. There is the responsibility to provide reasonably priced energy to meet the needs of both the public and industry. This entails effective utilization of all our energy sources, including but not limited to coal, gas, hydro and renewables. But equally, there is the need to be mindful of our international obligations regarding climate change mitigation – particularly with regards to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. ElecPage 59

tricity consumption is growing rapidly – with the power utility Eskom (who supplies not just 95% of our electricity, but approximately 45% of the entire continent’s) buckling under the pressure to increase generating capacity required to grow our economy, conserve scarce water resources, and improve the lives of our people. Meeting the short-term needs of both the public and industry has resulted in an even-greater reliance on coal and gas fired plants. Two of the largest coal-fired power stations in the world, Medupi and Kusile, are scheduled to go online soon, as announced by the Minister of Public Enterprises. As a heavy industry economy that needs its space to develop, it is necessary that there is sequencing: gradually phasing out old technologies as we bring new ones, including renewables, online. This includes technology that will contribute towards methane emissions reduction. Within this context, nuclear energy provides the very real possibility of weaning South Africa off its reliance on coal, transitioning us to a cleaner, more sustainable energy economy. In the week of the UN Climate Summit on 23 September, The Economist carried a special report on curbing climate change. It notes in its preface that though most governments see reining in global warming as a priority, few are able to show how their reduction policies actually result in emission reductions. The report contains what may be the first ever global comparison of carbon mitigation efforts, ranking 20 polices and course of action according to how much they have done to reduce the atmosphere’s stock of greenhouse gases. The figures are taken from governments, the EU as well as UN agencies. The results are both telling and instructive. In terms of emission reductions nuclear power worldwide ranks as the third highest emissions saving ‘measure’ in terms of bn tonnes CO2 – ranking higher than ‘other renewables worldwide’, vehicle emissions standards and even Brazil forest

EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

EDNA MOLEWA preservation. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that nuclear power avoided the production of some 2.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2010. ‘That is, emissions would have been 2.2 billion tonnes higher if the same amount of electricity had been produced by non-nuclear plants.’ he authors acknowledge that some policies T listed have benefits beyond climate change miti-

gation, including those to public health and the environment. But the report serves as an overall helpful barometer of which energy options contribute the most towards reducing the long-term effects of climate change – a reality no government can afford to ignore. Energy security matched by sustainability is one of the themes of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010-2030, the country’s blueprint for meeting our growing energy needs. This document which (importantly) was the product of extensive public consultation and is regularly reviewed, presents trade-off scenarios taking into account factors such as investment cost, diversity of supply, localization, regional development and climate change mitigation. ccording to the IRP, our energy generation A mix should include: 48% coal, 6.5% hydro, 14.5%

other renewables, 13.4% nuclear and 11% peaking open cycle gas turbine. In his State of the Nation Address on 17 July 2014, President Jacob Zuma underscored the need to respond decisively to our country’s energy constraints: and spoke of the potential of nuclear energy for addressing them. There should not be any doubt, then, that South

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Africa’s energy mix includes nuclear energy: but does not exclude other sources. The development of these alternative energy sources actually predated our current nuclear energy acquisition drive. Importantly, President Zuma also noted that extensive studies would be undertaken on all these energy forms with regards to funding, safety, exploitation and the local manufacture of components. Critics point out that since nuclear is included in the energy mix only from 2023, it will ‘do little’ to solve our near-term energy shortages. At the same time they acknowledge the long build times for nuclear plants. By 2023, according to the projections of South Africa’s Long-Term Mitigation Scenario (LTMS), the country’s emissions will start to plateau, after having peaked for nearly two decades. That these plants would come online two years before we begin to plateau is testament to the good planning and forecasting of our country’s scenario planners. That a procurement process is now underway – as announced by the Department of Energy should be welcomed, given that construction times for projects of this magnitude. ome have wrongly suggested that alternative Senergy sources such as renewables are being sac-

rificed as a result of the ‘undue focus’ on nuclear. The IRP outlines base-load allocations for various energy sources including coal, gas and hydro, and through the Independent Power Producer (IPP) procurement program is adding new sources to our energy mix. Another planned base-load contributor is the Grand Inga Hydro Project, which will see South Africa ‘buy over half the power generated by the first phase of the world’s biggest

EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

EDNA MOLEWA hydroelectric project, aimed at generating 40 000 MW of power on the Congo River.’ In addition, the government’s renewable strategy sets targets to be produced from renewable energy sources; mainly biomass, wind, solar and small scale hydro. Although the implementation of these various technologies are well underway, the issue here is not of viability, but of base-load generation capacity. he question is whether at this stage renewable T technologies are able to substantially ease pressure

off the grid. As the global comparison done by The Economist shows, the rate with which wind and solar capacity will increase generation capacity is bound to increase, “but it will take some time to overturn it.” And despite subsidies and carbon financing, the cost of renewable technologies remains high, and it will be some time before renewables will contribute the desired amounts necessary to the national grid. This is further complicated by the fact that, as an appeals authority, there is the need to manage objections from interest groups (including environmentalists) to the development of renewables. South Africa has a proud history of nuclear energy. Koeberg currently produces the cheapest electricity of all Eskom’s plants, and some researchers have found that taking into account the lifetime of a plant (and not just the start-up costs), nuclear power is cheaper. Given all of the above considerations, one may concur with your columnist Peter Bruce who pointed out (Business Day, 26 September 2014) that nuclear power presents “the possibility that we could emerge from all these years of constraint as a serious source of power in Africa..”

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ith this, of course, should come discusW sions around safety and a fact-based discussion

around environmental cost, including of nuclear waste. The Department of Environmental Affairs will play a critical role in both a regulatory and advisory capacity on these kind of issues. The Fukushima disaster in Japan remains fresh in the memories of the public and interest bodies concerned about the safety of nuclear energy. However it is worth noting that South Africa has operated nuclear power stations incident-free for the past three decades. We also have a strong legislative regime that governs the nuclear industry. In addition, laws such as the National Environmental Management Act, the National Water Act and the Dumping at Sea Control Act all contain provisions and regulations under which issues like disposal of radioactive waste, the use of nuclear fuel, safety around plants, and environmental and property impact, would fall. When talking about nuclear energy, these issues should in fact be the focal point for debate, discussion and if necessary, renewed public consultation. As the President said in the SONA, the pursuit of alternative energy sources will be within the framework of our environmental laws. We as government, and in particular the Department of Environmental Affairs, welcome the discussion. It is both a timely and necessary one, and part of our commitment to open government. EDNA MOLEWA is Minister of Environmental Affairs

COAL-FIRED POWER PART OF SA’S ENERGY MIX

EDNA MOLEWA ast week Parties to the United Nations FrameL work Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC)

met in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh to chart a course for operationalizing the Paris Agreement, which was ratified by the National Assembly on 1 November 2016.South Africa is proud to count ourselves amongst the 110 Parties to have ratified this historic treaty, and the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP22) underway in Morocco is focused on its operationalization by 2020. t is the first such meeting since the Agreement’s Ientry into force, and our negotiators have been hard

also includes gas, renewables, nuclear and biomass energy) as presented in the country’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). South Africa has not banned the use of coal at this point. Presumably they are referring to the Department’s decision to grant environmental impact authorizations (EIA’s) to Colenso Power (Kwa-Zulu/Natal) and Ki-Power (Delmas) for the construction of two new coal-fired power stations as part of Eskom’s independent power producers programme (IPP). I say ‘presumably’ because Groundwork fails to provide any further specifics on the reason why these EIA’s were granted in the first place, and why their (Groundwork’s) appeal against them was dismissed. The law is clear that any authorization can be appealed against. Equally it is their right to lodge an appeal and even approach the courts should they deem it fit. They must just follow all the relevant provisions of the law.

at work in Morocco advancing our positions around the financing, technology and capacity building required to tackle one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. As part of the Africa group, as the former chair of the G77 plus China (when the Paris Agreement was adopted) and as the current chair of the BASIC group of countries (Brazil, Inroviding specifics of what they are talking dia, China and South Africa) our country has and continues to play a leading role in the internation- about would have offered the reader the necessary al climate change negotiations on behalf of devel- context and unpack the reasons why their organization’s vague and generalized claims regarding oping countries. the impact of the proposed power stations, were It is with a deep sense of disappointment, therefore, refuted by the appeals process. Firstly, the organito note the media release issued by the environmen- zation requested that a climate change assessment tal NGO Groundwork at the start of the high-level be undertaken as part of the EIA process, when segment of COP22 that seeks to dismiss, ridicule and there is currently no legal basis to inform such aseffectively trash South Africa’s contribution to the sessments within the EIA framework. global climate change effort. Groundwork snidely remarks that I ‘celebrated my arrival in Marrakech Secondly, based on information before me it was by approving an extra 16 million tonnes of carbon clear that the proposed power stations could not dioxide emissions a year from two new coal-fired be compared to the emissions from existing old power stations in South Africa.’ The coalition stations that currently operate with no (SO2) of NGO’s who mount legal challenge after legal abatement in place. Newer power stations will challenge against the construction of new power be more efficient and cleaner. Thirdly, the appelstations should be reminded that coal-fired power lants provided unsubstantiated speculative figgeneration is part of South Africa’s energy mix (that ures around the impact of the proposed stations

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COAL-FIRED POWER PART OF SA’S ENERGY MIX

EDNA MOLEWA on human health and the environment. I noted in my decision that an Atmospheric Impact Report, which will form part of the Atmospheric Emission License (AEL) application process, will provide additional details thereon. It is apparent that most of the contentions made by this NGO’s in the appeal rest on an objection to coal-fired power in general, which is incorrect, in terms of our current policy.

ple of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities to be respected. South Africa is doing more than its fair share to contribute to the global climate change effort, but we will continue to argue for our developmental space. We will continue to reduce our emissions within our development space. Our carbon emission trajectory clearly depicts a peak plateaux and decline only after 2030.

learly, the provision of these above-mentioned C detailed reasons do not fit with Groundwork’s

Our NDC was determined taking into account our national circumstances and what we will be able to achieve. The greenhouse gas emissions pathways are informed by dynamic driving forces such as socio-economic development and technological developments, and therefore important that all these be considered in setting the country’s emission reduction goal.

neat narrative that seeks to portray South Africa in a negative light. In a series of social media posts that @ mention the UNFCC Secretariat in a clear bid to embarrass our highly capacitated team of negotiators (one of the most efficient teams of all the climate COP’s), Groundwork claims that the Department’s rejection of their appeal renders our commitment to the Paris Agreement ‘meaningless’. In addition, our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat last year is described by Groundwork ‘as one of the weakest.’ As the appeals authority on EIA’s I am then described as being ‘disconnected from any action to reduce emissions.’ It has become an unfortunate tendency of the anti-fossil fuels movement in South Africa to favor linear thinking when it comes to the matter of this country’s energy challenges, coupled with what could best be described as naivety in assuming renewable energy is the panacea for these same challenges. They appear unaware of our status as a developing country. South Africa is a developing country and throughout the international climate change negotiations has stressed the need for the Convention’s princi-

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Africa’s development priorities inform Sourouth climate change response efforts, and for us to meet rising energy demand, a mix of power generation technologies must be pursued, and this includes coal-fired power generation.

Furthermore, all new build programmes are in line with South Africa’s emission strategy. These new build programmes qualify on the basis of strict criteria, including but not limited to proven technology and environmental compliance. Should they be awarded preferred bidder status by the Department of Energy, coal-fired power plants will be allocated a carbon budget. This is just one of the measures designed to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to keep South Africa’s emissions within its NDC. Ultimately, companies with carbon budgets will be required to outline how they plan to reduce

COAL-FIRED POWER PART OF SA’S ENERGY MIX

EDNA MOLEWA

greenhouse gases as well as to submit their annual progress reports in respect thereof, which will be evaluated by the Department on an annual basis to ensure that the country remains within its Nationally Determined Contribution. This shows that the oft-repeated claim by environmental NGO’s in South Africa that new coal-fired power stations somehow run counter to our commitments under our NDC and the Paris Agreement to curb emissions. Groundwork should be further reminded that limiting global warming to way below 2 degrees Celsius requires global action. As correctly pointed out in their statement, “all countries agreed to limit global warming”. So it is not fair to expect South Africa on its own to take us to below 2 degrees celsius scenario.

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limate change is one of the biggest economic, C social and environmental challenges of our time, requiring political leadership and co-ordination across all sectors and spheres of government, as well as engagement with leaders of business, labour, civil society and research institutions.

would encourage Groundwork and other INGO’s to work with us in the country’s best interests, instead of this constantly adversarial approach.  

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MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS SA CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY CONSISTENT & REALISTIC Edna Molewa

In essence, it is about sustainable development. Contrary to the views of your correspondent, extensive progress has been made with implementation. We have developed Long Term Adaptation Scenarios to inform adaptation planning and implementation at national, provincial and local level, to ensure our country’s food, water, energy security and infrastructure are not impacted by climate change.

Yolandi Groenewald’s analysis of South Africa’s Climate Change Response policy (“SA talks green as it burns up the coal”: City Press Business 19 July 2015) exposes one glaring fact – that your correspondent has not read it. Had she done so, she would know that South Africa has consistently advanced our country’s position on how we can mobilize political momentum on ambitious mitigation, adaptation and imporxtensive work has been done jointly with tantly, means of implementation - in addressing business and industry, on our Mitigation Potenclimate change. tial Analysis in key economic sectors, and to understand the social and economic opportunities n the domestic front, unlike many countries and impacts of reducing emissions. Our National around the world, there is no policy or regulato- Green Economy Strategy provides the direction ry uncertainty around the need to respond to the to greening our economy, and at the same time threat posed by climate change. This includes in- attracting investment, creating jobs and improvter alia, transitioning the country to a lower-car- ing competitiveness. Whereas four years ago renewable energy projects bon and climate resilient development path. City Press’ over-reliance on the subjective views were small and lacking investment, today there of non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) is rapid uptake of large-scale renewable energy when discussing matters around climate change technologies through the Renewable Energy Inpresents only half a picture, and does your readers dependent Power Purchase Programme. a disservice. The National Climate Change Response Policy is South Africa has been able to submit its annual just one of the many policy instruments we have report to the UNFCCC and our actions indicate in place to chart the course for actions that are we are on track to achieving our objectives. We have consistently acted in accordance with our both developmental and transformational. policies developed locally and reported on locally, It is developmental in that we are prioritising cli- so your correspondent’s assertion that we do one mate change responses that have significant miti- thing domestically and say another internationalgation or adaptation benefits, and have significant ly, is false. economic growth, job creation, public health, risk South Africa is a developing country with the management and poverty alleviation benefits. challenges of poverty and unemployment. We It is transformational in that we are seeking to ad- will continue to argue for our space to develop. dress climate change at a scale of economy that South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is supports the required innovation and finance a sustainable energy mix that includes the use of flows needed for a transition to a lower carbon, coal, renewables, alternative energy, natural gas efficient, job creating, equitable and competitive and nuclear energy. The document is available on the Department of Energy’s website for all to read, economy. including your correspondent.

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MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS SA CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY CONSISTENT & REALISTIC

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t is misleading therefore to suggest that South Africa is moving away from coal-based energy in the near future. However, as outlined in the IRP, by 2030 we aim to have decreased fossil energy demand significantly, creating alternative renewables through new technological innovation, good behavioral practices and a public commitment to more efficient, sustainable and equitable energy use. As an example of this technological innovation, when Medupi comes online, it will conform to the highest standards of environmental management. This includes the installation of flue-gas desulphurisation equipment to remove sulphur dioxide from the station’s emissions. In addition this will hopefully also allow Eskom to proceed with a process decommissioning some of the old power stations that cost a lot of money to run. City Press can’t have it both ways: your correspondent argues that government’s legislation to control emissions isn’t doing enough, but in the same vein criticises the costs of compliance. South Africa has consistently been cited as a ‘good role model on renewables’, mainly through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP). Although the technologies are certainly becoming cheaper, developing baseload happens incrementally and over time. As more renewable energy projects steadily increase their contribution to stabilizing the grid, the greater their contribution will be to the energy mix. All our regulations and policy documents, such as the National Climate Change Response Policy are finalized following extensive stakeholder consultation between government departments. An example of this is the inter-governmental discussion around Carbon Budgets and Carbon Tax. Therefore the claim that ‘the departments don’t talk to each other’ is untrue. As the department tasked with environmental protection, we remain committed to the protecPage 66

tion of environmental rights. In doing so, we will continue to be guided by the constitutionally enshrined principle of sustainable development. Our natural resources if used responsibly, can lead to the creation of a more diverse and inclusive economy, while addressing job creation and poverty eradication. As current chair of the G77 plus China, South Africa will continue to argue on the world stage that adaptation should be a global responsibility. We will also argue for the inclusion of the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR) as contained in the Convention. If these are not attained, developing countries such as ours will bear the brunt of climate change. In this respect, your correspondent is correct in that the developing world remains concerned at the apparent inadequacy of commitments by developed countries on emission reductions, and the provision of means of implementation to developing countries. As developing countries we want an equitable regime that reinforces multilateralism and offers hope, confidence and trust for those most vulnerable. EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS Follow her on @BEMolewa

WHY CLIMATE JUSTICE IS A POLITICAL ISSUE EDNA MOLEWA, 15 JULY 2015 hen the drafters of our Constitution locatW ed environmental rights within the context of the

instruments put in place by the ANC government address developmental challenges in a sustainable Bill of Rights, they evidenced not only foresight, manner. In every development, the three pillars but also an unwavering commitment to recogniz- of sustainable development are being considered, ing the rights of future generations. namely, the people (social aspects), the economy (prosperity) and environmental (ecology) factors. South Africa is one of the few countries around the globe where environmental rights are con- The ANC has in all its National Conference resstitutionally protected – thanks to the policy in- olutions, repeatedly underscored the call for the struments put in place by the African National country to contribute towards the global shift to Congress (ANC). In characterizing the National a low-carbon development path. As a result, we Democratic Society, the amended Strategy and have in place a National Climate Change ReTactics document of the ANC, as adopted by the sponse Policy that charts the course for actions 53rd National Conference in Mangaung, defines that are both developmental and transformaa developmental state as one defined by, inter alia tional. Through our Green Economy strategy, we “sustainable utilization of natural endowments continue to work towards promoting equitable, and the protection and regeneration of the envi- inclusive, sustained and environmentally sound ronment as an inheritance of current and future economic growth and social development: to the generations.” benefit of all. This is because we as a progressive organization recognize that this country’s rich endowment of natural resources and mineral deposits, if used responsibly, can serve current and the future generations in creating a more diverse and inclusive economy, whilst at the same time addressing job creation, poverty eradication and aadvancing radical socio-economic transformation.

In enseran that our country’s food, water, energy security and infrastructure are not negatively impacted by climate change we have developed Long Term Adaptation Scenarios to inform adaptation planning and implementation. Our priority focus areas are communities that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly the indigent, the rural dwellers, and women.

The ANC is by its very nature a party wherein environmental rights and environmental justice have long been recognized as cornerstones for building an inclusive, sustainable society and future. Further to this, sustainable development for the benefit of the country and all who live in it: is a constitutionally protected principle.

Furthermore, as outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan, by 2030 we aim to have decreased fossil energy demand significantly, creating alternative renewables through new technological innovation, good behavioral practices and a public commitment to more efficient, sustainable and equitable energy use.

Climate change threatens to severely undermine the development gains made by our young democracy in the past twenty years. Developing countries such as ours are at greater risk because of resource extraction, reliance on fossil fuels and the vulnerability of indigent communities. Policy

However, because South Africa is a developing country the ANC has opted to be guided by the overarching principle of sustainability, and of a ‘Just Transition.” We will thus over a reasonable time continue to argue for our development space without being pressured to faster emission reduc-

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WHY CLIMATE JUSTICE IS A POLITICAL ISSUE EDNA MOLEWA, 15 JULY 2015 tion and/or faster transit into all other environ- particular the principle of Common But Differenmental transformation regimes. tiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR). It is a fact that though climate change is his week South Africa participated in a a global problem, its effects are not being evenly high-level event on climate change at the UN, felt. Countries such as ours will bear the brunt, where we advanced our country’s position on especially in Africa where 95 per cent of agriculhow we can mobilize political momentum on am- ture is rainfall dependent.

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bitious mitigation, adaptation and importantly, means of implementation in addressing climate At issue, fundamentally, is the matter of how developing countries’ contributions to the global efchange. fort to combat climate change will be supported, The consideration of this topic by the UN comes and whether the obligation to provide this support at an opportune moment when the international should be legally binding on developed countries. community is pursuing another milestone in global climate change negotiations, an Agreement-to be concluded in Paris later this year. South Africa reaffirmed our commitment to reaching an Agreement in Paris that is fair, rule-based, binding and applicable to all, and ensures that collectively we can limit temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. We once again committed Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) by the set dateline of the beginning of October 2015. We are currently engaged in an intensive public consultation process to finalize these INDCs, which will cover mitigation, adaptation and means of implementation. We will continue to argue forcefully that the increasing adaptation burden should be a global responsibility - and not be shouldered by developing countries alone.

In light of the fact that the developed expects more commitments from developing countries, despite their ongoing poverty and developmental challenges, it is worrying to note that there are currently no indications of the scale of support to be provided by developing countries for post2020 action. This has the potential to undermine confidence in the Paris process. As a minimum, developed countries should communicate their support undertakings for the period 2020 to 2030, even if only at indicative levels at this stage. Provision can then be made in the Paris agreement for a process to communicate more concrete support provisions - in line with donor country budget appropriation processes. As developing countries we are seeking an equitable regime that reinforces multilateralism and offers hope, confidence and trust for those vulnerable to the imThe reality is that less mitigation means more ad- pacts of climate change. aptation. We believe that adaptation is a global responsibility that must be treated with the same At the Paris conference we have within our grasp priority as mitigation. This is the basis of the Af- the will to set the development of a fair, ambirica Group’s proposal for the Paris Agreement - to tious, rules-based and legally binding multilateroutline a Global Adaptation Goal that is recipro- al global climate change system that supports the cally linked to the mitigation goal and the Long- transition to lower carbon and climate resilient economies. term goal. As the Group of 77 plus China, we hold that the principles of the Convention must still apply, in Page 68

CDE. EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

RAYMOND SUTTNER’S NEWFOUND MORAL CONSCIENCE EDNA MOLEWA aymond Suttner’s article ‘Will removing Zuma R solve all our problems (Daily Maverick 8 August

to have been over-corrected from acidic to alkaline levels; however this was swiftly corrected. The 2016’) was political point scoring at the expense health of consumers was not at any point comproof facts. mised. It is unfortunate that these days all Suttner – an academic, writes about is President Jacob Zuma, and his clear campaign against the President and the ANC government - flogging his recycled wares to different publishing houses.

Despite these results undertaken with the supervision of the Department’s highly competent technical unit Suttner adds: ‘the tests were challenged and the water was not clean.’ I challenge him to produce documentary evidence to support his claim. Suttner accuses me of ‘conAt a time for instance when this administration, temptuous conduct’ in my reaction to a call from led by President Zuma, has allocated R12 billion the Democratic Alliance to drink the Carolina in funding for support needy students through water to ‘prove’ it was fit for human consumption. NSFAS – Suttner, an academic - (with a vested interest in the issue) is far more interested with e should be reminded that neither I not any driving a negative narrative around government. elected public official in this administration is not His ‘moral conscience’ is also newly found. Where answerable to the DA, but to the electorate – and was this critical voice of his when he served as a in this particular instance, to the people of Caromember of parliament under the previous adminlina. I stand by the fact that I responded appropriistration – when millions of South Africans were ately and timeously to the needs of the people of dying of HIV/Aids because they weren’t offered Carolina at the time, and also worked with them the necessary treatment? Attempting to drag my in clearing the contaminated water caused by varname into his sorry narrative is regrettable; in ious forms of industrial development. particular Actions undertaken as Minister of Water Affairs in Carolina in the Gert Sibande District Whatever his opinion on this government, one Municipality in 2012. would expect that his arguments be based on facts, not chinese whispers and DA press releases. is account is ill informed. Either he did not read the publicly available documentation, or he was attempting to willfully mislead the readers of EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF WATER the Sunday Times. Suttner writes that ‘the then AFFAIRS. BETWEEN 2010 AND 2014 SHE WAS Minister of Water Affairs, Edna Molewa said the MINISTER OF WATER AFFAIRS water was fit to drink.’

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It was most certainly fit to drink. Results conducted by three laboratories, taken from water samples at five points in Carolina, found that the final PH and levels of aluminium, iron, manganese and sulphates in the Carolina water were within the set health limits. The initial pH levels were found Page 69

FIGHTING RHINO POACHING REQUIRES NEW THINKING EDNA MOLEWA

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ast week’s feature by Pearlie Joubert into the L rhino poaching trade, ‘Battlefileds of Greed’ (Sun-

they are, where they live and what they are doing.

day Times April 20) was investigative journalism Last week South Africa signed a MOU with the at its finest. government of Mozambique aimed at facilitating cross-border cooperation on this issue. It contains It was also a wake-up call for those who cling to concrete measures to enforce cross-border disan over-simplified narrative around the trade in ruption of these criminal networks, especially in rhino horn. By to those at the frontline of what the Kruger National Park (KNP) which bears the the Sunday Times rightly describes as a war – the brunt of poaching. article elucidates a point the South African government has been making for some time: that a A Joint Operations Cross Border Protocol is bewhole new approach to fighting the problem is ing developed, which will ultimately result in needed; as current efforts are simply not working. the deployment of a well-trained and armed anti-poaching unit for joint collaboration with the And as the methods of the poachers have become KNP team. more sophisticated, so have their means. We know With the benefit of generous donations to aswe are not battling isolated ‘chancers’ hoping to sist with anti-poaching operations, these countstrike it rich, but well-funded armed gangs with er-trafficking measures include improving comlinks to international crime syndicates. munication networks, training field rangers and providing vital operational equipment including It’s for this reason that international security bod- drones. ies like Interpol should be playing a greater role. For these measures to be effective they need to Talking to people in so-called poacher villages, be matched by deterrent legislation, such as the and to a self-described poacher, the Sunday Times Conservation Areas Act passed by Mozambique investigation illustrates the impunity with which earlier this month: which provides for lengthy these criminals are operating: people know who sentences to those convicted of wildlife crime. In Page 70

FIGHTING RHINO POACHING REQUIRES NEW THINKING EDNA MOLEWA 2013, South African scientists from the University from Vietnam visited South Africa to underscore of Pretoria trained Mozambican law enforcement that country’s commitment to improve cooperaofficers in DNA sampling. tion on biodiversity conservation, especially controlling the illicit trade and poaching of wildlife. he initial stages of the project are bearing fruit. Another workshop is planned for later this year. There has been an increase in the number of ar- It is important to emphasize that we are simulrests in the first four months of this year. But we taneously exploring various models- including recognize that this solves only part of what is a what many regard as a controversial proposition: complex problem where varied and often compet- selling existing rhino horn stockpiles on the open ing interests coincide. Among these is sustainable market. Legalizing certain aspects of the trade is livelihoods in the border areas. The reality is that by no means a unique South African government many of the locals recruited into poaching activi- proposition – and was even advanced in an article ties are from poor communities who are lured by in the influential journal Science last year. promises of easy money. Although the heads of Nor does it mean we are abandoning our current the crime syndicates live lives of luxury abroad, efforts to combat the poachers and traffickers – as the article itself notes, they rely heavily on local but rather that this will occur concurrently. We are constantly researching other alternative meaintel to carry out their activities. Because poverty makes these communities vul- sures as well as reviewing where there may be regnerable to recruitment, it is critical to address the ulatory gaps.

