Breathing is a natural process that few people give a second thought towards. The clean fresh air that we often take for granted is made possible by trees, which convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. They are nature’s miracle and our defence against pollution, which is often present in our cities.

South Africa has come a long way in ensuring that female excellence shines through in all sectors of society. Since 1994, we have seen women represented in every sphere of society, and even in roles that were previously only the domain of men.

As we conclude our Women’s Month celebration, we remember the many women of our nation who have defied the odds and excelled. This year has been a great year for female excellence and we recently witnessed our women in sports doing exceptional things at the Paris Olympic Games.

Everyday women take on different roles in their lives. These include being mothers, partners, educators and caregivers and simultaneously fulfil positions such as entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals. Considering the instrumental and dynamic roles of women in our society, it is our responsibility to protect and empower them.

We should provide women with the tools, resources, skills and opportunities they require to make their dreams a lived reality. By practically empowering women there are no limits to what can be achieved.

Ending Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is the one thing that all of us agree upon, yet it continues to plague society on an almost daily basis. Hardly a day goes by without another heart-wrenching story of a women or child being hurt, abused or murdered.

Most people begin their day by scrolling through their phones to catch up on news, or current affairs, or by listening to radio or tuning into TV. Being accurately informed on current affairs and updated on the world around us relies on the prerequisite of a free and independent media.

Media Freedom is one of the many rights upheld by the South African constitution. Our constitution declares: “Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom of the press and other media”.

For decades, we have been warned about the devastating impact of climate change, but for the longest time the danger has seemed far off, and far removed from our daily reality. Now what once seemed like the plot of a utopian disaster movie is fast becoming part of our everyday lives.

The recent floods in the Western Cape Province and other extreme weather events, cannot be ignored any longer or swept aside as once offs. Swift action is required, the clock is ticking and zero hour approaches.

“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." These powerful words were spoken by civil rights movement leader Frederick Douglass who called on people around the world to stand up for their rights.

These words have inspired a generation of leaders around the world to speak truth to power and to demand change and freedom. During the Soweto uprising in 1976, those students intimately understood that progress can only happens when they act, and they will have to lead from the front for that to happen.

On 29 May 2024, the voices of the people reigned supreme once more and their collective choice has paved the way for our transition from the 6th to 7th administration. In an era of global voter apathy, it is heartening that 16 291 516 South Africans voted in the year that we commemorate 30 years of freedom.

There was a time when the story of Africa was told by voices outside the continent who looked at our continent through a tainted lens. However, this has changed and Africans are now proudly sharing our own stories of development and triumph.

Every parent naturally wants the best for their child when it comes to education.  This extends to the school their children attend or tertiary education later in life.  Education develops children to be confident and independent. It encourages them to think, make important decisions and operate independently.