Timothy Omotoso’s departure after a controversial acquittal highlights deep concerns about justice and accountability in South Africa.
The deportation of the televangelist Timothy Omotoso on May 18, 2025, marks yet another worrying pattern in South Africa’s criminal justice system: powerful people slipping away before full accountability is achieved.
Omotoso and his co-accused were acquitted on 32 charges of rape and human trafficking on 2 April 2025. However, instead of facing continued public scrutiny, Omotoso accepted voluntary deportation to Nigeria, just one day before the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed its intention to appeal the ruling on May 19, 2025.
If the appeal is successful, South Africa would need to seek Omotoso’s extradition, which is often an uncertain process, given the country’s poor track record with high-profile cases.
This follows earlier failures, where the Gupta brothers remained abroad after their extradition was mishandled. Shepherd Bushiri fled to Malawi and has never returned.
These examples reflect a justice system where influential people evade accountability with ease. These unjust cases have left South Africans with a recurring sense that justice only applies selectively.
The Omotoso case cuts even deeper because it intersects with South Africa’s gender-based violence (GBV) crisis. Cheryl Zondi, one of the first witnesses to testify how she was raped at 14 by Omotoso, expressed her concerns, stating that “evil prevails in this world.”
Zondi’s courage, and the collective trauma relived by sexual assault survivors, was sidelined by the court’s technicalities and the prosecutor’s unpreparedness.
Even more heartbreaking is the murder of Pamela Mabini, a community activist who supported victims in the Omotoso case. She received death threats and was eventually gunned down, a tragic reminder of the cost of seeking justice in this country.
The deportation of Omotoso before further legal accountability could unfold reflects poorly on our criminal justice system.
It is not just about one man leaving the country, it’s about how systems of justice are ignored, and how suspects can escape scrutiny by deporting them rather than pursuing accountability and justice.
The NPA’s leave to appeal came after the 10-day deadline had passed, raising further questions about whether proper procedures were followed.
South Africa’s fight against GBV cannot be won if high-profile people are allowed to walk away without consequences. Justice must be seen, felt, and established.
FEATURED IMAGE: Likho Mbuka. Photo: File/Paul Botes
Journalists are working harder than ever, taking on multiple roles amid shrinking newsrooms, unstable contracts, and declining print revenue.
As a student journalist who recently began working in a newsroom environment, I have come to realise just how much weight comes with the byline. I used to think journalism was mainly about writing a good story, chasing quotes, and meeting deadlines. But now, being in the thick of it, I see that journalism is so much more; it is a full-body commitment to truth, community, and craft.
What has struck me the most is the sheer amount of work it takes to keep society informed. Behind every headline is a journalist juggling multiple roles – writer, editor, researcher, sometimes even photographer and videographer.
Newsrooms are shrinking, and the expectation is that one person should do the work of three.
According to an article by The Boca Raton Tribune, a major reason for this is the decline in print advertising revenue, which has long been a lifeline for newspapers. With less advertising money coming in, media houses struggle to sustain operations and staff.
This financial pressure trickles down to the newsroom, where fewer people are doing more, often for salaries that do not match the workload or the importance of the job.
From the conversations I have had with practicing journalists, it has become clear that job security in this field is fragile. Most of them are on year-long contracts that get renewed annually – but renewal is not guaranteed. That means one can lose their job at any time, and finding another one is not easy.
This is not just a South African issue. Across the world, finding and keeping a reporting job has become a real challenge. As Mary Paronyan highlighted, the problem is not the quality of journalists, but the job market itself.
Being a journalist is a role that carries great responsibility, but also great uncertainty. Still, the calling remains.
Journalism continues to be a lifeline for communities, a check on power, and a mirror to society. Even with its many challenges, this work matters. And as I learn to navigate it all, I carry that truth with me: journalism may not always reward one financially, but its impact is priceless.
FEATURED IMAGE: Nthabiseng Baloyi. Photo: File/Paul Botes
Serious journalism is losing ground as short-form videos increasingly become the public’s primary source of news
Graphic content and privacy violations raise serious ethical concerns
Popularity on the app overrides accuracy
TikTok delivers fast, engaging news but lacks fact-checking
TikTok is designed to promote short videos, catering to a shorter attention span among its target audience. In a few scrolls on the app, one can learn about natural disasters in other countries, corruption, and bombing of ATM’s etc.
