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.

The beginning of a new school year is always marked with anticipation and excitement.  For many this will signify the beginning of their school journey, while for others it represents the culmination of years of hard work.  

This year both inland and coastal schools open at the same time on 17 January 2024, and as government we are determined that learning begins from day one.  

The scourge of corruption has become all-pervasive and no country is spared from it.  Like the mythical Hydra of Greek mythology, it has many heads, and chopping one off simply spawns another.   

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.

There was a time when HIV and AIDS was a deadly disease with no cure. It claimed countless lives, destroyed families and created despair.  Back then, the commemoration of World Aids Day on 01 December was a sombre occasion; filled with tributes to people we had lost.

Since the dawn of democracy in 1994, our country has called on citizens to make a difference within their communities and to help build a new nation. This is line with our constitution that marked the departure from our past where the majority of people were denied an opportunity to play a role in building a country that was inclusive.  

The festive season is a time for friends and family and for celebration. However, it is also a time when we sometimes overindulge and often make unwise judgement calls, which could have lasting repercussions.

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.

The record breaking fourth win of the Web Ellis Cup by the Springboks, and second consecutive win for our nation, brings hope to South Africans amidst our challenges and demonstrates the transformative power of sport that contributes towards building our national heritage.