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socio-economic conditions in these areas. At a workshop held last year various initiatives were mooted, including community ownership of rhino, as well as a benefit -sharing program within communities that allows them to share in the financial rewards of tourism to the area. Then there is the issue of the end markets. The article notes that poachers can make up to R100 000 a horn – which ends up in markets in Asia where the appetite for the product is growing. In 2012 South Africa signed a MOU with Vietnam (the article rightly notes that 80% of rhino horn from South Africa ends up there) on cooperation in the fields of Biodiversity Conservation and Protection. Last month a high-level delegation

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he ministry would welcome a public dialogue T on these issues. Mudslinging and the blame game

do us no favors. To some members of the public, all these measures fall seriously short of addressing the problem, especially if one considers the shocking imagery of these beautiful animals, bloody and suffering and that appear nearly daily in our newspapers. But our efforts are making headway, albeit slowly. We have not lost the battle yet. ---ends----

FOCAC A BOOST TO CHINA-SOUTH AFRICAN RELATIONS EDNA MOLEWA The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes President Zuma’s visit to the PRC in September the hosting of the Second Summit of the Forum this year. on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC); the first time the summit is being held on the continent. The aim of the agreement that was signed through the recently established Bi-National Commission The ANC government is co-chair of FOCAC for and Inter-Ministerial Joint Working Group, is to the period 2012-2018: and our hosting of this enhance the partnership between the two counimportant and timely conference is testimony tries by outlining specific areas of cooperation – to the burgeoning trade, policy and political ties with the view of advancing South Africa’s develbetween South Africa and the People’s Republic opmental agenda. The ANC once again welcomes of China. The ANC reaffirms its strong fraternal the progress on this strategic partnership: that has ties with the Communist Party of China (CCP), a laid a solid socio-economic foundation for the longstanding supporter of liberation movements advancement of a mutually beneficial partnership in Africa, and of our own anti-apartheid struggle. with the People’s Republic of China. The CCP gave its support variously to the ANC and the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC). Chinese investment in South Africa is cumulatively valued at approximately 120 billion rand As part of strengthening relations between the and with over 100 Chinese state-owned entities ANC and the PRC, then ANC President Cde. Ol- and multinational companies investing in South iver Tambo led delegations to China three times, Africa. Among the biggest beneficiaries of this first in 1963, then 1975 then 1983. favourable China-Africa investment climate is South Africa’s Oceans Economy, being rolled out Cde. Tambo and the delegation held talks with through Operation Phakisa. Central Committee representatives as well as The ANC government has identified four priority high-ranking government officials: who affirmed sectors for oceans economy development, nameChinese political and material support for the an- ly marine transport and manufacturing activities, ti-apartheid struggle. In 1961 a large number of offshore oil and gas exploration, aquaculture and the first Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) cadres were marine protection services and ocean governance. sent for training in China; which was followed up It is estimated that the oceans economy has the with several ANC and SACP cadres. potential to contribute approximately R 177bn (USD 17bn) to the GDP and the creation of one Today China-South African trade continues to million direct jobs by 2033, compared to the curincrease. This has been boosted by South Africa’s rent contribution (by 2010) of R54bn to GDP and admission in 2010 to the BRICS group of emerg- 316 000 jobs. ing economies. BRICS has served as a key vehicle Chinese investment in our Oceans Economy is alto further boost South-South cooperation, partic- ready underway, with the country’s National Deularly with regards to the integration of our re- velopment and Reform Commission designated spective economies. the leading department to drive Blue Economy The ANC notes that several trade and investment cooperation. The ANC further notes that FOCAC agreements will be signed at this summit under is taking place at a time when not just South Afthe Five-to-Ten Year Comprehensive Strategic rica but Africa as a whole continues to be a major Partnership for Cooperation that was signed by beneficiary of Chinese overseas direct investment Presidents Jacob Zuma and Xi Jinping during (ODI). Page 72

FOCAC A BOOST TO CHINA-SOUTH AFRICAN RELATIONS EDNA MOLEWA China’s National Development and Reform Commission is on a drive to promote cooperation between Chinese and African enterprises, and has introduced a series of investment funds to offer financial support to Chinese businesses wanting to cement strategic partnerships with African countries. The China-Africa Development (CAD) Fund for instance is the first fund in China focusing on investment in Africa, and is specifically tailored to capacitate Chinese enterprises to invest in African countries, and promote the development of China African commercial ties. According to the National Development and Reform Commission, the fund will ‘provide enterprises that invest in Africa with services like project and financial consultation, support for Chinese enterprises to identify potential investments, coordinate information sharing for investments in Africa, and provide enterprises to invest in Africa with management advice.” Significantly, for our own South African companies, it will “help African projects look for Chinese partners.” On a party political level, the ANC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CCP in the fields of political cooperation and exchange programmes. Since 2008 the ANC has also conducted study tours to China as part of regular party-to-party exchanges. Our cadres are being sent to interact with the Chinese government to gain insights into the ‘Chinese economic miracle’. This includes insights into the managing of state-owned enterprises, agricultural and land reform, industrialization, and public/ private sector partnerships. Amplifying the role of State-owned Enterprises (SOE’s) and Development Finance Institutions (DFI’s) as instruments for advancing economic transformation in South Africa is among the resolutions taken at the ANC’s 52nd and 53rd National Conferences respectively. SOE’s and DFI’s ‘are drivers and agents of economic restructuring’ and play a formative role in advancing the objectives of a developmental state. Page 73

The broader aim of the developmental state, as the ANC notes in a 2012 policy discussion paper on SOE’s and DFI’s; “must be to restructure the economy in order to create decent job opportunities, improve the current disparities with respect to income distribution levels, enhance the quality of service delivery and address social justice concerns, in an all- encompassing manner.” On a party-to-party level, we also have much to learn from the CCP’s party reform processes, especially on matters of party cohesion and rooting out corruption. The ANC’s relations with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are not based on the sentimentality of history: but remain solidly grounded in our mutual commitment to advance South/South cooperation. Like South Africa, the Chinese model is of a Developmental State that offers both an effective growth strategy and the realization of socio-economic transformation of the lives of the majority of its citizens. China’s well-documented ‘economic miracle’ offers valuable lessons on the State’s role in the management of the economy, which is aligned with the ANC’s path of radical socio-economic transformation. The dramatic economic reforms ushered in by the CCP under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970’s brought millions of citizens out of poverty, spurred rapid industrialization, led to an almost tenfold rise in GDP, and overall set China on a path that resulted in the country now being the second largest economy in the world. South Africa too has witnessed spectacular transformation in the lives of the majority of our people since 1994. Today, thanks to the policies of the ANC government, over 16 million South Africans have been brought out of poverty through comprehensive anti-poverty initiatives and extensive social security net, from a number of 2.7 million people in 1994. More than 3.1 million houses have been built. Millions of South Africans have

FOCAC A BOOST TO CHINA-SOUTH AFRICAN RELATIONS EDNA MOLEWA access to extensive healthcare services (including life-saving anti-retroviral treatment (ARV) to 2.4 million people). More than 12,8 million (86.4%) households have access to piped water. By 2013 85.4% of households were connected to an electricity grid. According to Statistics South Africa, the percentage of households with access to improved sanitation has ‘increased consistently’ from 62.3% in 2002 to 77.9% in 2013. According to Investec, the financial lives of average South Africans have steadily improved in real terms since 1994. According to Investec, the national income per capita has increased from R27 521 per person in 1993, to R38 734 in 2011. As we work towards transforming South Africa towards A Better Life for All, the ANC, as the ruling party of South Africa, will continue to take lessons from countries who offer alternative models of development, such as the Chinese ‘mixed economy’ model. It has always been the ANC’s position that the State must play a formative role in stimulating national development: and we are unapologetic in our quest to learn from other countries’ successes as we manage the challenge of rebuilding our country after centuries of skewed development. The ANC wishes all participants in the second FOCAC well, and affirms its commitment to the China/South African relationship as well as to deepening fraternal ties with the Communist Party of China (CCP). *This article first appeared in ANC Today EDNA MOLEWA IS HEAD OF THE ANC’S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE

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SA COMMITTED TO CLIMATE JUSTICE EDNA MOLEWA The article “Too much wiggle room on emissions’ (Mail and Guardian, August 28) was a welcome analysis of South Africa’s draft Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the global effort to tackle climate change. However it regretfully relies too heavily on sweeping statements and assertions regarding South Africa’s level of climate change ambition by non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) that cannot go unchallenged. Namely that: • SA’s Climate Change Response Policy ignores the impact of climate change on communities, and favors large corporate polluters • We have one of the most energy inefficient economies in the world These unsupported claims, without evidence, lead the reader to conclude, as does your correspondent, that the draft INDC document is weak and that South Africa “lacks the political capital to leverage our climate change position on the global stage.” As we all know, 2015 is a crucial year in the international climate change negotiations; when parties will work towards a new legal agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This agreement that will apply for all countries from 2020, is expected to be concluded at the 21st Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC in Paris, France, in December. In preparation, countries have agreed to publically outline what post-2020 climate actions they intend to take under his new agreement, known as INDC’s. These will largely determine whether the world achieves an ambitious agreement and is put on a path towards a low-carbon, climate resilient future. In a process that was catalyzed at the National Climate Change Response Dialogue in November 2014, the Department of Environmental Affairs resolved that further stakeholder engagement was needed on South Africa’s response, at local, provincial and national level, to climate change. To develop a common South African position on Page 75

our INDC’s prior to communicating them to the UNFCCC Secretariat at COP21 we convened a series of stakeholder workshops around the country to engage the general public around climate change issues and responses. This has enabled us to fill gaps and build a common understanding and approach towards Paris. A number of sector role-players, civil society organizations, academic institutions, community groups, NGO’s and ordinary South Africans made submissions based on the draft document. The document is being finalized on the basis of these workshops, the last of which was concluded in the Western Cape last month. We are now well on track to submit our INDC’s to the UNFCCC Secretariat before the 30 September deadline. Like most developing countries we are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change; owing to our resource-extraction based economy and our reliance on fossil fuels. Climate change affects nearly every cog in the wheels that keep this country running: from healthcare, to agriculture and forestry, to biodiversity and ecosystems, to human settlements, to defense, to water and sanitation. Unless urgently addressed, we could see the significant developmental gains scored by our young democracy eroded as increased food and water insecurity exacerbates poverty, hunger and disease. Our National Climate Change Response Policy is guided by the overarching imperative to protect those most vulnerable, especially the poor, rural dwellers, and women. We have stressed throughout that our approach is that of a developmental state in the context of sustainable development. Whilst it may be acknowledged we need to do far more to scale up our programmes, to claim that we have disregarded the impact of climate change on our people is unfair. We continue to champion the cause of direct access to funding for community adaptation projects. For instance, through the Adaptation Fund two projects are being piloted in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality in Kwazulu Natal, and

SA COMMITTED TO CLIMATE JUSTICE EDNA MOLEWA the Namakwa and Mopani Districts in the Northern Cape and Limpopo Provinces respectively. Such projects are aimed at increasing resilience of vulnerable communities through interventions such as early warning systems, climate smart agriculture and climate proofing settlements. The claim that our climate change response policy “favours large corporate polluters” is unsubstantiated. Firstly, most emission reduction measures in the policy will be implemented by the economic sectors and companies. We are currently in the process of allocating carbon budgets to companies, which will ultimately contribute to the country’s emission reduction goals. The claim that South Africa has “one of the most energy inefficient economies in the world” is a half-truth. A recently published report by the Department of Energy indicates that we have improved significantly not only with regards to the energy intensity of our economy, but in terms of implementing general energy efficient measures countrywide. It analyses outcomes reached in 2015 in terms of the 2005 National Energy Efficiency Strategy (NEES) - relative to a 2000 baseline. Targets were defined in terms of the reduction in final energy demand to be achieved, set at the economy-wide level (12%) and for certain individual sectors (industry and mining – 15%, commercial and public -15%, residential – 10%, transport – 9%). Between 2000 and 2012 the energy intensity of the economically productive sectors reduced by over 28%, while that of the residential sector fell by over 15%. Although this can be attributed to a host of factors including changes in the economic value of products - against a general trend of improving efficiency, total energy savings attributable to efficiency improvements in various sectors is to be welcomed. South Africa remains on track to meeting the energy efficiency targets set under the NEES. Furthermore, as part of our shift towards renewable energy, we continue to attract major investment in the sector – currently at around 5243MW thanks to the Renewable EnPage 76

ergy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP). South Africa is a developing country, and as such will be guided by the principle of sustainability. We will continue to push for our space to develop – without being pressured into unrealistic emission reduction targets and timeframes. It is in our national interest to consider our developmental requirements and our obligation to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality, as well as not impede the economic development in our country. This is why we will at Paris push for an agreement that is fair, effective and ambitious – and enforces multilateralism. Commitments under the Paris agreement should be nationally determined, but should be in accordance with each country’s Common but Differentiated Responsibilities, and Respective Capabilities. In order to reduce emissions and keep average global temperatures from rising no more than 2 degrees above their pre-industrial levels –countries like ours with a host of developmental challenges and priorities require the means to be able to adapt to an ever changing climate. The extent to which we meet our proposed reduction in greenhouse gas emissions depends on provision of financial resources, technology and capacity building support by developed countries. This includes support for mitigation as well as adaptation, and will enable South Africa’s emissions to peak between 2020 and 2025, plateau for approximately a decade and decline in absolute terms thereafter. By becoming the latest country to submit our INDC’s at the end of this month, South Africa has clearly demonstrated our political commitment to tackling climate change. From our perspective, the success of Paris ultimately rests on a recognition that climate change is a global problem, requiring a global solution, which can only be effectively addressed multilaterally. EDNA MOLEWA is Minister of Environmental Affairs.

AFROPESSIMISM MASQUERADING AS ANALYSIS EDNA MOLEWA In recent months we have witnessed a steady churning out opinion and analysis from members of the local commentariat that is ill-informed, heavy on conjecture, and light on the facts. There seems to be a concerted effort to drive a narrative that South Africa is on the brink of failed statehood, is a corruption-riddled morass “like the rest of Africa” and that we have become the ‘laughing stock of the world’. Despite the considerable achievements of the democratic government in vastly improving the lives of all South Africans and importantly, towards integration with the rest of the continent in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 of the African Union; time and again we are told there is in fact little to celebrate.

But it is the ANC’s advancing of radical socio-economic transformation that most raises de Klerk’s ire because it is aimed at restricting white ownership and management of the economy. He further opines ominously about the ‘threat’ to expropriate white-owned farms to accelerate land reform as a sign that the current administration is ‘undermining racial reconciliation that Nelson Mandela worked so hard to establish after 1994.’

These doomsday prophets are nothing new. Virtually since the African National Congress (ANC) assumed power there has been a steady appearance of such narratives that are in the main dismissive of everything government has achieved. Using current contestations within the ANC as the only prism through which they view the ‘state of the nation’ is both short-sighted and unfair.

Tinyiko Maluleke in his article titled “Africa’s just one big joke to the world” (Sunday Independent; 16 July 2017) appears to be singing from the same hymn-book. Maluleke, like de Klerk, will not acknowledge that many of the problems South Africa, and Africa finds itself in today are the result of the legacy of centuries of colonialism, dispossession and skewed development. He has jumped on the bandwagon that asserts that “our country, South Africa, has become the laughing stock of the world.” He uses as his reference point the decision of South Africa to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a decision he dismissively labels as ‘inept’ and ‘embarrassing.’

De Klerk’s ‘analysis’ is classic Afropessimism. Conveniently side-stepping his own contribution to the parlous state of our skewed economy, he, and many like him, believe ‘that African underdevelopment is self-induced through inept, autocratic and kleptocratic leadership.’

The latest of these missives was penned by apartheid-era leader FW de Klerk and appeared in the influential Wall Street Journal. Titled “South Africa’s Great Reconciliation is Coming Apart” de Klerk displays remarkable chutzpah for someone who headed a racist administration that promulgated discriminatory policies we continue to suf- The question of course should be, for whom? For Maluleke and his fellow Sunday newspaper fer the effects of today. ‘analysts’, or for the South African government The article is a broadside that leaves nobody un- that remains steadfast in its view that it acted acscathed. Our strong public institutions are ‘rou- cording to the national interest. The government tinely abused to protect corrupt friends and al- has maintained firstly that the court had put us lies;’ our parliamentarians are weak and unable between a rock and a hard place: namely being to exercise proper oversight. Our state-owned en- forced to choose between carrying out our obliterprises and government departments have been gations in terms of the Rome Statute – and arrest‘debilitated’ because of the ANC’s cadre deploy- ing a sitting Head of State whilst he was attending a Summit as a guest of the African Union: a ment policy. Page 77

AFROPESSIMISM MASQUERADING AS ANALYSIS EDNA MOLEWA

decision with far-reaching and potentially disastrous foreign policy implications. Secondly, South Africa is not alone in its decision to withdraw from a court that pursues selective justice imposed by external actors who are not subject to the rules of that same court. But far most importantly, recent efforts towards peace in Sudan vindicate our position that had we arrested Sudanese President al-Bashir, the region would have once again descended into warfare, with the Sudanese people suffering the most.

and that the country values education”, amongst others. That South Africans hold a more pessimistic view of their own country than outsiders do, is borne out by the study. The afropessimism masquerading as analysis in the articles by de Klerk and Maluleke show that often things are made to seem worse than they actually are. The use of emotive language like there being ‘palpable fear across the land’ in Maluleke’s article in the Sunday Independent conjures up images of wartime Syria, and not democratic South Africa.

These realities however do not suit the convenient narrative Maluleke peddles; to him it is part of a wider problem of the erosion of institutions in South Africa that is causing the world to ‘deride’ South Africa. Despite the fact that South Africa is regularly cited on developmental indices (including those of the UNDP) for its political stability, strong human rights culture, vibrant civil society, free media and respect for the rule of law, the likes of Maluleke rehash their argument that our state institutions (and the office of the Public Protector in particular) are ‘emasculated’ and ‘delegitimized’.

South Africa, like many other countries of the Global South, face a number of developmental, political and other challenges – many of them as a result of the policies of the past. It is unfortunate that all attempts at redress and correcting the wrongs of the past – such as the push for land reform in South Africa as well as opening up the economy to make it more inclusive, are met with derision. Instead of ‘putting the boot in’, Maluleke should familiarize himself with data-rich sources such as the annually produced African Progress Reports, instead of relying on newspaper clippings. Africa is not the basket case he makes it out to be.

South Africa’s international reputation is in a better state than Maluleke would have us believe. A recent study conducted by Reptrak for instance, found that there has been an improvement in how respondents in the G8, as well as South Africans, perceive the country in terms of its reputation. Factors driving reputation perception include evaluation of “progressive social and economic policies, a well-educated and reliable workforce, production of high quality products and services,

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Despite his view that the continent is riddled with despots, there have been in recent times a number of successful elections on the continent; in Gambia, in Cape Verde, and in Ghana, all in 2016. The political events in Gambia, which saw people take to the streets after an attempt by the incumbent to cling to power, show that far from an overwhelmingly docile populace, democracy is alive and well in Africa. This prompted Newsweek magazine to

AFROPESSIMISM MASQUERADING AS ANALYSIS EDNA MOLEWA

rightly note that ‘though democratic advances in Africa are not linear: there are peaks and troughs – there are more elections being held, and more regularly.’ Academia has a valuable role to play in building the nation and cementing social cohesion; and one would expect of South African academics like Tinyiko Maluleke that they should be more forthcoming with solutions to the various challenges we face as a country and as a continent. One does not expect blind patriotism; but a measured response that is if not sympathetic to the challenges we face, at the very least, reliant on facts. Instead, they tell us ‘we deserve to be laughed at.’ Is it any wonder, then, that leaders of the murderous apartheid regime can proclaim with boldness that South Africa is on the brink? Indeed, as the old adage goes: “when the axe came into the forest, the trees said: the handle is one of us.” EDNA MOLEWA IS CHAIRPERSON OF THE ANC’S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE AND CHAIRPERSON OF CABINET’S INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, TRADE AND SECURITY (ICTS) CLUSTER.

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ICC WITHDRAWAL NOT TANTAMOUNT TO CONDONING IMPUNITY

EDNA MOLEWA In line with the resolution of the ANC’s 4th National General Council (NGC) of October 2015 that government review South Africa’s membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Cabinet has announced that South Africa has begun the formal process of withdrawal from the Rome Statute. This is the culmination of a lengthy and extensive consultative process undertaken by the ruling party within its structures, as well as engagement with the Assembly of Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute, as well as seeking a common position from the African Union. It has become necessary to dispel from the outset the assertion that the decision to withdraw from the ICC is ‘sudden’, ‘random’ and lacks merit. This decision does not come ‘out of the blue.’ Successive policy documents outline the ANC government’s reasons for pursuing this course of action. As far back as the 4th National Policy Conference in June 2012 the ANC expressed concern at the actions of the ICC with regards to selective prosecutions, and expressed the view that the ICC has vastly strayed from the original purpose for which it was established. As part of the ANC’s commitment to participatory democracy and public consultation, the policy documents were released for public comment ahead of the NGC of 2015. Following the instructive decision taken by the NGC, the ANC referred the process of withdrawal to the Executive and Parliament to process, within their roles and responsibilities as outlined by the Constitution of the Republic. The separation of powers as per our Constitution has been observed, and the Executive has begun the process in line with its obligations under Section 231 of the Constitution. The Parliamentary process of legislative review that will lead to the repealing of some laws and the amendment of others, will follow. The process of withdrawal, which will take a period of twelve months. The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Adv. Michael Masutha Page 80

has written a letter to the Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete notifying Parliament of the Cabinet decision, and requested an opportunity to explain the decision to Parliament. Despite this very clear signal that South Africa intends to follow the necessary legal procedures of withdrawal, last week’s announcement was predictably greeted with the usual threats of litigation from the opposition. This is in line with the DA’s custom of sacrificing the national interest at the altar of political expediency. In their haste to rush to the courts to challenge any decision taken by the democratically elected government (within its constitutional mandate) the DA that wants to co-govern this country through the courts, is filing for direct access to the Constitutional Court: claiming that Cabinet’s notice was issued without a Parliamentary resolution and is thus invalid. They further claim that a decision has been taken without Parliamentary and public consultation, thereby ‘breaching the country’s commitment to international justice and rights.’ The ANC reaffirms its support for the primacy of international law and role of international justice in stamping out impunity for mass atrocities. It was also during the 2012 National Policy Conference of 2012 that the ANC expressly said it does not condone authoritarian and violent regimes. We have furthermore repeatedly affirmed our commitment to multilateralism as a means to advance the aims and objectives of the UN Charter but equally, to the objectives upon which the African Union (AU) was founded. The grim legacies of numerous wars and conflicts not just on the continent but across the globe have necessitated the establishment of collective mechanisms that protect the weak and vulnerable, and ensure that those accused of war crimes and other atrocities are brought to justice. With that said, it is the prerogative of any sovereign state to regularly review and assess the implications of any treaty or agreement and make a decision based on whether the respective treaty

ICC WITHDRAWAL NOT TANTAMOUNT TO CONDONING IMPUNITY

EDNA MOLEWA or agreement is still relevant or suits the country’s national interest. In doing so, chief among these considerations should be whether such a treaty is in accordance with our existing laws, or if it in fact seeks to supersede or replace them. The reality that the political opposition perhaps seeks to deliberately avoid, is that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its current iteration falls far short of the noble objectives upon which it was founded. Firstly, in its current form the ICC has morphed into an entity that empowers external actors and powerful interests to sit as judge, jury and executioner over signatory countries – and enforce sanction that they themselves will never be subject to, having wilfully chose not to ratify the Rome Statute. Secondly, it cannot be disputed that the list of cases referred to and prosecuted by the ICC evidence a double standard (bordering on hypocrisy) at play, particularly in the wake of successive wars in the Middle East, as well as serious violations of international law by non-signatory countries. Not only has the ICC failed to bring numerous cases that clearly would fall within its jurisdiction (allowing some to behave with impunity) it has also pursued headline grabbing cases that later had to be withdrawn for lack of evidence. This has given rise to an unfortunate impression that international justice is being pursued with vigour against some countries (many of them in Africa) whilst other countries (most in developed countries) get off scot-free. The result has been increased cynicism from African countries as to the court’s efficacy. Thirdly, the claim therefore that some African countries are demanding a category of ‘exceptionalism’ to escape the reaches of international law is false and must be rejected. This also carries with it the false inference that victims of atrocities in Africa somehow do not ‘deserve’ protection under international law. Like South Africa, there isn’t a single African Page 81

country that holds the view that mass human rights violations should go unpunished. It cannot be that withdrawal from the ICC should be equated with condoning human rights violations. It also assumes that the domestic laws of African countries aren’t good enough to be used as a starting point to deal with human rights violations, and that we somehow cannot be trusted with setting up our own legal instrument to pursue justice. The African Union has actively worked to enforce accountability through the strengthening of institutions such as the African Court on Human Rights; that was established by Article 1 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s rights, and adopted by the then Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1998. This protocol has so far been signed and ratified by 24 African countries. Far from eroding South Africa’s standing in the international community (as the DA claims) our decision to withdraw from the ICC is in line with the Common Position by African countries on withdrawal from the Hague-based court. There are those who would argue that instead of withdrawing from the ICC, we should work on strengthening the court and addressing systemic, structural and other weaknesses within the court. We believe that we would rather work on strengthening the African instrument that is intended to serve the same purpose as the ICC. The African Court on Human Rights is not a paper tiger, contrary to the perceptions of some. It has proven its ability and capacity by having just recently brought a successful prosecution against the former Chadian President for mass violations. The ANC government remains committed to the principles of accountability, due process, and the rule of law. It is a fact that there is growing cynicism around the role played by the ICC in Africa, and South Africa is not alone in holding this view. If justice is seen as an ideal that only applies to some, faith in the rule of law is steadily eroded. This is not

ICC WITHDRAWAL NOT TANTAMOUNT TO CONDONING IMPUNITY

EDNA MOLEWA even to consider the practicalities of remaining signatory to a treaty that at times comes into direct conflict with our country’s foreign policy. The circumstances surrounding the court case over the arrest warrant for the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir last year was indicative of the way in which signatories to the Rome Statute may find themselves between a rock and a hard place: choosing between carrying out their obligations in terms of the treaty – and taking a decision with far-reaching (and potentially disastrous) foreign policy implications. South Africa was expected to manage two essentially contradictory situations: on the one hand its obligation to provide immunity to accredited delegations to the AU Summit (which we did and duly gazetted) and on the other hand its obligation as a signatory to the Rome Statute to arrest a sitting Head of State and turn him over to the ICC. The consequences of South Africa’s decision are by now well-known. It is worth noting that since last year, efforts towards peace in the troubled Darfur region appear to be gaining momentum; the result of ongoing peace talks between the Khartoum government and ethnic minority rebels, facilitated by Qatar. A peace deal between the Sudanese government and a rebel faction was recently implemented. In South Sudan, a transitional government of national unity has been formed. Had South Africa arrested President al-Bashir, this would be a pipe dream: and that is not even

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to consider what may have happened to the South African peacekeepers stationed in Sudan at the time. Ultimately, the ANC wants to emphasize that nations of the world should be able to conduct their international relations and foreign policies in accordance with their respective national interest - without fear that their territorial integrity and sovereignty can at any point be undermined and violated. This does not render our commitment to the principle of international justice any less. MOLEWA IS HEAD OF THE ANC’S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

EARLY RELEASE SHOULD NOT BE A ‘GET OUT OF JAIL FREE’ CARD

EDNA MOLEWA Parole boards and the courts should be more sensitive of their responsibility as organs of state to eradicate gender-based violence, writes EDNA MOLEWA

whether an offender qualifies for parole or early release. Women should not live in fear that the person they laid a charge against will come back and ‘get them’: or they will never have the courage to lay charges in the first place. The right to apply for bail is enshrined in the Bill of Rights. It is a general principle that any arrested, detained and accused persons are entitled to be released on bail at any stage prior to their conviction: “If the interests of justice permit, subject to reasonable conditions.”

It was the case that shocked the nation: and laid bare a deadly flaw in our criminal justice system: the discovery of seven year- old Mamokgethi Malebane’s body in a shallow grave in Katlehong: a young life cut brutally short. But it was the alarming train of events that preceded the child’s death that continues to haunt the national consciousness. A man who was out on R 2000 bail for It may be that in some instances; granting bail several rape charges involving Mamokgethi and or early release to court officials are applying two other young girls. too wide an interpretation to the principle of it being “in the interests of justice.” After all, as the At the time, Mamokgethi’s grieving mother said: oft-quoted legal aphorism goes, “ Not only must “I blame the people who granted him bail…I Justice be done; it must also be seen to be done” want something to be done about them so that it could stop others from making the same mistake.” With women and girls so disproportionately vulDan Mabote was granted bail because the docket nerable to violence in society: courts and parole was missing, and the prosecutors didn’t contact boards should not send a message that crimes of the investigating officer. If they had, he would gender-based violence are not taken seriously. have told them about the series of threats of retal- The decision by the Department of Correctional iation made by Mabote against the child and her Affairs to parole paralympian Oscar Pistorius less mother for reporting him. The case was held up as than a year into his five-year sentence for culpaan example of what is many in society’s worst fear: ble homicide was made in terms of government’s that an offender either wrongly released on bail or policy on early release introduced primarily as a released back into the community prematurely – measure to reduce prison overcrowding. will go on to offend again. At the time, the Minister of Correctional Services In cases of gender-based violence this often has Nconde Balfour noted that those who would reparticular resonance – with fear of reprisal and ceive priority in terms of this policy would be retribution among the leading reasons why wom- qualifying children, youth, women, mothers with en fail to lay charges. This is especially when the babies, the elderly and people with disabilities and offender is not a stranger, but someone close chronic illnesses. In line with this law, an offender to them: a father, a spouse, a male relative, or a may serve only one-sixty of their sentence in cusneighbor, like Dan Mabote. tody, and continue to serve the remaining period of the sentence under correctional supervision, ‘Intimate femicide’ remains one of the leading subject to certain conditions. causes of female homicides in South Africa today. Courts should reflect this reality in not just Certain categories of crime were ineligible – namehanding down sentences but also in determining ly those who committed aggressive, firearm-relatPage 83

EARLY RELEASE SHOULD NOT BE A ‘GET OUT OF JAIL FREE’ CARD

EDNA MOLEWA ed, sexual or drug-related crimes. The Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) approved Pistorius being released under correctional supervision in June this year. At the time, he had been incarcerated for eight months – when he should have only been eligible for consideration for early release after serving 10 months.

girls are significantly weakened. Gender-based violence robs women and girls of a quality of life. In Reeva Steenkamp’s case, of her very life.

Oscar Pistorius had a history of firearm-related incidents. He shot and killed his intimate partner. These are the facts. The question to be asked is: what message does a decision to parole him so The decision is now under review. Those following soon send? the court proceedings will remember that Pistorius’ legal team was brimming with confidence on In particular, what message does it send to womthe day of his sentencing that their client would en and girls who have been battered and assaulted serve minimal jail time. – and to the families of those who were killed by their intimate partners? The early release policy was amended to provide an incentive for good behavior. It was certainly not It sends the unfortunate message that Justice has intended as a loophole enabling violent offend- not in fact been seen to have been done; and that ers to secure a “Get out of Jail Free”card as soon the criminal justice system in this country canas they set foot inside a prison. A 1994 study by not protect them. Indeed as the CSVR study on the Centre for the Study of Violence and Recon- the early release policy notes: “..the Department cilation (CSVR) notes that until the Correctional has been severely criticized by the public and the Services Act No 8 of 1959 was amended in 1993 to Judiciary for these early releases, particularly due restructure the early release policy along a ‘credits’ to the recommittal of serious offences by some of system: “prisoners were often granted remission these released prisoners.” of sentence on their admittance to prison, and the date of their release, taking into account the re- Worse yet, it sends a message to those even conmission, was often written into their prison cards” sidering laying charges against those who batter and abuse them that they should keep quiet. If Pistorius’ release date was calculated and granted ‘automatically’ before he has even fulfilled the criteria for early release, the spirit of the amend- --ends— ment is rendered meaningless. Early release from prison after serving a sentence should be regarded as a privilege, not a right. In the case of those who EDNA MOLEWA IS A NEC MEMBER assault and kill women and girls – among the most OF THE ANC WOMEN’S LEAGUE vulnerable in society: courts and parole boards should be more sensitive of their responsibility as organs of state in eradicating gender-based violence. When they fail to do so, as required of them by law, the existing policy instruments in place in this country to combat crimes against women and Page 84

WOMEN’S MONTH STILL RELEVANT EDNA MOLEWA The analysis of Women’s Month carried in last week’s Mail and Guardian (‘Whew, Women’ Month is finally over: M&G Aug 26) was shortsighted. It is unclear what so upsets Glenda Daniels that the media focuses on gender-related stories during August. It is no coincidence- as it is the month we commemorate the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings with a sustained campaign and activities. We mark it every August to remind ourselves just how far we have to go, yes, but also to celebrate just how far we have come. It will always be an important time to celebrate our gains, in order to give added impetus to the struggle for gender equality. The article does not acknowledge that the struggle for the emancipation of women in South Africa was never going to occur overnight. Undoing a centuries-old legacy of discrimination against women, and black women in particular will take many more years to come. The nonrights of black women, including Glenda Daniels, are a matter of the historical record, as we bore the brunt of triple oppression on the basis of race, class and gender. When the ANC-led government took power in 1994 the notion of women’s rights was reserved for one racial group, and even then, white women occupied inferior status in society compared to white men.

a dig at Women’s Month, perhaps she should be asking why the media only covers gender issues with any kind of seriousness during August, and mothballs them during the rest of the year? Daniels’ catty comments about the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) are also uncalled for. She refers to the women of the ANCWL a bunch of ‘aunties’ - with all its inferences of subjugated black women in uniforms, toiling in backrooms, kitchens and nurseries. It is an insult not just to the ANCWL but to those same ‘aunties’ she talks about, that the Mail and Guardian saw fit to publish.

Thanks to the policies of the ANC, South Africa is an infinitely better place for women than it was before 1994, and that is a fact. Knowing as we do that we still face a myriad of challenges, all South Africans committed to gender justice know that we need the media to help us amplify issues affecting women, and accord them sufficient space and attention – instead of hurling insults from the sidelines.

