Opinion Pieces

On 22 May 2025, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the South African National Parks (SANParks) gathered in Midrand at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Gauteng, to mark not only the National Biodiversity Offset Conference, but also the International Day for Biological Diversity.

By Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

During President Ramaphosa’s recent working visit to the USA on the invitation of President Trump, AfriForum had definitely wished for a different treatment of our President or at the least a different outcome of the meeting. However, wishes are not horse or else beggars will be riding.

The recent decision by the United States to grant refugee status to 49 Afrikaners who claimed persecution in South Africa is unfortunate. More so as the assessment allowing refugee status appears to have been greatly influenced by a deliberate campaign of misinformation and propaganda, which is far removed from the reality in South Africa.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of South Africa, affectionately known as Mzansi - a Xhosa word meaning "south" or "the southern part." Mzansi is a land where breathtaking landscapes, majestic wildlife, and vibrant cultural heritage converge to offer global travellers an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

In recent weeks, pressing infrastructure challenges facing our public hospitals have been in the spotlight. The recent incidents including the patient complaint at Helen Joseph Hospital and two alarming fires at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, have intensified the public discourse around the state of our healthcare facilities. As the MEC for Health and Wellness in Gauteng, I want to assure residents that we are committed to revitalising our health infrastructure for quality patient care.

It has been five successful years since government introduced a compulsory pre-entry programme for persons applying to be appointed as senior managers in the Public service – the Nyukela (Step-Up) senior management service (SMS) Pre-Entry eLearning course.

The eyes of the world are firmly focused on South Africa as President of the G20 and the host nation of the G20 Summit in November.

Human Rights Month may have drawn to a close, but the significance of human rights extends further than a mere month.

South Africa’s first democratic elections on 27 April 1994 signalled not only the end of the brutal system of apartheid, but also a change in the country’s international image.

With the smell of roses and perfume likely to fill the air more than at any other time of the year today, we ought to dedicate a stem or two from our Valentine’s Day flower bouquets as a token of love for our country.

South Africa’s time has arrived! That’s the sentiment that reverberated in Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF) as our nation shared with global leaders the many advances we have had over the last year.

South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 is a first for the African continent and provides a platform for the African continent’s voice to be better heard, writes Neo Semono.

By Nomonde Mnukwa

As we approach the end of 2024, reflecting on our nation's challenges and opportunities is important.

South Africa recently participated in the 36th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP 36) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Violence, particularly against women and children, continues to be a sting on our collective South African skin, and it is a battle that requires our collective effort to win, writes Neo Semono.

The tragic cases of foodborne illnesses have brought to the fore pressing concerns over the health, safety and hygiene standards in community retail outlets. While these outlets provide a valuable service to communities, their inadequate hygiene practices often leave communities vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.

The first 100 days as Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, under the Government of National Unity (GNU), have been a period of significant learning and action.

Social Development Month and Mental Health Awareness Month are two significant twin observances that fall in October. The aim of these observances is to promote all-encompassing strategies that tackle social concerns as well as mental health requirements, ultimately resulting in communities that are healthier and more resilient.

The past three years have been challenging for South Africa's livestock and poultry industry because of the spread of animal diseases. Throughout this period, we have had various cases of foot and mouth (FMD) disease in cattle, African swine fever in pigs, and avian influenza in poultry. While animal disease outbreaks are not unique to South Africa and indeed common across the world, South Africa's challenges have intensified in the recent past.