South Africa’s Deputy President and Ministers of Peace and Security are preparing for a significant discussion in Parliament on September 5, 2024. The National Assembly and National Council of Provinces will hold hybrid plenary sessions, discussing issues such as resolving water issues, regional peace, and fatal police encounters. The public and media are encouraged to participate in these democratic processes, which have the potential to shape the social fabric of South African society.
The Presidency plays a crucial role in South Africa’s leadership, implementing evidencebased decisions and achieving government priorities. Despite challenges, the presidency is committed to accelerating the country’s growth through strategic collaborations. South Africa remains prominent in the global arena thanks to the leadership and spirit of Nelson Mandela’s great nation. Covid19 impacted South Africa’s economy, but the government’s strategic initiatives, including the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, led to employment figures exceeding prepandemic levels. The Presidency is dedicated to eliminating poverty, unemployment, and inequality through initiatives like the Presidential Employment Stimulus and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.
Leadership is about creating a trustworthy, creative, and progressive environment. Effective leaders motivate their team members to become leaders themselves, resist micromanagement, and allow their team the necessary autonomy to excel. Gasant Abarder’s leadership journey emphasizes the importance of trust, empathy, and transparent communication in creating a positive work environment that promotes productivity and innovation. His experiences provide crucial insights into what it takes to motivate a team, stimulate creativity, and lead growth.
John Steenhuisen’s lack of formal education has been a subject of criticism in South African politics, but it has not hindered his rise to the leadership of the Democratic Alliance. Steenhuisen’s political path is marked by an unflagging commitment to public service rather than academic accomplishments. His sharp comebacks to critics demonstrate his belief that moral uprightness should be the key measure of public service. Steenhuisen’s career serves as a testament to the idea that success in politics is not always linked to conventional educational routes.
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Sports Minister, has pledged his entire legislative salary to the Joshlin Smith Foundation, which is dedicated to helping lost children. McKenzie’s commitment to child welfare was demonstrated when he personally proposed a R1 million reward for the safe return of Joshlin Smith, who went missing in February 2021. His decision to contribute his ministerial wage to the cause exemplifies true leadership and a commitment to societal betterment. The distressing circumstances surrounding Smith’s disappearance highlight the grim reality of child trafficking, but McKenzie’s unwavering pursuit for justice serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Deputy President of South Africa, Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, delivered a powerful speech at the African United Business Confederation event, emphasizing the importance of responsible leadership and collaboration in driving economic growth. Mashatile highlighted the need for inclusivity, eradicating corruption, prioritizing energy supply and infrastructure development, and addressing skills shortages to prepare future generations of leaders. He urged leaders to endorse policies that uplift marginalized communities and create opportunities for all individuals to engage in the economy, and concluded by emphasizing the collective responsibility to pave the way for a brighter future for all.
Siya Kolisi is the inspirational captain of South Africa’s rugby team, recently named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024. He defies norms and has won backtoback Rugby World Cup victories, leading his team to victory during the Covid lockdown in 2021. Kolisi represents the transformative power of sports, bringing people together in challenging times and embodying hope for a brighter future.
Remembering a Warrior: The Life and Legacy of King Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo tells the story of a remarkable figure in South African history who positively impacted not just his kingdom of KwaZulu, but the entirety of South Africa. Despite being viewed with scorn by colonialists, King Dinuzulu’s innate strength and tenacity allowed him to assume the mantle of leadership at a young age and resist colonial invasions. His legacy includes advocacy for education, collaboration with diverse communities, and an unyielding commitment to freedom and dignity for his people.
South Africa’s MultiParty Charter (MPC) is a coalition of political entities determined to address the country’s increasing security issues. Led by ActionSA President Herman Mashaba, the MPC’s strategy revolves around police professionalization, criminal justice system improvement, addressing the rampant drug problem, and fighting corruption and state capture. Recent crime statistics underline the urgency of the MPC’s mission to create a safer, more secure nation, offering a glimmer of hope to a country plagued by escalating criminal activity, corruption, and drugrelated crimes.
Zoë Prinsloo is a passionate environmental advocate and founder of Save a Fishie, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about marine conservation and plastic pollution. She has coordinated over 260 beach cleanups, visited more than 111 beaches, and collected 20 tonnes of litter. Her hard work and dedication have earned her a spot at the esteemed Helen Storrow Seminar in Switzerland, where she will represent South Africa and inspire future leaders to fight for a cleaner, more sustainable world.
Stephen Price’s arrival at Lotus High, a school in Grassy Park with a low academic performance and a demoralized staff, marked the beginning of a journey of transformation. He identified students who needed extra help and instilled a sense of selfbelief among them, resulting in a significant increase in the matric pass rate, from 32% to 65%. Price’s positive approach, coupled with infrastructure improvements, serves as an inspiring narrative of hope and the transformative power of education.
La Masia’s coach, Daine Klate, reflects on his team’s 61 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, highlighting the tactical brilliance of the opposing team’s coach and his team’s readiness for selfexamination. Klate acknowledges the Sundowns’ dominance on the field and learns from their strengths to better prepare for upcoming challenges. Despite the loss, Klate maintains pride in his team’s commitment to the game and their tenacity.
Major General Nolitha Tito is the new Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Support Services in Eastern Cape Province. Her appointment is expected to bring positive change to the province’s leadership. Major General Tito has over twenty years of experience in public administration and strategic leadership roles, with a strong focus on human resource management. Her appointment is highly anticipated and welcomed by the wider community.
Zane Kirchner, a former Springbok player, is now the head coach of the South Western Districts Eagles, a powerful team in the Currie Cup First Division. He has been sharing his vast knowledge and experience with the team as an assistant coach, and his promotion to the chief coach’s seat is a perfect fit. Born and raised in George, Kirchner is a humble and committed individual, ready to help his players reach their maximum potential. His illustrious career as a player and his leadership off the field make him an ideal leader for the Eagles.
In the verdant flatlands of Limpopo, South Africa, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is applauding the outstanding career of a woman whose extraordinary leadership and unwavering ethics have been maintained throughout a fourdecadelong service. Colonel Rudzani Patricia Rakhadani, the Vispol Commander of the Vhembe District, has played a key role in safeguarding the residents of Limpopo.
Cavin Johnson is the interim coach of Kaizer Chiefs and has been tasked with guiding the team towards success in the DStv Premiership. He has revitalized the team with his tactical understanding, player management, and innovative strategy, instilling a sense of hope among supporters and establishing himself as a respected figure in the Chiefs’ history. The Chiefs’ management has expressed satisfaction with Johnson’s leadership and believes he is the ideal individual to elevate the club back to its rightful status. Under Johnson’s supervision, the Chiefs have upheld a commendable position, currently holding the sixth spot with 24 points in the league table.