Further calling the ANCWL ‘historical relics of the liberation movement’ fails to acknowledge the role the ANCWL, as a structure of the governing party, has played and continues to play in giving effect to the Constitutional right to gender equality. That the ANCWL does not represent women’s interests is a common insult that comes as no surprise from many women who enjoy the fruits of the same liberation that we brought them. Your correspondent suggests the ANCWL is not the ‘genuine’ representative of women’s interests in South Africa fails to acknowledge that it was the ANCWL that drove the formation of the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa (PWMSA), an umbrella grouping representing all progressive women’s formations and women from all walks of life. Readers of the M&G should rest assured that the female cadreship of the ANCWL as represented across the structures of this government – do not measure success in the number of headlines, but in how our lobbying and advocacy (much of it behind the scenes) has resulted in policy and legislative reform in the best interests of the country’s women, including Glenda Daniels.

This government has programmes throughout the year that advance gender equality. Either way, we seldom see them being covered. Instead of taking

EDNA MOLEWA IS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE ANCWL

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ANC COMMITTED TO A JUST SOLUTION TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT

EDNA MOLEWA

critical and timely dialogue on the Future of A Palestine National Project took place this week

under the auspices of the In Transformation Initiative and the Institute for Palestine and South Africa. At a time when our brothers and sisters in Palestine continue to suffer under the yoke of occupation; at a time when the people of Gaza are crushed by a crippling, illegal blockade; at a time when thousands of Palestinians languish in Israeli jails– we remember the words of Nelson Mandela who said: “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the freedom of the Palestinians.” The ANC and the people of South Africa unequivocally, unambiguously stands with the Palestinian people on their demand for self-determination and statehood. Ours is a shared history forged in the trenches of struggle. It is a history founded on a principled solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to justice that our movement has never swerved from. Successive leadership collectives of the ANC, led from the times of President Oliver Tambo, to President Nelson Mandela, to President Thabo Mbeki, to President Jacob Zuma – have repeatedly affirmed this solidarity. Successive National Conference and National General Council resolutions of the ANC have affirmed our solidarity with the Palestinian struggle and a commitment to see a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The ANC is proud to be part of a broad coalition of NGO’s, Trade Unions, civil society groupings, schools, universities, religious communities and other formations who form part of the international Palestine solidarity movement. We will continue to support programmes and campaigns that put pressure on Israel, such as the Boycott, Page 86

Divest and Sanctions (BDS) Movement insofar as it concerns the Israeli occupation of Palestine, as well as support for Israeli Apartheid Week. The ANC has further repeatedly called for a boycott of goods produced by settlements in occupied parts of the West Bank, and has discouraged travel to Israel for ANC leaders, members and representatives for business and leisure purposes. In the ANC’s annual January 8 statement we reiterated our solidarity with the people of Palestine and our support for “the isolation of businesses in the UN List that operate in the occupied territories in Palestine.” We do so with an acute understanding and appreciation of the role played by international solidarity in isolating the apartheid regime. It was the actions of millions of ordinary citizens who took up the struggle on our behalf, as our people suffered at home, with our Leaders either banned or imprisoned. We are faced with the unfortunate reality that today, over two decades since the signing of the first Oslo Accords, peace continues to elude us, and a just solution remains far from reach. Despite the solidarity campaigns to put pressure on Israel, life for the Palestinians has gotten worse, with their freedom less, and their prospects further diminished. Israel continues to exploit differences within the solidarity movement to justify its illegal occupation of Palestinian land, while painting a glowing picture to the world that there is in fact ‘autonomy’ within parts of Palestine - doing what the historian Illan Pappe called; “creating a hierarchy of the ‘fortunate’ and ‘less fortunate’ Palestinians”;

ANC COMMITTED TO A JUST SOLUTION TO ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT

EDNA MOLEWA

e too, as the ANC, were asked to accept W the Bantustan style of existence, with our people

squeezed into under-developed, poorly resourced patches of land and call ourselves ‘free.’ This mirage of limited autonomy is intended to try and fool some countries of the world into believing that the obstacle to a just solution, and to real peace, is the victim, and not the oppressor. South Africa wants to share our own experience with bringing about a society that benefitted not only black South Africans, but white South Africans too. The ultimate goal is not entrenching a society founded on mutual suspicion and hatred of ‘the other’, but a society based on coexistence, that benefits both the Jewish and Arab people of Palestine. We cannot hope to move forward unless we address matters of accountability, political and moral responsibility, and this cannot be done if we exclude Israel from that discussion. Within Israeli society itself, we know that although they are few and far between, there are people and formations with a commitment to peace and coexistence. Working with those formations is just one of the prospective solutions towards achieving a just solution. The ANC has repeatedly called on all Palestinian political formations to put aside their differences and work together for the greater good.

will have lost hope. In his brilliant poem “ID Card,” the great Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish “You have stolen my ancestor’s groves And the land we cultivated, I and all my children. Leaving nothing for us and all my grandchildren, except these rocks. Will your government take them, like people say? Therefore, write it down on the top of the first page: I do not hate people, And I do not steal from anyone But if I starve I will eat my oppressor’s flesh Beware, beware of my starving And my rage.” We share a common goal, to see a free Palestine founded on peace, but also founded on justice. Let us be mindful that the clock is ticking. Let us not wait until it is too late: and bitterness turns to rage. We owe it the people of South Africa, who stand with the Palestinian people, and to the Palestinian people themselves, to succeed. EDNA MOLEWA IS CHAIRPERSON OF THE ANC’S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

The Palestinian people have suffered long enough. -this is an extract from a speech given at the Forum It is upon us as parties committed to a just solu- for Dialogue for Palestinians held in Franschoek on tion, and a lasting peace, to assume the respon- 24 – 28 July 2016 sibility and move forward. Should we fail to do so, we know the children of Palestine, who have grown up knowing nothing but occupation, are restless. We may soon find that at the time when we are ready for peace, the children of Palestine Page 87

ANC AFFIRMS ITS SUPPORT FOR LGBTI RIGHTS AND INTERNET FREEDOMS

EDNA MOLEWA edia coverage of the position taken by the M South African government on a number of key

resolutions passed at the 32nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva earlier this month warrant clarification. The African National Congress (ANC) affirms its support of the South African government’s position taken on these two key resolutions. The first resolution was on Freedom of Opinion and Expression entitled “The promotion and protection of human rights on the Internet”. It has been incorrectly reported that South Africa voted against the Resolution on Enjoyment of Human Rights on the Internet – when in fact the resolution was adopted unanimously without a vote. South Africa voted in support of amendments. South Africa’s primary concern with the draft resolution was that it did not take into account Permissible Limitations and the Prohibition of Hate Speech in accordance with international human rights law; specifically the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Permissible limitations under this covenant include inter alia the prohibition of propagation of racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and xenophobia. It renders redundant the pertinent provisions contained in international human rights treaties that place obligations on States to enact legislation in order to criminalize and punish in law incitement to hatred. The ANC believes in the primacy of international law and in particular the provisions of international human rights treaties in relation to the exercise of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, including the existence of the permissible limitations in the exercise of these rights.

even incitement to violence. The dissemination of racist views; views that threatens to undermine our fragile nation building and social cohesion project. In the debate prior to the adoption of the resolution, the sponsors of the resolution requested the Council members to vote on the amendments and South Africa voted for the inclusion of the amendments in the resolution. These amendments were ultimately defeated. This should not be confused with voting against the resolution. The Council members were then afforded an opportunity to explain their position on the resolution before adoption. South Africa then delivered its explanation of vote (EOV) highlighting its concern on the resolution. The ANC supports the concerns put forward by the South African government at HRC32. The second resolution was on the ‘Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTI). The ANC supports the decision by South Africa to abstain from a vote calling for the establishment of an Independent Expert (IE) to report on issues relating to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons, and specifically, on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

South Africa raised legitimate concerns regarding the terms of reference and the implementation of such a reporting mechanism, and its potential conflict with the national sovereignty of countries, without promoting constructive dialogue. This is within a context of independent reporting As a number of high-profile incidents have shown, mechanisms on human rights related issues histhe Internet, and social media in particular, is in- torically singling out African countries for ‘namcreasingly being used as a platform for bigots, and ing and shaming.’ Page 88

ANC AFFIRMS ITS SUPPORT FOR LGBTI RIGHTS AND INTERNET FREEDOMS

EDNA MOLEWA

The resolution effectively empowers an external expert to audit South Africa’s compliance with its international human rights obligations and possibly enforce sanction – which is problematic. It further empowers the Independent Expert to compile adverse reports on any country and present these in an international forum - without due regard to pre-existing and functional performance, monitoring and reporting instruments already existing inside that country. The ANC notes that South Africa in fact voted in favour of the clauses on non-discrimination and non-violence against LGBTI persons. Abstaining from voting on the Resolution for the establishment of an Independent Expert should not be conflated with government’s longstanding position on LGBT rights, which are Constitutionally-enshrined, and amongst the most progressive in the world.

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The ANC government is guided by our Constitution that outlaws discrimination on the basis of sexual identity and sexual orientation, and that we have a robust legal system not only to enforce respect for the promotion, protection and fulfillment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all – but also to punish those found guilty of violence. The ANC reaffirms the need for partnerships and close cooperation at a multilateral level to address issues of international concern. All decisions taken at this level should be in accordance with our existing laws, and not seek to supersede or replace them. EDNA MOLEWA IS CHAIRPERSON OF THE ANC INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE Page 89

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ZUMA ADMINISTRATION TOUGH ON CORRUPTION EDNA MOLEWA These are bolstered by international anti-corruption instruments that we have ratified and acceded to such as the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol against Corruption, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Protocol against CorIn the days and months ahead the South African ruption and the OECD Convention on Combatgovernment hopes to leverage our hosting this ing Bribery of Foreign Officials in International critical meeting to forge and build partnerships Business Transactions. across the public and private sector as well as with civil society to address the many issues key to our Under the current administration presided over country and the continent’s long-term develop- by President Jacob Zuma, our anti-corruption arment – and South African representatives used chitecture continues to work and yield successes. the WEF Africa platform to reiterate govern- The work being done to stamp out corruption by ment’s and the governing party’s commitment to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation clean governance and to stamping out corruption. (Hawks), the Office of the Public Protector, the Graft in both the public and private sector has Special Investigative Unit (SIU), the Asset Forfeilong been identified as an impediment to African ture Unit and the Competition Commission, to countries’ attaining higher levels of growth and name but a few, are a clear signal that this governdelivering better quality services to their people. It ment is serious about addressing this issue, not also leads to a trust deficit between governments only in the public sector, but the private sector as and the electorate and has been proven elsewhere well. to be a catalyst for social unrest. A National Anti-Corruption Task Team was esAs President Jacob Zuma noted in the 2014-2019 tablished in 2010, a year after President Zuma asMedium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), cor- sumed office, and is tasked with giving effect to ruption ‘undermines the rule of law and impedes government’s anti-corruption agenda informed government’ efforts to achieve its socio-economic by national and international policy instruments. It comprises representative from the National development and service delivery objectives.’ Prosecuting Authority, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, In the week preceding the opening of WEF Af- the commercial branch of the SAPS, the Hawks rica President Zuma signed into law one of the and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) strongest pieces of legislation since democracy to and its work is strengthened by an Anti-Corrupcombat financial crimes – the Financial Intelli- tion Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC). gence Centre Amendment Act (FICA). It has become necessary to highlight these anti-corruption The role of the Competition Commission in commilestones at a time when negative perceptions bating cartelism under this administration is around what this administration is doing to com- well-documented; and last year President Zuma bat corruption, are increasingly gaining ground. approved amendments to the Competition Act; Far from ‘doing nothing’, we have comprehensive providing for inter alia provisions that deal with policy and legislative tools that empower the state ‘other practices’ that distort market competition to battle both public and private sector corruption. for goods and services, as well as for holding perThe annual World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa has successfully concluded in the city of Durban. The WEF has described South Africa as ‘championing reforms to eradicate extreme poverty and promote shared growth nationally, regionally and globally.”

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ZUMA ADMINISTRATION TOUGH ON CORRUPTION EDNA MOLEWA sonally liable (through fines and or imprison- the same score on the index, we moved six places ment) individuals who cause firms to engage in upwards in our ranking. The previous year, South cartel conduct. Africa’s score and position on this index did not deteriorate. It was President Zuma who also signed into law This is indicative that our sound anti-corruption the Public Administration Management Act of and ethics infrastructure isn’t just words on paper 2014 that prohibits public servants from conduct- – but is tangible and has registered notable victoing business with the State or from having inter- ries. Whilst it should be acknowledged that a lot ests in private companies that do business with more needs to be done to address this problem, the State. The track record of the Special Investi- at the same time we should give credit where it is gating Unit (SIU) is particularly instructive. The due. SIU’s primary mandate is to recover and prevent financial losses to the state caused by acts of corEDNA MOLEWA IS CHAIRPERSON OF GOVruption, fraud and maladministration. ERNMENT’S INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, TRADE AND SECURITY (ICTS) CLUSTER AND Between 2010 and 2016 President Zuma signed a MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS. total of 69 SIU proclamations – 10 of these were signed in the 2016/2017 financial year alone. The President has authorized the SIU to investigate corruption, fraud and maladministration across government, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the SABC, the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) as well as hundreds of municipalities around the country. Since 2011/2012 the SIU has recovered R 279 million for the State. In the last financial year alone it recovered R 22.5 million. In 2009/2010 when President Zuma assumed office, the value of completed forfeitures by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) was R 185 million. In 2015/2016 this amount was R 349,5 million, in addition to 236 freezing orders to the value of R 778,9 million. According to the Presidency, ‘The unit also obtained freezing orders to the value of R 238,6 million in relation to corruption – and a total of R 13 million was recovered in corruption cases involving government officials.’ Earlier this year it was announced that South Africa had improved its score in Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index for 2016. For 2015, despite having retained Page 91

NATURAL CAPITAL AS A DRIVER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

EDNA MOLEWA Four decades since South Africa became a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to CITES will take place on South African soil.

contribute an estimated R3 billion to the South African economy annually. South Africa ascribes to the three pillars of the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) namely conservation, sustainable use, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of these resources. It is these three pillars that underpin all our endeavours. Our existing legislative framework to promote sustainable utilization of natural capital is supported by international bodies such as the International Council for Game and Wildlife, which seeks to promote sustainable use as part of wildlife conservation and socio-economic development.

South Africa’s hosting of COP 17 CITES in Sandton Johannesburg this September is a validation of our country’s prominent role in combatting the illegal wildlife trade: one of the greatest challenges we face in the biodiversity and conservation space. The conference will be preceded by a high-level Ministerial meeting to discuss the role of CITES in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as encapsulated in the 17 Sustainable South Africa’s fauna and flora are sought after for Development Goals (SDG’s), especially as this re- a variety of reasons. These range from non-consumptive tourism to forms of consumptive and lates to conservation. sustainable utilisation, including bio prospecting The SDG’s were adopted by the international of indigenous plants and hunting. community in 2015 and represent an ambitious new transformational agenda for addressing the Regrettably the illegal demand for certain wildlife economic, social and environmental dimensions species, such as rhino, elephant and cycads, seriof sustainable development. They are also aligned ously undermines the efforts and success stories with South Africa’s National Development Plan of sustainable use in South Africa, and Africa as a (NDP) that has sustainable development at its whole. It is therefore imperative that we unite in fighting the illegal trade in wildlife, while securcore. ing legal forms of sustainable utilisation through The NDP notes that South Africa’s natural capital, cooperation between like-minded countries and if responsibly utilized, can grow a more diverse organisations. and inclusive economy. It is for this reason that the sustainable utilization of natural resources, as The wildlife industry thus has an important role well as the role of communities in conservation, to play. Studies undertaken estimated that there will be important points of discussion at COP17 were more than 9 000 game farms in South Africa in 2014. This translates into more than 14.7 CITES. As one of the most mega bio-diverse countries in million hectares of land for wildlife conservation, the world, the sustainable utilization of South Af- thereby creating more than 70 000 jobs. Regular rica’s natural capital is inextricably linked to lives surveys indicate that the spending of local huntand livelihoods. Our natural capital contributes ers (game excluded) has increased by 392%: from to the economy, enhances food security, and is a $281.41 (R4 130) per hunter per season in 2005 source of job creation and opportunity. In this re- to $1 385.12 (R20 328) per hunter per season in gard, the hunting, eco-tourism and bio-prospect- 2015. The total spend has increased by 153%. ing sectors play a significant role. These sectors Page 92

NATURAL CAPITAL AS A DRIVER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

EDNA MOLEWA The South African hunting industry has committed to responsible hunting practices undertaken within the parameters of the law, and in a manner that protects and promotes sustainable use of wildlife. As a country we will continue to support a responsible hunting industry that contributes to the conservation of species, while also contributing to socio-economic growth. It is a fine balance, but one that has contributed significantly to South Africa’s successful conservation record over the years. The National Biodiversity Economy Strategy, which provides a 14-year plan for development and growth of biodiversity economy, seeks to increase the biodiversity contribution to Gross Domestic Product while conserving the country’s ecosystem. The largest resource use in bio prospecting products is Aloe ferox (bitter Aloe), followed by bee products, Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) and Pelargonium sidoides. The potential market size until 2012 of the bio prospecting industry, based on resource permit application data is at least R2, 15 million per year. This means that the industry has reached only about 20 % of its potential, and thus has a large growth potential. The National Biodiversity Economy Strategy provides the opportunity to develop the rural economy of the country and address environmental and rural development imperatives of government. It further seeks to play an important transformation role thus enabling the involvement of the historically disadvantaged in biodiversity-based enterprises. Our experiences have proven that game farming and hunting contribute to conservation, tourism development, job creation and poverty eradication, especially in rural settings. A collective effort is required if we are to successfully defend and advance our position as South Africa on sustainable utilisation and its role in conservation and ecoPage 93

nomic development. We look forward to welcoming delegates to COP17 CITES in September, and equally look forward to a successful engagement on the illegal trade in wildlife, one of the greatest challenges we face as a country. EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

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PARIS AGREEMENT A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR CLIMATE ACTION

EDNA MOLEWA It has now been three weeks since the entry into force of the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, and the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has concluded in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh.

further reduce the global effort to reduce emissions. In terms of our analysis and our view, the way in which the Paris Agreement is structured means it is more than able to withstand the domestic political shocks of signatory countries. It comprehensively covers all major challenges, it is flexible and transparent, and infused with a nationally determined character. The reality is that there is no viable alternative to collective multilateral action. The Paris Agreement is our best hope to achieve climate safety globally.

COP22 focused on operationalizing the Paris Agreement by 2020, and work has progressed in a number of areas. Parties emphasized the need to increase their collective efforts on the basis of science and equity. With the recent Presidential elections in the US, the ‘elephant in the room’ at the Marrakesh climate change negotiations was around the US’ future participation in driving The robust nature of the Agreement should offer global climate action. political assurance to all countries, regardless of any shifts that may occur in domestic political After China, the US is the second largest contrib- constituencies. Secondly, the 2001 announcement utor to global greenhouse gas emissions (GhG), by then US President George W. Bush that the US mainly from burning fossil fuels. The US’s Na- would not ratify the Kyoto Protocol, was instructionally Determined Contribution (NDC) sub- tive. It unleashed international condemnation and mitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat last year sets put significant pressure on the US domestically. emission reduction targets of 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, towards a long-term goal of over It was shortly thereafter that President Bush set 80% by 2050. up the Major Economies Meeting, the forerunner to what is now known as the Major Economies During current US President Barack Obama’s Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF). The MEF term in office the international community made has played an important role in the international unprecedented progress in the climate change climate change negotiations and in the entry into negotiations, culminating in the early entry into force of the Paris Agreement, and it is expected to force of the Paris Agreement. It is of concern to continue to do so as we work towards 2020 and some, now, that the new President-elect, Donald beyond. Trump has previously made statements indicating that if elected, he would withhold his country’s The US Secretary of State John Kerry convened support for the Paris Agreement, and possibly a MEF meeting on the side-lines of COP22 to even withdraw from the Agreement altogether. discuss the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC’s). What was apparWe view these early pronouncements made by the ent from this meeting was that the US remains US President- Elect as serious. It is of concern that committed to working with Parties to combat clishould the commitment the US made to the Paris mate change in the spirit of cooperation and unAgreement be annulled, both in terms of its Na- der the Convention. tionally Determined Contribution (NDC) and financial support to developing countries, this may From South Africa’s perspective we have adopted Page 94

PARIS AGREEMENT A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR CLIMATE ACTION

EDNA MOLEWA a cautiously optimistic approach, as it is only in January next year that the incoming US administration will indicate the nature of their participation in the global climate change agenda. Until then we should focus our actions on finalizing the Paris rulebook, and on the key aspects of operationalization of the Agreement. This includes but is not limited to the issues of technology transfer and capacity building to enable developing countries to meet their climate change obligations. If we are to achieve our goal of limiting global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius and successfully meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal, we must close ambition gaps by also accelerating the pre-2020 action. The Paris Agreement, together with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer to phase down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as well as the outcome of the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) meeting have added significant positive momentum to our collective effort to reduce carbon emissions. It is essential that we do not lose this momentum and sense of urgency. In the same vein, it should not be regarded as a foregone conclusion that the outcome of the US Presidential elections will derail the UNFCCC process, under a new President. MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

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‘ZUMA POWER GRAB’ NARRATIVE A MISREPRESENTATION OF FACTS

EDNA MOLEWA In February this year, shortly following President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation address, the Presidency released the Report of the Presidential Review Commission (PRC) on State Owned Enterprises (SOE’s). The public release of this report on the work of the PRC was in line with government’s commitment to transparency and to keep the South African public informed on a critical issue facing our economy and country. Similarly, post-Cabinet briefings are held to enable the media to be kept abreast of the work Cabinet is doing, to enable the media to critically and accurately inform the South African public of the work their elected representatives are doing. Regrettably, and with a few notable exceptions, the substantive issues contained in these post-Cabinet briefings are seldom given substantial media space – and instead a selective interpretation of the facts are presented.

Conferences respectively, to amplify the role of State-owned Enterprises (SOE’s) and Development Finance Institutions (DFI’s) as instruments for advancing economic transformation in South Africa, as well as in advancing the objectives of a developmental state. The broader aim of the developmental state, as the ANC has noted in a 2012 policy discussion paper on SOE’s and DFI’s; “must be to restructure the economy in order to create decent job opportunities, improve the current disparities with respect to income distribution levels, enhance the quality of service delivery and address social justice concerns, in an all- encompassing manner.” Again with a few notable exceptions, both when the report was released and following last week’s post Cabinet lekgotla briefing, there has been little effort made to engage with the substance of the report and its findings. Despite the Presidency clarifying that the Presidential SOE Coordinating Council was nothing new and in line with recommendations approved by Cabinet in 2013, and citing the fact that the President chairs other coordinating structures such as the PICC and the IMC on Investment, it has done little to counter the incorrect narrative.

No more evident has this become than in the reporting of the Cabinet decision of last week that the Presidential SOE Coordinating Council would, like the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC), be chaired by President Zuma. The rash media headlines such as ‘Zuma’s odd grab for SOE’s’, ‘Zuma in SOE power grab’ and ‘Zuma’s parastatal power grab’ are inacSimilarly, the clarification that the President plays curate. a coordinating role only – has gone largely unreThey also clearly belie a lack of understanding of ported. It is regrettable that reporting on the esthe way government works and aim to impute im- tablishment of this critical body to allow for better proper motive to the Inter-Ministerial Committee oversight and coordination of SOE’s has been hi(IMC) set up to look into reform of the country’s jacked in favour of taking pot-shots at the PresiSOE’s. In failing to accurately capture the context dent and the governing party. for the Cabinet decision, and relying on selective extracts from the report, the media are doing One news publication claims there has been ‘a the reading public a disservice. The recommen- public outcry’ around the President chairing this dations contained in the report on the reform of body, saying it has been ‘widely perceived as a South Africa’s SOE’s are the culmination of a pro- power grab.’ This once again highlights a tendency cess begun in 2011, in line with resolutions tak- when reporting on government matters to elevate en at the ANC’s ANC’s 52nd and 53rd National the selective reporting and opinion contained in Page 96

‘ZUMA POWER GRAB’ NARRATIVE A MISREPRESENTATION OF FACTS

EDNA MOLEWA newspapers to national crises. It is certainly factual that the recommendations contained in the report do not explicitly state that the President should chair the body, as has been reported in this newspaper (‘Zuma asked not to chair body: Business Day 29 August 2016). This was a decision taken by Cabinet, as its its prerogative when considering the the recommendations of this report and other similar reports before it. It is pure mischievousness to portray a decision of the South African Cabinet as a coup de grace by one individual, or to wilfully misread the entire circumstances surrounding the release of the report as being related to broader struggles within the governing party. The commission’s entire report is available online for perusal, and we encourage all South Africans, and the media in particular, to engage with its recommendations in a substantive manner that educates and informs its readers, instead of relying on sensationalism. EDNA MOLEWA CHAIRS THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, TRADE AND SECURITY (ICTS) CLUSTER, WHICH FORMS PART OF GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC CLUSTER

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All South Africans with an accurate understanding of the progress this country has made under the leadership of President Jacob Zuma should have confidence that we are on the right track. It is regrettable that with current political power struggles being played out in public, truth has become the first casualty, as some seek to relegate the past eight years of the Zuma administrations to the rubbish bin of history. Whether it is providing policy and legislative certainty and clarity around economic developments, rolling out massive infrastructure, creating jobs, supporting small businesses or transforming our economy to make it more inclusive, we should judge on actual performance versus perception. President Zuma delivered his inaugural State of the Nation address on 3 June 2009, barely ten months since the collapse of Lehman Brothers in the US triggered the worst global financial crisis since the Great Depression. Whereas his predecessor governed when the world and the country was experiencing an economic boom, President Zuma assumed office as the world was entering a recession. As the World Bank noted in a December 2008 report, ‘the crisis also impacted the real economy’ amidst declining house prices and vehicle sales, slowed manufacturing production, a shrinking mining sector and increased retrenchments. The report further noted that in 2008, “unemployment, inequality, poverty, crime and HIVAids (more on this later) still continue to plague the country.” Overall, the report’s authors noted; “growth is expected to slow down, which is a risky proposition for South Africa and for Af-

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rica as a whole.” In his first SONA, delivered at the height of the global financial crisis, President Zuma pledged to advance sound fiscal positions, which ultimately went a long way towards cushioning South Africa from the shocks of the global economic turndown. The President announced 10 priorities his administration would focus on as outlined in the 2009-2014 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) – all the while ‘taking into account the constraints posed by the economic crisis.’ Attached to each commitment of that fiveyear plan was detailed project plans with targets and critical milestones. One of his first actions as President was to establish a Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. Through this Ministry, not only has strategic planning been streamlined, but government’s Plan of Action is now strictly measured through outputs, strategic activities and metrics, and implemented through Service Delivery Agreements. Through this same Ministry, members of the Executive are now held accountable through performance instruments, using established targets and output measures. A year later President Zuma would constitute a National Planning Commission (NPC), a special ministerial body to develop a long term strategic vision for South Africa. In 2012 the NPC produced the National Development Plan (NDP) this country’s first ever long term blueprint for eliminating poverty, reducing inequality and growing the economy. If we are to use the President’s pledges made during the 2009 SONA as a yardstick, the facts speak for themselves. The President promised in 2009 that gov-

POLITICAL SIDESHOWS WON’T DETRACT FROM ACHIEVEMENTS OF ZUMA PRESIDENCY

EDNA MOLEWA ernment would implement measures and policies to speed up economic growth and transform the economy to create decent and sustainable livelihoods. In line with this commitment we have an Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) produced by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In addition, the New Growth Path produced by the Department of Economic Development is geared towards improving the performance of the South African economy, boosting investment and creating jobs. The President promised in 2009 that his administration would introduce a massive programme to build economic and social infrastructure. It has been under President Zuma’s leadership that the National Infrastructure Plan was developed and is being overseen by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Committee (PICC).

announced that government would spend R50 billion to fund both national and provincial economic infrastructure requirements.

This massive infrastructure spend hasn’t just supported our integration into the economies of the continent, but it has also created jobs and strengthened the delivery of basic services to our people. In 2009 when President Zuma assumed office, 82.7% of South African households were electrified. In 2013 this figure stood at 85.4%. Ninety percent of households are connected to piped water and 78% of households have access to adequate sanitation – up from 72.4% when President Zuma assumed office. Significant strides have been taken in broadening access to education during President Zuma’s two terms. The numbers of people with no formal education or low levels of education has steadily It is noteworthy that the PICC has developed a decreased and now stands at 16.2%. Grade R en20 year planning framework that extends beyond rollments have doubled between 2003 and 2011 any single administration, ‘in order to avoid a and the national matric pass rate stood at 78.2% stop-start approach to infrastructure rollout.’ by 2013 – and is steadily improving. A total of 18 catalytic Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP’s) have been developed that cover social In his inaugural SONA in 2009 President Zuma and economic infrastructure around the coun- promised that the state would improve access to try – from human settlements, to broadband in- higher education for children from poor families. frastructure, to water and sanitation services, to In 2008, the year before President Zuma assumed ports and railways, to energy and electrification. office, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provided funding to the tune of R 2.4 South Africa is one of the top ten investment billion. By 2014 this figure was R 9.5 billion, exdestinations for renewable energy thanks to the cluding additional funding provided by the DeIndependent Power Producers Procurement Pro- partment of Higher Education and Training. gramme (REIPPP) - introduced by this adminis- In 2009 President Zuma promised that his admintration. Building new infrastructure and upgrad- istration would drive job creation through the Exing already existing ones has been a focus of both panded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Since President Zuma’s administrations; earlier this 2014 the EPWP has created more than two milyear former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan lion work opportunities.

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By far one of the greatest successes of President Zuma’s administration has been in the field of healthcare. Life expectancy has increased from 56.8 years in 2009 to 59.6 last year. This can be attributed to this government’s interventions to combat tuberculosis, HIV and Aids, and the reason why South Africa’s ARV programme is cited for international best practice by the United Nations Aids Programme (UNAIDS). It has been under this government that steady progress is being made on the rollout of the National Health Insurance (NHI), and that the first post-apartheid health sciences university – Sefako Makgatho, was established to train our health professionals for meeting the needs of our population. The administration of President Zuma presides over the rollout of one of the largest social security nets in the world. In 2009, more than 13 million people received social grants. Today that figure stands at more than 17 million men women and children. Contrary to the narrative being driven by certain sectors of society around the perceived failures of the Zuma administration, having achieved all of the above despite prevailing economic conditions, is no small feat. When arguing the merits or otherwise of this administration, we should be armed with the facts, and not be distracted by those with self-serving political agendas. EDNA MOLEWA IS A CHAIRPERSON OF GOVERNMENT’S INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, TRADE AND SECURITY (ICTS) CLUSTER AND MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS.

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PUTTING COMMUNITIES AT THE FOREFRONT OF CONSERVATION

EDNA MOLEWA The celebration of Human Rights Day simultaneously offers an opportunity to acknowledge just how far the country has come in the protection of the rights of all South Africans, bolstered by one of the most progressive Constitutions in the world.

grated within the National Development Agenda, and contribute to rural development, poverty alleviation and community upliftment. There is also an expectation that conservation should not come at the cost of existing natural resource utilization practices of local communities.

