Nkele Sebasa

South Africa has come a long way in ensuring that female excellence shines through in all sectors of society. Since 1994, we have seen women represented in every sphere of society, and even in roles that were previously only the domain of men.

As we conclude our Women’s Month celebration, we remember the many women of our nation who have defied the odds and excelled. This year has been a great year for female excellence and we recently witnessed our women in sports doing exceptional things at the Paris Olympic Games.

South African talent has historically put our country on the map, through various art forms including homegrown music such as Amapiano and Kwaito. As our local talent gains global recognition and popularity, it is clear that the talents we possess as a nation is a priceless commodity that we should invest in.

The spate of abuse and killings of children such as the brutal murder and mutilation last year of six-year-old Tshiamo Rabanye and his five-year-old friend Mduduzi Zulu in Johannesburg brings into sharp focus the level of violence that threatens our children.

There are many young people in our country who are ready to enter the working world but find themselves in a Catch-22 situation. They are unable to get a job because they do not have experience and are unable to get the needed experience because they cannot get hired.

By Nkele Sebasa

Alcohol and substance abuse affects families and communities across the world and the risks associated with them are well documented. The scourge of alcohol, drug and substance abuse knows no bounds and cuts across race, class and social barriers.