REFLECTIONS AS WE DRAW TO THE END OF THE YEAR

As the final days of 2024 rapidly approach, the world braces for a whirlwind of reflection, celebration, and anticipation. From the unprecedented inception of the Government of National Unity (GNU), to scooping up six official medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, this year has certainly left an indelible mark on history.  As we etch nearer to 2025, and further unwind into the festive season, it’s important to reflect – not only on what we’ve lost, but also all that is to come. After all, the most valuable aspect of the past, of history, is the ability to learn from it. 

There are a number of socioeconomic issues that have been contended with in our society. Some of them are seemingly incessant challenges, such as our overburdened healthcare system, our disintegrated infrastructure, and our stratified rate of economic inequality. Others are relatively recent upheavals, such as the severe food safety crisis that has resulted in over 441 cases and 23 deaths this year alone. Another such example is the unearthing of over 5 million dockets and investigations that were closed with no resolution. 

Despite us grappling with a myriad of social, political, economic and institutional challenges, we have done a stellar job in prevailing with the demands of the modern, highly globalised world. A key moment worth of admiration and veneration was the commencement of South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This comprehensive presentation of the overwhelming evidence of genocide in Gaza, being crusaded at an international scale, has been a testament to our advocacy for justice, and a reminder of the sacrifices endured during the apartheid era, that have been monumental in shaping our society today. 

Although closer to home, the South African government contends with persistent issues of misconduct, corruption and abuses of power, the nation is still largely lauded as a proponent of human rights – both continentally and internationally. 

Despite the challenges that we face with addressing underdevelopment and inequality, we have managed to ensure the availability of quality security services and recently developed technologies such as Electric Vehicles (EV’s). In fact, the number of plug-in hybrid vehicles sold in the first quarter of 2024 was five times higher than the same period in 2023. 

Another notable juncture we are experiencing, for the first time in a whole year, is the decrease in unemployment. According to Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the third quarter of this year indicated that employment rose by 1.4% – reaching 16.9 million workers. At the same time, the number of unemployed people decreased by 373 000, reaching 8 million, the lowest figure in almost a year.

It is not only our socioeconomic obstacles, but also our political and institutional landscape, that has shone a stark light on the importance of education in our society. At a foundational level, it has been a major crisis as of recent times, with 81% of grade 4 learners struggling with illiteracy, according to the Reading Panel Report of 2024. 

At a high school level, institutional drawbacks such as lack of resources, teacher shortages, poor education standards, poor educational outcomes amongst students, and so much more, are contended with. Similarly, at a social level, issues of socioeconomic disadvantages, issues of access and inequality, various forms of abuses from teachers, families and pupils, are recently occurring. 

In higher education, there are a number of challenges that, for the most part, derive directly from our societal issues – with inequality, poverty, and institutional biases at the forefront of these. A major problem in organisations across almost all of our institutions was the national shortage in student accommodation, the scores of delayed registrations as a result of the NSFAS systems, lack of access and knowledge to critical learning resources such as laptops, digital programs and specified materials. In fact, South Africa’s first-year university dropout rate is as high as 60%. 

In the contemporary world, a lack of education is detrimental. Our own society has proven this time and time again. Education is not only about self-advocacy and self-development, but also a fundamental component to thriving in today’s world. Arguably, due to the internet age, it has never been easier to access information. From learning a new monetised skill on YouTube, attaining a real estate licence online, providing one’s services via social media, or obtaining degrees and qualifications from across the world, the internet is host to immeasurable success, and should be used as such. 

In our current society, multiple streams of income are, in fact, a necessity for most households. The need for prime security services is critical in our society, as a result of the stratified rate of crime. The proliferation of private security services such as ADT, as well as gated communities and estates are becoming a foremost priority for the majority of our society. 

Ultimately, the high cost of quality education, personal security, access to resources, and the overall stratified cost of living, is a driving proponent of the needs of our society. We are required to become increasingly self-reliant, with citizens across the nation needing to find inventive ways to ensure the flourishing of their health and homes. Resources, and the lack of knowledge, are no longer viable excuses. Information is key, not only for making informed political and economic decisions, but for our individual empowerment and our society’s betterment. 

In this next year, South Africa will be undertaking some ground-breaking roles, and we need to collectively ensure that these are used for our betterment. 2025 will commence with South Africa as the official new leaders of the G20 Forum, which will mean widespread influence and the eyes of the world glued upon us. The continued prosperity of the BRICS coalition is one that will continue to bolster our global relations and strengthen our economy. South Africa’s role in global economic affairs is immeasurable, and pertinent to our own national development. 

Closer to home, it is imperative that we undertake the necessary measures to foster the strong and inclusive society that we believe in. This means supporting the legislative processes that underscore equal access, such as the BELA bill, and sustaining legislation that seeks to address the scourge of GBVF, such as The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill. 

Finally, it is our inherent responsibility to uphold the values embedded in our Constitution, and to commemorate those who have deeply contributed to the notability of our society. May the losses of International mogul Connie Chiume, anti-apartheid activist and photographer Peter Magubane, as well as former cabinet minister Tito Mboweni, amongst many others, be a reminder that we all have a collective societal duty to pave the way forward for our near and distant generations to come. 

This year brought with it a series of challenges, as well as accomplishments, all of which are invaluable to enriching the fibre of our society. It is truly a time of retrospection, as well as accountability, in order to put our best foot forward in the looming New Year.  When we fail to acknowledge and celebrate small victories, we get dangerously discouraged. We must be intentional in sparking a fevered excitement about the dawn of a new year filled with untold possibilities. Will 2025 be the year that changes everything? Well, the countdown has begun. Happy X-Mas!