The recognition of environmental rights in the Constitution places South Africa amongst few countries in the world that affirm the rights not just of current, but also of future generations. In this regard, the principle of sustainable development implicitly acknowledges that environmental protection should be balanced with the need to promote justifiable economic and social development. In considering the promotion of conservation in South Africa, it needs to be considered that historically, conservation and the establishment of protected areas often came at a cost to local communities. Not only was the enjoyment of the country’s national parks the preserve of the select few: but the setting up of protected areas often resulted in land dispossession, forced removals and indigenous communities being denied access to their ancestral land.

In South Africa post-1994 this has given rise to the development and implementation of community-based natural resource management programmes that enable rural communities to play a role in managing the land for the benefit of all who live in it. The Department of Environmental Affairs’ People and Parks Programme was born out of the need to support conservation of biodiversity in protected areas, and at the same time promote socio-economic development within affected communities.

Acknowledging the experiences of these communities, and ensuring the future participation of communities in all aspects of conservation – has been a cornerstone of planning in government since 1994. This new spirit of park management began when South Africa became a democracy in 1994. Among other things, laws that prevented rural communities from accessing areas where they could collect firewood, medicinal plants and graze their livestock were re-examined; and people claimed ownership of land – much of it within protected areas, through the land restitution process. Whereas traditionally approaches to conservation have focused on protecting ecological biodiversity inside a demarcated area, there is now an expectation that conservation should be inte-

The many successes of the programme since its inception include the Albertinia Co-op Aloe Project and wood harvesting in the Goukamma Nature Reserve in Eastern Cape, the Run for Rhino Campaign in Mpumalanga and the Ai|Ais / Richtersveld Contractual Park between SANParks and the Richtersveld community in Northern Cape.

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Through People and Parks, the department is actively involved in restoring and maintaining natural ecosystems to stimulate rural economies; upgrading and developing new infrastructure in protected areas to boost tourism, developing commercial assets for communities living around protected areas; and supporting related industries.

In KwaZulu-Natal, a notable success has been the 22 000-acre Nambiti reserve outside Ladysmith. The site is owned by the Senzo’kuhle Nkos’uNodada Community Trust. There are 10 privately owned tourism lodges on the reserve, the largest of which, Springbok Lodge, is owned by the community trust. It also owns a

PUTTING COMMUNITIES AT THE FOREFRONT OF CONSERVATION

EDNA MOLEWA further three undeveloped lodge sites. The reserve’s management company, of which the lodge owners are 70% shareholders and the community owns the balance, has a 35-year lease of the land. Each trust beneficiary earns an equal quarterly income from the lease fee. In addition, preferential employment is given to beneficiaries within the reserve and lodges. The park employs more than 475 people, the majority from communities around Ladysmith. About 70 000 guests pass through the reserve’s 10 lodges annually. In addition, the reserve has its own abattoir and butchery, which adds to the tourism experience for guests and provides affordable meat to the community. Ten additional field rangers have been trained by Nambiti and employed through the SANParks Environmental Monitors Programme, and two additional areas will be added to the reserve, expanding the habitat for a number of dehorned black rhino, that were introduced to the reserve in 2015. The Nambiti success story, and the People and Parks programme in general, show what is possible when biodiversity conservation is aligned with community beneficiation. To redress the legacy of South Africa’s past, particularly with regards to land ownership – we need to step up our efforts in this regard. The conservation sector is, and will continue to be a source of job creation and community upliftment. We as government will continue to prioritize the integration of communities into the mainstream of conservation and protected areas management. As we mark Human Rights Day, and acknowledge the sacrifices of our forbearers who made it possible for us to live in a free, democratic South Africa, let us also acknowledge just how far we have come. Let us continue to work together to Move South Africa Forward. EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS Page 102

DOWNWARD TREND IN RHINO POACHING CAUSE FOR CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM

EDNA MOLEWA 2018

Recently released figures on rhino poaching indicate that there has been a slight decrease compared to the same period last year. Between January and June 2017 a total of XXXX rhino were poached nationally, and XXX inside the Kruger National Park. This represents a decrease of XXX and XXX respectively. Whilst these declining numbers certainly do not mean we can proclaim victory in the battle against rhino poaching, we have established a downward trend – which is cause for cautious optimism. Government’s Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros approach, adopted by Cabinet in 2014 brings together the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster Departments and a number of State Agencies, namely the Departments of Defence, Environmental Affairs, Justice, Constitutional Development and Correctional Services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ministry of State Security and its Agency, South African National Parks (SANParks), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), as well as provincial conservation authorities. The Department of Environmental Affairs’ implementation plan for the Integrated Strategic approach, together with the outcomes of the report of the Committee of Inquiry (CoI) has been refined following a month-long Rhino Laboratory held last year. The outcomes of the Rhino Lab are aligned with five key areas, namely law enforcement, Demand Management, Management of rhino populations, Community Empowerment and Responsive Legislation

poachers and traffickers were arrested nationally; with 90 of these arrests for alleged poaching related offences inside the Kruger National Park. With regards to investigations and prosecutions the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit continues to play an instrumental role in ensuring rhino poaching cases come to trial. Since January 15 cases have been recently finalised which resulted in convictions with 22 perpetrators being sentenced to a total of 95 years’ imprisonment. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) working in close cooperation with other government departments has made arrests and seizures in 9 cases involving rhino horn traffickers, involving 13 suspects and approximately 140 kilograms of rhino horn. In addition, the Skukuza Regional Court is now fully functional with a number of successful prosecutions. The coordinated efforts between DPCI, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, supported by the Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI’s) are beginning to result in the dismantling the trafficking networks.

The Department’s EMI’s also known as the Green Scorpions continue their collaboration with other government agencies to combat the illegal import and export of wildlife products. Since the beginning of this year, there have been several detections at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). We have also formally requested DNA samples from illegally traded horn confiscated in Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Swaziland, Namibia, Mozambique and the NetherThe South African Police Service (SAPS) and the lands. These samples assist in linking such seiDepartment of Environmental Affairs continues zures to poaching incidents providing important to lead the campaign against rhino poaching in information to assist with further investigations. partnership with the Departments of Defence (DoD) Justice and Constitutional Development This was successfully employed in a cross-bor(DOJCD) and the State Security Agency (SSA). der investigation between Swaziland and South Between January and June a total of 359 alleged Africa, following the seizure of a consignment of Page 103

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rhino horn at OR Tambo International Airport in tional Center (MAJOC). As part of the plan, they 2017. are now in the process of setting up an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) to ensure priority allocaA total of 34, 96 kilogram of rhino horns were tion of resources to where it matters most. seized between our two countries. DNA matching indicated that the rhino horns were linked to a Based on the success registered in the implerhino poaching incident at Balule Game Reserve, mentation of the zoning concept in the KNP, this Hoedspruit in January 2017, as well as rhino concept is also being rolled out in other provincpoaching incidents in the North West Province es according their specific requirements and cirand KZN. cumstances. In addition to the IPZ concept, we continue with other measures aimed at managing Such successes are indicative of the growing co-op- rhino populations, such as translocation of rhino eration within the SADC region to combat rhino away from high risk poaching areas. poaching, which should be celebrated. Outside of SADC South Africa is working to strengthen The results offer guidance for the future establishinternational collaboration and has signed Mem- ment of rhino strongholds in the KNP and other oranda of Understanding (MoU’s) with Vietnam, rhino range states if poaching pressure reduces. China, Laos, Cambodia, Mozambique and Kenya. We are excited at this prospect as it provides opportunities to establish strongholds with local Outside of these MOU’s South Africa continues communities as key partners. The gains made as its collaboration with international law enforce- result of translocations by the end of 2016 offset ment networks. We continue to engage with in about 25% of the rhinos lost in the Kruger Naparticular the International Consortium to Com- tional Park during the 2016 calendar year. bat Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) the CITES Secretariat, INTERPOL and the UN Office on Drugs In addition, our Rhino Protection Programme and Crime (UNODC). Whilst there has been a continues to support orphanages which provide decrease in the number of rhino killed for their care for young rhino calves whose mothers have horns in the Kruger National Park and Mpuma- been poached. SANParks alone has rescued 4 orlanga, the number of rhino poached unfortunate- phans in 2017 and presently holds 44 rhino orly increased in some other provinces, especially phans at various facilities. We have also initiated Kwa-Zulu/Natal. a new Rhino Guardian project in the Kruger National Park during January 2017. Our provincial conservation authorities and SANParks ensure the execution of plans inside We have not won the battle against rhino poachour provincial and national Parks. This has neces- ing. But we should celebrate successes even when sitated that almost the entire Ranger Corps have they are small. This also serves to motivate our been converted to anti-poaching units. They are citizens from all sectors, be they the NGO comwell trained and supported by canine units, small munity, the business community, civil society, air wings, and relevant technology. and most of all our ranger corps who put their lives on the line daily to keep our precious natural Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has begun strengthening resources safe. its response capacity as an anti-poaching unit in line with the existing Mission Area Joint OperaPage 104

SA NOT FALLEN BEHIND ON CLIMATE CHANGE OBLIGATIONS

EDNA MOLEWA South Africa has signaled its intent to ratify the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, which we signed in Paris in December 2015. The Agreement enters into force 30 days after the date on which least 55 countries (representing at least 55% of global emissions) have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the UN.

plaint with the Public Protector charging that South Africa is failing to meet its climate change obligations.

This course of action is ill-informed, unfair and most importantly, premature, and fails to take into account the extensive work being done by government in this area. It is also unfortunate that the complainants have chosen a route of ‘pre-emptive South Africa will follow a Constitutionally pre- strike’ and of attempting to ‘sanction’ government scribed process that includes national stakeholder through the media, instead of engaging with us consultations, a socio-economic impact assess- through widely accessible stakeholder channels. ment (currently in process) and Parliamentary approval, all before the Executive issues instruc- Our climate change policies and programmes tions for the instrument of ratification to be de- were developed following extensive stakeholder consultation. So was our Intended Nationally Deposited at the UN. termined Contribution (INDC) submitted to the When we have concluded this legal process and United Nations Framework Convention on Clideposit our instrument of ratification with the mate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat. UN, we will join 26 countries including the US and China that have ratified the Agreement - and sig- The basis for the complaint include, inter alia that nal our further commitment to do our part for the the Desired Emission Reduction Objectives for global effort to combat climate change. Until this 2030 and 2050 have not been sent; that the lack of legal process is concluded, South Africa will con- integrated energy planning is behind this delay; tinue to advance our progressive and far-reaching that South Africa is dragging its feet in setting tarpolicies and programmes that already exist to deal gets to limit greenhouse gas emissions; and that with one of the most pressing issues of our time. there is ‘no certainty on future carbon emission limits’ which affects investor confidence. Through our National Climate Change Response Policy, we are actively responding to the chal- Firstly, the development of the first phase of Delenge of climate change and doing extensive work sired Emission Reduction Outcomes (DERO’s) in driving the transition towards a lower carbon, for key sectors is well underway. The approach for climate resilient inclusive economy. In addition, setting setoral targets is currently being consulted through our National Adaptation and Green with stakeholders as part of the broader consulEconomy Strategies, to name but a few, we are im- tation process on the approach and methodology plementing interventions that build and sustain for phase 2 and subsequent phases of the mitigaresilience to climate change and its impacts, and tion cycle, post 2020 period. at the same make a fair contribution to the global effort to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations. DEROs however, are only one element of a broader mitigation system that includes amongst othIt is unfortunate that with all the work being done ers the assessment of mitigation potential (on an in this regard, a coalition of non-governmental iterative 5 year cycle), setting carbon budgets for organizations (NGO’s) have laid a official com- companies; requiring pollution prevention plans Page 105

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EDNA MOLEWA by companies with carbon budgets and annual greenhouse gas reporting. This is in addition to a variety of other measures to be applied to support and/or complement the carbon budget system including a carbon tax. This broader mitigation system is aimed at achieving the national emission reduction goal and contributing towards South Africa’s INDC has been introduced in phases. The framework for this system was approved by Cabinet in 2015. Phase one (2016-2020) is voluntary as there is no legal basis to set emission limits for sectors or companies. The second and subsequent phases (post-2020 period) will become mandatory when climate change response legislation is in place.

directed at addressing the challenges of poverty, unemployment, inequality and sustainability – both socio economic and environmental. Our response to climate change considers both climate change imperatives and developmental needs. We are not a developing country, and we cannot as a country be pushed towards premature action, or pressured to into ratifying international agreements until we have considered the full long-term implications for our country. If we are to meet our ambitious emission reductions targets, advance the transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) civil society, government, business and other stakeholders must work together. Instead of resorting to unnecessary litigation, let us build on the successful collaboration we continue to have, and further align our actions and accelerate our joint efforts.

That the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is the reason the sectoral GHG DERO’s have not been set is also untrue. The Department has engaged with the Department of Energy in its Integrated Energy Planning and Integrated Resource Planning processes. The emission constraint presented to DOE is actually informed by the 2010 Greenhouse Gas Inventory (the most recent peer reviewed GHG inventory), and calculated on the EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONbasis of the percentage contribution by the power MENTAL AFFAIRS sector (42.7%) to the total national GHG emissions 544 314 tCO2eq. The PP complaint fails to take into account certain realities and the timing of implementing climate change policies in a developing country such as ours – and instead appears to want to compare South Africa to developed countries. As I have repeatedly emphasized throughout the international climate change negotiations, ours is an economy in transition - and we are a country where our major economic development priorities are

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REBOUNDING FDI AFFIRMS INVESTOR CONFIDENCE IN SA

EDNA MOLEWA This week the petrochemicals giant Sasol inaugurated the world’s largest oxygen production unit in Secunda, Mpumalanga – the result of a partnership with French multi-national Air Liquide. The state of the art facility that uses innovative technology in the air compression process, will vastly improve Sasol’s ability to supply oxygen and argon to the industrial gas market in South Africa. The Department of Environmental Affairs is particularly buoyed by this greenfield investment: the new air separation unit uses 20% less electricity, equating to avoiding approximately 200 000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per annum.

the continent’s largest hub economies – and ‘retains its appeal as a launch pad for growing across the continent.’ That international investors continue to be attracted by our favourable business climate is to be welcomed, and is an affirmation of the ANC government’s successful economic diplomacy efforts on the world stage. Led by Cabinet’s International Cooperation, Trade and Security (ICTS) Cluster, government continues to pursue a multi-pronged strategy to attract investment from both emerging and traditional markets, and grow the investment pipeline. It is promising that we continue to see FDI inflows into our energy and chemicals sectors in particular – like the Sasol/Air Liquide deal. Despite trying global economic times and a period of political uncertainty inside the country – we remain a FDI destination of choice, and there are all signs investor confidence in our economy has been on an upturn – a trend that began last year.

This € 200m investment is a resounding affirmation of the confidence international business has in our country as a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). The 2018 Africa Investment Index released this week ranks South Africa in the top 10 on the continent. The Index ranks countries on the basis of solid economic growth, As evidenced by figures released by Stats SA in strategic positioning, increasing FDI, social capi- March, gross domestic product (GDP) expanded tal and other factors. by 1.3% during 2017, exceeding even the 1% forecast by National Treasury. The trade sector was Despite sluggish, falling FDI inflows across the the second largest contributor to fourth-quarter rest of the continent during 2017, the Global In- growth after agricultural output. South Africa is vestment Trends Monitor released by the United politically stable, has strong, capable and credible Nations Conference on Trade and Development institutions and systems of governance, and in(UNCTAD) noted that offshore investment into vestment opportunities are plentiful. South Africa rebounded by 43% during last year. In support of growing investment, InvestSA reAlso in 2017 professional services firm EY not- cently launched One Stop Shops to facilitate a ed that in terms of actual investment, number of smooth flow of bureaucratic processes. They will projects, and jobs created – South Africa is one of be the focal point of contact with government for

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REBOUNDING FDI AFFIRMS INVESTOR CONFIDENCE IN SA

EDNA MOLEWA investors seeking to obtain permits, licenses and meet various regulatory requirements as they navigate entering the local market. Key government departments and agencies supporting this One Stop Shop model include Home Affairs, Labour, Environmental Affairs and Trade and Industry, as well as agencies such as Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPRO) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). In addition, Visa Facilitation Service centres will be available at these One Stop Shops. Investment in our economy directly impacts our citizens and their ability to secure gainful and meaningful employment and we continue to register successes in terms of increased trade (especially with the rest of the continent), greater investment and tourism. Yet more can be done. With more than 26 per cent of our population unemployed, we need more investments across all sectors of our economy. As we forge along the path of accelerated industrialization, investment in large-scale infrastructure plays a pivotal role in aiding us to realize the aspirations of the National Development Plan (NDP). Business is our valued partner as we grow our economy, create jobs and improve the lives of all South Africans. EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

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SA CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY CONSISTENT & REALISTIC

Draft 1 22.07.15 km 11.56 ; EDNA MOLEWA Yolandi Groenewald’s analysis of South Africa’s Climate Change Response policy (“SA talks green as it burns up the coal”: City Press Business 19 July 2015) exposes one glaring fact – that your correspondent has not read it. Had she done so, she would know that South Africa has consistently advanced our country’s position on how we can mobilize political momentum on ambitious mitigation, adaptation and importantly, means of implementation - in addressing climate change.

usual” trajectory by 2020, and 42% by 2025. Our position on the global stage is the same as it is domestically: namely that South Africa is a developing country. And as such, we will be guided by the overarching principle of sustainability, and a ‘Just Transition.

We must be allowed our space to develop, particularly at a time of increased energy scarcity. Which is why a blanket condemnation of the continued use of coal-fired power is out of step with reality. South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) clearly outlines the vision for a sustainable energy On the domestic front, unlike many countries mix for South Africa: one that includes the use of around the world, there is no policy or regulato- fossil fuels (including coal), renewables, alternary uncertainty around the need to respond to the tive energy and nuclear. threat posed by climate change. This includes inter alia, transitioning the country to a low-carbon If is available on the Department of Energy’s website for all to read, including your correspondent. development path. City Press’ over-reliance on the subjective views Also as outlined in the IRP, by 2030 we aim to of non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) have decreased fossil energy demand significantwhen discussing matters around climate change ly, creating alternative renewables through new presents only half a picture, and does your readers technological innovation, good behavioral practices and a public commitment to more efficient, a disservice. sustainable and equitable energy use. The National Climate Change Response Policy is just one of the many policy instruments we have Although South Africa has consistently been citin place to chart the course for actions that are ed as a ‘good role model on renewables’, mainly through the Renewable Energy Independent both developmental and transformational. We have also developed Long Term Adaptation Power Producers Programme (REIPPP) - renewScenarios to inform adaptation planning and im- ables are not the panacaea to the current energy plementation, to ensure our country’s food, water, challenges we face. energy security and infrastructure are not im- Although the technologies are certainly becoming cheaper, developing baseload happens increpacted by climate change. Through our Green Economy strategy, we con- mentally and over time. As more renewable enertinue to work towards promoting equitable, in- gy projects steadily increase their contribution to clusive, sustained and environmentally sound stabilizing the grid, the greater their contribution economic growth and social development: to the to the energy mix. Decreasing our reliance on coal-fired power over time is factored into Minibenefit of all. Government is certainly not ‘stuck in the coun- mum Emissions Standards laws that allow for this try’s old ways of doing business’ but is well on ‘developmental space’ – giving industry realistic track to meeting our pledge of a 34% reduction timeframes in which to take necessary actions to in emissions relative to the country’s “business as ensure future compliance. Page 109

SA CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY CONSISTENT & REALISTIC

Draft 1 22.07.15 km 11.56 ; EDNA MOLEWA

As your correspondent rightly notes, when Medupi comes online, it will conform to the highest standards of environmental management. This includes the installation of flue-gas desulphurisation equipment to remove sulphur dioxide from the station’s emissions. City Press can’t have it both ways: your correspondent argues that government’s legislation to control emissions isn’t doing enough, but in the same vein criticises the costs of compliance. The minimum emissions standards legislation, as do all our environmental protection instruments – aim to strike a balance between the imperatives of environmental protection and sustainable development. All our regulations and policy documents (including the IRP) are finalized following extensive stakeholder consultation, including between government departments, so the claim that ‘the departments don’t talk to each other’ is untrue. As the department tasked with environmental protection, we remain committed to the protection of environmental rights. But in doing so, we will continue to be guided by the constitutionally enshrined principle of sustainable development. Our natural resources and mineral deposits, if used responsibly, can lead to the creation of a more diverse and inclusive economy, all the while addressing job creation and poverty eradication. As current chair of the G77 plus China, South Africa will continue to argue on the world stage that adaptation to the effects of climate change should be a global responsibility, and not to be shouldered by developing countries alone. In particular, we hold fast to the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR).

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Vulnerable communities in developing countries such as ours will bear the brunt of climate change, so we cannot shoulder the financial burden unevenly. In this respect, your correspondent is correct in that the developing world remains concerned at the apparent inadequacy of commitments by developed countries on emission reductions, and the provision of financial and technological support (means of implementation) to developing countries. As developing countries we are not in search of handouts, but of an equitable regime that reinforces multilateralism and offers hope, confidence and trust for those most vulnerable. EDNA MOLEWA IS MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT KEY TO REDUCING INEQUALITY

EDNA MOLEWA; 04 JULY 2016 The Socialist International (SI), a worldwide organization of social democratic, socialist and labor parties of which the African National Congress (ANC) forms part, has met in Geneva under the theme: ‘The need for an economy that works for all – defeating inequality in the world economy.’

building of safe, resilient and sustainable human settlements, the protection of ecosystems, and achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. The question facing social democrats is how to give effect to the SDG’s through meaningful action at a national level and international levels. This is done by further advancing pro-poor, pro-development policies to close the fissures of inequality still so prevalent in many societies in not just developing countries but developed countries as well.

SI strives to realize its vision against the backdrop of a widening gulf between the ‘have’s’ and the ‘have-nots’. A recent Oxfam report has laid bare the vast gulf between the worlds richest and poorest. According to this report, 1% of the world’s richest people, (that is, approximately 62 billionaires) own as much wealth as the remaining 99% The solution lies in advancing the principles of combined. sustainable development, as the global progressive movement unites around the common vision Furthermore, convulsions in the global econo- of People, Planet and Prosperity. It is a position my are vastly impacting countries’ ability to drive advanced by Helen Clark, the administrator of the progressive, pro-development policies at a na- UN Development Programme (UNDP) in 2015 tional level. As a party committed to a socialist following the adoption of the SDG’s: where she vision for South Africa and the world, the ANC rightly noted that the ambitious Global Goals are has affirmed the need for all progressive forces of a catalyst to motivate people to work for a comchange to challenge colonial-era patterns of de- mon cause. velopment that pushed the majority of the world’s population to the margins, and turned whole SI has long advocated for sustainable patterns of countries into mere reservoirs for cheap labor and development as being key to reducing poverty exporters of raw materials – with little or no de- and inequality as noted in its 2015 declaration in velopment. support of the SDG’s, that they are ‘in line with the values of the global social democratic movement’, It has been just over six months since the United and that member parties must be at the forefront Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the of a global drive to achieve these goals over the Post-2015 Development Agenda encapsulated in next 15 years.’ the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). The countries represented in SI have rightly not- Delivering on genuine development necessitates ed that the SDG’s are aligned with many of ‘the that communities become partners in progress. fundamental objectives of social democracy,’ and As noted by Joseph E. Stiglitz in “Making Gloinclude the eradication of poverty and hunger, the balization Work” – “Development is about trans-

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT KEY TO REDUCING INEQUALITY

EDNA MOLEWA; 04 JULY 2016 forming the lives of people, not just transforming economies.” It is about developing, strengthening and driving plans and strategies that will ensure sustainable development is integrated into all aspects of government and societal planning. To orient development along sustainable, inclusive lines is to begin to steadily chip away the causes of poverty and inequality in society. If we are to narrow this gap between the poor and rich in society, countries need to ensure that our national policies are both developmental and transformational. This is the essence of Vision 2030 of the National Development Plan (NDP), which in turn is aligned with the ANC’s vision of a National Democratic Society as outlined in the party’s Strategy and Tactics (2012) The sustainable development agenda isn’t only about reducing and eventually eradicating the poverty that is the breeding ground for hopelessness and despair. It also offers the opportunity to build our respective countries’ skills base, create and sustain a market for innovative locally-developed technologies, empower and capacitate local macro and micro-economies. Although many social democrats can register successes in terms of narrowing the wealth gap, and broadening access to social services, at the same time our respective shortcomings should serve as lessons for what we could perhaps do better in future. A modern-day socialist-oriented society is a more caring, compassionate and people-centered society. Confident in the knowledge that ours is the true path to not just prosperity, but sustainable and shared prosperity – we have within our grasp the means to work towards a society that is more egalitarian, more humane, and in which the SDG’s will be ultimately attained. -this article is an extract from the speech delivered by the chairperson of the ANC’s International Relations Sub-Committee, Cde. Edna Molewa, at the meeting of SI in Geneva 1-2 July 2016. Page 112

THE TROUBLE WITH THE ‘ZUMA’S WIFE’ NARRATIVE

EDNA MOLEWA It has become increasingly difficult to ignore the blatant chauvinism of those critical of Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma standing as a presidential candidate for the African National Congress (ANC). It points to a particularly bleak state of affairs that over two decades since the Constitution with its guarantees of gender equality was promulgated – that a woman’s ability to lead, and indeed to occupy any position within society, is being judged first and foremost by marital status and motherhood. A case in point is the scurrilous attack on Dlamini-Zuma published in last week’s Sunday Times that constantly referenced her the President’s exwife. This is a below-the-belt, lowest common denominator argument also resorted to by critics of Hillary Clinton in the last US Presidential election, when she was constantly referred to not as an experienced lawyer and politician, but as the ‘former First Lady’.

of the British Conservative Party, one politician (coincidentally also female) suggested that she, as a mother, had ‘more of a stake in the future’ of Britain than the now Prime Minister, Theresa May, who is childless. What is the more worrying being that there hasn’t been a murmur of dissent or objection from feminists or women’s organizations in response to this sexism directed against Dlamini-Zuma - beyond the voice of the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL). With perhaps the single exception of the Bill Clinton impeachment saga in the late 90’s – a male leader’s private life, no matter how colourful, has never been used to any real effect by political opponents – beyond creating the swirl of scandal.

In South Africa, however, a senior woman leader’s private life (that hasn’t even been colourful by anyone’s standards) is being used in an attempt to discredit her. We are being made to believe that Amongst the anti-intellectual and hollow reason- she lacks credibility or qualification because she is ing that some are using to sway the public into shackled to a surname. believing that Dlamini-Zuma is not the right person for the job, is an age-old and flawed theory Were one even to assume, albeit wrongly, that a that she will put the interests of ‘home and hearth’ woman leader should be forever associated with before those of the country. In South Africa today, her surname – there is also the question of whethsections of the mass media are allowed to get away er it is even remotely extraordinary that a female with making all manner of untested claims – that politician should incur some of advantage or Dlamini-Zuma ‘won’t let her children’s father go leverage on the basis thereof. The reality is that to jail’ or that she will be a puppet for her ex-hus- the path to power for women, even in some of the band who will pull the strings behind the scenes. more advanced democracies in the world – has followed a non-linear trajectory. This is an astonishingly sexist declaration that warrants critical interrogation; more so if one Whilst there have been women leaders who have considers that most if not all men in leadership risen through the ranks of a political party to lead, are ‘family men’ with wives and children – yet this those who have filled positions vacated by male would never be a reason put forward to oppose a party members, and those who have come to fill man becoming president. Pigeon-holing a wom- positions as a result of affirmative action policies an because of who she is or was married to, and – a number of women leaders have been helped with whom she had children, bears similarity to to their positions either through association with the regrettable and widely reported incident ear- more powerful male leaders, or as result of their lier this year when in the rivalry for leadership pedigree. Page 113

THE TROUBLE WITH THE ‘ZUMA’S WIFE’ NARRATIVE

EDNA MOLEWA It is undeniable that the political futures of Indira Gandhi, Bhenazir Bhutto, Khaleda Zia, Eva Peron and even Hillary Clinton were somehow tied to their proximity to power through husbands and fathers. The question to be asked is whether they ultimately proved to be ‘their own man’ and lead their parties and their countries capably and professionally. It cannot be that the surnames of women leaders should be a pre-determinant of how they will acquit themselves once in power, and in the case of Dlamini-Zuma it should be no different. Were a more credible argument to be advanced, one that scrutinizes her track record in government as Minister of Health in the first democratic dispensation, then as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Home Affairs – the argument being put forward opposing her candidacy would be more palatable. Regardless of whether it is Dlamini-Zuma standing for the presidency of the country or any other woman, marital status, motherhood (or lack thereof) or any other ‘female characteristics’ are not a measure of whether or not one is up to the task. The world has come a long way since the days when women required the permission of their husbands, fathers and brothers to open bank accounts, to vote, to travel and to otherwise conduct their own affairs. As a result of hard-won gains by the women’s movement globally, we should have by now earned the right to not have our abilities measured by the yardstick of whether we are so and so’s daughter, wife or ex-wife. We should not once again find ourselves disappearing down the rabbit hole of sexual chauvinism just to score cheap political points. EDNA MOLEWA IS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE ANC WOMEN’S LEAGUE Page 114

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN THE ENVIRONMENT SECTOR

Dr. EDNA MOLEWA This year marks 61 years since approximately 20 000 women from all walks of life marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest against the unjust pass laws that restricted their freedom of movement and destabilised families and livelihoods. This Year Women’s Day in South Africa is celebrated under the theme ‘The Year of OR Tambo: Women United in moving South Africa forward”. It is well established that the great ANC President Oliver Reginald Tambo was a strong advocate for women’s rights and he was steadfast in his commitment to gender equality both within the structures of the liberation movement and society at large. The year 2015 marked the 20-year anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Women and the environment is one of the 12 critical areas of concern identified in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

islation, policies and strategies, the environment sector continues to focus its agenda on women empowerment through various national and provincial programmes. The National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998) makes it clear that the vital role of women and youth in environment management and development must be recognised and their full participation therein must be promoted. In this regard, the National Women and Environment Forum has become the catalyst for the sector to lead the development of the Sector Gender Framework for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality.