Scale showing the preferred platforms for news consumption among younger generations. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
At first the app was used for comedy, dance trends and lip-syncing challenges but now TikTok is changing the way media works. As more users make use of it for news, an important question emerges: is this good for journalism?
The answer is complicated. Comment sections of TikTok news creators like Jaxx Amahle, Amani Dube and Dylan Page, have people saying, “I don’t watch news at all, I follow you to get latest updates” and some say, “You make news sounds fun. That is why I follow you because generally news is boring”.
TikTok’s reach is indisputable, with the dominant presence of Gen Z, it has the power to shape public opinion faster than traditional outlets. In time of crisis, from the war in Gaza to wildfires in California, the app has outpaced traditional media providing unfolding, raw, and unfiltered events. The users offer real time flow of information that is immediate and feels authentic.
However, this is where the danger lies. On TikTok there is no fact-checking, which makes it easy for inaccurate information to spread faster. The accounts that have a large following and number of likes, are most likely to be seen as credible meaning people believe what is shared on such accounts without questioning.
It is difficult to tell the difference between what is true and what is not from TikTok citizen journalists. This comes with several risks because if individuals don’t recognize when something is false, a lot of damage can be done like the spread of misinformation, damage to reputation etc.
Some of these creators share information inaccurately and unethically. For example, they often reveal the names of sexual assault victims, along with where they go to school or work.
Sometimes, while scrolling through the app, I come across graphic footage of people bleeding to death at accident scenes, all because so-called “citizen journalists” feel the need to show every detail. Imagine being a parent and opening the app only to see your child dead in such a scene—how does one ever heal from something like that?
What is undeniable is that many find TikTok a convenient and fun platform to get news. But it is also true that some of the so-called news may be misinformation or disinformation. Thus, good fact-based journalism remains relevant regardless of the increasing influence of platforms such as TikTok.
FEATURED IMAGE: Scale showing the preferred platforms for news consumption among younger generations. Photo; Dikeledi Ramabula
Joburg’s surcharge hike from R200 to R270, may target the city’s most vulnerable, burdening struggling residents under the guise of policy.
There is no financial transparency, the city has not shown how the R230 monthly charge improves service or infrastructure.
Public voices were ignored, and the policy was implemented without meaningful consultation.
The surcharge deepens inequality, disproportionately affecting low-income.
The City of Johannesburg’s R230 prepaid electricity surcharge, effective since July 2024, continues to weigh heavily on low-income households yet the city seems unmoved.
As a prepaid user myself, I have felt this increase choke an already tight budget. It’s no longer just about buying electricity; it is about being penalised every month before even switching on a single light.
The surcharge, split between a R70 service fee and a R130 network capacity charge, is meant to support infrastructure upkeep. But here’s the issue: this logic does not hold when the people being charged the most are the same ones who use prepaid to manage meagre incomes and are trying to avoid electricity debt.
BusinessTech recently reiterated that there’s still little clarity on where this surcharge money goes, with City Power unable to point to specific projects funded by it.
OUTA’s Julius Kleynhans rightly called it a “lazy fundraising mechanism,” and I agree. This is not proactive governance. It’s a blunt and careless solution to a deeper financial mismanagement issue in the city. Many of us budget for electricity weekly. That R230 could easily mean the difference between powering our homes or going without.
The city has defended the surcharge by saying it aims to target affluent users who moved to prepaid to dodge higher postpaid bills. But the data doesn’t back that up. According to OUTA, the city’s indigent register used to exempt vulnerable households is outdated and excludes thousands who qualify. So, who is really paying? Those of us in working-class neighbourhoods, pensioners, students, and unemployed residents, many of whom top up R20 at a time.
Even political parties have criticised the surcharge. ActionSA called it “anti-poor” and rejected the adjustment budget that included it. Meanwhile, the DA launched a petition that’s gained thousands of signatures, arguing that the city pushed the fee through without meaningful consultation
The sad irony? Those who steal electricity or don’t pay at all are unaffected. Those of us who play by the rules are being punished for it.
It is now May 2025, and nothing has changed. City Power recently doubled down, with CEO Tshifularo Mashava saying that those who can afford to live in areas with “big houses and electric fences” must pay more yet this broad brush unfairly paints every prepaid user as wealthy. It’s an assumption that ignores how diverse the city’s residents are and how unevenly income and infrastructure are distributed across the suburbs.
Electricity is not a luxury, it is a basic necessity. If Johannesburg wants to talk about sustainability and fairness, it must start with a policy that protects rather than punishes responsible users. Until then, this surcharge feels less like a service fee and more like a fine for being poor and trying to keep the lights on.
