SONA 2024 – 10 Key Takeaways
We have come a long way, but still have a long way to go. This was the message which came out of His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, the last of the 6th administration. This year’s speech comes as the country celebrates 30 years of democracy, reflecting on the successes and failures, examining the weaknesses and acknowledging the strengths.
South Africa Reaches 30 Years of Democracy: A Global Retrospective
The year 2024 will mark thirty years since South Africa became a democracy. To put this into perspective, we take a look at some of the highlights, globally and locally, over the last 30 years.
World Cancer Day Awareness Campaigns
The WHO World Cancer 2024 theme, ‘Close the Care Gap,’ urges collective action. By underscoring that “together, we challenge those in power,” serves as a call for global leaders to prioritise and invest in cancer awareness and initiatives. Without urgent measures, cancer mortality in the region is projected to reach about 1-million deaths per year by 2030, surpassing the global average of 30% in 20 years.
Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies 2023
South Africa shines with 17 entities in the top 50 of Africa’s 100 fastest growing companies for 2023, as revealed by The Financial Times and Statista’s annual ranking. In its second year, the ranking underscores the remarkable expansion of companies in fintech, renewable energy, healthcare, commodities, and agriculture.
Just Energy Transition – UN COP 28
The participation of South Africa at COP28 is part of its national commitment, as outlined in the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, to drastically reduce emissions in accordance with the 2015 Paris Agreement. The South African government states that the Conference presents an opportunity to fast-track the energy transition by building the energy system of the future “while rapidly decarbonising the current energy system to keep 1.5°C within reach.”
The world’s top decision-makers gather in Davos
The South African delegation is led by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel. “Together with Brand SA and various private sector representatives from Old Mutual, SAB and Naspers, amongst others, the delegation includes ministers of key departments, with the Minister of Electricity and his drive to gauge the appetite for investment in the energy space being an important part of Team South Africa’s agenda.”
Deputy Director-General, Carmen Joy Abrahams
Our Woman in Leadership for this edition is Carmen Joy-Abrahams. With over 23 years of dedicated service in the public sector, Carmen-Joy Abrahams has been appointed as Deputy Director-General (DDG): Professional Services. Effective from November 2023, she brings a wealth of 19 years of senior management experience within the public service and diverse expertise gained across various portfolios.
Gwakwani – SA’s 1st Smart Rural Village
This is a story of innovative thinking, strategic resourcing, partnerships, achieving development goals, technological innovations and a rural village that was put on the map for the first time. Gwakwani, a village in Limpopo, has become South Africa’s 1st smart and sustainable rural settlement.
Public Protector Advocate Nompilo Kholeka Gcaleka
Our Trailblazer for this edition is Advocate Nompilo Kholeka Gcaleka, who has been appointed as Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa (PPSA) for a non-renewable term of seven years with effect from 1 November 2023.
SIU: Striking Against Corruption
Established in 1996, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been a beacon in anti-corruption efforts, forensic investigations, and litigation, with a primary mandate to scrutinise allegations of corruption across the state institutions of South Africa. The SIU was at the forefront of significant legal matters. In a groundbreaking ruling, the Constitutional Court found that, while not a court, the Special Tribunal still holds the jurisdiction and powers to adjudicate reviews brought by the SIU and to grant orders setting aside unlawful procurement contracts awarded by State institutions.