In 1998, World Aids Day was commemorated for the first time on 1 December, and every year since that year this day has been dedicated to raising awareness about HIV and Aids, and in more recent years about the many strides we have made in fighting this deadly disease.

In the early years of the pandemic, countless lives were lost, and the world had very few answers or solutions to prevent what seemed like an unstoppable disease.  For many years the commemoration of World Aids Day was dedicated to the lives lost and South Africa was one of the countries hardest hit.

For years we have been told that South Africa is a water scarce country. However, this warning often goes unheeded, and people continue with their daily lives, totally unconcerned about water use. The reality only hits home when communities are directly impacted as in the case right now in Gauteng.

Beyond policy and laws, we must act collectively to ensure that we overcome systemic discrimination and inequality levelled against people leaving with disability in our society. We must do more to create an inclusive society that accommodates people with impediments and move from the notion of disability being a welfare or charity issue to a rights-based model.

Women and children are the heartbeat of our homes and communities, and any harm that befalls them shatters the very core of society. It is therefore our collective responsibility to protect them and ensure that they are not harmed in anyway.

We are reminded once again to take an active stand against any form of violence, harassment or abuse against women and children as we commemorate 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children from 25 November to 10 December 2024.

The tragic cases of food-borne illnesses have brought to the fore pressing concerns over the health, safety and hygiene standards in community retail outlets. While these outlets provide a valuable service to communities, their inadequate hygiene practices often leave communities vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.

Imagine a South Africa that is free from Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), where women and children feel safe to fully participate and thrive in our communities. Turning this dream into a reality is possible if everyone commits to ending violence against the most venerable in society.  

Many of us go through challenging periods in life and when these difficult times arise, it is crucial that we seek support from family and friends or a trained professional. The issue of mental health is oftentimes misunderstood and there is usually a stigma around it.

However, it is a reality of the fast-paced world that we live in and we must do more to create public awareness about mental health-related issues. October is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health matters.

In August last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa met chairpersons and chief executives of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to discuss accelerating the implementation of measures to ensure that these entities perform optimally and meet their constitutional mandate.

During the meeting, the President was upfront about the crucial role of SOEs in growing the economy, along with the importance of stabilising their finances and promoting good governance.