FEATURED IMAGE: A picture of a meter box. Photo: Lindelwa Khanyile
The streets of Braamfontein pulse with life, the noise of taxi horns, chatter, and construction that never seems to cease. But beneath the vibrant surface, my reality as a Wits Journalism student is marked by the quiet struggles of balancing academia and financial pressures.
I recall one particularly grueling night, juggling living expenses, and last-minute modelling gigs to make ends meet. The clock struck midnight, and I was still typing a potential story pitch on my laptop, fueled by coffee and sheer determination.
This is the unseen reality of many student journalists – the late nights, the early mornings, and the constant juggling act.In the newsroom, I am surrounded by classmates who inspire me with their passion. We come from diverse backgrounds, but our pursuit of knowledge and personal growth unites us.
As we work together to produce high-quality content for the Wits Vuvuzela, I see first-hand the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
According to a study by the Student Press Law Center, student journalists face unique challenges, including financial constraints, limited resources, and the pressure to balance academia and journalism. My experience echoes these findings – the financial strain is palpable, and the pressure to perform academically weighs heavily.
This is not only my personal experience but, Kamvelihle Mtwazi, a fellow student journalist also said that not having funding is affecting her studies, as she must sometimes do field reporting which requires transportation money and lunch.This sentiment echoes the struggles many of us face in pursuing our journalistic endeavors.But despite these challenges, we have found a way to thrive.
Likho Mbuka, a fellow student journalist, notes that discipline and time management are key to crafting news-worthy stories.I have seen this play out in our team’s weekly production cycle, where we work tirelessly to meet deadlines and tell stories that matter.
Rivaldo Jantjies, a Journalism Graduate and TV journalism Top Achiever, shares a similar experience. “When I first started, I was a fish out of water,” he says. “But my mentors took me under their wing, and I learned to take risks, push myself, and adapt fast.” His words resonate with me – the importance of mentorship and guidance cannot be overstated.
As I reflect on my own journey, I realize that our university experience should be about more than just survival – it should be about thriving.To succeed, journalists must be prepared to work long hours for low pay. It is a demanding profession that requires dedication and passion.
Despite these challenges, many of us are determined to make a difference through our stories. With the right mindset and support, we can navigate the industry’s obstacles and thrive. As a student journalist, I have seen firsthand the hard work and commitment needed to produce high-quality work.
The effects of hunger among students need sensitivity and cannot be ignored.
The continued struggle of access to food for students in South Africa is a cause for concern and an urgent matter that needs to be addressed. Government feeding schemes are designed to help alleviate hunger among learners from primary school to high school level. Yet, even with these measures in place the problem of food insecurity persists.
Food insecurity refers to the physical unavailability of food where people are undernourished due to their lack of social or economic access to adequate food. It is worth emphasizing that food insecurity is not only the lack of food, but also a lack of access to nutritious and nourishing food.
Empty refrigerator with few consumable items. Photo: Simphiwe Maduma
Students without food or those who can only afford one meal a day are forced to attend classes on an empty stomach while waiting for lunchtime to receive their meal for the day. This poses serious implications in learning and concentration capacity and ability, therefore affecting students’ academic performance.
There is also the social well-being aspect of this problem for students such as difficulty in socializing. These students feel the need to hide their hunger and need for food to avoid being ostracized by their peers. This also affects their enthusiasm and ability to partake in campus life which forms part of socializing and engaging in new experiences.
The proportion of households in South Africa that experienced moderate to severe food insecurity was estimated at 19,7% in 2023. For students who come from such households, learning can be a nightmare.
FEATURED IMAGE: Small size empty takeaway container. PHOTO: Zanele S. Maduma
Artificial intelligence has the power to enhance journalism, but is journalism in more danger because of it?
Amid the chaos of a digital landscape currently being agitated and renovated by generative artificial intelligence, the news industry is no exception to its explosive impact. UNESCO aims to address this at a conference in Brussels on May 7 in commemoration of the 32nd World Press Freedom Day.
World Press Freedom Day takes place annually on May 3 to highlight the press’s current challenges and to raise awareness.
This year, the focus is on ‘Reporting in the Brave New World – the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on press freedom and the media, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that AI has brought to journalism.
Unsurprisingly, generative AI is taking centre stage, as its disruption to the world of technology is too stark to ignore, especially in the news industry.
Principally, we know that news summarises and simplifies information. Broadcasts and articles essentially catch you up on current, recent or ongoing events and weave in analysis or interpretation.
