Editor

Chef Xolisa Kalipa (22) of Daveyton in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, has just landed a chance of a lifetime: introducing authentic South African flavours to the world through working for Qatar Airways.  The talented young chef is among nearly 50 newly appointed recruits who have just joined the multi-award-winning airline’s catering company, retail and hospitality subsidiaries in Doha, Qatar.  Kalipa is now placed with Qatar Aircraft Catering Company (QACC) and Qatar Duty Free (QDF), both of which operate from the world-renowned Hamad International Airport. 

Abaveleli Funeral Directors, founded in 1999 by the late Nocawe and Zanemvula Saul, provides burial services across South Africa. Now led by their daughter, Unathi Saul, the company has expanded to 13 branches, creating 125 jobs while honouring its legacy.

“I am proud to carry on my parents’ legacy. Their vision was to serve communities with dignity, and I remain committed to that mission while ensuring that our services evolve to meet the needs of today’s families,” she said.

Falling victim to a heinous sexual crime and not getting justice is a traumatic experience that could have left Norma Uhuru Mbele hopeless, but she rallied to start an organisation that fights gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).  Mbele is the founder of Tosunga Baninga, a non-profit organisation situated in Evaton, Emfuleni, Gauteng, that helps survivors of GBVF, including various forms of abuse and rape.  “The name Tosunga Baninga comes from the Lingala language used in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and means ‘helping you to help others’.

Having financial freedom does not only apply to rich people. Even if you are a low-income earner, you can make better financial decisions and ultimately reduce your stress levels.  While many people set their goals for the year, Vuk’uzenzele spoke to financial coach, co-founder and chief executive officer of Financial Journey, Rose Nkabinde, about practical ways that people can use to achieve financial wellness.

Joel Seaja, a passionate young farmer from the West Rand, has a vision that extends beyond simply making money from agriculture. His goal is to create jobs, inspire young people, and provide hope through the potential of farming.  “I don’t just want to make money from farming, I want to create employment, inspire other young people, and give them hope,” Seaja said, emphasising his commitment to uplifting his community. 

South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) presents a valuable opportunity to foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships with the African Union (AU) in key priority areas, says International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Thandi Moraka.  “We want to urge you that all of you as the people of Africa, consider yourselves as the Presidents of the G20. It is our own collective effort,” Minister Moraka said.

Letter

Good day Vuk’uzenzele,

Please could you kindly assist or refer us to the right door. We are looking for funding to open a mobile clinic that will  serve low-income earners or township populations.

Kind regards

Sibusiso Mazibuko

Reply

Dear Sibusiso

Thank you for reaching out. The National Department of Health is responsible for the management and administration of public mobile clinic services.

Various projects aimed at increasing economic growth and development across Limpopo were highlighted during the most recent Democracy Bus tour in the province, to reflect on the progress made since 1994.  During the tour, the bus made a stop at the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ) in Sekhukhune, an area that has seen rapid economic growth in recent years. SEZs are geographic areas of a country set aside for specific economic activities. They offer incentives to businesses to set up shop there.

Last week, the annual Budget Speech by the Minister of Finance was postponed for the first time in our democratic history.  Cabinet decided to postpone the presentation of the budget to allow further discussion on areas of disagreement among parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU). The budget will now be tabled in Parliament on 12 March 2025.