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| President Zuma outlines the way forward | Taking SA forward over next five years | Government tackles maternal deaths | President Zuma speech will set tone for the future |
25 June 2014
Last week President Jacob Zuma outlined to the nation his government programme of action in his first State of the Nation Address of the fifth democratic administration. It gave a clear indication of how we will move South Africa forward, outlining plans and focus areas that span the next five years.
Although the 2014 - 2019 term might be perceived by some as a fresh start, the reality is that the next five years will build on the on-going work of government which started in 1994. This tenure is therefore both in step with the new electoral mandate and aligned to the Programme of Action of the preceding administrations.
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24 June 2014
President Jacob Zuma in his State of the Nation Address presented bold new measures that will take South Africa forward over the next five years. These far-reaching interventions, aimed at faster economic growth and job creation, place us on path of a “radical socio-economic transformation”.
It also firmly propels us towards Vision 2030, the country’s long-term growth strategy as outlined in the National Development Plan, where we are a country free from the burden of poverty and inequality.
President Zuma highlighted that economic transformation would take centre stage and that there was a clear plan for economic growth.
“It remains our strong belief that the most effective weapon in the campaign against poverty, is the creation of decent work, and that creating work requires faster economic growth,” he said.
The government is targeting economic growth of 5 percent by 2019.
18 June 2014
Childbirth and motherhood should be a magical time for parents and families. However, for many women in developing countries childbirth can be traumatic and sometimes even fatal.
The World Health Organisation says that worldwide, approximately 800 women die each day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, and 99 per cent of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries.
As is often the case, the poor and disenfranchised bear the brunt of maternal mortality which is higher in women living in rural areas and among poorer communities.
Read more17 June 2014
President Jacob Zuma will tonight deliver his State of the Nation Address (SoNA) and outline government’s programme of action for the year. His address will largely be informed by decisions from the Cabinet Lekgotla that took place last week at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria. The Lekgotla brought together ministers, provincial premiers and senior government officials to discuss the Medium Term Strategic Framework and the National Development Plan with the aim of moving South Africa forward.
The Lekgotla was also about prioritising service delivery and ensuring that quality services are brought to the people. Speaking on the side-lines of the meeting, Minister in the Presidency Mr Jeff Radebe stated: “Our president is deeply concerned about the protests that have been happening around the country. We are going to make sure that we go into those areas with concrete responses.”
11 June 2014
There is no better time to be a young South African than today. Our country abounds with opportunity and the promise of a brighter future beckons as we move South Africa forward.
We have successfully entered the second phase of our democratic transition and are firmly on course to Vision 2030 as set out in the National Development Plan (NDP).
The NDP defines the type of society we want to build and has identified young people as central to the task. It highlights that our youthful population presents an opportunity to boost economic growth, increase employment and reduce poverty.
Read more10 June 2014
Despite legislation and the best efforts of civil society and the government, incidents of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children still plague our society. As we mark Youth Month, we are reminded of the need to work together to create communities in which our children are safe.
It is concerning that, as a society, we are quick to express disgust at crime against children, but when it occurs in our families or neighbourhood we tend to turn a blind eye.
Read more10 June 2014
The voters have spoken and chosen President Jacob Zuma to serve South Africa as president for the next five years. On 24 May 24 President Zuma was inaugurated for his second term as the fifth democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa.
He and his administration now in their positions are entrusted with moving the country into the third decade of freedom. He has stated that radical economic transformation and inclusive growth will be key priorities over the next term. He has reaffirmed that government will respond decisively to the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality in South Africa.
4 June 2014
The voters have spoken and chosen President Jacob Zuma to serve South Africa as president for the next five years. On 24 May 24 President Zuma was inaugurated for his second term as the fifth democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa.
He and his administration now in their positions are entrusted with moving the country into the third decade of freedom. He has stated that radical economic transformation and inclusive growth will be key priorities over the next term. He has reaffirmed that government will respond decisively to the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality in South Africa.
3 June 2014
The voters have spoken and chosen President Jacob Zuma to serve South Africa as president for the next five years. On 24 May 24 President Zuma was inaugurated for his second term as the fifth democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa.
He and his administration now in their positions are entrusted with moving the country into the third decade of freedom. He has stated that radical economic transformation and inclusive growth will be key priorities over the next term. He has reaffirmed that government will respond decisively to the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality in South Africa.
27 May 2014
South Africa has done it again! We held peaceful elections at the beginning of May and the post-election period has been characterised by the smooth transition from one administration to another.