So, does involving AI in this process really pose a threat as a technology that can soak up information in one form, drawing from existing sources to pour the same information into a different mould after?
Yes and no. I believe that anything involving AI means walking a tightrope and, as journalists, falling off that rope means jeopardising the foundation within which journalistic practice is built on — ethics.
A 2025 report by Thomas Reuters Foundation (TRF), paints the nuances of AI use in journalism in the Global South.
It states that 81.7% of journalists already use AI tools like CHATGPT in their journalistic work for drafting and editing content, research, fact-checking and idea generation to save time, reach new audiences and work more efficiently. Starkly, only 13% report using any official AI policy with 79.1% reporting an absence of any clear guidelines.
Of the few non-users, lack of awareness or knowledge of AI tools, insufficient training and support, lack of access to necessary technology, concerns about accuracy and reliability, ethical concerns, preference over traditional methods and fear of job displacement were some of the main reasons for not using AI.
Where newsrooms lack formal guidance and self-education on using AI tools prevails, transparency becomes fragile which is concerning when trust in journalism and the media is already tainted. I am at a crossroads because if AI use is disclosed in news articles, I’m not entirely sure if that would make me trust a news agency more.
That is because I value journalism’s core ethics and skills: original reporting, quality, accuracy, fact-checking and source verification.
Where ethics are concerned, one may question if post-evaluation of AI produced content was done because AI is known to sometimes hallucinate information, supercharging the spread of misinformation. So, as journalism is defined, it still leads as a reliable, fact-checked source of information.
Another ethical concern, as highlighted by The Conversation, is that while journalists may ask for the generation of summaries or idea prompts, sensitive information or copyrighted material is inadvertently uploaded into these public generative AI tools, which not only contravenes company policies but journalistic integrity.
TRF recommends that journalists “understand the ethical implications of AI”. These include “advocating for policies and practices that protect journalistic integrity, while also ensuring fairness and accuracy, and promoting trust with audiences.”
All of this considered, I cannot downplay the ease that AI has brought journalists. It should be welcomed in newsrooms as long as originality and critical thinking isn’t destroyed in the process.
FEATURED IMAGE: Live news broadcast by robot news anchor with breaking news lower thirds and a digital world backdrop. Graphic: Lukholo Mazibuko
Institutions of higher learning collect millions in non-refundable application fees while thousands of hopefuls are rejected.
As South Africa’s university application season gets underway, the issue of application fees rears its head again, as many wonder why some institutions of higher learning continue to profit while access remains deeply unequal.
Every year, thousands of hopeful students submit university applications, dreaming of a better future. For many, higher education is a way out of generational poverty, a shot at stability, or simply the next step in their growth. But beyond the administrative process of applications lies an overlooked yet significant source of revenue for institutions: non-refundable application fees.
Take the University of the Witwatersrand as a case study. According to Wits news, the university received around 85 000 undergraduate applications for the 2025 academic year. Yet, only about 6 000 first-year students could be registered. This means the vast majority of applicants paid the fees and were ultimately not admitted.
The undergraduate application fee at Wits is R100 for South African citizens and a steep R700 for international students. Postgraduate applicants are charged R200 per application. Multiply those numbers across tens of thousands of applicants, and the revenue becomes significant, even before a single student sets foot on campus.
Wits is not the only institution profiting from this model. The University of Pretoria (UP) and Sefako Makgatho University (SMU) each charge R300 – a hefty amount for many South African families.
This issue has also sparked national debate and caught the attention of Parliament, according to IOL. In a media statement, the Portfolio Committee on higher Education said the practice of collecting fees regardless of whether a student is admitted is concerning.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Public Servants Association (PSA) has called for the “abolishment of unjustifiable application fees.” The PSA argued that these fees result in universities making massive profits even when applications are rejected. “One university reportedly received over 600 000 applications, with applicants each paying a R200 application fee. The university made an enormous profit of R150 million to just reject applications,” a PSA statement said.
From the institutions’ viewpoint, the financial strain they face is real. Universities like Wits carry the weight of providing world-class education in an economy where many students can’t afford to pay tuition. Some students register with fee waivers, which is a progressive move, and many owe thousands in unpaid fees. Yet, the university must continue operating – paying staff, maintaining facilities, and ensuring academic quality.
