Features

It is a year after the Marikana tragedy, which zoomed into the lives of the mining communities and drew attention to the enduring scale and importance of South Africa’s mineral wealth.

When more than 20 000 South African women converged at the Union Buildings 57 years ago, from every corner of the country, they created one of the enduring land marks of our country’s history.

It’s a chilly Tuesday morning and I am on my way to meet Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe, with a tinge of nervousness tugging at me.

As the country celebrates 100 years of the contribution of women to the struggle for liberation, Economic Development Deputy Minister Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize challenges the country’s women to reposition themselves and become transformation hubs.

If you are a follower of South African politics, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka needs no introduction. Known as ‘Mamlambo’ to those close to her, Mlambo-Ngcuka is synonymous with politics and leadership in South Africa and for years has been one of the famous faces of political leadership in the country.

A few years ago Thabani Mthiyane knew nothing about aviation.

Its eight o’clock in the morning and Ayanda Vilakazi is already rushing to an important board meeting.

Durban- In 1998, Daniel Matsoso woke up in the intensive care unit after suffering multiple organ failure.

Cape Town- For a young adult, South Africa has definitely left its mark in the world. In December 2010, the then 16-year-old country was invited to join the Bric bloc, resulting in Brics. And as the country approaches its 20th birthday, it has shown that it is a powerhouse in the making.

Thokoza – “I’m very hurt because I was not aware that her sexuality affected other people, while the family didn’t have a problem with her choices. She loved herself the way she was. I don’t know what it is that disgusted them when they looked at her.”

Pretoria – Since childhood, Leepile Reamogetse Taunyane knew that one day his hands would heal people and he would make a contribution to improving the country’s healthcare services.

In most times, when well-known American personalities visit the "mother land", they often get criticised for believing that Africa is an under-developed continent dominated mainly by wildlife.

Soweto is not your everyday informal settlement turned city.

During the apartheid era, young South Africans used to secretly flee into exile to be trained in politics, guerrilla tactics, reorganize and consolidate the activities of the liberation struggle, writes Nthambeleni Gabara.

He is young, but looks older than his years; his shoulders seem to carry the weight of the world. His face is drawn and his emotions are hard to read. He looks underweight, worn-out and emotionally detached from his immediate surroundings. At any moment he looks ready to lash out, to break down into tears or to nod off to sleep. Personal hygiene is also lax.