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As we work to grow our economy and create employment, there is much debate about the relative roles of the state and business in pursuing these goals.

Some people have suggested that we must make a choice between, on the one hand, a developmental state that plays a vital role in economic and social transformation, and, on the other, a vibrant, expanding private sector that drives growth and employment.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced in his 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA) that government plans to scrap the National State of Disaster as the country enters a new phase in the management of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“It is our intention to end the National State of Disaster as soon as we have finalised other measures under the National Health Act and other legislation to contain the pandemic,” said the President.

There is broad agreement, across society, that as government works to grow South Africa’s economy, create employment and fight hunger and poverty, no one should be left behind.

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed this in his 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Debate Reply held recently.

Government is committed to putting people first, and has given itself 100 days to finalise a plan to involve all sectors of society in growing South Africa’s economy, creating jobs and combating hunger.

This was emphasised by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his 2022 State of the Nation Address.

“This work will build on the foundation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which remains our common programme to rebuild the economy,” he said.

Thando Makhubu (30), who owns Soweto Creamery, says he started the business in August 2020 with money saved from a government Social Relief of Distress Grant.

He and millions of others received the R350 monthly grant paid from April 2020 to unemployed people and people who had lost their income sources as a result of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The grant was recently extended by President Cyril Ramaphosa to March next year.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not discriminate. They can affect anyone regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation and economic status.

South Africa commemorates STI/Condom Week annually between 10 and 16 February. This is to raise public awareness around the importance of using a condom to prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancies, curb the spread of HIV and AIDS and root out STI stigma and discrimination.

An internet and printing shop has tripled its customers in only six months, thanks to the coaching it received from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

South Africa’s Seeds for the Future team placed in the top 10 of the Tech4Good global competition, which encourages the use of technology to solve both local and global issues.

If you are HIV-negative but at risk of contracting HIV, you can prevent being infected by taking the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis medication (PreP). 

HIV-negative people who take PreP daily can lower their risk of HIV infection by up to 90%. Those who are already HIV-positive, however, need to be on anti-retroviral treatment for the rest of their lives to stay healthy.