Speaking to IOL, Wits University’s spokesperson, Shirona Patel, said the university employs hundreds of assistants, senior students, and part-time staff to support the application, administration, and orientation processes at the start of the academic year. Additionally, the university highlighted the ongoing costs of maintaining online platforms and associated technology.
Still, one can’t help but ask: If a large institution like the University of Johannesburg (UJ) can process thousands of applications without charging a cent when one is applying online, why can’t those who charge application fees follow suit?
According to UJ news, the university received more than 760 000 applications (study choices) from 400 000 applicants. UJ said in a Facebook post, almost 99% of these applications were made online, meaning they were processed without an application fee.
This raises the question: Is the application fee truly an administrative necessity?
In a country where education is supposed to be a pathway out of poverty, monetising the application process, especially when rejection is more likely than acceptance, begs for critical reflection.
FEATURED IMAGE: A list of South African universities without application fees. Photo: Nthabiseng Baloyi
When degrading women is the punchline, what does that reveal about the audience laughing along? “Minnie’s pretty bro. Why can’t she keep a man?” “Bro, I’m telling you man. There’s got to be something wrong with her. Maybe her coochie smells or something....
The IPID has dropped its charges against KZN’s Provincial Police Commissioner due to a lack of evidence.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has officially dropped its charges against the Provincial Police Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The case, launched on March 19, was a result of an anonymous tip off against Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
According to EyeWitness News, he was accused of having cleared allegations against a prison official, Feroz Khan, who was alleged to have interfered in a drug dealing case.
There’s been a lot of noise around Mkhwanazi lately. Under his leadership, KZN has seen a more assertive police force that isn’t afraid to take the fight to criminals. As recent as January 30, the police were involved in a shootout with Inanda West Gang, a notorious gang that has been terrorising communities in northern Durban.
Mkhwanazi has publicly declared war on gang crime and gun violence, with over 100 suspects getting killed during confrontations with KZN police units. It’s no surprise that figures like National Assembly Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Police Ian Cameron have raised concerns about the political undertones of the IPID’s case against Mkhwanazi.
There are questions worth asking. Was this ever really about justice, or just a way to sideline a cop who doesn’t play politics? The latest crime stats from the South African Police Service (SAPS), ranging from October to December 2024, show a 1.6% decrease in contact crime. KZN showed a significant decrease in murders by 9.5% amongst other contact-related crimes.
Some commentators have tried to paint his approach as ruthless and unduly lethal, with the DA leading the charge of pressuring SAPS to implement body cams for everyday operations. However, if that means showing up, cracking down on drug networks and, sending a clear message to criminals, then maybe it’s what the rest of the country needs to adapt to.
Recent data from the IPID in the fiscal year of 2023-2024 reported significant concerns regarding the use of force by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and they additionally reported 187 deaths resulting from police action in KZN, the highest in all provinces. This alarming number was countered by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, who argues that these were results of police acting in self-defence against suspects.
Law enforcement can’t be effective when it’s second-guessed at every turn by people who’ve never been put in highly threatening situations. Communities under siege from gangs and drug dealers don’t need long lectures, they need decisive action. Mkhwanazi has been open in recent interviews about the fact that being soft on crime simply doesn’t work in this country and he’s not wrong.
Perhaps, it is time we let more leaders like him do just that, even if we disagree with the methods at hand. A stronger law enforcement system is needed now more than ever, with a balanced reform of policing and law enforcement protocols. That will assist in ensuring that all crime is addressed fairly, immediately and without bias against SAPS.
FEATURED IMAGE: Katlego Makhutle. Photo: File/Paul Botes
As terrifying as your new chapter may seem, it will be a worthwhile ride, filled with many highs and evolution.
Right now, you’re probably feeling a mixture of excitement, nerves, and maybe even a little fear. I get it—I was in your shoes not too long ago. When I started my first year in 2021 at Wits University, it was a strange time.
Coronavirus had turned the world upside down, and instead of walking into lecture halls buzzing with life, I logged into online classes from my bedroom. There was no campus orientation filled with loud cheers and free goodies, just emails and Microsoft teams links. It felt overwhelming, and the voices of my high school teachers echoed in my head: “In university, you’re all alone. No one will chase you or help you.”
For the first few weeks, it really did feel that way. There were no teachers reminding me about deadlines, no school bells signaling when to move to the next class. Just me, my laptop, and a flood of information that I had to figure out on my own. But here is the thing—they were only half right. Yes, university demands independence, but being alone? That part turned out to be a myth.
