South Africa

Ever since diamonds were discovered on the banks of the Orange River in 1867 mining has been at the heart of South Africa’s economic growth.

The annual State of the Nation Address (SoNA) is a significant event in the government calendar. The President delivers it to a joint sitting of Parliament where he outlines the key achievements and priorities of government.

The recent brutal rape, serious bodily harm which was inflicted, and subsequent death of 17-year old Anene Booysen shocked all South Africans. What was even more disturbing was that one of the attackers was her 23-year old former boyfriend - whom she identified before she died. Most of us found it difficult to understand how a previous partner could commit such an inhuman and cruel crime.

South Africa’s blue print for the next 20 years to steadily roll back unemployment, poverty and inequality is slowly beginning to take shape and is now firmly at the centre of our economic thrust.

At the height of the global economic crisis several countries found themselves floundering with their economies on the verge of collapse. Like a rudderless ship they were being pounded mercilessly by wave after wave of negative economic news.

A healthier nation starts with our children and health is vital for children to reach their full potential. Without proper healthcare, various medical problems could go undetected and untreated which could affect the development of a child.

As news broke of the behaviour of a few policemen who were recorded dragging Daveyton taxi driver Mido Macia down the street, South Africa expressed wholesale outrage .

It is often said not to concentrate on the past but to focus on the future. Tomorrow we have the opportunity to do both, to remember where we have come from and to make sure that we never venture down that dark road ever again.

The auditing of government institutions in South Africa is required by law. Every action, decision and expenditure by public officials is reviewed by government accountants and auditors to ensure that it adheres to the rules and procedures. All actions must be lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair.

It happens in the blink of an eye; in those few seconds your life and those you love can be drastically changed forever. Fatal road accidents in South Africa are sadly a common occurrence and every year it leads to more than 14 000 deaths.

Speaking to family members of a drug addict is heart-wrenching. They tell you about late night visits to hospitals after an overdose. They describe the sadness they experienced after discovering that items of sentimental value had disappeared and were sold for drugs.

At one time or the other we all have to visit a government office, and often we approach the trip with trepidation, fearing that it will be a time consuming experience. More often than not we are pleasantly surprised at the quick, friendly and efficient service.

Most 100 year anniversaries are moments of happiness - an occasion to mark with joyous celebration. In June, South Africa will be marking a very different anniversary. This year marks 100 years since the promulgation of the 1913 Natives Land Act that saw thousands of black families forcibly removed from their land by the apartheid government.

There is a new pastime that will soon have all South Africans scanning the sky. No need for concern though, it has nothing to do with unidentified flying objects.

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, for the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit.