While the vaccination rollout target is far from being where it is envisaged, the government remains steadfast in forging ahead with its communication initiatives to educate and encourage all people in South Africa that vaccination remains the best means to fight the virus, writes GCIS Director-General Phumla Williams.
The month of June is fast approaching, and like all previous years, we will once again, commemorate and pay homage to the youths of 1976. However, unlike the celebrations we have had in the previous years before the COVID19 Pandemic, we will reflect on the past year since the outbreak of the virus, and recall the many lives that have been lost. This however does not have to be the only object for South Africans to reflect on. Since the beginning of the phase 1 Sisonke vaccination roll-out in February, more healthcare workers have become open to the procedure of getting vaccinated.
“Given the rate at which new cases have grown over the last two weeks, there is every possibility that if we do not act urgently and if we do not act together, the second wave will be more severe than the first wave”. These are powerful words of President Cyril Ramaphosa when he announced new measures to contain the second wave of COVID-19 infections.
Freedom of expression and media freedom is an integral part of our democracy. The Constitution entrenches the right to freedom of expression, including media freedom. Since 1994 we have been resolute in the belief that an independent and free media are vital partners in strengthening any democracy.
As South Africa celebrates women’s month we also remember the many formidable women across our continent. Every day these women, like many in our country, strive to uplift their families and communities often in the face of insurmountable odds.
The unique challenges posed by COVID-19 has called on humanity to remain apart through social distancing. This has caused untold anguish as people have been forced to adapt to a new way of life, which has now become our new normal.
The friendship between the people of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and people of South Africa goes back decades even before the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
It is a bond that has its roots in South Africa’s struggle for liberation where Ethiopians were a staunch supporter in our fight for freedom and were at the forefront of efforts to isolate the apartheid government.
The year 2019 was difficult one for South African women and children. Hardly a day went by without horrific reports of women and children attacked, raped or killed. The names cut across all sectors of society: different races, the young and the old.
South Africa and the United Kingdom have extensive trade and economic relations fostered over a number of years. This is set to strengthen during the upcoming UK-Africa Investment Summit in London.
A stable and peaceful Africa is the only way to ensure the prosperity for our region and the rest of the continent. South Africa shares the vision of a peaceful and prosperous continent, which contributes to a world that is just and equitable. A world, that will collectively continue to sharpen peaceful intervention of resolving conflicts.
