Edition December 2024 / January 2025

As we stand at the threshold of a new year that will mark all of humanity reaching a quarter-way through the 21st Century, we are reminded of the profound journey that our nation has undertaken since the dawn of our democracy in 1994. This year marked a significant milestone for South Africa as we celebrated 30 years of freedom, reconciliation and nation-building. Midway through 2024, we also witnessed the birth of the Government of National Unity. I am personally very proud to be part of this new chapter of our history.

United through sport

Sport, arts, culture and heritage play a significant part in nation-building. This year gave us so much to be proud of as a nation, whether it was the Springboks affirming their status as the best in the world, Bafana Bafana qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations or our medallists at the Olympics and Paralympics. The Blitzboks also won the South African Sevens Tournament in Cape Town for the first time in nine years. We brought home an amazing 106 medals from the 13th

African Games in Accra and, beyond that, there were so many individual and team achievements, including Dricus du Plessis becoming South Africa’s first Ultimate Fighting Championship and successfully defending his belt. Kgothatso Montjane won Wimbledon’s wheelchair doubles, Bayanda Walaza dominated the World Athletics Under 20 Championships in sprinting, while less publicised achievements included swimmer Amber Fillary breaking three Guinness World Records in days, Brad Cox being crowned World Rally2 Champion

in Morocco and powerlifting star Nicole Hasell shattering 13 records. So many others did us equally proud. In the creative industry, Tyla won a Grammy for Best African Music Performance, along with a BET Award for Best New Artist and Best International Act. Makhadzi also won for Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act. Lebohang Kganye won a prestigious Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize and Judy Sanderson and her fashion brand became a Maison Mode Méditerranée Endowment Fund winner.

Cape Town Opera’s Thando Zwane continued to impress, along with the evergreen Pretty Yende, the Kearsney College Choir were crowned the champions of the Golden Voices Competition, and there were so many more who were recognised formally and informally, locally and internationally, for their greatness throughout the year.

A resilient nation

South Africa is one of the most resilient nations in the world. I believe that has a lot to do with our warmth, good humour and willingness to commit to reconciliation. Most South Africans want to solve problems and find ways to improve our country as a shared commitment to improving the lives of all of those we know and are yet to meet, knowing that ultimately this saves our own lives as individuals.

Our journey of reconciliation is a continuous process that requires effort, dedication and a willingness to engage with our past, present and future. This year's Reconciliation Month theme is, “Healing Historical Wounds and Forging New Futures”. It is greatly anchored by promoting healing, nationbuilding, and unity among South Africans. This serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to foster a culture of reconciliation through patriotism and our South African pride.

As we commemorate Reconciliation Day on 16 December, we are reminded to reflect on our individual and collective roles in promoting healing, forgiveness and unity. All of us are reminded to acknowledge the progress we have made, while recognising the many challenges that still face us and will still come our way.

Healing Historical Wounds and Forging New Futures

We should not lie to ourselves and say that we will ever be free of problems. What matters is that we never give up, and that we stay committed to overcoming our challenges, with true South African grit and determination.

Over the past 30 years, our nation has indeed made significant strides in promoting democracy, equality and justice. At the same time, we know that as a country we need to be stronger on enforcing the rule of law and emphasising responsibility and consequence for actions, not just focusing on rights alone. We can stand proud, though, that we have established a robust constitutional framework, expanded access to education and healthcare, and promoted economic growth and development. The task before us is now in improving the quality of this access and ensuring that we benefit all those who need it most.

Let us therefore continue to work together to promote reconciliation, nation-building and social cohesion. Let us celebrate our achievements, learn from our challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to building a more just, equitable and prosperous South Africa for all. I wish all of you a peaceful festive break and a glorious 2025.