Operation Vulindlela: Driving Economic Reforms for Growth and Inclusion

To enhance South Africa’s attractiveness as a travel and investment destination, e-Visas have been introduced for travellers from 34 countries.

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has underscored the tangible progress made in implementing structural reforms through Operation Vulindlela, a collaborative initiative between the National Treasury and the Presidency. Since its inception in 2020, this initiative has been instrumental in addressing key economic bottlenecks and enhancing efficiency in vital sectors, including energy, freight logistics, digital communication, water management, and skilled immigration.

Key Achievements of Operation Vulindlela

Energy Sector Reforms

A significant milestone has been reached in energy security, with the creation of a 22,500-megawatt pipeline of projects. Notably, over 10,000 megawatts have been formally registered with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), marking one of the final steps in the regulatory process. These projects will play a crucial role in alleviating power shortages and reducing load shedding.

Freight and Logistics Enhancement

To improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the country’s freight logistics system, the Freight Logistics Roadmap was approved. This roadmap allows for private sector participation and ensures non-discriminatory third-party access to the network, fostering a more open and competitive logistics environment.

Affordable Digital Communication

The cost of mobile data has significantly decreased, benefiting businesses and individuals alike. The price of a 1.5GB data bundle has dropped by 51%, improving accessibility and affordability of digital communication services.

Water Security and Management

The backlog of water-use licenses has been completely cleared, unlocking billions of rands in investment and enabling previously stalled projects to move forward. Additionally, the reinstatement of the Green Drop, Blue Drop, and No Drop certification system marks a crucial step in ensuring water quality regulation. These certifications provide a framework for identifying and addressing issues in municipalities struggling to provide clean water to residents.

Streamlining Immigration and Tourism Boost

To enhance South Africa’s attractiveness as a travel and investment destination, e-Visas have been introduced for travellers from 34 countries. Furthermore, the Trusted Employer Scheme has been implemented to expedite visa processing for major investors, facilitating the entry of skilled professionals and boosting tourism.

Phase 2: Expanding and Strengthening Reforms

Building on the success of the first phase, the next phase of Operation Vulindlela will focus on:

• Following through on existing reforms in energy, water, logistics, and visa systems.
• Strengthening local government capacity to improve the delivery of essential services.
• Harnessing digital public infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and financial inclusion.
• Creating efficient, productive, and inclusive urban environments that drive sustainable development.

As these reforms continue to take effect, Operation Vulindlela remains a key driver of economic transformation, ensuring that South Africa remains competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term growth.