Opinion Pieces

By: Phumla Williams 

Tomorrow our young democracy reaches another milestone, one that will usher in our country’s fifth term of local governance. Incidentally, this was the same date South Africa held its first local government elections for the interim local governments in 1995. We cast our votes in honour of our compatriots who fought to secure equal rights, including the right to vote. Some of them paid the ultimate price.

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) continues cementing its presence in our everyday life, keeping abreast of the developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is everyone’s responsibility. There is no better time to start thinking of ways in which technology can be harnessed to improve the lot of women, especially when it comes to their safety in a predominantly misogynistic world.

In the month of October 2021, our team has been knocking off after midnight at South Africa’s pavilion at the Dubai EXPO2020.

When South Africa assumed the Chair of the African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa made an undertaking that the continent’s women’s financial and economic inclusion will be high on the agenda.

The absence of a COVID-19 vaccine elevates prevention measures as a country’s first line of defence against the onslaught of the virus. To create awareness of these measures and effect behaviour change, reliable information needs to be shared with citizens so that they can make informed decisions on protecting themselves and their families.

Financial literacy is a crucial skill in every stage of life, more so for young people today.

It comes as no surprise that at a time when the country finds itself at its most vulnerable, there will be companies and individuals that will take the opportunity to profiteer for their own gain and take advantage of the current state of national disaster, finding ways of exploiting consumers by selling COVID-19 related items and passing them off as locally made and/or safe to use against the spread of the pandemic.

The Africa Continental Free Trade area is more than a trade agreement, it is a game-changer that will transpose the steady Africa’s GDP from good to great. It, however, requires the united effort and social cohesion from all citizens of the continent.

We live in a globally connected world where the fortunes of nations are interlinked. This is particularly true for African countries which are all interconnected on a people to people, social, trade and economic level.

There are many remarkable men and women upon whose shoulders our nation has been built. Their powerful contributions to our struggle for freedom charted the way for a country that belongs to all South Africans.

Amid the on-going dire effects of drought and climate change in most parts of the country, the vandalism of water infrastructure is one amongst the major contributors affecting water supply and security, with effects hard felt by those in marginalised communities.

An activist who became the world’s most famous prisoner; a prisoner who became a President and changed the world. This is the inspiring story of former President - and the father of South Africa’s liberation and constitutional – democracy Nelson Mandela.

South Africans are invited to view the great sunrises over the biggest inland water mass in the country, the Gariep Dam, during September, writes Marcus Monyakeni.

Depending on which side you are on, the debate around the motion to explore the possibility of amending the Constitution so as to allow for the expropriation of land without compensation has been characterised by some people screaming murder and others celebrating in support of the proposal. In certain cases, reactions have regrettably been alarmist or have sought to paint a picture of a reckless push for land. Certain groups and parties have also tried to use the process to fear-monger.

This year marks 62 years since courageous and selfless women stood firm in the face of apartheid tyranny. The women of 1956 bravely stood against patriarchy and subjugation which sought to confine and define them.

Every new house that is built or water, electricity or sewerage line connected in your area is a future job opportunity for a buddying young artisan. As our residential and industrial areas expand there is a greater demand for the technical skills of artisans to service their needs.

Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future. Those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation. These are the guiding words of our icon and former President Nelson Mandela, cautioning the nation on the importance protecting children.

The new era of hope, inspired by the spirit of “Thuma Mina (or Send Me”) that was evoked by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address in February is reverberating across our nation. It has a brought with it a sense of renewal that is moving our economy forward and has ushered in greater confidence in the country as an investment destination of choice.

Forging unity and building alliances amongst a group of nations is an integral part of any society. In Africa this unity and sense of purpose is driven by the African Union. During the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government on 28 and 29 January 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the unity of the continent was given a big push forward.