The 2017 Women and Environment Dialogue aims to reflect on and take stock of the environment sector’s gender mainstreaming progress, successes and challenges thus far and agree on the next decade’s priorities and opportunities. Through the abovementioned framework, the sector reflects its commitment to take into account the principles Furthermore, the 2002 World Summit on Sustain- of gender equality in all its employment practices, able Development (WSSD) recognized the impor- policies and service delivery. tance of gender equality in all efforts to achieve environmental sustainability. Under the umbrella The sector is further committed to roll out iniof Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3 — tiatives that aim to address the imbalances of the namely the promotion of gender equality and the past and advance gender inequality regardless of empowerment of women— the task has been to race, religion, disability, or any other factor. The achieve gender parity in primary education, in- framework implementation will enhance our atcrease women’s political participation, and elim- tainment of gender equality in the environmeninate obstacles faced by women in accessing sec- tal sector in accordance with the Constitution (Act No. 108 of 1996); the Women’s Charter for ondary education. Effective Equality, 1994; the National Framework Since 1994, the Department of Environmental for Women Empowerment and Gender Equality, Affairs (DEA) and the South African govern- 2000; the Strategic Framework for Gender Equalment has made significant strides in ensuring that ity within the Public Service, 2006; as well as inwomen are included in key decision-making pro- ternational frameworks including UN Women, cesses, thus asserting their role in creating a better UNCSW and UNEP among others. life for them and accelerate a transition towards the green economy. Parallel to the evolution of It is critical that the sector partners collaborate in environmental and sustainable development leg- their efforts towards gender equality and women Page 115

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN THE ENVIRONMENT SECTOR

Dr. EDNA MOLEWA empowerment. Some of the key progress made in gender mainstreaming includes administering the Environmental Practice Learner ship Programme. To date nearly 300 female learners have benefited: going on to formal employment in business, government and non-governmental and community based organisations. The environment sector continues to implement the Groen Sebenza project that offers unemployed graduates and school-leavers the opportunity to work in 44 participating host institutions in private sector, government including public entities, NGO and academia. The project hosted 472 women of the total 800 that was targeted for placement.

include those within the ambit of the Expanded Public Works Programme such as Working for Wetlands, Working for Water, Working for Fire, Working for Waste and the Land Care Programme.

The South African green economy modelling report of 2013 revealed that investments in the natural resource management, in particular through Working for Water type programmes has significant potential to create jobs while enhancing environmental goods and services such as water availability and regulation. The Working for Water programme started in 1995 and remains a particularly highly relevant intervention in the green Other initiatives include bursary opportunities economy sector through creating vital opportunicreated for women. These initiatives have gone a ties for women empowerment. long way towards addressing the skills gap in the environment and reducing unemployment, espe- Between 2012/13 there were 73 678 work opportucially of young women. With regards to enterprise nities created for women under the environment and community development, the National Green and culture sector programme. The following year Fund established in April 2012 has injected much this number increased to 80 658 work opportunineeded funding into women-headed green econ- ties for women. The DEA has created and laid a omy projects like the Muthi Futhi project in Eda- firm platform base for the sector’s women and enkeni, near Eshowe, Uthungulu District in KwaZu- vironment agenda. Working in collaboration with lu Natal province. business, labour, academia and civil society, we have it within our means to resolve the country’s This project comprises a group of rural women challenges of poverty, inequality and unemploywho are pioneering the commercial production of ment. selected indigenous traditional medicinal plants, with the sale of herbal products ensuring a fully EDNA MOLEWA IS THE MINISTER OF ENVIfunctional and operational enterprise that proRONMENTAL AFFAIRS vides green jobs. A similar such initiative is the 100 percent women-owned Bema Bamboo project in Mandeni, Ilembe District in KwaZulu Natal. This project aims to produce top-quality Beema Bamboo biomass feedstock. The environmental sector continues to support a host of other projects around the country that promote environmental conservation, but at the same time impart skills to women in sectors such as wetland conservation and rehabilitation. These Page 116

MOVING YOUNG WOMEN FORWARD!

EDNA MOLEWA Sixty-one years ago, Freedom Charter was adopted and signed by delegates to the Congress of the People in Kliptown. The vision of these pioneers of our liberation movement was for a united, non-racial and democratic South Africa. Thus the Charter and its various clauses became a common rallying point enshrining the hopes and aspirations of all progressive South Africans. Two weeks since the commemoration of Youth Day, and the sacrifices of the Class of 1976, we reaffirm the famous rallying call enshrined in the Charter and recommit to its principles: that “The Doors of Learning and Culture shall be opened.”

nected to water and electricity supply since 1994. Whilst we still face the immense challenge of transforming our education system to one capable of producing the skills required by our rapidly growing economy. But in this, let us never lose sight of just how far we have come. Much has changed since the dark days of apartheid when black women had limited education prospects and were confined to low-paying menial jobs.

We are steadily achieving gender parity in both school and tertiary institution enrolments, with huge increases in enrolments at further education and training (FET) colleges and the racial and gender composition of the student body markedUnder the leadership of the African National ly transformed since 1994. Today more than half Congress, the doors of learning and culture have of all students enrolled in university programmes been opened across South Africa. It has been this are women. government that has consistently strived to undo the devastating effects of the Bantu Education The heroines of the Class of 1976 must be filled Act. This act entrenched a racially skewed educa- with great pride to daily see how our young womtion system and kept spending on black education en from Musina to Cape Town are pushing the at one tenth of spending on white education – and boundaries in various fields and achieving great sought to reserve black students for unskilled oc- success on the global stage. Take Alexandra born cupations to serve the apartheid state. and bred biologist Dr. Natasha Mothapo, whose passion for science was ignited after a school field Today more South African children than ever be- trip to the Kruger National Park. Through her fore, and in particular black children, have access Masters and her doctorate research she is protectto education. So much so that we as a country are ing the country’s flora against invasive species. of the few who are on track to achieve the second United Nations Millennium Development Goal Or thirty-three year old Dr. Benita Olivier, a (MDG): Universal Primary Education. lecturer in the Physiotherapy Department at Primary school enrolment rates are approximate- the Health Sciences Faculty of the University of ly 98 per cent. Over 8 million learners are now Witwatersrand, who hopes to use her Friedel benefitting from no-fee policies, which has con- Sellschop Award (which recognizes exceptional tributed to an increase in secondary school enrol- young researchers) to develop an injury prevenment from 51 per cent in 1994 to around 80 per tion tool. cent currently. Approximately 9 million children are benefitting from the school-feeding scheme Joining the brilliant minds working on the Square and this has ensured that learners no longer have Kilometre Array (SKA) team is thirty-one year to study on an empty stomach. old Pietermaritzburg native, computer engineer While backlogs in school infrastructure remain, Shagita Gounden. The accomplishments of such thousands of schools have been built and con- young women are inspiring: and it is thanks to the Page 117

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EDNA MOLEWA

policies of this government they have been able cated R30 million for the current financial year; to take advantage of the opportunities available to to assist budding female entrepreneurs in acquiring critical assets and equipment required to grow women in this country since democracy. and expand their operations. Another successful This government, led by the ANC, recognizes the venture has been the B’avumile Skills Developtransformative potential of education in all its ment programme which prepares women for the forms: formal, political and spiritual. We know export sector. It targets women in rural areas and too well, in the words of Victor Hugo, that ‘he townships who have already acquired expertise in who opens a school door closes a prison.’ To cor- the creative, clothing and textiles fields. rect the effects of apartheid we have had to interrogate the links between poverty, social exclusion These are just a few programmes demonstrating and access to education. And in particular, tack- the support government gives to our young womling the symptoms, causes and solutions to the in- en. Whether shutting apartheid-era constructed schools made of asbestos that pose health hazards ter-generational transmission of poverty. to learners, or pushing for the empowerment of For research has shown time and again that cer- women contractors in the public sector, the track tain factors can increase the likelihood of pover- record of the ANC government in advancing the ty being passed from one generation to another. principles of the Freedom Charter has been exWe also know that these same factors can nega- emplary. tively affect an individual’s chances of escaping the poverty trap. The reality is that women con- On this the sixty -first anniversary of the adoption tinue to bear the brunt of poverty. To this end, of the Charter that is the bedrock of our Constigovernment has prioritized women and youth in tution, we encourage the country’s women to take all its programmes. This includes continuous in- advantage of the opportunities afforded them: vestment into the National Student Financial Aid opportunities the youth of Soweto sacrificed and Scheme (NSFAS) to support young people, espe- died for. As we move into the next phase of our country’s cially women. development, let us move the country forward by Several government departments provide bursa- filling our laboratories, workplaces and boardries with a special focus on young women in var- rooms with empowered women who will lead the ious fields. For example, the National Research charge into our third decade of freedom. Fund, supported 1 044 women grant holders in 2012/13. Government facilitates learnership placements nationally, particularly in the tourism ----ends--and hospitality sectors. Examples include the National Young Chefs, the Sommeliers, andTourism Buddies programmes. To encourage women-owned enterprises and youth-owned enterprises, government has alloPage 118

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA - 07 SEPTEMBER 2018 Vice President of the Institute of Climate Change & Sustainable Development: H.E. Mr. Xie Zhenhua Executive Vice President of the ICCSD: Mr Li Zheng Leadership of the Tsinghua University, Distinguished Guests, Lectures, Students Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my privilege to have been invited to address you this afternoon on one of the most pressing issues of our time; namely climate change. It is a subject that is inextricably linked to the global Sustainable Development Agenda and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). It is a subject that touches the very heart of our existence as we witness that impact across the world. Climate change is a global challenge requiring a global effort and global solutions; which necessitates international collaboration and cooperation under the broad umbrella of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). I wish to congratulate the faculty of Tsinghua University and Minister Xie in particular for having the foresight and vision to establish this Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development (ICCSD). This is but one of many laudable advances made by China as part of the international climate change effort.

eration in line with South Africa’s foreign policy objectives. Just less than a week ago, South African President, His Excellency Mr Cyril Ramaphosa paid a State visit to His Excellency, President Xi Jinping and reviewed progress made in the implementation of our Five-to-Ten Year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) for Development. This outlines specific areas of cooperation between our two countries including around matters of climate change. During the recently concluded State Visit we also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in the field of Climate Change. It is worth noting that our strategic partnership with China is predated by a long history of fraternal and political ties between our governing party the African National Congress (ANC) and the Communist Party of China (CPC). The CPC contributed to the fight against the colonial apartheid regime in South Africa that enforced segregation in supporting liberation movements across African continent. Ours is a relationship forged in the trenches of struggle and sustained by continued solidarity.

Ladies and Gentlemen, It was solidarity and collaboration between the nations of the Global South that helped to bring about the end of apartheid; as well as many, many other people’s struggles worldwide. Likewise, it is solidarity and international collaboration that is our compass today, as the nations of the world, we collectively mobilize to combat climate change This lecture takes place just a few days after the and transition our respective countries along conclusion of the 3rd Heads of State Summit of the low-carbon, inclusive, climate resilient pathways. Forum on Africa-China Cooperation (FOCAC). Since its establishment at the first Ministerial Like many other developing countries, South AfConference in Beijing in 2000, FOCAC has been rica looks forward to the full implementation of instrumental in not just advancing Sino-African the Paris Agreement to Combat Climate Change. cooperation; but also greater South-South coop- The ultimate objective of this historic agreement Page 119

LECTURE PRESENTED AT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY : INSTITUTE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA - 07 SEPTEMBER 2018 “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities.” There can be no discussion about combating climate change that does not include sustainable development. Likewise, there can be no discussion about sustainable development without taking into account climate change and its associated impacts. As noted in a 2015 paper published by University College London and the University of Agder ‘one of the major challenges for the Paris Agreement is retaining relevance within the wider context of the SDG’s, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) The principles of UNFCCC also as embodied in and the various issues that these agreements covthe Paris Agreement, explicitly acknowledge both er. (Kellman; 2015) the vulnerability of poorer countries to the effects of climate change, and the right of all countries, This multilateral architecture is mutually reindeveloped and developing, to economic develop- forcing and locates climate change within the ment. As we consider this fundamental issue, we wider disaster risk and sustainable development remember and reaffirm that different countries of context. This means that all countries of the world the world established their own Nationally Deter- face stark policy choices in the fight against climined Contribution (NDC’s) and submitted such mate change. Thus they all have to act in the best to the UNFCCC. It goes without saying that ap- interest of their countries’ development, while siproaches to countries’ NDCs differ vastly, based multaneously being mindful of the need to conon their respective levels of development. Some tribute to the reduction of global emissions. emphasise that the fight against climate change should be premised on a fight against pover- Following this broad overview of the intersectionty. Others, especially from countries that have ality of the issues we are grappling with, I want to reached high levels of development, are premised briefly trace the process that preceded the signing purely or mainly on carbon emission reduction of the Paris Agreement. After all, as with so many targets given their high levels of GDP and per things in life, to know where you are going it is important to understand where you have come capita income. from. The fact that these contributions differ, is in line with the key principle of the UNFCCC: “that ef- As you know, the international climate change reforts to protect the atmosphere should be shared gime owes its existence to the work of the Intergovfairly among countries” in accordance with their ernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that is to safeguard current an d future generations through limiting temperature increases and building low carbon, inclusive and resilient economies and societies. At the same time, what is foremost to consider is that the transition to the low-carbon, inclusive, climate change resilient future should take place in a manner that is aligned with the growth priorities of developing countries such as ours. At the crux of it all is how we as developing countries contribute to combat climate change, whilst simultaneously addressing poverty, inequality and the legacy of under-development in our respective societies.

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA - 07 SEPTEMBER 2018 climate change system was agreed upon- a system that would balance both climate change and development imperatives. It was the 4-year negotiations mandated by COP17 in Durban – the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform (ADP), that catalysed the global climate change effort: eventually resulting in the signing of the Paris Agreement. As a developing country, South Africa could not be more proud of having hosted the watershed Durban Climate Change CoP, and of being associated with its successful outcome. As we are only too aware, Ladies and Gentlemen, It acknowledges the leadership of those with the it has been a rocky road fraught with challenges capability to secure a meaningful future for the which at times seemed that we as nations of the coming generations. It came into force in 1994 world would never reach consensus. and sets an ultimate objective of stabilizing “greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a One such turning point in the UNFCCC was the level that would prevent dangerous anthropogen- ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. Its first commitic (human-induced) interference with the climate ment period from 2008 to 2012 set legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce their system (UNFCCC)” emissions collectively by at least 5%. The second The Convention notes that the largest share of commitment period was agreed to in Durban and historical emissions originate in developed coun- brought into implementation in Qatar. Sadly, to tries and therefore holds that developed countries date, the second commitment period of the Kyoto should take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas Protocol has not entered into force. emissions. It further holds that developed countries should support climate change adaptation This heightened recognition that without a multilateral cooperative agreement in place, the multiand mitigation in developing countries. lateral climate change process ran a very real risk Over the years, the UNFCCC has observed sev- of collapsing. The Durban COP had to resolve a set eral turning points. One of them was at the 17th of complex and inter-related issues such as how to Conference of Parties (CoP17) that was held in balance the future of the Kyoto Protocol with the Durban, in the east coast of South Africa, in 2011. legal form of the outcome under the Convention; The Durban Climate Change Conference could as well as the so-called “unfinished business” rightfully be described as a turning point in the from the Bali Roadmap that included measures of international climate change negotiations. It was increasing the level of ambition of mitigation; and in Durban that a new long-term pathway for the pledges from developed and developing countries development of a fair, ambitious and legally bind- towards achieving the agreed global goal of limiting future multi-lateral and rules-based global ing temperature increase to below 2 degrees. was established by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorology Organization (WMO) in 1988. This provides that foundation for scientific evidence-based policy and decision-making. The 1990 1st Assessment Report of the IPCC was an instrumental building block of what would eventually become the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Convention is a solid regime that offers hope for the vulnerable.

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LECTURE PRESENTED AT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY : INSTITUTE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA - 07 SEPTEMBER 2018 The Paris Agreement truly represents a turning point in global climate change governance and strengthens rules-based multilateralism. It signals a rapid change in pace towards low carbon development and growth from 2020 onwards. As we, the nations of the world limber up for its official implementation in 2020, there are a great many critical issues we need to address; not just with regards to our collective state of readiness but also the reality that the main provisions of the Paris Agreement are effectively voluntary, despite ‘being enshrined in a legally binding process’. We are only too aware of the fragility that existed within the climate negotiations space in the lead up to Paris. That fragility exists now as we work towards 2020 and towards a new draft text. At the heart of this is the need to strike a fine balance between what is best for the world and for our respective countries, without countries feeling that they are being held ‘accountable’ by others. It is here at this nexus between climate action and sustainable development, that our biggest challenge lies; on how we balance our emission reduction efforts with developing our respective economies. It is developing countries like ours that the poorest of the poor live; and it is the poor who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

pected to continue rising, resulting in a frequency of extreme weather events especially in vulnerable countries with low levels of development. The changing climate will also result in increased water and food insecurity in these countries. It is they who will ultimately suffer most, despite bearing the least historical responsibility for climate change. This apparent contradiction becomes even more pertinent within the context of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and SDG 1 carrying with it the aspiration of ‘ending poverty in all its forms everywhere’. The UNFCCC’s provisions are far-sighted, innovative and firmly embedded in the concept of sustainable development. As far back as 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, provided the fundamental principles and the programme of action for achieving sustainable development. At that time the articulation of sustainable development was anchored by three interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars; economic development, social development and environmental protection. Poverty eradication, changing unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and protecting and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development are essential requirements for sustainable development, particularly for developing countries. In considering our many complex and interrelated challenges, there is of course the issue of mitigation versus adaptation – should a developing country’s focus be on either or, or both?

As The Guardian newspaper noted in an article on the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change “low income countries will remain on the frontline of human-induced climate change over the next century experiencing gradual sea-level rises, stronger cyclones, warmer days and nights, more unpredictable rains, and larger and longer heatwaves.” This is very important because Adaptation is alThis as average land and sea temperatures are ex- ways in danger of being pushed off the internaPage 122

LECTURE PRESENTED AT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY : INSTITUTE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA - 07 SEPTEMBER 2018 tional climate change agenda. As noted by the UNFCCC, “Adaptation is a process through which societies make themselves better able to cope with an uncertain future. Adapting to climate change entails taking the right measures to reduce the negative effects of climate change by making the appropriate adjustments and changes.” South Africa is of the view that in order to adequately respond to the complex challenges of development and climate change, we need first and foremost to understand development pathways that reduce poverty, inequality and GHG emissions. Unless we do so we cannot realise a just transition. Integrating adaptation with the SDG’s, as noted in a technical paper by the UNFCCC , ‘can be beneficial for building resilience comprehensively across societies..and that there are many opportunities to support further policy integration between sustainable development, adaptation and disaster risk reduction, owing in part to the common themes, scopes and objectives of the three global agendas.’ South Africa concurs with the UNFCC that “it is urgent that the vulnerability of developing countries to climate change is reduced and their capacity to adapt is increased and national adaptation plans are implemented.” The international community must continue to work together to mobilize resources and financing to support the adaptation efforts of developing countries, especially those with the least capacity to respond to the effects of climate change. We have seen and continue to see examples of the way in which societies are resolving these challenges in both the developed and developing world. Adaptation strategies have ranged from weatherproofing houses on stilts, to climate smart Page 123

agriculture to developing early warning systems for extreme events. In a changing climate, existing water related challenges are exacerbated, therefore enhancing water security is also central. Like many other countries on the continent South Africa is semi-arid with less than 5% of annual rainfall available to recharge our groundwater aquifers. A persistent drought has led to many of our major rivers running dry and our dams halffull. It is therefore easy to imagine how this has extremely dire consequences for every aspect of our economy and society, especially with regards to food security. Significant investment is therefore required to change the way we use and manage our scarce and fragile water resources. The importance of technology transfer for the mitigation of emissions and to enable countries to meet their social and economic needs has been a consistent and non-negotiable principle for the Brazil South Africa, India and China (BASIC) group of countries, of which China and South Africa form part. BASIC countries share a common perspective with regards to both meeting the costs of adaptation, and contributing to mitigation technologies, according to a paper published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), a South African think tank. When considering the fine balance between reducing emissions and meeting the respective needs of our countries for development, China’s experience has shown it is possible work towards a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but at the same time create jobs and grow the economy; thereby alleviating poverty. Minister Xie, your country should be congratulated for its significant and innovative preparatory work it has already undertaken towards creating a low carbon, climate resilient and sustainable world. I must begin right here in Beijing – since

LECTURE PRESENTED AT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY : INSTITUTE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA - 07 SEPTEMBER 2018 we arrived for FOCAC we have experienced nothing but blue skies and magnificent air quality. This is not coincidence, but the effects of a dramatic improvement in air quality not just here in the capital but across 28 Chinese cities, according to China air quality index. The 2018 figures reflect that concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) has dropped by 33 percent from the same period a year previously in these cities; and in Beijing it fell by 54% in the fourth quarter. With His Excellency, President Xi Jinping having pledged to ‘unleash an iron hand’ on pollution the improved air quality in Chinese cities is the result of a deliberate anti-pollution campaign as well as measures to switch from coal to cleaner burning fuels in both residential areas and industries. China is moving towards the greater use of natural gas, biomass, heat pumps, direct electrical heating and geothermal power amongst others. It is also working hard to retrofit existing energy infrastructure and ensuring that climate change impacts are taken into account in the construction of new ones. The maritime sector is another area where notable progress has been registered. China is enforcing tighter rules on emissions in its major ports and extending emission control areas to include the entire coastline from 2019. I want to particularly commend you for the enormous progress you have achieved in the field of renewable energy. You have demonstrated that it is not only possible for a developing country to diversify its energy mix in response to climate change, but also that it is also possible to take the lead in the development and manufacturing of renewable energy technologies. China’s spatial planning initiatives have resulted in a greater greening of cities, urban and residential areas as well as the Page 124

countryside. We can see the effects of this right here at Tsinghua University. China’s flagship carbon trading scheme in the power sector has been a major innovator that countries like ours hope to replicate. Give all these and many other efforts, it is no surprise that China has already hit its 2020 target to cut carbon emissions and to reduce the carbon intensity of the economy- this whilst growing your economy. As noted by the UNFCCC, between 2005 and 2015 the economy grew by 1.48 times but emissions dropped by 38.6 percent. I now want to share South Africa’s perspective and actions in this regard. South Africa’s contribution to the global effort to address climate change is based on our National Climate Change Response Policy. It is in this context that our Nationally Determined Contribution as submitted to the UNFCCC includes 3 distinct components, on (i) mitigation, (ii) adaptation and (iii) the Means of Implementation. It builds on our 2009 emission reduction pledge and presents an emission reduction trajectory range for 2025 and 2030. It sets a number of national adaptation goals, including the development of a National Adaptation Strategy and Plan, the strengthening of institutional capacity for addressing adaptation at all levels, and developing a national early warning system. We have integrated climate change adaptation and mitigation into our Government planning, as we strive to realize the vision of a low-carbon future as outlined in our National Development Plan (NDP). South Africa has undertaken Long-term Adaptation Scenarios, including the economic impacts; and are particularly interested to hear more about the innovative development pathways that Chi-

LECTURE PRESENTED AT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY : INSTITUTE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA - 07 SEPTEMBER 2018 na is planning, and to understand more fully the notions of an ‘ecological civilization’. South Africa has also achieved success with regards to our Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPP); our Green Transport Strategy and our Energy Efficiency in Industry Strategy. I want to refer briefly to our the REIPPP that has been lauded internationally for best practice and has resulted in us being a leading destination for renewable energy investment. To this end, I commend various Chinese companies that are making significant investments in South Africa in our renewable energy programme. The NDP I mentioned earlier requires 20 000 MW of renewable energy by 2030 supported by South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). As of April 2018, we have procured 6 422 MW from 112 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects. Of these, 3 776 MW has been connected to the grid from 62 projects, which have generated 9 255 GWh of electricity over the last year. This in turn has saved 9.4 Mt of GHG emissions over the last year. The rollout consists of the following energy technologies: wind, solar PV, concentrated solar power, landfill gas, hydro and biomass. The latest version of the IRP was recently published for public comment and places a renewed emphasis on the acquisition of renewable energy as part of the energy mix. It provides clarity and certainty to investors with regards to South Africa’s ‘direction of travel’ insofar as energy is concerned. With regards to green transport, the South African Government has initiated a process to decarbonise the sector and lower emissions by introducing and providing support for initiatives such as: Page 125

o An uptake of electrical and hybrid cars; o A cleaner fuels and energy efficiency programme, o Promoting and encouraging non-motorised transportation, o Investment in public transport infrastructure. o Advanced bio-energy within transportation, and o An expanded, efficient and integrated Bus Rapid Transport System. So far the fleet of the City of Tshwane in the Gauteng province is using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG); the City of Johannesburg is using a dual system for their bus network with a combination of diesel and CNG. For phase 2, the City has identified CNG and electric busses as potential newer technologies. The City of Cape Town in the Western Cape province has selected to procure electric buses for their phase 2. Furthermore, the Department of Transport has also embarked on developing the first transport environmental strategy – the Green Transport Strategy. It aims to promote green mobility to ensure that the sector supports the achievement of economic growth targets while providing greater safety to citizens and commuters alike, meeting social needs, and protecting the environment. The objectives of the GTS include: o Promoting sustainable and cleaner mobility development; and o Facilitating the sector’s just transition to a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy and society. The Department of Environmental Affairs Environmental Programmes also manages programmes such as the Working for Water Programme that seeks to improve water production

LECTURE PRESENTED AT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY : INSTITUTE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA - 07 SEPTEMBER 2018 by removing alien and invasive plant species from water catchment areas; thereby restoring ecosystems - as well as the Department’s Land Rehabilitation programme. Like China has already done, South Africa is in the process of finalizing legislation to introduce a carbon tax. This will go a long way towards reducing emissions, as has China’s emissions trading scheme. We have noted with interest work being done on this by Tsinghua University. We need bright young minds across the BASIC countries to work with our senior academics to cut through the Gordian knot of inequality and mitigation. South Africa continues to strengthen the requisite policy and legislative framework that is necessary for the full implementation of policies. The legislative framework not only helps us with achieving a coordinated approach as Government; but fulfils the need for cross-sectoral co-ordination, policy development and decision-making. It furthermore provides the necessary legal obligations to implement a post 2020 mitigation system – including compiling a regular greenhouse gas inventory; implementing a monitoring and evaluation system; aligning policies; and making it mandatory for various spheres of Government to undertake risk and vulnerability assessments. Ladies and Gentlemen, Whilst we have made considerable progress, scaling up our efforts requires significant investment; and we can only achieve this with support and scaled-up funding. As the UNFCCC technical paper further notes, what is crucial is that adequate, sustainable support for adaptation efforts from public, private, national and international sources – including finance and technology support Page 126

– will be critical in the years ahead. South Africa remains committed to play our part in the fight against climate change, be it domestically through sound policies, programmes and actions or in the internationally arena through international cooperation and dialogue. Nowhere was this more evident than during the negotiations at COP21 in Paris, where as chair of the Group of 77 plus China we cooperated in the negotiations that led to the signing of the Paris Agreement. A global challenge of this magnitude requires unprecedented levels of cooperation by the whole international community. It requires bold action and participation by all, which can only be achieved under the broad based legitimacy of the UNFCCC. Ladies and Gentlemen, Taking into account the fragilities and sometimes deep fault-lines that existed at the negotiating table, we should always guard against the possibility of sliding back on the commitments we made at Paris both collectively and individually. We have come a long, long way, and the only way to achieve the global goal we have set – namely to keep temperature increases below the agreed 2 degrees – is through maximum commitment and maximum ambition. Multilateralism only thrives in the presence of consensus. Whilst we of course want to leave noone behind; at the same time we cannot afford to reverse our gains. South Africa, like China, has a long-term transformational and developmental agenda that prioritises poverty alleviation, reducing inequality and energy poverty whist at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a low carbon, inclusive climate resilient economy and society. With the right international cooperation, backed

LECTURE PRESENTED AT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY : INSTITUTE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA - 07 SEPTEMBER 2018 by sound domestic policies and an associated enabling environment - we can simultaneously meet the SDG’s aimed at eradicating poverty, inequality and unemployment; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and safeguard the environment for our people.

developing countries to realise their aspirations. In the words of the father of the South African nation, former President Nelson Mandela, and as we celebrate the centenary year of this great Statesman, the words reverberate in our minds every time when we have to consider the gravity of such a situation.

