Opinion Pieces

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.

In recent years, South Africa has made great strides towards providing support to those infected and affected with HIV.

The recently launched World Bank and World Health Organisation (WHO) report on progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) suggests South Africa is on its way towards achieving universal health coverage, with its National Health Insurance scheme.

In a bid to stimulate thought leadership within the organisation, the National School of Government (NSG) hosted a roundtable discussion under the theme “Industrialisation and Sustainable Economic Transformation”.

This past Sunday we woke up to the sad news of the untimely death Ronnie Mamoepa, an outstanding human being and a consummate public servant. Mamoepa passed away after having suffered a stroke a month ago.

Join me on a journey to some very special places in our country, places that tell a remarkable story for the whole world.

By Faith Muthambi