Opinion Pieces

South Africa observes National Water Month in March at a time when frustration over the unreliability of water supply has made headlines.

South Africa in 2026 is a far cry from the country before 1994. Things such as human rights for all which now stand as one of the pillars of our democracy were unheard of for the majority. The apartheid state systematically worked to deprive black people, and enforced laws to maintain the status quo of white dominance throughout society.

By Andrea Naicker

As South Africans prepare to listen and watch the State of the Nation Address (SoNa) on 12 February 2026 at 7pm, the country does so at a time marked by positive developments which include the strengthening of the rand, consecutive quarters of economic growth and having consistent power supply from Eskom.

As the first school term of 2026 begins, there is a deeper responsibility that cannot be overlooked which is to deal with the safety and well-being of our children. Children are our future leaders, and they must always be protected, whether on and off the school grounds, be it on drugs, human trafficking, teenage pregnancy or road safety.

After a long year of hard work, most people take a break to relax the mind, body and soul. For many South Africans, this involves driving to different parts of the country during the festive season to spend time with family and friends.

As the year draws to a close and we stand on the threshold of a new year in 2026, the prevailing sentiment regarding our economy is one of confident optimism. Despite the formidable challenges our economy has navigated, we are now definitively turning the corner, accelerating towards a more stable and prosperous economic future.

Imagine a South Africa where every individual, regardless of ability, has equal opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. This is the type of an inclusive society we are striving to build as we concluded Disability Rights Awareness Month on the 3rd of December.

The start of the month of December signals the start of the much-awaited festive season we have all been secretly yearning for - probably since the end of the last festive season!

South Africa’s recent commemoration of National Press Freedom Day on 19 October 2025, marked 48 years since the infamous Black Wednesday of 1977. This day serves not only as a remembrance of the brutal silencing of voices under the apartheid era but is also as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of media freedom in a democratic society.

With the eyes of the world firmly focussed on South Africa, attention now turns to the historic first ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil. On 22 and 23 November 2025, Nasrec in Johannesburg will welcome a number of world leaders and other dignitaries for this landmark gathering.

By Sandile Nene

By William Baloyi 

By Themba Thobela

 The introduction of the Older Persons Amendment Bill speaks to government’s resolve to ensure the safety of all South Africa’s citizens, including the elderly.

Prior to 1994, South Africa was a country whose brand image was defined through the entrenched apartheid system. Its architecture was that of being racist, oppressive and fascist in character.

September is Tourism Month, and it's a great time to celebrate the joy and power of travelling the length and breadth of our beautiful country. Tourism opens the door to new cultures, people and experiences, allowing us to see the world from a different perspective.

With the end of August marking the start of the matric class of 2025’s preliminary examinations, we all have a responsibility to give them the extra support they need, as they take the next step towards becoming responsible adults of tomorrow.

South Africa is the first African country to lead the influential group of the world’s largest economies, known as the G20. South Africa’s G20 Presidency provides global visibility in all provinces as the country prepares to give world leaders an ubuntu welcome to this premier forum in November.

Malibongwe Igama Lamakhosikazi! – Praise the name of women! This rallying cry, echoing from the historic 1956 Women’s March, remains as relevant today as it was when more than 20,000 women stood in defiance of the oppressive pass laws.