The commemoration of Africa Month in May, and particularly Africa Day on 25 May, remains a pivotal moment for the African continent to showcase its cultural heritage, economic potential, and pan-African spirit to the world.

The eyes of the world are firmly focused on South Africa as President of the G20 and the host nation of the G20 Summit in November. This gathering will see the country welcoming over 40 global heads of state to our shores. The G20 accounts for 85 percent of the global economy, 75 percent of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

The summit will be held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, which aligns with our vision of inclusive growth, where all individuals and nations benefit from economic progress.

Hardly a day goes by without us witnessing or reading about a disaster or extreme weather event somewhere in the world.  In South Africa, we have seen firsthand the devastation effect of extreme weather in KwaZulu-Natal and in other areas.  

A word of appreciation and recognition often goes a long way, as are occasions that cause us to pause and reflect. The yearly commemoration of International Women’s Day is one such occasion.

Marked every year on 8 March 2025, International Women’s Day allows the world to celebrate the remarkable women who inspire us and help shape our communities, workplaces and nation. This day is dedicated to advancing women worldwide.

Water is the one thing we cannot do without, and this precious life-giving source must be protected. South Africa is a water scarce country, and this resource is under threat from factors such as climate change, population growth and rapid urbanisation. It is therefore crucial that we all work towards ensuring water security by protecting and managing our nation’s water resources carefully.

During the recently concluded National Water Week from 20 - 26 March 2025, and especially on World Water Day on 22 March 2025, we paused to reflect on the central nature of water to all life.

South Africa’s time has arrived! That’s the sentiment that reverberated in Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF) as our nation shared with global leaders the many advances we have had over the last year.

The new year is often marked with great excitement and anticipation, along with the promise of a better tomorrow. For the Class of 2024 who recently received their matric results a new world of exciting possibilities awaits.  

Candidates who wrote the National Senior Certificate examinations achieved an 87.3 percent pass rate, setting a new record for the highest pass rate achieved in our country. This huge milestone is the outcome of the joint effort by teachers, learners, parents and many others in our education system.  

South Africa’s assumption to the Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024 comes at a time when the world is facing a number of critical challenges that threaten to widen the gap between developed and less developed nations.

The disparity between the haves and have nots calls for a collaborative approach that brings everyone together in a united effort to tackle the global challenges that impact all mankind.