As soon as the Coronavirus restrictions were lifted, students were able to go onto campus. There are signs almost everywhere for specific buildings but sometimes I would still get lost, luckily campus control staff and other students walking around were more than happy to direct me to where I needed to be.
That is when I discovered the true meaning of community. I have never encountered a mean stranger on campus since my first year through to my final honours year. Friends and fellow students that I had met through the online lectures were eager to form study groups, and tutors were always available to provide guidance and support just as they were during the times we had to attend our classes remotely.
The campus itself was and still is a treasure trove of resources. The Counselling and Careers Development unit (CCDU) at Wits, became my go-to destination for guidance on academic and career choices. The libraries have a vast collection of books, journals and online resources that there was simply no way I would not have more than enough resources to complete any assignment given to me.
Wits University is renowned for its academic excellence, but it’s not all about hitting the books. The university’s campus is a hub of activity, offering students a diverse range of entertainment options.
From retail companies hosting raffles and giveaways, to radio stations scouting for talented students, and local artists performing, there’s always something happening on campus. These events always provided a welcome break from academic stress for me, allowing me to unwind.
One of the highlights of the university’s social calendar is the annul Fun Day held before exams. This day features inflatables, water slides, and other activities designed to help students relax, have fun and recharge.
Wits’ commitment to providing well rounded university experiences through offering students a mix of academic rigor and social activities is exactly how I found balance in all my four years at Wits. Feeling anxious about your first year is normal, but having to figure it out all on your own? That is a myth.
FEATURED IMAGE: Image of our famous motto, “Wits for Good”. Photo by: Katlego Mtshali
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) victories, international trophies and Olympic medals have made being South African a pleasure and tremendous source of pride.
South African pride is soaring, with UFC victories, another Rugby World Cup win and a handful Olympic medals. Dricus Du Plessis’ recent UFC title defense, the Springboks maintaining their world champion status and Tyla’s musical accolades are all examples of how South Africans are making their presence known on the global stage.
On Sunday, August 18, 2024, South African UFC fighter Dricus Du Plessis retained his UFC Middleweight Championship by submitting Israel Adesanaya. Seven months prior to that, Du Plessis became the first South African UFC champion after he defeated Sean Strickland for the championship.
These recent triumphs build on a wave of victories that all started just less than a year ago when the Springboks won back-to-back World Cups by defeating New Zealand in 2023. Euphoria was injected into the air as South Africans celebrated. The victory showcased that despite the challenges we face as a nation, South Africans can achieve on a world stage.
In the same year, the global music stage was set alight by South African popstar Tyla, who released her breakout hit Water. The single gained Tyla worldwide recognition, receiving a Grammy and a BET award in 2024; achievements which are unprecedented for South African performers. Tyla continues to display her South African pride and has made it easy for her fans to relate with and adore her.
These accomplishments, however, are not enough for us to turn a blind eye to the issues that we face as a nation. South Africa continues to experience high levels of crime as well as high unemployment, with there being an average of 45% youth unemployment. South Africa has a rich history of inequality and oppression, and the longstanding effects of these detriments continue to affect the modern lived experience of South Africans.
So, the question is why could anybody be proud of being a South African? Racism has been a longstanding component of the nation and there continues to be unequal distributions of wealth; why on earth would I be proud of being from such a nation? The answer for me is simple – because it’s my nation of birth and I have no choice but to be proud of it.
Despite the issues that the nation faces, South Africa is made of a variety of beautiful cultures and languages that give us our unique identity. Our differences are our strength in many cases.
2024 has been a great indication of the rollercoaster of emotions that South Africans must endure. In the month of May, the National Elections saw South Africans vote for a new government, resulting in a national coalition government for the first time in its history. This, coupled with Bafana Bafana’s third place victory in the AFCON tournament and the South African Olympic team receiving six medals all make up for an eventful year for South Africans.
I am a proud South African and I am a firm believer that our nation has so much potential to fight for. In the face of challenges and obstacles, I am confident that South Africa will find ways to prevail, and I encourage every South African to share the same belief. We, as South Africans, are not allowing the ghosts of our pasts to affect our present but are rather focused on building a better future for South Africa.
FEATURED IMAGE: South African flag reworked into DNA helix. Photo: Reddit/@lwazilwapheshey
Societal expectations and experiences can often place pressure on people’s relationships. With Valentine’s Day coming up we have asked individuals questions about their views on certain relationship dynamics especially when it comes to the most anticipated day of the year for some lovers, Valentines Day. Viewers shared their beliefs and Siyanda and Katlego talk about […]
