The UK2070 Commission Taskforce announces the establishment of Taskforce in South Africa: The UK2070 Mpumalanga Taskforce.
This taskforce is a key initiative within its comprehensive program aimed at fostering regional development and addressing socio-economic disparities. The UK2070 Taskforce Programme is chaired by Professor Michael Henson, and the UK2070 Mpumalanga Taskforce Vice Chair will be Dr. Vathi Papu-Zamxaka, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Engagement at Tshwane University of Technology.
Following the successful launch of the UK Teesside Taskforce in October 2020, the SA Mpumalanga Taskforce represents the second major endeavour under the UK2070 Commission’s Taskforce initiative.
UK2070 Mpumalanga Taskforce will collaborate closely with Tshwane University of Technology, Presidential Climate Commission, local businesses and enterprise partnerships and the local community to develop and implement strategies that align with the UK2070 Commission’s 10-point plan objectives.
The UK2070 Mpumalanga Taskforce will begin its operations programme from 1st July 2024, focusing on identifying key areas for development and engaging with the Presidential Climate Commission to ensure the success of its initiatives.
Professor Michael Henson, Chair of the UK2070 Commission Taskforce Programme, said:
“ The UK2070 Taskforce programme are delighted to welcome the South Africa Mpumalanga Taskforce into the vibrant and dynamic fold of the Taskforce programme. This integration marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards addressing regional inequalities and fostering sustainable development. The combined expertise and unwavering commitment of our partners across the UK and South Africa will undoubtedly propel us towards a more equitable and prosperous future. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will help drive transformative change, ensuring that regions can harness its unique strengths and opportunities to thrive.”
Baroness Wilcox of Newport Vice chair UK2070 Taskforce Programme commented,
“I am deeply committed to advancing initiatives that bridge the economic and social divides between our regions. Our work is focused on creating inclusive growth and resilient communities, Today’s news is most welcome, and my assured further commitment to supporting the UK2070 Taskforce programme and developing further, with Professor Henson, a UK2070 Cardiff Taskforce later this year, working alongside both Teesside and Mpumalanga”.
Dr. Vathi Papu-Zamxaka, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement at Tshwane University of Technology and Vice Chair of the Mpumalanga Taskforce, added: “This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and the community. We are committed to driving impactful renewable energy research and innovation that will benefit the Mpumalanga region and beyond. The latter will assist in curbing global climate change challenges”.
Presidential Climate Commission, commented:
The establishment of the Mpumalanga Taskforce enriches existing efforts to build local science and technology capacity to support a just transition. Valuable partnerships with universities such as Teesside, which has established a net-zero technology centre, will precipitate knowledge and innovations give rise to creative solutions to a low-carbon climate-resilient economy and society.
Professor Steve Cummings, Vice Chair of the UK2070 Teesside Taskforce, said:
“We welcome this announcement. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we aim to drive impactful change, sharing innovative solutions and best practices to tackle climate change and foster sustainable development both in the UK and South Africa. UK2070 Teesside Taskforce, based at Teesside University, reaffirms its commitment to international climate action following a recent visit from the South African Presidential Climate Commission.”
For more information please contact : UK2070 Taskforce Secretariat UK2070commissiom@turntown.com