This will remain our guiding light as we aim for zero poverty, zero carbon and zero impacts. It “It always seems impossible – until it’s done.” was His Excellency President Xi Jinping who said: “Tackling climate change is a shared mission for I thank you. mankind…Let us join hands to contribute to the establishment of an equitable and effective global mechanism on climate change, work for global sustainable development at a high level, and bring about new international relations featuring winwin cooperation.” The time to act on climate change is now. As nations of the world we owe it to not just ourselves, but to future generations, to bequeath them a legacy for eternity. In this regard we look forward to many years more of Sino-South African cooperation in the climate change arena. His Excellency President Xi Jinping, remarked at the opening ceremony of FOCAC 2018 Heads of State Summit: “I am confident that the baton of China-Africa friendship will be passed from one generation to the next and that China and Africa, working together, will build an even more vibrant community with a shared future”. The task is a weighty one, and we are mindful of the responsibility with which we have been entrusted. Yet it is not an insurmountable challenge if we accelerate the momentum of international cooperation and solidarity. It is the multilateral process - and it alone - that can assist many other Page 127

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG PUBLIC LECTURE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Vice Chancellor, Professor Ihron L Rensburg, Deans of various Faculties, Lecturers, Distinguished Guests, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening, It is an honour for me to be addressing you this evening; at a time when the international community is negotiating a new legal climate change regime that is scheduled to be completed at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, the 21st Conference of the Parties. The agreement hoped to be concluded at the conference will be the culmination of a four year negotiation process that was initiated in Durban in 2011 at the 17th Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This year in Paris, all Parties to the UN Climate Convention are expected to adopt a protocol, legal instrument or agreed outcome with legal force in order to conclude the Durban Mandate. The agreement will be applicable to all Parties, and will come into effect from 2020. On behalf of President Jacob Zuma and the South African government I would like to thank our hosts, the University of Johannesburg, for affording us this important public platform to outline our efforts in addressing one of the most critical issues of our time. I have been invited here this evening to brief South Africans on our positioning and preparedness for the UN Climate Change talks in Paris. More broadly, I have also been asked to outline the South African government’s progress in transitioning the country along a low-carbon, inclusive, climate resilient growth path. Page 128

This evening’s lecture is part of our wider public participation process as government of mobilizing business, civil society, government agencies and citizens for climate action. Ladies and Gentlemen, It goes without saying that the devastating impacts of climate change are with us. The Fifth Assessment Report of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change confirms that each of the past 3 decades has been successively warmer than the preceding decades since 1850; even warmer than during the Industrial Revolution! It also confirms that human influence on the climate system is absolutely clear, and that the more the climate system is disrupted, the more humanity risks severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts. This tells us that despite global action to limit greenhouse emissions, they haven’t been enough. We will continue to experience the impacts of climate change and that they are intensifying. One need only observe the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events around South Africa to conclude climate change has long become a measurable reality. Some parts of the country are in the grip of severe drought, while others are having more rain, leading to flash floods. Although we are ultimately all impacted by the effects of a changing climate, such effects are not being felt evenly around the world. Along with other developing countries, South Africa and Africa is at greater risk because of low levels of development and that their climate change adaptation efforts aren’t on the scale of developed countries. Climate change poses one of the most serious threats to Africa’s long-term

MOLEWA SPEAKS

DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG PUBLIC LECTURE ON CLIMATE CHANGE sustainable development, economic growth and the quality of life of her people. These impacts threaten to severely undermine the developmental gains made by our own young democracy in the past twenty-one years. Climate change affects nearly every cog in the many wheels that keep this country running: from healthcare, to agriculture and forestry, to biodiversity and ecosystems, to infrastructure and human settlements, to defense, to water and sanitation. Allow me for a moment to paint a picture of what this means in real terms. Extreme weather results in drought: which in turn leads to diminished agricultural production capacity and loss of food security, especially for people living in rural areas. Irregular rainfall patterns can lead to an increase in human and animal disease, including cholera, malaria and diarrhoea; thereby putting immense strain on the public health system.

and effective, and must facilitate the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient future. It is a future that facilitates global co-operation to address a global challenge, in a manner that also recognises common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

This is a principle contained in the UNFCCC which was the very first international treaty to address the global challenge of a changing climate. South Africa is one of 196 State parties to the UNFCCC, which was adopted in 1992 and came into force in 1994. This framework Convention sets out obligations for all countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the unavoidable adverse effects of climate change and report on national implementation. It also sets out obligations for developed countries to support the efforts of developing countries with finance, technology and capacity building. Importantly, the ConvenFlash flooding causes damage to crucial infra- tion notes that the largest share of historical and, structure like roads and telecommunications, re- until recently, current emissions - originate in desulting in social and economic losses. Flooding of veloped countries. low-lying coastal areas as a result of sea-level rise results in the loss of life and human settlements, as The Convention’s first basic principle is that dewell as destruction of mangroves and river deltas. veloped countries should not only take the lead Groundwater can become contaminated, render- in reducing greenhouse gas emissions – but that ing areas unihabitable for communities reliant on they should also take the lead in supporting cliborehole water for drinking and crop irrigation, mate change activities in developing countries to including subsistence crops. Effectively managing take action on and adapt to the impacts of climate the impacts of climate change requires a response change. In the Convention there is an implicit that builds and sustains South Africa’s social, eco- recognition of both the vulnerability of poorer nomic and enviromental resilience as well as our countries to the effects of climate change, and the emergency response capacity. right of poorer nations to economic development. This response is guided by principles set out in From our perspective, we have repeatedly emour Constitution and Bill of Rights. The multilat- phasized that our climate change response must eral agreement that will be concluded at the Paris balance making a fair contribution to the global negotiations in December, must be ambitious, fair effort to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) concenPage 129

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG PUBLIC LECTURE ON CLIMATE CHANGE trations - with consideration of the economic and social developmental needs of our country. Allow me to offer some brief perspective on the guiding policy instruments as well as milestones achieved in the lead-up to the Paris climate talks.

emerging developing country economies -particularly the BASIC countries – only had voluntary “non-legal” commitments. Although not explicitly stated, it was clear the reasons underpinning developed countries’ reluctance to take on legally binding Kyoto commitments lay in international By 1995, the evidence outlined in the Intergovern- economic competiveness concerns, rather than mental Panel on Climate Change clearly indicat- any environmental or social impact concens. ed that much more needed to be done to reduce emissions. Therefore a further subsidiary treaty – In fact due to these issues, by the beginning of the Kyoto Protocol, was negotiated and concluded the first commitment period in 2008, the Kyoto in 1997, and is ratified by 192 Parties. Protocol included less than 40% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. And since the US did Since at that time developed countries had the not join Kyoto, many other developing countries most responsibility for the cause of climate change refused to join the Protocol’s second commitment as wel as the most capability to address the crisis, period agreed to at COP17. As a result, the secthe Kyoto Protocol placed legally binding com- ond commitment period that started in 2013 and mitments on developed countries to reduce their ends in 2020 now only covers less than 15% of emissions in absolute terms and enabled them to world greenhouse gas emissions. meet some of their legal obligation through investment in low carbon sustainable development These shortcomings were clearly evident by the in developing countries. The first commitment time the Kyoto Protocol came into force in 2005. period was from 2008 to 2012. At this Climate Change Conference it was agreed that solutions to these shortcomings would be exHowever the measures contained in Kyoto proved plored in an international dialogue process, which to be unsufficient largely because firstly the US was co-chaired by South Africa and Australia. with some 25% of global emissions did not join This became a two- track negotiation in 2007 unKyoto. Secondly, due to the dramatic economic der the Bali Road Map. That two- year negotiating growth and consequent increases in greenhouse process concluded at COP 15 in Copenhagen in gas emissions from developing countries, espe- 2009, without a multilateral agreement. cially from “emerging economies” like China, India, Brazil, South Korea and South Africa. This This was largely due to differences between counemboldened developed countries to challenge the tries on the substantive and legal form of comlegal obligations to cut emissions under Kyoto, mitments by developed and developing countries charging that the current system was both unfair - particularly related to the different understandand ineffective. They further contended that not ings of the application of the principles of “equity”. only did they contribute less than 30% of glob- South Africa’s position has been that efforts to al emissions, but that they were at a relative eco- protect the atmosphere should be shared fairly nomic disadvantage because the US and major among countries in accordance with their “ComPage 130

MOLEWA SPEAKS

DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG PUBLIC LECTURE ON CLIMATE CHANGE mon but Differentiated Responsibilities and Re- as usual” emissions growth trajectory by 2025. spective Capabilities, and social and economic conditions”. This level of effort would enable South Africa’s emissions to peak between 2020 and 2025, plaThis principle is perhaps the most important teau for approximately a decade, and decline in when considering South Africa’s position for the absolute terms thereafter. We further clarified – Paris climate talks and what we hope to achieve. as we have consistently done, that the extent to Copenhagen did however “note” a political ac- which this outcome can be achieved depends on cord reached by 30 Heads of State, which focused the extent to which developed countries will meet on this central and politically divisive principle. their commitment to provide financial, capacity Among the outcomes of this delicate political bal- building and technology support to developing ancing act were: countries. • Commitment to a global goal to limit temperature increase to below 2 degree Celsius and a review of the adequacy of this global goal in 2015 • Absolute “quantified economy-wide emission reduction targets” for developed countries • Relative “Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions” (NAMA’s) for developing countries; with the extent of actions depending on the extent of support • A “transparency and accountability framework” for both absolute targets and relative actions as well as the support provided for developing country action • Equal priority for adaptation • A commitment by developed countries to mobilise $100 billion per year by 2020; with a substantial portion of this to be delivered through a new Green Climate Fund • A technology development and transfer mechanism and the building of capacity to implement both adaptation and mitigation actions in developing countries. South Africa’s Copenhagen pledge was to take nationally appropriate mitigation action to enable a 34% deviation below its “business as usual” emissions growth trajectory by 2020, and a 42% deviation below the “business Page 131

The political agreement of the Copenhagen Accord was formalized in the Cancun Agreement in 2010 and extends to 2020. Post-Copenhagen, two competing paradigms for a future global regime emerged. On the one hand, the “top-down model” of a comprehensive/inclusive, multilateral rule based, legally binding regime with levels of ambition informed by science. On the other hand, a “bottom up, pledge and review model” of incremental domestically determined policies, measures and rules (that may or may not be domestically legal) with the levels of ambition being informed by national priorities and circumstances and which are “internationalized” through the UNFCCC reporting and review procedures. The 2011 Durban Climate Change Conference marked a turning point in the negotiations and called for bolder actions by all governments. Specifically Durban had to resolve a set of complex and inter-related issues, including: • Implementing the Cancun Agreement up to 2020

MOLEWA SPEAKS

DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG PUBLIC LECTURE ON CLIMATE CHANGE • Closing the ambition gap between the Copenhagen/Cancun commitments and pledges, and what science requires, and • The future of the international climate change regime beyond 2020 Among the vexing outstanding issues was how to give effect to the principle of equity in the allocation of the burden and costs between developed and developing countries - all the while recognizing that a continued degree of differentiation is central to developing countries who still face challenges. The Durban COP17 was a watershed in several respects.

support required for developing country implementation, as well as arrangements for transparency of action and support. Subsequent advances have been made in COP 18 in Doha in 2012, COP 19 in Warsaw in 2013, and COP 20 in Lima in 2014.The Warsaw COP in particular made a call for all Parties to the UNFCCC to intensify their national efforts in dealing with climate change. To this end, Parties agreed to prepare and submit Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, or INDCs by October 2015 for a period beyond 2020, which would be captured in the Paris agreement. INDC’s will be crucial to the success of the UN climate deal, both in 2015 and beyond.

Firstly, the financial and technology mechanisms It is the first time all countries, rich or poor, have to support the implementation of the Cancun been obliged to come forward with commitments Agreement were outlined. to manage their greenhouse gas emissions. They are also an opportunity for countries to design Secondly, bolder actions by all governments were policies that can make economic growth and clicalled for, in order to close the ambition gap be- mate objectives mutually reinforcing. I am pleased tween the Copenhagen/Cancun comitments and to announce here this evening that South Africa pledges, and what science requires. Thirdly, it was is finalizing its consultation processes and will be here in South Africa that governments clearly ac- submitting its INDC before the 01 October deadcepted the need to negotiate a fresh, universal, dy- line. Over the past three months, we have been namic and evolving legal agreement to deal with consulting countrywide through a series of prothe climate change crisis beyond 2020. vincial conferences, engagements and stakeholder workshops with business, labour and civil society. Durban set a new long-term pathway for the development of a fair, ambitious and legally binding I’m told that UJ was represented, by the Departfuture multi-lateral and rules-based global cli- ment of Anthropology and Development Studies, mate change system that balances climate and de- and that there was representation from a numvelopment imperatives. Since Durban, countries ber of other academic institutions in the different have been negotiating a new legal climate change provincial conferences. The draft INDC discusagreement that will come into force in 2020 and sion document has been widely circulated and be applicable to all. This will addess six key issues, published ahead of the stakeholder consultations. namely climate change mitigation, adaptation, South Africa’s INDC includes 3 distinct compoand the finance, technology and capacity building nents on mitigation, adaptation and the means of Page 132

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG PUBLIC LECTURE ON CLIMATE CHANGE implementation. It builds on our 2009 emission reduction pledge, and presents an emission reduction trajectory range for 2025 and 2030. It further sets a number of national adaptation goals, including the development of a National Adaptation Strategy and plan, the strengthening of institutional capacity for addressing adaptation at all levels, and developing a national early warning system. This contribution to the global effort to address climate change is based on our National Climate Change Response Policy. Our policy is guided by the overarching principle of sustainable development, which is the cornerstone of Vision 2030 contained in South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP). As I said earlier, South Africa’s approach to addressing climate change balances our contribution as a responsible global citizen to the international effort to curb emissions, with the need to adress economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation. South Africa has been stepping up efforts to reduce this country’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. I will list but a few of the many initiatiatives and policy instruments we have in place: • To ensure that our country’s food, water, energy security and infrastructure are not negatively impacted by climate change we have developed Long Term Adaptation Scenarios, and climate change vulnerability assessments, to assess sectoral, cross-sectoral and geographic impacts and adaptation options. • These processes have a specific focus on communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly the indigent, rural dwellers, and women, • South Africa has finalized the ratification proPage 133

cess of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol that was agreed to in Durban • Work has been done with business and industry and other stakeholders to analyse the emission reduction potential in key economic sectors, to establish a Desired Emission Reduction system, and to understand the potential social and economic opportunities and impacts of South Africa’s transition to a lower carbon economy and society. • Our Green and Blue Economy Strategies provide the strategic directive to attract investment in the green and blue sectors, create jobs, improve the country’s competitiveness and overall promote equitable, inclusive, sustainable and environmentally-sound economic growth, • Three years ago a Green Transport Strategy was still at the drawing board. Today our national green transport flagship include groundbreaking urban public transport initiatives, renewable energy fuel alternatives and the shift of freight from road to rail, • Through the national Green Fund, we have adopted an innovative approach to catalysing investment in green programmes, • South Africa sits on the boards of key international climate finance mechanisms, where we have championed the course of direct access as an innovative way of developing domestic national institutional capacity, • We are in the process of ensuring international accreditation for national Implementing agencies for the Green Climate Fund • SANBI is the accedited National Implementing Entity for the Adaptation Fund which so far has approved two South African projects. The first, in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality in Kwazulu Natal aims to increase resilience of vulnerable communities through interventions such

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG PUBLIC LECTURE ON CLIMATE CHANGE and international partners, we have evidenced the political will, means and commitment to address the impacts of climate change with real, tangible benefits for those most vulnerable. Our efforts will ultimately contribute to the attainment of our national priorities and those of the soon to be Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From our perspective, success in Paris must be guided by four necessary conditions: Firstly, a recognition that climate change is a global problem, requiring a global solution, which can only be effectively addressed multilaterally, under the broad based legitimacy of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Secondly, a recognition that the multilateral solution is only relevant as long as it is responsive to the scientific evidence. And only if its rules-base provides for the consistent setting and implementation of commitments that in turn require verifiable tracking of progress towards what the science requires. The Paris outcome must therefore ensure that regular reviews of implementation against both commitments made and what the science requires - are undertaken. If we do not recognise the mutually dependent roles of science and rules for the success of the Paris agreement, we will miss this historic opportunity. Thirdly, a recognition that we live in an unequal world. An ambitious response in line with science is only possible if Paris agreement is fair and equitable for all. Developed countries maintain that the world has changed since 1992 and wish the Paris legal agreement to reflect current global realities, particularly with respect to developing countries who are now major economic competiLadies and Gentlemen, As you have just heard, South Africa is not rest- tors. As the current chair of the Group of 77 plus ing on its laurels waiting for the outcome of the China, we emphasize that the principles of the Paris negotiations. With the support of our local Convention must apply, in particular the princias early warning systems, climate smart agriculture and climate proofing settlements. The second will deliver direct adaptation benefits in the Namakwa and Mopani Districts in Northern Cape and Limpopo Provinces respectively. These projects will provide an opportunity for South Africa to learn how to develop and implement high impact climate change adaptation projects that make a real difference in people’s lives, • The Ministry of Public Works is leading a programme to unlock the so far largely untapped potential for energy savings in public buildings at national, provincial and local level, • Three years ago, renewable energy projects were small and lacking investment. Today there is rapid uptake of large-scale renewable energy technologies through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Purchase Programme (REIPPP). So far under the REIPPP programme, 6 105 MW have already been allocated, of which 3 725 MW must be commissioned by November 2016. Already, 1 965 MWs is in full operation, • This shift towards renewable and cleaner energy sources is outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP. Importantly however, the IRP is a sustainable energy mix that includes coal, renewables, alternative energy, natural gas and nuclear power. By 2030 we aim to have decreased fossil energy demand significantly, creating alternative renewables through new technological innovation, good behavioral practices and a public commitment to more efficient, sustainable and equitable energy use.

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG PUBLIC LECTURE ON CLIMATE CHANGE ple of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR). South Africa as a responsible global citizen has played an instrumental role in these negotiations – fully aligning with the common African position. Together with our alliances in BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) we continue to coordinate a strong developing country voice. In this regard we are rallying other BASIC countries to support the African position and further strengthen South South coordination and cooperation. FINANCING POST-2020 International finance and investment is a crucial element of the Paris agreement – to be provided to those countries that are not only vulnerable to climate change, but also least responsible and without the means to transition to low carbon economies. While we welcome recent commitments to the capitalization of the Green Climate Fund to fill the existing finance gap we urge donor countries to fully implement their pledges as well as to replenish other climate funds such as the Adaptation Fund, the Least Developed Country Fund, and the Special Climate Change Fund. On the matter of post-2020 scale of support, we believe that as a minimum, developed developed countries should communicate their support undertakings for the period 2020 to 2030, even if only at indicative levels at this stage. Provision can then be made in the Paris agreement for a process to communicate more concrete support provisions in line with donor country budget appropriation processes. Fourthly, a recognition that less mitigation means more adaptation. In this context, adaptation is a global responsibility that must be treated with the Page 135

same priority as mitigation. This is the basis of the Africa Group’s proposal for the Paris agreement to outline a Global Adaptation Goal, which is reciprocally linked to the mitigation goal of 2 degrees Celsius. Ladies and Gentlemen, President Jacob Zuma in his address at the opening of the Department of Environmental Affairs’ new green building last October said: “together we can build the biggest mitigation buffer against climate change… We can save our country and the world for future generations. Our economy will become resilient to the possible effects of climate change only when we take bold steps.. “ It is indeed bold steps that are required if we are to achieve an equitable regime that reinforces multilateralism and offers hope to those most vulnerable. In her 2004 lecture on the occasion of receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize, the late Kenyan environmentalist and social justice activist Dr. Wangari Maathai called for a global state of restlessness: “Those of us who witness the degraded state of the environment and the suffering that comes with,” she wrote: “cannot afford to be complacent,” “We continue to be restless… If we really carry the burden, we are driven to action. We cannot tire or give up. We owe it to the present and future generations of all species to rise up and walk!” At Paris we have within our grasp the means to build an ambitious, fair and binding agreement that strengthens the global approach to addressing one of the greatest challenges facing humanity and its survival. I thank you!

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA ON THE OCASSION OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE JUSTICE AND PEACE OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF JOHANNESBURG ON 25 NOVEMBER 2017 Programme Director Members of Archdiocese of Johannesburg Brothers and Sisters in Christ I would like to thank you for extending an invitation to me to address this year’s Justice and Peace AGM. It is heartening to be in the company of men and women of God who take seriously the notion that we hold this planet, our Mother Earth, in trust for future generations. I am even more heartened, and encouraged at the theme for this year’s AGM which is “Building Bridges of Hope in partnerships – Caring for our Common Home.” Yes, this is indeed our Common Home. Despite the vast expanses of geography, history, culture and language that make us distinct – we are part of one single race, the human race. We are all connected through our complete and utter dependence on the source of all life – our planet. Without this earth and the air above it, none of us could exist. We would not be able to breathe, drink or eat. Humankind would not be able to sustain its massive advances and leaps, and societies would not be able to develop. We also know that this interconnectivity means that what happens in one part of the planet, inevitably affects those in other places, sometimes millions of miles away. One need only observe havoc our continent and our country is currently experiencing as a result of freak and unpredictable weather conditions such as floods and droughts; to understand that climate change is a reality, and it is long upon us. It is a reality that even though the African continent has not been a major contributor towards the greenhouse gas emissions that are responsible for a changing climate – we are neverPage 136

theless affected. Every day we read of how the pollution of our oceans that happened far far away from here, is affecting our marine life right here at the bottom of Africa. There is growing evidence for example that pollution and waste affecting our coastal areas comes sources further upstream in catchment and inland areas. Often the public does not realise that litter can end up in our ocean and contaminate our marine life. Ladies and Gentlemen, You have assumed the mantle of responsibility for educating your congregants about the need to conserve the environment, and for this you must be lauded. Throughout the history of this country, our churches have played an instrumental role in mobilizing communities around the most pressing issues of our time. The faith community has always and will continue to play this important role in our country’s development: in raising awareness about the issues of the day, yes, but also as advocates for social justice. The right to a clean environment that is not harmful to human health and well-being is enshrined in our Constitution. The drafters of our Constitution had both wisdom and foresight in recognizing that this important right did not only apply to us who live today, but to those yet to come. It is through this prism that we interrogate the words of the Holy Bible which speak to the idea of Dominion by mankind. In Genesis 1 verse 26 in the New King James Version of the Bible we read: “And God said: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA ON THE OCASSION OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE JUSTICE AND PEACE OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF JOHANNESBURG ON 25 NOVEMBER 2017 the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and mentum through the adoption of the UN 2030 over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over ev- Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the ery creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). This global vision is aligned to South Africa’s Being entrusted with dominion over all other liv- Constitution and the National Development Plan ing creatures places upon us a weighty responsi- (NDP). As countries of the world mobilize around bility: namely to ensure that we as humans do not the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, to leave a painful footprint on this planet that nega- which we are a proud signatory, as government tively affects not just us as as humans, but all other we have committed ourselves to a low-carbon, inclusive, climate change resilient and sustainable living creatures with whom we share the planet. developmental path. 1.1.1 The Bible is clear on this. In In Numbers, the Lord says to Man: “You shall not pollute the This is premised on addressing the interdepenland in which you live…. You shall not defile the dence between economic growth, social protecland in which you live, in the midst of which I tion and the holistic management of the natural world. Alongside addressing climate change, dwell.” The task before us as members of the Archdio- waste management, food and energy security, we cese is on how best to work with our communi- have an imperative to resolve the developmental ties to make them more aware of the perils and challenges our country faces such as poverty, inharmful effects of ills such as pollution and illegal equality and unemployment. dumping. In the same vein, as champions of so- Waste is one of the major threats we face with recial justice, it is equally important that we harness gards to environmental management in our counthe power of the voice of the Church to protect try. The National Development Plan aspires to the society’s most vulnerable from the dangers of un- absolute reduction in the total volume of waste disposed of at landfills annually through maxichecked and reckless development. mising reuse and recycling. I refer here to development that results in the Increased consumer awareness, green product poor and marginalized being the victims of pollu- design, sufficient recycling infrastructure and tion, toxic waste and the like. As the theme of this Waste-to-Energy interventions should assist AGM notes, we are Building Bridges of Hope in South Africa to become a Zero-waste society. partnerships. As the Justice and Peace committee These can be achieved through the development you have embraced the challenge. As government of the Circular Economy which strives towards we are here to say that we are your partners, and greater resource efficiency, and doing more with we are ready to put whatever means we have at fewer resources by utilizing the principles of the our disposal to enable us to attain our common four Rs -- reducing, recovering, reusing and recyvision. Caring for the environment is an interna- cling. The development of the recycling economy tional obligation that has been given added mo- is a key aspect of the Green Economy, which is Page 137

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA ON THE OCASSION OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE JUSTICE AND PEACE OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF JOHANNESBURG ON 25 NOVEMBER 2017 about creating employment alongside protecting the environment. Advancing the Green Economy necessitates active citizenship; and the strength of the partnership between government and our faith communities. As we all leaned from our parents: cleanliness is next to Godliness. We need our churches to help us educate our people and inculcate a no-dumping culture across the country; but also to make them aware of the various alternatives that exist to dumping, including recycling. Waste management is not only about having cleaner working and living spaces – it is also an industry with potential for skills development, entrepreneurship and job creation. The Operation Phakisa: Chemicals and Waste Economy has emphasised the need to raise awareness on waste and its socio-economic opportunities. The Gauteng provincial government also has the programme of “Bontle ke botho”. The Churches joining hands with government to promote cleaner and safer communities is in everyone’s best interests; and I am keen that we forge a closer working relationship beyond this AGM.

ment Licences and Environmental Authorisations (EIA’s). These are meant to control the impact that certain activities have on the environment; and it is important that the Church is heard when it comes to the EIA process in particular. We want to encourage you to make use of this process to help us ensure that unchecked development that has a negative impact on land and communities, is held up to rigorous scrutiny. The principle of toxic justice has gained currency in recent years. It is a concept with which we are all to familiar. The urban planners of apartheid did not care for the health or well-being of predominantly black communities when they stuck heavy emitting industries close by. Twenty-three years after democracy we still live with the effects of this skewed development that relegated the poor to the margins of society: and doomed them to lives of ill-health, pollution and unhealthy living conditions. I have noted the extensive work the Church has done with the communities living in close proximity to mine dumps in and around Johannesburg. I am pleased to say that unlike the unchecked development of the apartheid years, we now have solid frameworks in place to ensure that developments and industrial activities do not negatively impact the environment, and communities. At the same time, we continue to recognize that South Africa is a developing country: and that supporting our industries to be complaint is key to our nation’s economic prosperity.

The various spheres of government have programmes that need all hands on deck, and I encourage each and every one of you to approach the Department of Environmental Affairs to learn more about them. The City of Johannesburg has launched community clean-up days and it is my hope that the Archdiocese of Johannesburg will join hands with all partners to ensure a clean Johannesburg. With regards to the regulatory and policy environment around waste management, we have a number Before 8 December 2014 a sequential process for of instruments in place such as Waste Manage- the authorisation of environmental and water isPage 138

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA ON THE OCASSION OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE JUSTICE AND PEACE OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF JOHANNESBURG ON 25 NOVEMBER 2017 sues resulted in long lead-in times for decision they can be used for beneficial purposes. making in the mining sector. Government is investigating a number of other Government, however introduced what is known legislative measures that will enable the reclamaas the One Environment System in December tion of mine dumps so that job creation, econom2014 to streamline the process of licensing min- ic development, and diversion of waste from landing operations, environmental authorisations and fills can take place. Another positive outcome of the reclamation of mine dumps is that there will the issuing of water use licenses. This system involves collaboration between my- be land available which can be used for other deself, the Minister of Environmental Affairs, the velopment purposes. Most importantly, the dust Minister of Mineral Resources and the Minister and toxicity that goes with radioactive material of Water and Sanitation. As Environment Min- in the mine dumps will also be removed through ister, I set the regulatory framework and norms mine dump reclamation. and standards, while the Minister of Mineral Resources implements the provisions of NEMA and In areas where there is no reclamation, proper existing subordinate legislation as far as it relates air quality management measures must be put in to prospecting, exploration, mining or primary place to prevent dust particles polluting the atmoprocessing and the ancillary activities thereto. sphere and the environment. In terms of this system, the Minister of Mineral Resources issues environmental authorisations I cite all of the above because as we all know, in terms of the law relating to prospecting, ex- knowledge is power. In the work the churches are ploration, mining or operations, while I serve as doing with mining communities, it is of immense the appeal authority for these authorisations. This benefit that we educate our people around the law, give me the opportunity and the mandate to reg- and their respective rights. I would be happy to ulate the management of mine dumps. Hence, I connect you with the relevant officials in our Dehave developed the regulations for the planning partment to provide you with educational materiand management of residue stockpiles and resi- al that you can use in your work. due deposits. Ladies and Gentlemen, Another important development has been that The Biodiversity Economy is a key area of work we are encouraging industry to reclaim the mine for us as stewards of the environment, and for dumps and thus create jobs as historical min- which we are the custodians of for present and fuing areas are revitalised. To make this possible, ture generations. South Africa is the third most the Department has drafted Exclusion Regula- mega bio-diverse country in the world. It covers tions which will enable exclusion of some waste only 2 percent of the world’s land area but is home streams from National Environmental Manage- to 10 percent of the world’s plant species. This ment: Waste Act (NEMWA) requirements so that biodiversity supports a vibrant wildlife sector, Page 139

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA ON THE OCASSION OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE JUSTICE AND PEACE OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF JOHANNESBURG ON 25 NOVEMBER 2017 with economic activity taking place in three main sub-sectors: wildlife ranching, wildlife activities (primarily wildlife viewing and hunting), and wildlife products such as game meat, skins and hides. This abundance of natural resources also presents tremendous commercial potential from bio-prospecting. The sector yields between 15,000 and 20,000 tonnes of plant production a year, 70 percent of which is exported as raw materials. End products processed from these raw materials include cosmetics, complementary medicines, food flavourings and oils. To address these challenges, the biodiversity economy is implementing key initiatives to drive growth and provide opportunities in the bio-prospecting economy. At a time when unemployment is high, I encourage you to visit our Departmental website to find out more about these opportunities the bio-prospecting sector offers, and how your congregants may become involved. Members of the Dioscese, In South Africa, a National Framework for Sustainable Development has been developed to derive socio-economic benefits from greening industries without compromising the integrity of the environment. We are already implementing programmes to promote energy efficiency, green transport, sustainable housing and climate resilient agriculture. As already mentioned, South Africa is one of the most mega bio-diverse countries in the world. It is ironic that the countries with the richest biological resources are the poorest of the poor. This implies a need for more capacity building to enhance sustainable use of these resources for the benefit of our people, as well as the conservation Page 140

of our natural heritage for both current and future generations. This where you, as religious leaders are able to assist - by spurring your congregants on to contribute to finding environmental solutions for the future through the use of available resources, without threatening the future of species. Our vast oceans space is another area that we have to manage responsibly if we are to ensure the health of our oceans as well as that of coastal communities. The oceans bordering South Africa are globally recognised as unique. This area is a hotspot of biodiversity where more than 10 000 marine species are found. The Atlantic, Southern and Indian Ocean’s fishing grounds are among the healthiest worldwide, and coastal tourism is among the biggest income earners for many countries. In recent years, human activity in and around the oceans has accelerated, with economic activity in these areas increasing. Ports and other coastal infrastructure are growing in importance and the region is crossed by some of the world’s main shipping lanes. Oil and gas development is also on the increase. With this development comes the high risk of environmental and socio-economic impacts, and the need for us to pursue sustainable development pathways. South Africa has earmarked the ocean to promote economic growth and to boost job creation in line with the National Development Plan through what has become known as Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy. This programme has demonstrated that we have to work together to achieve our goals. Besides our work at international level, we are working within South Africa to reduce

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA ON THE OCASSION OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE JUSTICE AND PEACE OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF JOHANNESBURG ON 25 NOVEMBER 2017 marine pollution caused by land-based activities through partnerships with a number of sectors, including agriculture, sewage disposal entities, harbour and port developments, water management authorities, urban developers and the extractive industries such as mining. We are also working to ensure that rivers are sustainably managed, and that the management of the coastal zone and river basins are fully integrated. With regard to the management, protection, conservation and restoration of our marine and coastal eco-systems, we are negotiating to expand our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to five percent of the area of Exclusive Economic Zone (EZZ) to provide some protection to over 90% of all habitat types. South Africa is also developing a Marine Spatial Planning legislation which seeks to integrate all sector activities, protecting sensitive areas, and achieving certainty for investors. Members of the Archdiocese, Our precious coastal areas, which many South Africans frequent in search of jobs, recreation activities and even a sense of spirituality, are becoming increasingly affected by pollution and waste. Our precious coastal waters, including our estuaries and wetlands, are receiving environments not only for waste emanating from within the coastal zone, but also from sources further upstream within river basins. Government, and indeed the Department alone, cannot solve the problem of waste and litter in the environment. We need the voice of the Church to assist us in raising awareness of this growing problem and lobby our communities toward a cleaner environment. Page 141

As South African government, we need partners such as the Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King to join hands with us in dealing with environmental issues, as the effects of climate change and environment impacts know no religion, or boundaries. The Church sustained the country’s hopes during the apartheid years and worked to bring about freedom in our beautiful land. We are grateful for our continued relationship with the Church; and we look forward to many more years ahead of working together to conserve the life force that sustains us all – Mother Earth. Inkosi inibusise.

