A major milestone in the country’s history was marked today when the South African Reserve Bank launched two commemorative circulation coins honouring women whose courage, leadership and sacrifice helped shape South Africa’s path to freedom, equality and justice.
Building an inclusive economy that creates jobs, expands business opportunities and improves the lives of all South Africans remains a central priority of the Seventh Administration. Government is pursuing a range of policies and programmes to accelerate economic growth, attract investment and unlock greater opportunities for businesses. Among these is Operation Vulindlela, a programme focused on removing barriers to economic growth and improving the performance of key sectors of the economy.
It is a sad reflection of our society that almost everyone knows or has heard of a woman who has experienced abuse, gender-based violence or femicide (GBVF). Sometimes we convince ourselves that such abuse occurs in the dark underbelly of society, or that it is far removed from our daily lives. Yet women are often harmed by people they know and trust – a husband, partner, superior, colleague, fellow church member, teacher or acquaintance.
South Africa’s ability to achieve sustained growth, create jobs and improve lives depends on infrastructure that works. Roads, rail, ports, water systems, energy networks and digital connectivity are not just public assets. They move goods, keep communities supplied, connect small businesses to markets and give households confidence that essential services will be available when needed.
For many South Africans, managing money has become a daily balancing act. Rising living costs, household debt, limited disposable income and unexpected expenses can place significant pressure on families and make it increasingly difficult to plan for the future. The scale of household debt pressures in South Africa is a particular cause for concern.
South Africa’s pursuit of sporting excellence is about more than winning medals, lifting trophies or achieving victories on the global stage. It is about building a nation that believes in its potential, invests in its people and creates opportunities for every South African to excel. As we mark Mandela Month, we are reminded of Nelson Mandela’s belief that sport has the unique ability to inspire, unite and bring people together across social, cultural and economic differences.
South Africa's democracy was forged through the courage, sacrifice and unwavering determination of those who believed in the ideals of freedom, equality and human dignity. The road to freedom was neither easy nor without immense pain. It demanded extraordinary resilience from generations who endured injustice, oppression and personal hardship in pursuit of a democratic South Africa where all people could enjoy equal rights and opportunities. The democratic gains achieved over the past three decades were hard-won and remain a shared national responsibility.
South Africa commemorates Freedom Month.
