Since the advent of democracy, South Africa has gone through various changes. While we have made notable progress, the persistent scourge of poverty continues to threaten our development and exacerbates inequality. This Nelson Mandela Month as we honour the legacy of our beloved icon, we are called upon to challenge poverty under the theme: “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”.
The act of forgiveness and reconciliation has been central to the story of South Africa since 1994. Reconciliation Day came into effect in 1994 and was intended to help build a united and prosperous South Africa. This day and in subsequent years, Reconciliation Month has become synonymous with our drive to nurture and entrench new values in our society.
South Africa’s distinctive skills, talents and resources have paved the way for the emergence of various local businesses with unique offerings. These home-grown products and services add to our Proudly South African heritage.
Every year we showcase our locally manufactured products at the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit and expo. In March this year, the 12th edition of the Buy Local summit and expo was hosted under the theme “localisation: an inclusive approach for all sectors of society to contribute to economic growth and job creation”.
One of the world’s most influential leaders of all time has proven that great leadership begins with a servant heart. Nelson Mandela’s legacy is characterised by his humility, passion for people, equality and serving.
By Gill Price
In 1994, we had a dream of forging a new nation. We imagined a country that worked for everyone and offered all people a chance to live their dream. Having emerged from decades of white minority rule, which was characterised by abuse and tyranny, we chose reconciliation instead of war.
Our history has shown that when South Africans pull together in partnership there is nothing that we cannot overcome.
By Nomonde Mnukwa Many South Africans will have entered the New Year with new resolutions as a way to improve their lives in 2024. Whatever your resolve for the year, it is not too late for one more resolution which could have a lasting change on you, your family, community and country.
This year South Africans celebrated Reconciliation Day with greater excitement after being granted an additional public holiday, following the triumphant win of the Springboks during the Rugby World Cup.
This moment is even more remarkable given that rugby was once the sport of the white minority, but is now an integral part of our reconciliation efforts. Apart from sport, many cultural and national symbols such as our flag and national anthem have now come to symbolise our national unity and our strength in diversity.
This month South Africa marked ten years since the passing of former President Nelson Mandela, affectionately known as Madiba. Widely recognised as the father of the nation, Nelson Mandela was the first democratically elected President of South Africa and played a key role in fostering a spirit of nation building and togetherness.
One of the greatest lessons we can take from the COVID-19 pandemic is that life is precious and that we were never designed to live in a state of complete isolation or individualism.
