Opinions

We all enjoy a success story. Every time a child from an underprivileged family becomes the first in the family to attend university and end up becoming globally renowned in his or her field of study, we all celebrate.

Transport is an important catalyst for social and economic development and plays a crucial role in the economy and job creation.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) last week announced the most globally competitive African nations in its 2015 Global Competitiveness Index. The Index, which looked at 140 countries, rates the top performing African countries as follows: Mauritius (46), South Africa (49), Rwanda (58), Botswana (71), Namibia (85), Côte d’Ivoire (91), Zambia (96), Seychelles (97), Kenya (99), and Gabon (103).

In August we celebrate the numerous actions by courageous women on our road to democracy. Women’s Month is also an opportunity to reflect on the strides we have made since democracy.

It was our icon, the late former President Nelson Mandela, who made the profound statement: “The time has come to accept in our hearts and minds that with freedom comes responsibility.”

Sixty-one years ago, the Freedom Charter was adopted and signed by delegates to the Congress of the People in Kliptown.

President Jacob Zuma was encouraged by the response of students he met at TUT (Tshwane University of Technology). He said it was indicative of the message that education as the apex priority for the country has been received far and wide.

There is an old Chinese saying: “When you want to make the lives of the community better, then build a road”. Building of roads and public transport infrastructure therefore goes beyond asphalt and bitumen.

Being a young person in 2015 in South Africa is very different than in 1976. Our youth enjoy human rights, have access to quality free schooling, are free to move around without restriction and can study at any higher institution of their choice.