Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, delivered the Country Statement at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum currently underway at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) is convened by UN-Habitat. The forum brings together a wide range of urban stakeholders to explore solutions to the growing global housing crisis and to position housing as a foundation for safe and resilient cities and communities.
South Africa positions housing as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. The country continues to advance localisation of the New Urban Agenda through practical, city-level interventions that strengthen municipal capacity, improve governance, and accelerate service delivery.
Accompanying the Minister is a South African delegation comprising the Limpopo MEC for CoGHSTA, Basikopo Makamu; the SALGA Chairperson for the Human Settlements and Urban Agenda Working Group, Xolani Sotashe; the North West MEC for Human Settlements, Oageng Molapisi; the Free State MEC for CoGHSTA, Saki Mokoena; the Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metro Municipality, Gregory Nthatisi; and the Director-General of the Department of Human Settlements, Alec Moemi, amongst others.