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA, HOSTS THE INAUGURAL WOMEN LEADING TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE BREAKFAST DIALOGUE IN PRETORIA ON 24 AUGUST 2018 Programme Director Minister of Women, Minister Bathabile Dlamini Our honoured guests, the participants of this first ever Women Leading Towards Environmental Excellence Dialogue. As the head of a Department led by strong, capable women, what a source of pride it is for me to address this gathering of more strong, capable women! Indeed as we said at the time of the sad passing of The Mother of the Nation, Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela earlier this year: “she did not die – she multiplied!” In this Women’s Month, before I go any further let me just acknowledge and celebrate you all. It is so easy to lose sight of just how far we have come. Barely three decades ago the notion of women, of black women in particular, being conservationists, botanists, scientists, air quality inspectors, renewable energy experts, and environmental monitors would have been unheard of. It is testimony to the persistent efforts of this government, led by the African National Congress (ANC), and our Department of Women in particular, that we have mainstreamed gender across government planning and policy making. We stand here today not by coincidence, but thanks to a deliberate programme of empowering, enabling and advancing women the workplace and across society. You who are gathered here this morning are the result of this deliberate, not coincidental programme. You are, in the words of DS Uchtdorf: “Royal Spirits. Princesses destined to become Queens. Daughters of God whose wondrous story has already begun…and whose once upon a time is now!” As Women’s Month draws to a close, we carry forever with us the spirit and legacy of the women of 1956, whose sacrifices and activism laid the founPage 142

dation for the society we have today. It is a society founded on the principles of equality, freedom and non-discrimination. We stand on the shoulders of giants: Mama Lilian Ngoyi, Mama Ruth First, Mama Sophie de Bruyn, Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Mama Adelaide Tambo and Mama Albertina Sisulu whose centenary we observe this year. Since 1994 there have been important advances in empowering our country’s women. Today more women than ever occupy positions of authority and leadership in government, the private sector and civil society, and more and more young girls and women are being educated, thus improving their ability to lift themselves and, ultimately their families, out of poverty. Yet we know it is still women who are disproportionately affected by poverty. We know it is women, and black women in particular who bear the triple burden of race, class and gender in this country. The global statistics paint a grim picture: • 70% of those who live on less than a dollar a day are women, • Women own 1% of the world’s property, and • 75% of illiterate adults are women. With regards to our natural world, it is women, particularly poor and rural woman, who most feel the impacts of environmental degradation, because they are dependent on local natural resources for their livelihoods. It is women who have contributed to the conservation, use and management of natural resources playing a distinct role from men in managing agricultural lands, plants, animals and forestry, collecting and managing water for domestic use and income generation. It is women who are often charged with the responsibility to secure water, food and fuel for cooking. It is therefore women who are most vulnerable to

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA, HOSTS THE INAUGURAL WOMEN LEADING TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE BREAKFAST DIALOGUE IN PRETORIA ON 24 AUGUST 2018 the effects of extreme weather brought about by climate change, that results crop failure and water scarcity. Even minor changes to rainfall patterns, especially coupled with increased severity of droughts and floods threaten food security. Women living in informal settlements, specifically in provinces of the Western Cape and Gauteng are particularly vulnerable to frequent extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts and flooding. In most cases they are also excluded from disaster recovery decision making policies and programmes. It is our women who have the primary burden of care for relatives and children, and who suffer most when water sources are polluted or dry up, and whose health is compromised when they are exposed to pollutants when they are forced through poverty to use rudimentary cooking sources like wood fires and coal stoves.

you with a space and opportunity to get a conversation going about how you as professionals can catalyze the Next Big Thing in the environmental space, be it ideas, programmes or even products. You aren’t just women who happen to work in the environmental space. You are vital cogs in the wheels of our economy and are potential job creators.

The Department of Environmental Affairs took a decision during 2013/ 2014 Financial Year to develop a Strategy Toward Gender Mainstreaming in the Environment Sector. This is the first such sector strategy in the country; and was developed to aid our compliance with national gender priorities such as the MINTECH approved Sector Gender Framework for the Environment Sector, the Constitution, the 1994 Women’s Charter for Effective Equality, the National Framework for Women Empowerment and Gender Equality, Poverty, ladies and those gentlemen amongst us, and the Strategic Framework for Gender Equality wears a human face; and it is a woman’s face. I within the Public Service. remind you of this because our next generation of innovators, who will come up with solutions The Strategy outlines a number of steps to be takto the challenges we face in the environmental en during the 2016 – 2020 period, including: space, are right here in this room. The next pat- • Ensuring policies accommodate gender mainents for cleaner cooking stoves, for climate smart streaming and women issues; agriculture, for water conservation technologies, • Education and awareness programmes are imwill be born here. It is a challenge I put to each plemented that ensure knowledge and skills and every one of you. transfer, and the introduction of mentorship programmes, while forging partnerships and netThis Dialogue will ask you to think critically about working platforms. In this time an environment the role you can play in conserving the environ- element also need to incorporated into the school ment; be it as mothers educating our children curricula. about a small thing such us not littering and recy- • Creating empowerment programmes that will cling, or businesswomen and community leaders result in tangible projects at grassroots. Level. guiding our people to change their ways and be- • Creating and ensuring access to financial assiscome more responsible climate-friendly citizens. tance and technological advances. Most importantly, however, it will be providing • Focussing on women in rural areas. Page 143

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA, HOSTS THE INAUGURAL WOMEN LEADING TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE BREAKFAST DIALOGUE IN PRETORIA ON 24 AUGUST 2018 • Establishing Gender Focal Points (GFP) in all project costs must be from employment of local departments to serve as nodal points for gender people; 50% of jobs created must go to women; mainstreaming. 25% must go to the youth; and 2% must go to the disabled. As a Department, we are committed to gender Our Extended Public Works Programmes equality in our employment practices, policies contributed toward gender equality through the and service delivery. Overall the our Depart- implementation of the following; which seek to ment has women in strategic top management draw unemployed, marginalised people into the positions. This includes Director General, Chief productive sector of the economy: Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, the • Working for Water (WfW) - has a target of womDeputy Director General for Climate Change en recruitment of 60%, youth (20%) and disabled and the Deputy Director General for Oceans and (5%). The programme has provided jobs and Coast. The department also has an upward trend training to approximately 20 000 people 52% of regarding the appointment of women not only which are women. in the organisation but in senior management • Working for Land (WfL) project - has targets of positions. Through our programmes, women are 60% women, 20% youth and 2% disability. also an important focus. • Working on Fire (WoF) - employs more than 5000 young men and women 85% of whom are The Green Fund Programme has two projects youth, 37% are women (the highest level in any promoting women empowerment. Muthi Fu- comparable fire service in the world). thi project is a 100% women project at Edakeni, near Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal) which aims to Ladies and Gentlemen, create green jobs for rural women through com- We need to seriously look at solutions to the mercial production of four selected indigenous problems we face in managing our natural world, traditional medicinal plants through a reduced yes, but at the same time we need to look at dependence on wild harvestin that negatively the opportunities presented to advance gender impacts the environment. The other project is equality. We need to focus on gender Bema Bamboo which is 80% owned by women. mainstreaming – the process of incorporatThe initiative is in Mandeni in KwaZulu Natal ing a gender perspective into any action, policy, and will consist of a five hundred hectare farm to legislation or action in order to ensure that the produce 50 000 tonnes of Beema Bamboo concerns of all are addressed and that gender biomass feedstock. As a Department we also inequalities are not perpetuated through instituhave Social Responsibility Programme focusing tional means. on environmental projects such as protection of Addressing the underlying social power relations conservation areas, coastal rehabilitation, urban and structures that produce inequality requires renewal, and others. To access these funds for the not only working with women but also with projects, projects must be a part of a municipal- men, with people in powerful positions, with ity’s Integrated Development Plan. Strict condi- education, laws and social norms. It requires tions apply for awarding of projects: 30% of total addressing attitudes and behaviors across all Page 144

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA, HOSTS THE INAUGURAL WOMEN LEADING TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE BREAKFAST DIALOGUE IN PRETORIA ON 24 AUGUST 2018 of society. Gender mainstreaming adds a human face to the climate change agenda and the sustainable development agenda as a whole. It is therefore essential to integrate gender concerns into planning as well as implementation. As I conclude, I want to challenge all of us to support transformative approaches that ensure that women and men have an equal voice.

discussion. President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a call to all South Africans to step forward and be of service to their country. It was the spirit that energized the anti-apartheid struggle, and it will energize us further as we move forward to attain economic liberation. This new dawn needs you. It needs your talents, your energy and your spirit.

We are people who can make a meaningful contribution to the future of our country and to These approaches should also ensure that: • Women and men have equal access to the re- the world in general. The Thuma Mina call applies sources necessary to respond to the negative ef- to us all. fects of climate change. • Both men’s and women’s need and knowledge I thank you. are taken into account and climate change policy making institutions and processes at all levels are ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA AT THE OPENnot biased towards men or women. • And that the broad constraints that limit ING AND LAUNCH OF THE DR P AESTHETIC women’s access to strategic and practical LIFESTYLE CLINIC resources no longer exist. Ladies and Gentlemen, Finally, we should acknowledge that women and Honoured Guests, especially girls are an untapped resource in the global response to climate change. While recognizing the Mr. Selby and Mrs Nonhlanhla Mkhize, fact that women are vulnerable to the effects of the parents of Dr Portia Gumede climate change we should also not forget that Mr. Michael Khoza and Mrs. Margaret Khoza, women are also important actors for climate uncle and aunt of Mr. Robert Gumede change response; they are a body of knowledge Ms. Lucy Qwabe, sister of Mr Robert Gumede and expertise. They are a fountain of indigenous knowledge that has been a factor to the survival of And the lady of the moment, my dear friend and sister Dr Portia Gumede - who tonight adds yet various communities of many centuries. As we discuss the role of women in environment another illustrious notch to what has been a trailthis morning, we need to look at how far we have blazing career. I remember eight years ago how come and where we want to go. There is a need beautiful my dear sister looked as she walked for a discussion on the role of women in society in down the aisle on her wedding day; and you regeneral, and how women can ensure their rights main as beautiful as ever, inside and out. are entrenched, their voices are heard and how we can take our rightful place in society. This I am privileged to share in this happy event, the Dialogue is a perfect opportunity to start that launch of the Dr P Aesthetic Lifestyle Centre that Page 145

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA, HOSTS THE INAUGURAL WOMEN LEADING TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE BREAKFAST DIALOGUE IN PRETORIA ON 24 AUGUST 2018 is the brainchild of Dr Portia Gumede, fondly known as Tee and now, as Dr P. If you’ll allow me a bit of humour here, I don’t think there is any woman alive who would receive one of those beautiful invitations with the words “Forever Young” and not jump at the chance! So I knew I had to come, because I knew that this venture wouldn’t be an imitation of something to be found elsewhere in Johannesburg. This is an Aesthetic Lifestyle Centre that will cater specifically for the needs of the African woman; and a practice that acknowledges, appreciates and works with the beauty that is the African woman: instead of relentlessly trying to tame, refashion and remould it. This is a Centre whose professionals know our skin, its various textures and the climactic and other factors that affect the physical appearance of African women. For too long we as African women have been subjected to imagery and an imported beauty aesthetic that tells us we always have a problem – a problem that needs fixing. Your hair is too curly, straighten it, your skin is too dark, bleach it, your nose is too flat, get a nose job, your backside is too big, so get rid of it.

What I am proud of is that this Centre gives African women agency: we and we alone should determine what enhancements and improvements we want to make to our personal appearance – not in response to pressure from a fashion and beauty industry that is always screaming at us from the magazine shelves that we are not pretty enough. We are privileged to be living at a time when rapid technological advance has enabled us to solve many of the traditional medical challenges our forbearers in the medical fraternity only dreamed of doing. This Centre, headed by an African woman - is at the cutting edge of all these advances, and will no doubt soar to great heights in time to come. We know that maintaining a healthy body is something ordained by God – in Corinthians 6:19-20 we read: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own…therefore honour God with your bodies.”

Yet by equal measure, we also know that as we say “true beauty comes from within.” Its glow is all the Of course, the elusive Fountain of Youth is indeed more illuminating when matched by experience, something we all at some point have dreamt of wisdom, kindness, dedication: all the attributes attaining. We may “have the stuff ” as the young possessed by this amazing woman, Dr P. people to say, but sometimes we know even Mother Nature needs a little nudge here and there! Ladies and Gentlemen, A healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in Aesthetic medicine offers specialized non-inva- hand. This forms the cornerstone of our public sive to minimally invasive procedures to treat and health policy as the governing party the ANC, improve a variety of conditions around physical and we as government continue to advance polappearance. It is about the Body Beautiful, as the icies and programmes that encourage all our citiphrase goes. The purpose of aesthetic medicine is zens, regardless of social status or income, to lead to give Mother Nature a bit of a hand. healthy lifestyles. Page 146

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA, HOSTS THE INAUGURAL WOMEN LEADING TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE BREAKFAST DIALOGUE IN PRETORIA ON 24 AUGUST 2018 You will have seen President Ramaphosa on his community walks, where he has been encouraging all our people to be fit, and lead healthy lifestyles. We have Hashtag Tummy Must Fall now and our National Executive is leading by example, so the pressure is truly on! I am honoured to have been invited to celebrate this milestone with you as you open this Aesthetic Lifestyle Clinic. I am extremely proud of you on so many levels, but If I could just highlight two.

in the profession globally and trains physicians on international best practice in their field before they integrate it into their respective practices. So well, well done indeed!

I highlight this for a reason: this Aesthetic Lifestyle Centre being launched here tonight has come about as a result of long, hard work. There were no short cuts. This offers valuable lessons to many young women entrepreneurs in South Africa and beyond. The road to success is often long, Firstly, for your spirit of entrepreneurship – you and hard, and the pitfalls many. But if you stay had the foresight to spot such a niche business the course, and do things right, your rewards are opportunity and exploit it. This is a specialization innumerable. that is increasing in popularity not just in South Africa but globally. You saw the opportunity and Dr P, we know it hasn’t been an easy road for you. you grasped it with both hands. South Africa Your life has been a tale of triumph over adversity. needs many more women like you prepared to You have gone on to do amazing work in commutake business risks and cross unfamiliar frontiers. nity health and education especially in Kwa-Zulu/ Natal. Through the Gumede Family Keni FoundaSecondly, for your commitment to lifelong learn- tion a number of community based projects have ing. We know of Dr P of course that she is a med- been initiated by you that have made a difference ical doctor with an established practice and ex- in the lives of many, many people. Even as you entensive experience, especially in the public sector. ter this new phase of your professional career I What some of you here this evening may not be am confident you will remain available to continaware of is that earlier this month she was cer- ue this community work. tified by the American Academy of Aesthetic As we all know this year marks the centenary of Medicine (AAAM) South Africa after passing a the birth of uTata Madiba, the President of the Afrigorous Board Exam. She took a sabbatical from rican National Congress (ANC) and the founder her practice to further her studies, all the while of our nation. He was an ardent advocate for the fulfilling her role as a supportive wife, mother and emancipation and advancement of women: women like Dr Tee: of whom he once said: “If you want family builder. to help change the world, help the women.” Being the modest person she is I am sure Dr P hasn’t been shouting it from the rooftops so I will It would not be apt to conclude these brief remarks do it on her behalf! This is a stellar achievement without paying tribute to all those who have been with Dr Tee on this journey, most of all her supand certainly wasn’t easy. The AAAM is one of the top accrediting bodies portive husband Robert. This time we can swing Page 147

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, DR EDNA MOLEWA, HOSTS THE INAUGURAL WOMEN LEADING TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE BREAKFAST DIALOGUE IN PRETORIA ON 24 AUGUST 2018 the phrase around: behind every successful woman is a loving husband! I want to thank you for believing in her and in her dream. I have no doubt she will build Dr P into a household name in the medical aesthetics field not just here at home but on the rest of the continent. When I travel in Africa which I do often I want to be able to pop in to a Dr P franchise in Kigali, in Nairobi, in Addis Ababa, and in Lagos… I for one will be making an appointment to get some of the great treatments on offer at this new Centre, and encourage everyone else here tonight to do so do. In tribute to Dr P and all other Phenomenal African women here tonight I want to quote from one of my favourite lines of poetry, Maya Angelou’s famous poem Phenomenal Woman: “Pretty women wonder where my secret lies I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them They think I’m telling lies I say It’s in the reach of my arms The span of my hips The stride of my step The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. I wish you all the best in this new venture and may you continue this path to success that serves to inspire many younger African women in our country. I thank you. Page 148

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA ACCEPTANCE SPEECH: THE BESTOWING OF THE LÉGION D’HONNEUR AWARD TO H.E. DR EDNA MOLEWA BY THE GOVERNMENT OF FRANCE His Excellency Mr Nicolas HULOT, Minister for the Ecological and Solidary Transition of the Republic of France;

Government of France for recognizing our work. I say “our” because I accept this award on behalf of the people of South Africa.

H.E. Mr Christophe FARNAUD, Ambassador of France to South Africa;

Ladies and Gentlemen, As I am before you today, I too stand on the shoulders of giants. This month marks the centenary of two of the titans of our liberation struggle; President Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu.

Fellow Ministers of the South African government; Invited guests; Esteemed Ladies and Gentlemen;

I want to dedicate this award, that recognizes me for my work in the environmental sector but I am both honoured and humbled to receive this also for my role in the struggle for democracy award of Officer in the Legion of Honour; more and for women’s rights – to Mama Nontsikelelo so on Bastille Day – an event with such historical Albertina Sisulu; a woma who dedicated her life to the betterment of her people. significance. The French Revolution, with its rallying cry of Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite was one of the most dramatic social upheavals in modern history; and has been the lodestar for people’s struggles everywhere. It was President Nelson Mandela who said that the events in France of 1789 were ‘an example which served as a beacon for our own endeavours.’

Her life was the embodiment of self-sacrifice, generosity of spirit and an unwavering commitment to the cause of the poor, the downtrodden and the oppressed.

Mama Sisulu was an inspiration and role model for me as an activist and I am honoured to have met her and interacted with her in the African It’s noble ideals inspired our own struggle for National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL). liberation in South Africa; and during the dark In invoking her memory, the words of the French days of apartheid when our activists were forced author Guy de Maupassant come to mind: that “It is in the lives we encounter that make life worth into exile, many found refuge in Paris. living.” Thank you, Mama. I am ever mindful of the great weight of history as I accept this, the highest French National Order, Your Excellency Mr Hulot, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and This award has been bestowed on me in retained by all successive governments in France. recognition of my role as part of our collective South African team, in the conclusion of the Paris Your Excellency, Minister Hulot, allow me to Agreement to Combat Climate Change. Climate thank His Excellency President Macron for change is one of the most pressing issues of our this recognition. I also thank the people and time; and it was our privilege to lend support to Page 149

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA ACCEPTANCE SPEECH: THE BESTOWING OF THE LÉGION D’HONNEUR AWARD TO H.E. DR EDNA MOLEWA BY THE GOVERNMENT OF FRANCE our good friends on this very important matter; the Paris Agreement, there is a need to balance and to share in the extraordinary achievements of pre-and post-2020 outcomes, and for balanced and comprehensive treatment of topics covered the French Presidency at COP 21. by the UN Framework Convention on Climate COP 21 is universally regarded as a seminal point Change. in the development of the international climate As we take stock on progress made in the implechange regime under the UNFCCC, concluding mentation of pre-2020 action and finance, including a US$100 billion annual climate finance comas it did with the Paris Agreement. mitment by 2020, we should through the COP It was Victor Hugo who once said that “nothing assist the Green Climate Fund to find a better way in the world - not even all the armies, are so pow- of conducting its business. Working together, Exerful as an idea whose time has come.” The global cellency, we can find a political solution to these shift towards a low-carbon, inclusive and climate issues. resilient future; is that idea whose time has firmly Ladies and Gentlemen, Our two great nations are united by the ties that come. There can be no turning back on the collective bind us. They are the ties of liberty, of equality, effort to combat climate change and overall posi- and fraternity: but perhaps of all these three, what tion and prepare our respective countries to meet counts most is fraternity. the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) as The bestowing of this award on me, as it was precontained in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable viously to President Mandela, will only serve to Development. The French government is our val- cement these already strong bonds. We face comued partner not just in the fight against climate plex challenges in our respective countries; and in change but on a host of other issues, as mentioned this regard we know we can count on our fraternity with the government and people of France as by the previous speakers. we seek to resolve them. I want to thank you for always standing by us, and In the words of Voltaire: “it is said that the present trust we can count on this support well into the is pregnant with the future.” We look forward to this future - with optimism, with vigour and with future. hope. We look forward to working with you in the next coming CBD and UNFCCC Conference of the I thank you. Parties; and I want to appeal to you, Excellency, that we should deepen our collaboration to ensure that the Paris implementation rules are developed in a manner that both strengthens the multilateral regime, and allows for the Agreement’s practical implementation by Parties, with due regard to equity and differentiation. To preserve the political consensus underpinning Page 150

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA TRIBUTE TO MAMA MADIKIZELA MANDELA BY MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE COMBINED WOMEN’S MANYANO OF WELKOM THE WELKOM METHODIST CHURCH 11 APRIL 2018, THABONG, WELKOM, FREE STATE Malibongwe! Igama lama khozikazi..!

for her when she was ill. They lifted her spirits, and came to embrace her as one of their own.

It was also right here, in the Free State, that our Long live the spirit of Mama Nomzamo Winnie glorious movement, the African National ConMandela Long Live! Long Live the African Na- gress (ANC), was born on the 8th of January 1912 tional Congress, Long Live! at the Waaihoek Wesleyan Church in Bloemfontein. Sisters and Brothers in Christ, This province and its faith communities, have and It is an honour to be amongst you today at this continue to play a key role in our country’s hisspecial Women’s Prayer Service to commemorate tory, present and will no doubt continue to do so the life of our comrade, our sister, Mama Winnie well into the future. Mandela. I am sure she is smiling down on us and blessing this congregation today, for we know that Our Churches have a long proud history of assoshe was a committed Methodist and a member of ciation with the progressive forces of change in uManyano. South Africa, led by the ANC. After all, we share a common vision, namely the There can be no better place to hold this prayer realization of a prosperous, free, democratic, service and celebration of the life of Mama here non-racist, non-sexist South Africa. in the Free State, whose brave people have played such a great role in our country’s history. It was an ideal Mama fought for throughout her life. In her honor today we recommit ourselves as Firstly, it was here in the Free State that Mama women (and men) of faith to assume the mantle Winnie was banished by the racist apartheid gov- of responsibility and take forward the struggle for ernment, and where she was sheltered by the com- a truly egalitarian South Africa. munity of Majwemasweu township in Brandfort. Mama Winnie was a Sister in Christ – she was On a cold winter’s morning, the 16th of May raised in the Methodist Church and remained a 1977, following a 400km journey from her Sowe- woman of great faith until the end. Her Christian to home, she was dumped with her daughter Zinzi belief was very dear to her and it sustained and in front of house number 802 in Majwemasweu. nourished her through the many, many trials and The house had no running water or electricity and tribulations she had to face. No doubt there were no proper floors or ceiling and Mama, who spoke times when her faith was sorely tested. We learn isiXhosa, couldn’t even converse with her neigh- for example that Mama Winnie recounts that her bors. Yet despite the pain of her banishment that faith was shaken after the tragic passing of her sislasted nearly ten long years, it was the community ter and then her mother, when she was still very that rallied around her, helped her, and even cared young. Page 151

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA TRIBUTE TO MAMA MADIKIZELA MANDELA BY MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE COMBINED WOMEN’S MANYANO OF WELKOM THE WELKOM METHODIST CHURCH 11 APRIL 2018, THABONG, WELKOM, FREE STATE One of her most moving quotes in an interview in Sisters and Brothers in Christ, all of these things, I repeat – all of these things, were Mama Winnie 1987 illustrated this: Mandela. Her worth and value cannot be quanti““The years of imprisonment hardened me ... Per- fied. haps if you have been given a moment to hold She was one of the greatest heroes of our liberaback and wait for the next blow, your emotions tion struggle and even when we attained our libwouldn’t be blunted as they have been in my case. eration, she lost neither her fervor nor her passion When it happens every day of your life, when that for the cause of the underdog, the poor, the oppain becomes a way of life, I no longer have the pressed, and the marginalized. emotion of fear... there is no longer anything I can fear. There is nothing the government has not Hers was a life dedicated to her people, and for done to me. There isn’t any pain I haven’t known”. it she paid a huge price. She qualified as the first black social worker in Johannesburg in the 1950’s Yet it was this very faith that gave her the power and could have gone on to a successful profesto go on. There is not one of us sitting here today sional life in private practice. who would not have undergone a time of such intense hardship that we were tempted to lose hope, Instead, she never left the side of the weak and to give up, and to throw in the towel. We need downtrodden in our society. Even as she suffered only look at the Scriptures for affirmation that it is banishment in Brandfort she was still actively intimes of trial, when days are darkest – that we find volved in the community, in helping youth at risk, our innermost strength. It is when we are most at feeding the hungry, at giving books away to sorely tested that the voice inside us says Rise up, young people thirsty for knowledge, and helping stand up, and be the woman that you are. Be the women’s organizations. She truly was the Mother wife, the mother, the sister, the friend, the daugh- of the Nation. ter, and the revolutionary that you are. There are many lessons we can take from Mama’s life. We can learn about humility, about selflessSay the Scriptures: ness, and sacrifice. We can learn that a woman “She is strong”: Isiah 40:31 in our society can play multiple roles, as she did. “She is valiant”: Samuel 13:28 Today, thanks to the progressive policies and pro“She is fearless”: Proverbs 31:25 grammes of the ANC, and the advocacy of the ANC Women’s League, a woman can be a daughFurthermore, says Proverbs 31:10 ter, sister, wife and mother yes; but also a busi“Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away. nesswoman, an entrepreneur, a church leader, a But a woman who honors the Lord deserves to be community activist or a revolutionary. praised. So show her respect, praise her in public Mama Winnie was an active and vocal member of the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) and all of for what she has done.” Page 152

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA TRIBUTE TO MAMA MADIKIZELA MANDELA BY MINISTER EDNA MOLEWA AT THE COMBINED WOMEN’S MANYANO OF WELKOM THE WELKOM METHODIST CHURCH 11 APRIL 2018, THABONG, WELKOM, FREE STATE us who have had the honor and privilege of being mentored by her in the ANCWL will attest to the fact that the struggle for gender equality was one of the causes closest to her heart. We have one of the most gender-friendly Constitutions in the entire world, and this is thanks to the activism and groundwork laid by the likes of Mama Winnie and many many others of her generation. Among the 20 000 women who travelled the length and breadth of our country to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on the 9th of August 1956 were the daughters, wives, mothers and sisters of the Free State as well. All the women of South Africa share in the victory of our liberation from the shackles of apartheid, but also the shackles of patriarchy, sexism and gender discrimination. Mama Winnie’s life also offers lessons in resilience and courage. She inspired millions of our people to identify and join the struggle. She kept the fires and the flame of the revolution burning in South Africa. She was always amongst the people, and that is where her popularity gained currency and her stature. She always identified herself with the ordinary people and ordinary people in turn identified with her. That is why she was so popular in the townships and informal settlements of South Africa. Many settlements in South Africa’s urban centers are named after her or bear reference to her name. She taught us to look after the needy and care for the vulnerable. She also worked tirelessly to advance young people and mentored many young leaders in our country. Personally one of the valuable lessons I have taken from her is that of never ever giving up. There can be no greater tribute to Mama Winnie than Page 153

to look out over the pews as I do today and see all of you, beautiful, strong black women, young and not so young – infused with the spirit of God and fortified with the courage that we have learned from our great female leaders like Mama Winnie. More than half a century since the Chinese leader Mao Zedong proclaimed that “women hold up half the sky” we celebrate the life of this great woman who did indeed hold us up. She was a light in dark times. She was a beacon and a pillar of strength for all black women who have had to endure the indignity of apartheid. In her we saw what we could become, despite what the architects of apartheid told us. Mama Winnie was an extraordinary woman, but at the same time she was Everywoman. Let us keep her memory alive and fight for a better life for All. She has taught us that from faith comes courage, and from courage comes love for one’s fellow man. Let us not lose hope even when the road before us is long and winding and filled with obstacles. We owe it to her. We owe it to our daughters. We owe it to ourselves. Rest in Peace Mbokodo! I thank you.

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY COMRADE EDNA MOLEWA AT THE ANC UKHAHLAMBA REGION MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MAMA NOMZAMO WINNIE MANDELA 09 APRIL 2018, STEADVILLE COMMUNITY HALL Programme Director Malibongwe igama lama khozikazi Malibongwe! Long live the spirit of Comrade Nomzamo Winnie Mandela Long Live! Long Live the African National Congress, Long Live! Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an honour for me to be here as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC to join you as we commemorate the life of our comrade, our sister, uMama wethu, Nomzamo Winifried Mandela.

gender. She knew, as we do, that it is rural women who still constitute the poorest of the poor in our country – and it was the plight of women that motivated her to train as a social worker, qualifying as the first black female social worker in the country in the late 1950’s. Mama Winnie was relentless and unapologetic in her quest to fight for our country’s women – for the voiceless, the oppressed and the marginalized. It is because of the dedication of women like Mama Winnie and countless other activists like her, that the women of South Africa today are full and active participants in our society: as wives, as mothers, as teachers, as entrepreneurs, as businesswomen, as politicians, as community workers, as activists, and as church leaders.

