, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
1.1. Write an essay on the linkage between South Africa’s national development planning and
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In your answer provide practical and relevant
examples to illustrate this linkage.
The Linkage Between South Africa’s National Development Planning and the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)
Introduction
South Africa's national development planning is intricately linked to the global Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to address global
challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and access to education and health. These
goals build upon the legacy of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and aim to ensure
inclusive and sustainable development for all countries. South Africa’s Medium-Term Strategic
Framework (MTSF), a central pillar of its development planning, aligns directly with the SDGs
through strategic priorities that reflect the nation's socio-economic challenges and aspirations. This
essay explores the linkage between South Africa’s national planning and the SDGs, using practical
and relevant examples to illustrate how the country is operationalising these global goals
domestically.
Strategic Alignment of National Priorities with SDGs
South Africa’s Medium-Term Strategic Framework is designed to guide policy implementation,
planning, and resource allocation across government departments. It is structured around seven
strategic priorities that aim to address persistent issues such as poverty, unemployment, inequality,
and poor service delivery. Each of these priorities demonstrates a clear alignment with specific SDGs,
reflecting the country's commitment to contributing to the global development agenda while
addressing domestic developmental needs (PUB3701, 2020).
Priority 1: Economic Growth, Job Creation and Sustainable Livelihoods
The first strategic priority focuses on accelerating economic growth and transforming the economy
to create decent jobs and ensure sustainable livelihoods. This priority aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty)
and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which seek to eradicate poverty and ensure
productive employment and decent work for all. In South Africa, this has translated into initiatives to
support entrepreneurship, particularly among youth and women, and to grow small and medium
enterprises (SMEs). For instance, government programmes like the Expanded Public Works
Programme (EPWP) provide temporary jobs and skills development, particularly in rural and
disadvantaged areas, thereby enabling individuals to participate in the economy meaningfully
(United Nations, 2025). Additionally, leveraging digital platforms and social media has enabled
small businesses to market their services and products more widely, thereby increasing their reach
and economic viability (Social Media, Development and Governance, 2020).
1.1. Write an essay on the linkage between South Africa’s national development planning and
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In your answer provide practical and relevant
examples to illustrate this linkage.
The Linkage Between South Africa’s National Development Planning and the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)
Introduction
South Africa's national development planning is intricately linked to the global Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to address global
challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and access to education and health. These
goals build upon the legacy of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and aim to ensure
inclusive and sustainable development for all countries. South Africa’s Medium-Term Strategic
Framework (MTSF), a central pillar of its development planning, aligns directly with the SDGs
through strategic priorities that reflect the nation's socio-economic challenges and aspirations. This
essay explores the linkage between South Africa’s national planning and the SDGs, using practical
and relevant examples to illustrate how the country is operationalising these global goals
domestically.
Strategic Alignment of National Priorities with SDGs
South Africa’s Medium-Term Strategic Framework is designed to guide policy implementation,
planning, and resource allocation across government departments. It is structured around seven
strategic priorities that aim to address persistent issues such as poverty, unemployment, inequality,
and poor service delivery. Each of these priorities demonstrates a clear alignment with specific SDGs,
reflecting the country's commitment to contributing to the global development agenda while
addressing domestic developmental needs (PUB3701, 2020).
Priority 1: Economic Growth, Job Creation and Sustainable Livelihoods
The first strategic priority focuses on accelerating economic growth and transforming the economy
to create decent jobs and ensure sustainable livelihoods. This priority aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty)
and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which seek to eradicate poverty and ensure
productive employment and decent work for all. In South Africa, this has translated into initiatives to
support entrepreneurship, particularly among youth and women, and to grow small and medium
enterprises (SMEs). For instance, government programmes like the Expanded Public Works
Programme (EPWP) provide temporary jobs and skills development, particularly in rural and
disadvantaged areas, thereby enabling individuals to participate in the economy meaningfully
(United Nations, 2025). Additionally, leveraging digital platforms and social media has enabled
small businesses to market their services and products more widely, thereby increasing their reach
and economic viability (Social Media, Development and Governance, 2020).
