Features

There’s an old adage that states that the pen is mightier than the sword and the passage of time is proving this to be true.

An emotional and befitting ceremony to honour the men and women who died in exile while fighting for the freedom that South Africans enjoy today was held in Pretoria on Friday.

The South African government has received the remains of 49 liberation fighters who died in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Cabinet has welcomed the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, marking a significant step towards transforming and enhancing the nation’s basic education system. .

Education expert, Professor Mary Metcalfe, says she expects careful and considered engagements around the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, to take place over the next three months, in provinces across the country.

At a juncture when public trust in government institutions is tattered and pessimism is perverse, Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has the unenviable task of reversing the tide.

The recently signed Public Procurement Act is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and curb corruption while also ensuring that taxpayer money is used responsibly.

With the seventh administration having been sworn in, and the Government of National Unity (GNU) established, the country’s provinces are putting their shovels to the ground to ensure service delivery.

As the new Cabinet of the seventh administration gets to grips with the workings of their various portfolios - it has been advised to place ordinary South Africans at the heart of the administration.

With 30 years of experience in running elections in the country, the Electoral Commission (IEC) has earned itself an impressive track-record and reputation for ensuring that this process is free and fair.

While having to engage with the taxman may conjure up feelings for some of going to the dentist to have a tooth pulled - the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has played a crucial role in where South Africa is today.

Despite regularly receiving some tongue-lashing in the court of public opinion, many public servants have made an indelible mark in moving the country forward.

Thursday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the last one to be made by the sixth administration.

Gabi Khumalo

A love for dance has helped Nkateko Emily Mabasa defy the odds to become a community builder.

South Africa’s deployment of firefighters internationally this year, has yet again proven that our country’s ability for wildfire firefighting is becoming more and more recognised.