The German Ambassador to South Africa, Dieter W. Haller and South African Finance Minister Pravhin Gordhan signed a 100 million Euro framework agreement on April 5, 2011 in support of development cooperation measures of the South African Government.

The funds were committed during last year’s visit of German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Development Minister Dirk Niebel to South Africa, and promote clean energy, address the impacts of climate change as well as support important social projects. Enlarge image Niebel, Motlanthe and Westerwelle an the balcony of the Union Building in Pretoria (© picture-alliance/dpa)
German Ambassador Dieter W. Haller finalized the agreement between his government and that of South Africa, providing funding for clean energy, projects that address the impacts of climate change, as well as important social projects in the fight against violence and the HIV/Aids epidemic. These represent the development priorities of the South African Government.

Green electricity and efficient energy management

The sustainable supply of electricity poses a huge challenge to most countries in southern Africa, as it does in South Africa. Coal is the cheapest but also the most environmentally- harmful energy source for the country, which is now the 15th largest emitter of CO2 worldwide.

In order to combat these negative developments, Germany supports the South African Government in its initiatives to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The state-owned Industrial Development Bank (IDC) makes use of the development cooperation resources to implement projects in cooperation with the private sector. Additionally, German support also promotes efficient and environmentally-friendly power generation in South Africa's neighbouring countries through biomass or hydropower. In this way, the power supply will become more reliable and climate-friendly.

Overcoming developmental obstacles – the fight against HIV/Aids

A short life expectancy and the resulting reduction of the active labour force are some of the dramatic results of the HIV/Aids epidemic. The average infection rate is 11 percent, and amongst the economically-active population aged between 15 and 49 it amounts to almost 20 percent, which inhibits the development of the country Enlarge image Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and Ambassador Haller with various officials involved in the VPUU project (© VPUU)

The committed funds from the German Federal Government will primarily support the endeavours of non-governmental organisations in the fight against the epidemic. The two most important weapons in the battle against the spread of the virus remain HIV-testing and awareness. The supported NGOs supplement the work of the South African government in the areas of HCT (HIV Counselling and Testing) as well as campaigns that call on the youth to adopt a more responsible attitude and behaviour towards risk factors such as alcohol abuse and unsafe sex.

Violence Prevention in Townships

German development cooperation, via the KfW Development Bank, aids in combating the problem of violence. Districts are improved structurally: sports facilities and playgrounds are erected, trails are being replaced by broad footpaths and made safer through lighting. The results are clear: the murder and attack rates decline and security increases. The construction measures are being accompanied by advisory services for business start-ups, awareness raising campaigns and safety and security trainings.