South Africa’s march to democracy, following more than 350 years of oppression, began to take shape in 1990. Sustained pressure by anti-apartheid activists within and outside the country resulted in former President FW de Klerk announcing the unbanning of political parties and the release of Nelson Mandela. This opened the door for negotiations on issues ranging from choosing the type of democracy we wanted, writing of the constitution and the formation of a government of national unity and power-sharing.
21 May 2014
Twenty years of freedom brought enormous changes to the lives of all South Africans. Among the most significant is the right to life without discrimination and to be treated as an equal citizen. This was a major shift especially for people with disabilities who were previously discriminated against, neglected and marginalised.
Since the dawn of freedom, government has implemented a number policies and initiatives towards creating an inclusive society where people with disabilities can realise their full civil, political, economic, social, cultural their development rights and potential.
Read more20 May 2014
With this year’s general elections successfully concluded, proving South Africa as a resilient, strong and vibrant democracy, it is now time to roll up our sleeves and get down to business.
The task at hand is to grow the economy and ensure that South Africans attain a decent standard of living by eliminating the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
The nation has spoken through the ballot; the country is preparing to inaugurate the fifth democratically elected President on Saturday who will form a government to lead the country towards development. In this regard we are able to seize the opportunity as the National Development Plan (NDP) – our long term growth and development framework over the next 16 years - clearly details our course of action.
Read more14 May 2014
The sight of millions of South Africans standing in long queues to vote in the nation’s fifth national and provincial elections will live long in our memories. Wherever citizens voted throughout the country they would have noticed the enthusiastic and smiling faces of young people, many of whom cast their vote for the very first time.
The pronounced turnout of young voters bodes well for our democracy and flies in the face of those who predicted that the youth would not participate in the political process.
Read more13 May 2014
South Africa has much to celebrate after the peaceful national and provincial elections. Regular, credible and peaceful elections have come to define the essence of our nation. These elections are yet another milestone on our 20 Years of Freedom journey and an indication of the maturity of our democracy.
What made this year’s elections such a success was the fact that South Africans came out in their millions to exercise their democratic right. Government expresses a special word of thanks to each and every voter for the dignified manner in which they participated in the process.
Read more7 May 2014
Today, millions of South Africans will cast their votes in the fifth democratic elections since 1994. Government has declared this day a special public holiday to ensure that all eligible voters have sufficient time to cast their votes. This year’s election is special for few reasons; it is the first time the youngsters born after 1994 will be able to vote. It also coincides with the country celebrating 20 Years of Freedom.
The increase in both the number of people who registered to vote and political parties contesting the election is testament to our vibrant and functioning democracy. It proves that people want the country to succeed and are determined to have a say how in our country is governed. Active voter participation is central to the success of a well-functioning democracy.
Read more6 May 2014
Standing on the lawn of the Union Buildings on 27 April 2014, President Jacob Zuma proudly said it had been 20 years since the dawn of freedom and democracy. As he addressed the crowd on the occasion of this year’s Freedom Day celebrations, thoughts inevitably turned to the momentous happenings of 27 April 1994, when South Africans came out in their millions, forming long queues in villages, townships and suburbs, to cast their votes for the first time.
The President told the crowd: “Most importantly, 1994 ushered in a new era of hope for all South Africans - a hope that the lives of the people would improve and that South Africa would be a better country than it had ever been.”
He emphasised that this has indeed happened, and that the vision of building a united, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist society, as envisioned by Nelson Mandela remains on track.
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30 April 2014
It was this week 20 years ago that our country first emerged as a free nation. South Africans across all races had just cast their ballot and our first democratic election was declared free and fair.
Excitement and jubilation rapidly spread over the length and breadth of our country overshadowing the initial anxiety in some quarters. We waited with bated breath for the announcement of the first provisional election results.
It signalled the start of a journey towards a free, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society. We owe this freedom to the struggle of millions of South Africans who bravely fought against the evil system of apartheid and the solidarity of the international community.
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29 April 2014
As dawn broke on Sunday, April 27, 2014, citizens throughout the country went about their daily routine. Families gathered at the breakfast table; others went about their morning exercise or packed their car to visit loved ones.
Twenty years ago the scene was very different. On April 27, 1994, the air was thick with anticipation. Millions of South Africans were to cast their vote for the first time.