Indeed, our nation is in mourning, for we have lost a legend and an icon of the liberation struggle, of South Africa, of Africa and of the world. The ANC today lowers its revolutionary banner in mourning at the passing of Mama Winnie, a woman who dedicated her entire life to the better- Ladies and Gentlemen, Mama Winnie lived her life and died as a cadment of her people. re of the African National Congress (ANC). She She was an inspiration to all who share the vision worked actively in the structures of the ANC, as of a free, prosperous, non-racist, non-sexist, dem- a member of Parliament, and as a leader of the ocratic South Africa. Mama was so many things ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) to advocate for to so many people. She epitomized selflessness, the rights of women, and for our equal participacommitment, humility and fortitude – despite tion in society. facing the harshest of circumstances that would She was an active member of the ANC Women’s League and was elected its President in 1993 a have crushed the spirit of any human being. position she held for 10 years. She subsequently Her personality was forged in the trenches of served on the National Executive Committee of struggle. She was not a bystander to history but the ANCWL for a number of years at a time when took an active part in the life of her community, South Africa introduced some of the world’s most in politics, and perhaps most importantly, in the gender-friendly policies to advance women’s rights. struggle for the rights of women. Today, thanks to the groundwork laid by Mama She knew, as we do, that the women of our coun- Winnie and the women of her generation, South try, and black women in particular face the triple Africa under the ANC has made massive advancburden of oppression on account of race, class and es in promoting gender equality and ensuring Page 154

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY COMRADE EDNA MOLEWA AT THE ANC UKHAHLAMBA REGION MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MAMA NOMZAMO WINNIE MANDELA 09 APRIL 2018, STEADVILLE COMMUNITY HALL that our country’s women can hold their heads up er programmes to empower women, and young women in particular. high in society. When we attained our liberation and she joined The society for which Mama Winnie fought, we Parliament she continued to work with commuhave today. It is a society founded on the princi- nities scarred by the effects of social ills such as ples of freedom, equality, justice, human dignity disease, poverty, and violence. Mama Winnie inspired generations of women acand equal opportunity for all. Before 1994, there on 2.7% of those in Parliament tivists to take a stand against the injustices of the were women. This has changed considerably. To- apartheid regime for it was women who bore the day 44% of our Parliament consists of women, brunt of displacement, harassment and persecution. and women make up 43% of Cabinet. Our government, led by the ANC, continues to She took part in a number of demonstrations mainstream women’s issues throughout govern- against the hated pass laws that forced women to ment planning to ensure that every single policy, live lives in perpetual limbo, separated from their decision or programme that is rolled out takes the families and even their children. We continue to needs, considerations and circumstances of wom- feel the effects of this system today especially in our rural areas. en into account. Today there are more girl children enrolled in Mama Winnie loved young people. She went out primary and secondary schools than ever before. of her way to mentor them and invest in their poToday there are more young women receiving ter- tential. Many, many of our leaders in the ANC and tiary education than ever before. It is through the in society today had the honour of being invited policies of this government that we have priori- to her home and receive her words of wisdom, intized supporting young women, including young cluding myself. Her story mirrored that of so many of our wommothers, within our schooling system. Women’s health and maternal health was a sub- en who have had to endure separation from their ject very close to Mama Winnie. It was through husbands, from their children and from their her social work at the then Baragwanath Hospital families – but who endured with patience. She beand in the township of Alexandra that she did re- lieved that everyone can make a difference in the search into amongst other things the high rates of lives of others, no matter how small. She supportinfant mortality, and what could be done to bring ed community organizations in Soweto whether it was with gardening, caring for youth or supportthese numbers down. Within our healthcare system we continue to pri- ing orphans. oritize giving women access to primary and re- When she was in exile in the Free State town of productive health. We have one of the most com- Brandfort she was moved by the plight of indigent prehensive HIV/Aids programmes in the world. young people who lacked opportunities, and esIn recognition of the fact that it is young women tablished a collective, a sewing club and a soup who are most vulnerable to HIV – we continue kitchen during her time there. with comprehensive education, VCT and oth- Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen, Page 155

MOLEWA SPEAKS

DR. EDNA MOLEWA SPEECH BY COMRADE EDNA MOLEWA AT THE ANC UKHAHLAMBA REGION MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MAMA NOMZAMO WINNIE MANDELA 09 APRIL 2018, STEADVILLE COMMUNITY HALL What this tells us is that often in life, though we may be less fortunate, there will always be those even less fortunate than ourselves. As hard as our lives may be – as it was for Mama Winnie, she still had empathy and extended her hand of assistance to others. This is the essence of social responsibility – and is something we should all seek to emulate in her honour. I am pleased to note that there are several such programmes run here in this municipality, many of them by volunteers, and aimed at helping society’s most vulnerable. Today, our young people have taken up the mantle of struggle, and have become active participants in our society. It is they who are at the forefront fighting for a better life not just for themselves, but for their fellow man. We read in John: 12:24 where Jesus said: “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” Comrades, Mama Winnie did not die – she multiplied. She is in the hearts and minds of our next generation of young activists and community workers, and she would be immensely proud of them. We know that attaining our freedom was only the first step. Working hand in hand with our people, we as the ANC government will continue to accelerate our National Programme of Action to eliminate poverty, broaden access to education and healthcare services, create decent jobs, and reduce the disparities that continue to plague our society. Mama Winnie will be remembered for her unwavering belief in the unity of the African National Congress. As a veteran she never hesitated to speak out whenever she saw the ANC going off course. At the same time, and despite her immense stature as an icon - she did so with humiliPage 156

ty and in acknowledgement of the many challenges still facing the movement and our country. We remember her qualities as an activist and a leader, but also her revolutionary discipline and commitment to the founding principles and values of the ANC. It is up to us to jealously guard her legacy, and never, ever fall prey to the forces that seek to divide us as a movement, as a people and as a country. The ANC has declared this to be the Decade of the Cadre – a time when each and every one of us commit to do our part to transform society. In memory of Mama Winnie let us use these occasions of memorial to rededicate ourselves to the vision of a just and equal society that protects the weak and most vulnerable amongst us. It will be the most fitting personal tribute we can make to this great Daughter of the Soil, whose name will live forever in history. Long Live the Spirit of Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Long Live! Viva ANC Viva! --ends--

REMARKS BY H.E. EDNA MOLEWA, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

DR. EDNA MOLEWA AT THE INFORMAL PLENARY MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO COMMEMORATE NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY NEW YORK ON 18 JULY 2018 President of the General Assembly, Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, On behalf of the Republic of South Africa, and President Cyril Ramaphosa – it is an honour to deliver this tribute on what would have been the 100th birthday of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela; a man who meant so many things to so many people. To all of us gathered here in this Assembly, but also to countless other men, women and children around the world. The life of this legendary statesman embodied the values that we as the United Nations hold dear; the values of tolerance, of respect for diversity, and of commitment to the betterment of one’s fellow man. Nelson Mandela believed that all of us, no matter who we are, can make a difference. He believed that every man, woman and child should take responsibility to change the world for the better. It is a fitting tribute to his exemplary life that in South Africa we are leading a campaign called Thuma Mina – which translates to “Send Me”. It is a campaign that encourages all South Africans to stand up and say: “We want to be part of this bright common future, and we are prepared to do our part”. Around our country today, people from all walks of life are taking part in public service, as are many others around the world. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born into the Madiba clan in the village of Mvezo, in the Eastern Cape on 18 July 1918. His birth name, given to him by his father, was Rolihlahla, an isiXhosa name that means “pullPage 157

ing the branch of a tree”, but colloquially it means “troublemaker”. Growing up hearing the elders’ stories of his ancestors’ valour during the wars of resistance, he dreamed also of making his own contribution to the freedom struggle of his people. His individual and the collective struggle and sacrifices of the anti-apartheid movement brought down apartheid after many years. He led South Africa out of the cycle of violence and towards a peaceful transition to democracy. As much as we laud his and others’ contribution to the struggle for our liberation, we are ever mindful that for Nelson Mandela, and for the African National Congress (ANC), his political home and the party to which he remained dedicated throughout his life – liberation was not the end or the road, but just the beginning. Nelson Mandela’s legacy cannot be divorced from the urgent and pressing need to realize true emancipation and that is economic liberation. Ensuring that all have a share in the nation’s wealth, and that all benefit from the opportunities it presents, is the essence of the Freedom Charter that was the foundation of our Constitution in South Africa. It must be the imperative that drives us as nations of the world. So long as the gap between rich and poor remains so stark: so long as only a few in the world enjoy prosperity and human rights and the majority do not; so long as only the few have access to educational opportunities whilst the majority are denied them – we will not have realized the society and world Nelson Mandela worked for. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) as

REMARKS BY H.E. EDNA MOLEWA, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

DR. EDNA MOLEWA AT THE INFORMAL PLENARY MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO COMMEMORATE NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY NEW YORK ON 18 JULY 2018 contained in Agenda 2030 are the these noble objectives that we strive towards. This ambitious global agenda sets us upon a new path towards an egalitarian society where every man, woman and child is given an equal opportunity to develop, to thrive and to better their prospects. Taking them forward to the best of our ability, realizing as we do the interconnectedness of humankind; is the best and most fitting tribute to the life of Nelson Mandela.

would threaten the very progress we have made collectively as the United Nations. Our great leader had advice for the leaders of the world. He stated that they “will have to give clear and decisive leadership towards a world of tolerance and respect for difference, and an uncompromising commitment to peaceful solutions of conflicts and disputes.”

Tata Madiba recognised that there had been no easy road to freedom. He said: “We know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success. We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world.”

For is it us in the United Nations, who must assume a special responsibility for our words and actions in shaping a world free of fear and want. As we celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela, we need to move beyond words and reflections. We need to take over the baton and be the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

His message of tolerance, respect, unity and reconciliation has resonated across the world. Yet despite the deep wounds caused by apartheid, he stated, “The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us.”

We must recommit to the ideal of a just, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and fair world, and revive the values that Nelson Mandela stood for. We must demonstrate mutual respect, tolerance, understanding and reconciliation in our relations; which is the cornerstone of the UN system.

His qualities of humility, forgiveness and compassion, his values of tolerance, dialogue and reconciliation and his dedication to the service of humanity, are sorely needed in the world today.

Perhaps above all, we must always remember that it is our individual actions that count most. We too must stand up and ask: what is it that I can do to make this a better world?

Creating a space for dialogue in order to turn his enemies into partners to build a common future for South Africa was one of his greatest achievements. In the complex world in which we live, there is an urgent need to find common ground and turn our enemies into partners to address our many global challenges. An unstable and insecure world

At a time when we so often ask: what is it that we can do to make an impact and be of service to our communities, to our countries and to humanity at large; we must not hesitate to say: yes, I am here, I am ready. Send Me – Thuma Mina.

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I thank you.

“THE UNIVERSITY AS A FORCE FOR SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION”

DR. EDNA MOLEWA ADDRESS BY CHANCELLOR OF SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, DR EDNA MOLEWA, AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE UNIVERSITY’S FIRST CHANCELLOR ON 17 MARCH 2017 Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand before this esteemed congregation mindful of the weighty responsibility with which I have been entrusted. It is a responsibility I assume with humility, but also with a great sense of pride, for I am honored to have been called upon to serve this great institution.

lence instilled by our forbearers, that nurtured so many African men and women, and drove them to achieve. I acknowledge their contribution here this evening.

I am proud to join the illustrious lineage of chancellors and Vice-Chancellors who once stood here on this very stage; and equally proud to be the very first Chancellor, the very first woman chanWorking with my new colleagues, to chart the cellor, of SMHSU. course for the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMHSU) to take its rightful place as Ladies and Gentlemen, a leading institution of higher learning in South The establishment of the Sefako Makgatho Health Africa, on the continent, and in the world. Sciences University on the 1st of January 2015 was epoch-making. We are on the cusp of change, for tonight we aren’t just making history, we are also acknowledg- This is the first university dedicated to training ing the great umbilical link of history that forever health professionals established post-apartheid, binds us to those who came before us. and as such the first institution of its kind foundIt was their pioneering efforts to create and sustain ed on our Constitutional values of non-racism, a place of learning for black health professionals non-sexism and equality for all. that laid the foundations for the strong institution we have today. In spite of the crushing weight of The SMHSU is the first institution of higher learnapartheid, it was here, on these very grounds, that ing in South Africa established to cater for the full the African child who nurtured hopes of becom- range of health sciences, and not just for training ing a doctor, nurse, dentist, veterinarian, scientist doctors and nurses. or allied health professional, could realize his or her dream. Perhaps most importantly, and of this I am particularly enthusiastic, history presents us with a So successful were the pioneers of the Medical unique and unprecedented opportunity to carve a University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA) that unique institutional identity; one that wholly remore than half of all African medical doctors and flects the aims and aspirations of the nation. dentists in Southern Africa were trained here. Therefore, whilst we celebrate the existence of Institutions of higher learning assume a numthe relatively newly formed Sefako Makgatho ber of functions in society; as repositories of the Health Sciences University (SMHSU) and look knowledge economy; as attractors of talent; as inforward to the future with optimism and hope, cubators of new ideas, and as powerful drivers of we at the same time celebrate the spirit of excel- innovation where faculty and students alike colPage 159

“THE UNIVERSITY AS A FORCE FOR SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION”

DR. EDNA MOLEWA ADDRESS BY CHANCELLOR OF SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, DR EDNA MOLEWA, AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE UNIVERSITY’S FIRST CHANCELLOR ON 17 MARCH 2017 laborate in solving some of society’s most pressing problems. Owing to their unique positioning linking the local with the global, they contribute considerably to both human and social development. Our institutions of higher learning play yet another role; of harnessing the power of education to serve the people.

black scientists and researchers struggled to find funding for research or to be published, a severe setback that held us back as a country from taking our place as leaders in the field of medical research. Yet, despite the burden of history, we have not allowed resource constraints to be our perennial Achilles Heel. This new university, this institution still in its infancy, is already making its In a 2014 article published by the World Bank, mark as a center of research excellence. Arizona State University President Michael Crow spoke of the need for universities to become ‘ef- The MECRU Clinical Research Unit (MeCRU), fective partners for global development.’ based on campus, conducts world-class microbiology research in partnership with the South ‘As the pace and complexity of our global society African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI). Right increases exponentially,” he notes, “there is an ur- here, teams of qualified specialists are doing cutgent need to realign the design and infrastructure ting edge research and clinical work into vaccines. of education, with the needs of the people our educational systems are intended to serve.” The university also collaborates with the Setshaba Research Center in Soshanguve in conductLadies and Gentlemen, ing ‘relevant, ethical and cost beneficial research South Africa, as a country and economy in transi- studies’ around HIV prevention trials, TB clinical tion, faces a number of challenges. trials and pediatric vaccine trials, to name but a few. Despite the considerably and commendable progress made by the African National Congress This campus, of this very new university, also (ANC) government in rolling back centuries of houses the continent’s – that’s right, the contiunderdevelopment, we still face the immense task nent’s largest Skills Center, where students are of tackling poverty and inequality. able to practice their diagnostic skills, but also where courses are offered to the community in esNo more evident is this legacy of skewed resource sential skills like First Aid, Hospital Portering and allocation than in the provision of health service, Paramedics. as well as in the provision of suitable training to black healthcare professionals to meet the needs Engaging communities as active partners and of a burgeoning population. stakeholders has been the lynchpin of this university’s work. The university’s stated goal is to ensure Decades of under-funding and denial of adequate community involvement and support for all of its resources has caused our public healthcare system work, from the training of its health professionals, to buckle under the pressure. During apartheid, to its research. Page 160

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA ADDRESS BY CHANCELLOR OF SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, DR EDNA MOLEWA, AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE UNIVERSITY’S FIRST CHANCELLOR ON 17 MARCH 2017 Esteemed guests, If institutions of higher learning are to achieve meaningful progress in driving societal transformation, as the author notes in his World Bank paper, “universities must embrace their cultural, socioeconomic and physical setting.” It is imperative, he says, that universities be “socially embedded.” The mission of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is ‘to produce a cadre of health professionals with the transformative leadership capacity to identify, analyze and address the health needs of the individual, the family, the community, and the population at large.’ Just as meeting the health needs of the immediate community forms just one part of the university ecosystem, so higher education institutions ‘must go beyond just teaching and awarding degrees, to more broadly influencing the economic development of the country.’ On September the 25th at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, 150 world leaders adopted the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). I am proud to have been amongst those present when the SDG’s were adopted, as they represent the dawn of a new era in human development. The SDG’s also known as the Global Goals, build on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) and call for action from all countries to fight poverty and inequality, promote prosperity, and protect the planet. They “address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection and job opportunities, all the while tackling climate change and environmental protection.” Page 161

At the heart of the Global Goals is the principle of sustainable development. It goes without saying that the principles and practices of sustainable development should be integrated into all aspects of education and learning. Sustainable development has been described by some as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In 1993, the International Association of Universities, or IAU, adopted the Kyoto Declaration on Sustainable Development, and outlines the role of universities in promoting sustainable development. This extends across a range of disciplines including implementing environmental and sustainability practices into the curricula, as well as on how institutions of higher learning can address sustainability in campus operations – commonly referred to as campus greening. Integrating sustainable development into daily campus operations is not just a pipe dream, but now a reality on a number of campuses such as at the University of the Western Cape. In order to meet the needs of a growing student population, it is essential that this university too will integrate sustainable development practices into campus operations. I envision a future SMHSU with more green spaces, parks and open areas for study. I see more renewable energy sources such as solar being used on campus to radically transform the energy usage patterns and save hundreds of thousands of rands in energy bills monthly.

“THE UNIVERSITY AS A FORCE FOR SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION”

DR. EDNA MOLEWA ADDRESS BY CHANCELLOR OF SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, DR EDNA MOLEWA, AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE UNIVERSITY’S FIRST CHANCELLOR ON 17 MARCH 2017 I picture non-motorized transportation becom- medical schools, including the new University of ing the norm on this campus, with well-lit and Limpopo Campus, are annually producing gradfunctional pathways. uates to serve the needs of our public healthcare system. I see a future campus where waste management is overhauled using the latest technologies to recov- According to the South African Medical Journal er, reduce, reuse and recycle waste, instead of it our medical schools currently produce 1 300 docbeing sent to a dump site. tors a year, despite facing a number of resource constraints. In addition, every year hundreds of We will however have to first address and over- student doctors from disadvantaged backgrounds come a number of challenges we currently face, are being trained in Cuba as part of an exchange including but not limited to ageing and dilapidat- programme between our two countries. This suced infrastructure, adequate provision of student cessful programme, which marked 20 years in housing, and the upgrade of current sport and 2016, has benefitted more than 2000 South Afrirecreation facilities for students on campus. can medical students. There is no reason this university should not be As the SAMJ notes however, according to govready to leapfrog into a new area of sustainable ernment’s White Paper on Human Resources, our campuses. medical campuses ‘will have to double their output of general practitioners over the next 15 years The reality though is that without the necessary just to maintain the current ratios to population.’ financial support we will be unable to align our For an institution such as this to become finanneeds and priorities, with taking our place as a cially sustainable and at the same time meet the world-class institution of higher learning. needs of South Africa’s public healthcare system, the support of the private sector will be key. Government funding of higher education has increased dramatically since the dawn of democ- South Africa’s economy is dependent on the availracy. The R21 million student support scheme of ability of skilled labour, and a sound business 1994 is today more than R10 billion. Black uni- case exists for the private sector to contribute to versity students were about 150 000 in 1994. To- funding higher education. After all, these doctors, day this number stands at about 800 000. Many of nurses, allied health professionals and specialists these students are from poor families who upon will ultimately be working to develop our country, graduation enter the job market as young profes- that benefits us all. Corporations have historically sionals; and are able to change the economic sta- always invested in South Africa’s higher education tus of individual households. sector, yet I believe that they need to do more. Since 1994 the number of first year intake MB- At a time when the debate on the private sector’s ChB students at South Africa’s medical schools contribution to global development has become has increased exponentially. South Africa’s nine more pronounced, I call on the private sector to Page 162

“THE UNIVERSITY AS A FORCE FOR SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION”

DR. EDNA MOLEWA ADDRESS BY CHANCELLOR OF SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, DR EDNA MOLEWA, AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE UNIVERSITY’S FIRST CHANCELLOR ON 17 MARCH 2017 join hands with us in addressing the challenges limitations in pursuit of intellectual fusion.” facing the funding of higher education. This institution, like all others, has to adapt to There is a fundamental link between education changing times, and it must become a center of inand economic development. What has been novation. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences Uniachieved here at Sefako Makgatho Health Scienc- versity will need to critically examine its role as a es University illustrates very clearly that resource driver of the economy, and how, as a knowledge constraints have never been a barrier to excel- producer, it can produce graduates who match lence, or an excuse for mediocrity. the needs of society by becoming more competPrivate sector firms who recognize the necessity itive through ‘smart specialization.’ of the kind of skills being taught here to the economy, must deepen their relationships with our The advent of Big Data, tele-medicine, MHealth, universities through the establishment of chairs, e-medicine and the like has thrust the profession the provision of bursary programmes, student into an exciting new terrain where ‘place-based’ placements, internships and the like. education and training has become a thing of the past. Tonight I am calling on our corporate friends and partners to be bold and courageous. Investing in Technological advances in healthcare utilizing higher education is not just something you should smartphones, tablets and even applications are do as part of a box-ticking exercise or as part of seeing healthcare services ‘being taken out of the your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It is confines of the hospital walls, and being integratbuying a real, tangible stake in the future of our ed with user-friendly, accessible devices.’ Patient great nation. healthcare records are now being integrated with smart systems platforms and cloud computing, The Return on Investment may not be a number representing massive strides in the way patient you can actually show on your balance sheet, but information is managed. you can be certain that it is in the long-term interests of our country. One of my first acts as Chan- I was fascinated to read about about a medical cellor is to establish a Friends of Sefako Makgatho services company in the United Kingdom that is Health Sciences University – a forum whereby conducting a virtual learning training programme you will be able to become involved in the work in anesthesia for nurses thousands of miles away and activities of this institution. I am happy to in- in Eritrea. Through e-learning these medical proteract with you later this evening to see how we fessionals situated in rural and far-flung areas of can forge partnerships to enable this institution to east Africa are being capacitated and skilled in achieve its full potential. ways previously unheard of a decade ago. By equal measure, our universities too have to step Similarly, as one of the BBT’s in this audience up. They have a responsibility, as one researcher (for those who don’t know it means Born Before has put it, “to transcend traditional disciplinary Technology!) I have been similarly fascinated by Page 163

“THE UNIVERSITY AS A FORCE FOR SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION”

DR. EDNA MOLEWA ADDRESS BY CHANCELLOR OF SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, DR EDNA MOLEWA, AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE UNIVERSITY’S FIRST CHANCELLOR ON 17 MARCH 2017 a mobile phone-based Pediatric Vaccine reminder app that enables parents to keep track of their child’s vaccination chart and schedule, with a sms reminder sent before shots are due. Just imagine how this could radically transform vaccine management in our primary healthcare system! The question before us, is how does the new Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University harness this new technological age for academic research as well as financial benefit? In a paper prepared for the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos 2017 titled ‘The Role of Education in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,’ the researcher looks at the way in which higher education will deliver the right set of skills and knowledge to future generations. More specifically, at how the delivery of education will be transformed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

tablish itself as a center of distance learning for health professionals from around the world aiming for accreditation in a number of disciplines. By the same token, healthcare workers situated in communities far away from this campus can achieve accredited short course qualifications through e-learning, thereby addressing our country’s skills shortage. As the author of the WEF paper notes, “with the reduced public financial support for higher education; universities need to think strategically regarding methods to utilize their experience in credentials, trust and identity to offer new services.” Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since its establishment as the Medical University of South Africa, this institution has understood too well the realities of working around resource constraints, and has come to epitomize resilience. “With the expansion in networking services na- Resilience is not measured by having hobbled tionally and globally, she writes, “physical bound- along, falling into all the potholes, and doing the aries are no longer barriers to education.” best you can do “under the circumstances.” The paper identifies Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) – a form of digitized university education that is either accessible for free or for a fee, as a potentially disruptive innovation. The number of global MOOC participants, she notes, has doubled in 2015 from 16-18 million students to 35 million students across all MOOC providers.

Resilience is about successfully working around those constraints, finding new ways of doing things, and all the while never sacrificing a commitment to excellence. This institution in its former iteration has been resilient, and it has endured. The time has come now for this university to dare to dream. Many a great nation was steered to greatness, germinated by the dreams of its Imagine, if you will, the potential presented for young. this institution to make its curricula available for study for students from around the world, es- These walls echo the dreams of the many young pecially those who are unable to afford to be on men and women who passed through the doors campus full-time. With its solid reputation for of this university. The establishment of the Sefaresearch, this university has the potential to es- ko Makgatho Health Sciences University was the Page 164

“THE UNIVERSITY AS A FORCE FOR SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION”

DR. EDNA MOLEWA ADDRESS BY CHANCELLOR OF SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, DR EDNA MOLEWA, AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE UNIVERSITY’S FIRST CHANCELLOR ON 17 MARCH 2017 realization of the dream of an African university, of society, to be instructive. “Education consists deeply attached to and rooted in Africa, and in not only in the sum of what a man knows, or the the community it serves. skill with which he can put this to his own advantage, he said. We have a blank canvas upon which to carve this institution’s uniquely African identity, and to do “Man’s education must be measured chiefly in his so requires boldness. A particular kind of bold- power to understand and appreciate the needs of ness that is alive, pioneering and unafraid for the his fellow men, and to be of service to them.” future; a future Africa defined by interconnectivity and technological advancement and proceed- Ladies and Gentlemen, ing at a pace unprecedented in human history. Our government has established this institution, We can either choose to do things the way we the first of its kind in democratic South Africa that have always done, or we can fully embrace this aims to be a world-class health sciences university new future and get on board. It is a future that producing men and women who will make an imlooks skywards, but with the other hand steadily mense contribution to the development of South holding on to its roots. Africa, and of Africa, now and in the future. Education is not only a means to personal economic security and social privilege, it is a driver of societal transformation. It improves the lives of those who have graduated, but as a force for public good, it must by necessity also improve the lives of those who have never seen the inside of a university lecture theater.

It is time to focus our efforts, forge partnerships and chart the course. I look forward to working with the faculty, the students, and the community, our most valued stakeholder to realize our vision.

The stature of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University grows by the day, and I am immensely proud to be part of its journey. We have it within Speaking at the official opening of the Institute our means to make this an institution of higher for African Studies at the University of Ghana on learning that takes its rightful place in the life of October 25th, 1963, then Ghanaian President Dr. our nation. Kwame Nkrumah posited a number of questions around what kind of institution his country want- A great future awaits. As Nkrumah said: “The ed and needed at the time. time has come for the gown to come to town.” ‘For what kind of service,” he asked, are we pre- I thank you. paring students of this Institute and our Universities?’ I find that his thoughts on the way in which educational institutions must adapt to reflect the state Page 165

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA REMARKS BY CHANCELLOR OF SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, DR EDNA MOLEWA, AT RECEPTION EVENT FOLLOWING INSTALLATION CEREMONY ON 17 MARCH 2017 Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends I would like to first of all thank you for honoring my invitation to be here with us this evening. I know many of you will have come from far, and it is pleasure to host you. I believe a great deal has been said this evening and I would like us to all sit back and enjoy ourselves, so I will keep my remarks brief, save to say that in between enjoying the hospitality of the university, that we will also use this opportunity to do a bit of networking. My dear friends representing the corporate sector. They say there is no such thing as a free lunch! I would like to take a few minutes to give you a brief overview of the challenges the university faces with regards to meeting the needs of its faculty and students, which I alluded to earlier in my address. It is my hope, and wish, that following tonight’s event I will be able to facilitate a visit to the campus at a mutually convenient time, to enable you to witness first hand what I mean when I say this campus is a canvas, with immense untapped potential. You will all know that the grounds on which we currently stand house buildings constructed as far back as 1976, when the doors of MEDUNSA were first opened.

stance to many of the old residence houses. I’m told this area of campus is called the Lost City, for good reason, once you see all the bush! These houses that were originally intended for students with families, were constructed with asbestos roofing. Knowing what we do now, all these years later about the hazards of asbestos and its detrimental effect on human health, they are not safe for human habitation. This is an area of work with which I am well familiar, as the Department of Environmental Affairs over which I preside has an asbestos awareness programme falling under our Chemicals and Waste Branch, as well as a Secondary Asbestos Remediation Programme. The university, in partnership with the Development Bank of South Africa, is building a new student village. I am sure you will appreciate however, that as our student population grows, so do their needs, and in this regard I am counting on your support in assisting us.

Elsewhere on campus, the inadequacy of housing has led to a unique situation where many of our students have to be bussed in daily from as far away as Tshwane. This is an extremely untenable situation if one considers the rigor required of medical students, who often have to stay on camI am not sure whether to say it is testimony to good pus late for extra classes, study groups or practiarchitecture or good luck that they still stand to- cals. It is also a great expense to the university and day! We face a number of challenges Ladies and is ultimately unsustainable. Gentlemen, and some are quite unique. I have visited the student residences north of the campus, Currently our residences accommodate up to 10 and hope you will too. You will see that although students, but even the currently habitable resrefurbishments are underway in some instances, idences will need refurbishment sooner or latin others we will have to tear the structures down er. During your upcoming tour you will see that when they were originally constructed, fire escompletely. capes were not built. This presents a hazard for When I speak of unique challenges, I refer for in- our students. In addition, only one residence has Page 166

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DR. EDNA MOLEWA REMARKS BY CHANCELLOR OF SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, DR EDNA MOLEWA, AT RECEPTION EVENT FOLLOWING INSTALLATION CEREMONY ON 17 MARCH 2017 a computer lab, an essential for the kind of work our students are doing. Aside from the residences, other ageing infrastructure is also in urgent need of upgrade. The campus has a single sewerage treatment facility, that was built in the 1970’s, and also serves the adjacent George Mukhari Academic Hospital. Because of its age, this facility is becoming more expensive to maintain, and has broken down a number of times, severely affecting the university’s and the hospital’s functioning.

scarcity this campus has faced over the years. As the Minister of Environmental Affairs, it is my dream to see a greener and more sustainable campus. By this I don’t only mean creating more green areas with all the magnificent indigenous flora this area is so well-known for. Sustainability also refers to improved energy and water efficiency, the uptake of renewable energy sources, the greater use of non-motorized transport, and waste management, all of which I outlined earlier.

You will note, Ladies and Gentlemen, that the university’s sports and recreation facilities are run-down. I need to say upfront that often when considering higher education funding priorities, and the allocation of scarce resources, this is not ordinarily regarded as one.

To do all of this requires your support, and as the new Chancellor I would like to call on you to support the activities of this university and its various subdivisions, as well as other activities relating to education on campus. As they say, all great things begin with a small idea, and whilst the Friends of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University association is literally in its infancy, I hope in time to come to be able to engage with you one-on-one about this concept and how you can become part of it. We need you, and the country needs you.

If one considers however that our students live and study on campus, the provision of such facilities is an integral part of ensuring student well-being. The absence of recreational facilities on campus means that our students need to go off campus for that partying students have been known for since time immemorial, and it is one of my priorities to ensure that we put facilities on campus that make it easier for them to lead holistic lives as students of this university.

I believe you have been provided with some collateral in the form of reading material about the university and its priorities. We will be establishing a website for the Friends of Sefako Makgatho University in due course and will communicate with you all. So don’t be surprised when you reI have seen old photographs from the campus ceive correspondence directly from me – and in its heyday, and there used to be a magnificent don’t be worried that its because you got in the green space located on the northernmost part wrong side of Environmental Affairs! of the campus. It was called the Biblical Garden, and the greenery was so lush that couples used to I will leave at at that, Ladies and Gentlemen, come here to take their wedding photographs. I encourage you to make the most of this evening, Over the years, these once magnificent green but most importantly to just enjoy yourselves! spaces have fallen into disuse, which I am sure we can all appreciate was natural, given the resource ---ends-Page 167

IN MEMORY OF Ms Edna Bomo Molewa.

POEM BY CLAUDE

Tomorrow is the day, the day when 320 Rigel Avenue becomes just memory. I cannot help but remember the sounds, the laughter, the chats around the house. A lifetime of memories had, in sun and in rain, when darkness fell, or when morning broke. It all seems surreal now, but in the study upstairs, silence reigns quietly, no meals are served around the dinner table, no voices are heard from the rooms, no one and nothing. It feels like a lifetime ago, and our lives where so different then, so occupied, so engrossed, so mesmerized. I recall the occasions I had been there, I was always in awe, not once believing that I was working so closely with her. My best times where always those quiet Saturday when I would be called out of the blue. I would find her in her study, in what I later assumed was her most comfortable brown dress, and turban. She’l be hard at work on her assignments, but multitasking as only she could. Making a grocery list, or taking a call, calling out to someone. It was those days that I would remember her, the days when even in her most homely manner she oozed greatness, unpretentious, unknowingly, and simply amazing. I would hurry about to get her water, or tea, or something, or at times to pick up some supplies from the shops. I would be tired, but completely fulfilled. She knew everyone, and almost everything. I was in the presence of greatness. Even without titles, and positions she was, and always will be a cut above the rest. Her sun has not set, it just burns brighter and bigger than ever before!

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