Features

South Africa, together with the rest of the African continent, has handled the COVID-19 pandemic well, given the circumstances that the world finds itself under.

In an era where the protection of women and the girl child is a constant goal to reach, one cannot help but wonder what is being done to groom a generation of young men who will not only respect, but protect the women of our country. Over the years, South Africa has seen an increase in the scourge of violence against women and children.

The first term of the 2020 academic year will draw to a close soon, bringing an end to a term that has brought trauma and grief for several Gauteng parents, learners and teachers alike.

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has worked hard to turnaround its fortunes from the glaring negative spotlight it found itself under a few years ago - to become an institution keen on moving with the times and requirements of young people in a state of constant change.

While the South African economy has over the last couple of years taken a beating, her people continue to rise above often difficult circumstances.

Ruffles, top hats and dazzling outfits have over the years become synonymous with the State of the Nation Address and while government has implemented austerity measures given the position the country finds itself in, many will be watching the address, to catch a glimpse of the much-loved traditions that accompany the SONA.

Many people across the globe today are remembering the day in which former President Nelson Mandela raised his fist in the air as he made his way out of the Victor Verster prison, in a move that would alter the history of South Africa.

South Africans will turn on their television and radio sets to listen to President Cyril Ramaphosa deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA), on Thursday, 13 February, which is expected to highlight the priorities of the newly constituted sixth administration.

Being raised by a single mother who was unemployed for a long time and coming from a community entrenched in poverty - no one was expecting Tlotlo Lekgoba to be a labelled as a top achiever in her matric year.

South Africa’s power grid has over recent years experienced sporadic power cuts that have had a wide-ranging impact on the country’s fragile economic growth prospect, however the recent Investment Conference is proving that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

An occasional glass of wine or favourite beer is an acceptable means in which to unwind after a hard week of work, however a glass too many of one’s favourite poison is leading too many down the rabbit hole.

Zuks Ramasia is the perfect example of what people can achieve when they believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions. Ramasia started her career as a flight attendant at the South African Airways (SAA) about 27 years ago, and now she is the Acting CEO of the airline.

Growing up on the streets of Vosloorus in Ekurhuleni, Lefentse Phokwane aspired to become a chemical engineer, but ended up studying for a Diploma in Non-Destructive Testing Inspection at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) instead.

Armed with a passion for entrepreneurship, a knack for a good conversation and a love for small business, Small Business Development Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is set on helping this sector to succeed.

The stakes are high ahead of the second instalment of the South Africa Investment Conference, with South Africa hoping to mobilise for more investment towards its target of R1.2 trillion in new investments, over the next five years.