Please find attached a soundbite by Emma Louise Powell MP.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the announcement made at the EU-South Africa Summit in Cape Town, where President Ursula von der Leyen and President António Costa reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with South Africa.
The DA further extends its gratitude to the EU for the generous €4.7 billion Global Gateway Investment Package, with €4.4 billion dedicated to South Africa’s clean and just energy transition. This investment underscores the EU’s commitment to tackling climate change and supporting South Africa in its renewable energy ambitions, in line with the Scaling up Renewables in Africa campaign.
This landmark deal will drive investment, advance the clean energy transition, enhance skills development, and support key strategic industries, fostering job creation and economic growth in our country.
The agreement to initiate talks on a Clean Trade and Investment Partnership is an important milestone that positions South Africa as a leading partner to the European Union (EU) in sustainable economic cooperation.
We also acknowledge the European Union’s decision commitment to ensuring that South Africa benefits from responsible and sustainable resource development. This presents an opportunity to bolster our local industries, create employment, and enhance our competitiveness on the global stage.
We also appreciate the EU’s focus on enhancing connectivity infrastructure and strengthening the local pharmaceutical industry, both of which are crucial to economic resilience and improved service delivery.
As South Africa’s primary champion of economic growth and sustainable development, the DA will continue to support the GNU’s efforts to advance bilateral initiatives that drive investment, create jobs, and foster international partnerships that benefit all South Africans.
We look forward to engaging further on the implementation of this partnership and ensuring that these investments are effectively utilised for the advancement of our nation.
We thank the EU for their important and enduring friendship with our country, and look forward to building on this for many years to come.