Friends of UNDP, our valued partners in Government, the Diplomatic Community, International Development stakeholders, Civil Society, the Private Sector, Academia, and many more stakeholders that we have had the pleasure to work with.

It is with mixed emotions that I inform you of my upcoming departure from my role as the UNDP Resident Representative here in South Africa. The time has come for me to embark on a new journey and take up responsibilities at another duty station in the neighbouring Zimbabwe. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and share a few thoughts. 

Working alongside you all has been an incredible privilege and a source of great inspiration. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones in our shared pursuit of sustainable development and positive change. The progress we've made, the challenges we've overcome, and the lessons we've learned will forever be etched in my heart.

Our collaborations have gone beyond mere partnerships; they have been built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a better world. Your dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals have been the driving force behind our collective achievements.

Since the beginning of my assignment in June 2019, I have been truly fortunate to witness first-hand the transformative power of our joint efforts. From empowering marginalized communities to fostering innovation for inclusive growth, we have demonstrated that positive change is possible when like-minded individuals and organizations come together. Our cumulative support to youth since 2019 has touched the lives of 27,857 youth and women who have benefitted from our skills and entrepreneurship development programmes, including job placements. We have powered communities through our wind-solar hybrid mini-grid systems, provided internet connection to nearly 200 public facilities connecting 51 326 people daily, supported COVID-19 and flood disaster recovery efforts of the Government of South Africa by supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening health and disaster management systems, and building knowledge for policy reforms and institutional capacity. 

While I am sad to bid farewell to this wonderful chapter of my journey, I am also excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The experiences and lessons I've gained here will undoubtedly shape my work and contributions in my new role. Rest assured that the strong foundation we have built together will continue to thrive and flourish under the capable hands of my successor and our dedicated UNDP team. 

Please consider this message as an invitation to maintain the connections we have cultivated. The bonds we've formed extend beyond geographical boundaries, and I am hopeful that our paths will cross again in the future, perhaps in different capacities but always with the same shared purpose. I have greatly enjoyed the natural wonders and the hospitality of the people of this beautiful country.

As I look back on our time together, I am filled with immense gratitude for your unwavering support, your collaboration, and your friendship. Let us carry forward the spirit of partnership and continue our collective journey towards a more equitable, just, and sustainable world.

Thank you, Ndiyabulela, Ke a leboga, Baie Dankie.