This was to mark the historic new dawn of democratically elected government. Since then, April 27 is celebrated as Freedom Day. This year’s celebration was even more poignant as we marked 20 years of Freedom. Also, it was the first time we celebrated without our first democratically elected president and icon Nelson Mandela. As a nation we are forever indebted for the selfless sacrifice and courage of Nelson Mandela and countless others who laid the foundation for our democracy.
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23 April 2014
The South African Government has over the past 20 years ensured that everyone within the country’s borders enjoys equal rights and protection as enshrined in our Constitution. We have therefore noted with concern the practice that people are lured to the country with false promises of lucrative jobs. Often criminal syndicates use this as an avenue to force people into prostitution, drug trafficking or forced labour. The recruitment and transportation of people by deception for the purpose of exploiting them economically is nothing less than human trafficking.
Trafficking is a crime in South Africa and is a serious violation of human rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights. This issue is receiving urgent government attention and we are doing all we can to combat it.
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23 April 2014
The transformation of the workplace to be truly non-racial and non-sexist both in the public and private sector was never going to be an easy task. We inherited a country characterised by 450 years of unfair discrimination, divided on the basis of race and gender, and the exclusion of people with disabilities. The discriminatory measures elevated the socio-economic status of white people at the expense of black people.
Reflecting on the road we have travelled towards reversing this legacy, we are pleased by the progress we have made but are acutely aware that more still needs to be done. The government has passed legislation to deal with the gross inequalities and unfair discrimination which we inherited. Today, the fundamental right to equality is guaranteed, and we have ensured equality in the social, political and economic spheres.
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22 April 2014
South Africa will hold its fifth democratic national and provincial elections on May 7. These elections will be historic as they coincide with the anniversary of 20 Years of Freedom. At the same time young people born in 1994 will be able to vote for the first time.
Those of us fortunate enough to have voted in the first democratic election on April 27, 1994, will never forget the day that changed a nation. Many of us will remember the harrowing accounts of elderly and frail people collapsing in line while they waited to cast their vote.
There was a palpable sense of history in the air, every person who stood for hours in the queue patiently waiting to cast their vote did so knowing that South Africa would be forever changed.
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16 April 2014
The fight against poverty has always informed the pro-poor policies and decision of this governement since 1994. This was demonstrated by the words of the founding father of our democracy, President Nelson Mandela.
As we celebrate Freedom Month, we recall the sobering words of former President Mandela that “while poverty persists, there is no true freedom”.
Since then the efforts of government was to firstly eradicate poverty, grow the economy and create jobs. Secondly, it was to cushion the poor so that no one goes to bed on an empty stomach through a number of interventions that provided hope. After 20 Years of Freedom, we can proudly say that we have made great strides to alleviate poverty.
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15 April 2014
The building of a more inclusive economy is not an easy task and is far from being achieved. Equally so, the task of building a non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa requires a deliberate effort that results in all benefiting from the wealth of the country. The economy is now stretched to benefit all.
It is today nearly double the size it was when we embarked on our democratic journey. It is the result of 20 years of hard work and tough decisions.
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9 April 2014
This month South Africa marks 20 Years of Freedom. It is a time when we remember and celebrate the icons that fought against the apartheid government so that we may be free. Their collective effort and sustained pressure on the apartheid regime led to the release of former President Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of political parties.
We should never forget the solidarity shown by international organisations that stood side by side with our icons and demanded a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society. International sanctions, marches and public defiance campaigns against South Africa served to decisively weaken the apartheid state.
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8 April 2014
If you ask a room full of people what freedom means to them, it is likely that all will give a different answer. The essence of freedom is hard to define and tends to differ from person to person. For some, freedom is defined by respect for their inherent human dignity, while others point to freedom of speech.
For hundreds of years the majority of South Africans could only dream of freedom. Under colonialism, apartheid and white rule, millions were denied even the most basic of freedoms.
Today every citizen is free to choose and is secure in the knowledge that their individual freedom is protected by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
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2 April 2014
This year, as we mark the 20th anniversay of freedom we recall with pride that the advances our society has made were expressed through our founding democratically elected President Nelson Mandela.
President Mandela would be proud to see the signifcant progress we have made though much still needs to be done. “Today, all of us do, by our presence here, and by our celebrations in other parts of our country and the world, confer glory and hope to new-born liberty.
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1 April 2014
For many, the events of 27 April 1994 will forever live in their memories. On this day millions cast their vote for the very first time to make us a free nation.
Every year since then, we have celebrated Freedom Month this month to commemorate the historic occasion.
This year it is of even greater significance as we celebrate 20 Years of Freedom. Since the birth of our democracy, we have worked to build a society based on unity and togetherness.
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