South Africa will witness yet another milestone during the G20 Summit as we draw thousands of global leaders, media, and delegates, providing both a diplomatic milestone and a major opportunity to showcase our country’s tourism offerings.

The gathering of world leaders and delegates is an opportunity for us to showcase our unique tourism offerings. We have also worked to ensure that economic opportunities associated with the Summit and the many lead up meetings are extended to small and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

Nelson Mandela, one of the world’s most profound leaders, reminded us of the transformative power of education, particularly through reading. He believed that reading empowers citizens, sparks change and lays the foundation for societies built on knowledge and justice.

When President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending all foreign aid to South Africa, in January this year, we immediately set about finding solutions. Among the most pressing was to ensure that our life saving HIV and AIDS programme continued to function.

When thinking about science, technology and innovation, most people’s minds go straight to robots, spaceships, self-driving cars and talking machines. Centuries ago, such incredible inventions may have seemed farfetched, but in today’s fast moving technological world, there are no limits to what we can achieve in the field.

Robben Island, once a notorious symbol of apartheid oppression, served as a prison for leaders of South Africa’s liberation movement, isolating them from the growing resistance across the country.

These political prisoners endured harsh conditions, including forced labour in limestone quarries on the island, as part of an effort by the apartheid regime to silence and break their spirit.

A single act of service holds the power to transform lives, offering hope and dignity to those who need it most. For underprivileged communities, these acts are not just gestures of kindness, they are lifelines that open doors to opportunity, resilience, and a better future.

Providing essential services like identity documents, water, sanitation, electricity, and health services has a direct impact on improving lives, raising living standards, fostering community development, and enhancing citizen satisfaction.

A critical period for development in a child’s life is from birth to five years of age. During this period a foundation is laid for physical, cognitive, emotional and social growth, so that children can learn and thrive. It is therefore crucial that we continue to speed up the rollout of enrolment of children in pre-schools, particularly in underserviced communities to ensure that we build a foundation for their future.

Since the advent of democracy, South Africa has gone through various changes. While we have made notable progress, the persistent scourge of poverty continues to threaten our development and exacerbates inequality. This Nelson Mandela Month as we honour the legacy of our beloved icon, we are called upon to challenge poverty under the theme: “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”.

Skills development is important for our country’s growth, and ensuring that young people are empowered to contribute meaningfully in cultivating a flourishing economy that benefits everyone. Each year, the importance of equipping the youth with skills is underscored as we commemorate World Youth Skills Day on July 15th, a day declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.

In June this year, South Africa marked 70 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter on 26 June 1955 by the Congress of the people. On that day, brave patriots assembled in a multiracial convention in Kliptown and adopted a document that remains the cornerstone to the founding of our Constitution and democracy.