Government Opinion Pieces
The display of a triumphalist attitude towards citizens in litigation matters is not in the character of the South African government. Even in court battles we win against some of our citizens, we…
The year has come to an end, matrics have completed their final examinations and preparations for next year are already under way.
Provinces are preparing to deliver millions of textbooks and…
Don’t send Santa Claus half around the world this year for your festive season gifts. Keep it local and consider buying South African products in support of the local economy.
This time…
Thirty years ago AIDS emerged as a mysterious deadly disease with no known cure. It was a dark time for the world as humanity was faced with a threat for which there were few answers.
Fast…
Labour disputes around the country over the past few weeks have put a spotlight on labour rights in South Africa. These strikes have been characterised by incidents of violence and intimidation.…
Glancing up at the clock the luminous green dial reveals that it is 11pm, you go through the usual routine, checking the doors and windows before going to bed.
Without warning the silence is…
Next year it will be one hundred years since the 1913 Land Act was passed, dispossessing Africans of 77% of the land.
As we approach this centenary, it is useful to reflect on the damage…
The Economist article Cry, the Beloved Country, stated in its blurb: “South Africa is sliding downhill”. This view was countered in a widely published letter recently by former FirstRand CEO Paul…
Spare a thought for the SABC. That's what crossed my mind recently in Parliament as I sat through the Auditor General's (AG) presentation on the SABC to the Communications Portfolio Committee.…
It’s not all doom and gloom for South Africa’s economy as some of the financial pundits and international rating agencies will have us believe.
Despite South Africa facing a slowdown in growth…
The tragedy which unfolded at Lonmin’s Marikana mine in the North West over two months ago has encouraged us to examine the very fabric of our society. In the intervening period we have seen workers…
As we chart our way through turbulent economic and development waters, we should take a moment to reflect on the guiding principles, or simply pull out the compass which guides us on this journey.…
Being faced with an image of a mauled rhino carcass on the front page of the newspaper is in all likelihood enough to make people splutter as they peacefully sip that first cup of coffee and…
It sounds like a couch potato’s dream – more channels, more programmes, more sports, entertainment and music – and all in the language of your choice.
Coupled with breathtakingly clear…
In just less than two years, South Africa will celebrate 20 years of democracy. The 20-year anniversary presents an opportunity to celebrate our successes and tackle our challenges with renewed…
No one enjoys dismissing employees - but we need to send a clear message of zero tolerance where fraud and corruption are concerned.I have said that Parliament - and the public - needs to be…
There was a time not so long ago when many people perceived crime to be South Africa’s Achilles’ heel. For government, ensuring that all South Africans feel safe remains a priority on which we draw…
“Things have to change, and it is time for that change.” These words could be attributed to any number of South Africans from all walks of life. But six weeks ago these words were spoken by…
Every child deserves to dream big, to aspire to be the best and to soar far above their greatest expectations.
The government understands that every child’s dream starts with a firm foundation…
Most South Africans will not give a second thought to a birth certificate, identity document, death certificate, marriage certificate or other civil registration documents. These are readily…
