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Every person has a legal right to choose who they marry but according to Statistics South Africa, over 91 000 girls in South Africa between the ages of 12 and 17 are already married, divorced or widowed, largely because they were forced into a relationship. Commission for Gender Equality legal director Marissa van Niekerk (MvN) speaks about the issue:

Vuk: What is forced marriage?

In South Africa, customary marriages are an accepted part of cultures and heritage. However, it is important to note that these marriages need to be carried out fairly and legally, so that the rights of both the husband and wife are protected.

Commission for Gender Equality’s legal director Marissa van Niekerk, explains customary marriages and the important factors that people need to keep in mind.

Government is working hard to reduce the financial burdens placed on ordinary South Africans by zero rating some consumer items.

Zero rating aims to provide relief to low-income households, which spend a high proportion of their income on household goods.

Zero rated items do not have the 15 percent Value-Added Tax (VAT) attached to them. They are intended to help South Africans save money.

South Africa has an independent body that was established to consider, investigate and dispose of complaints regarding the health system.

The Office of the Health Ombud exists to ensure that citizens have access to the kind of health care services they deserve. It was established in terms of the National Health Amendment Act of 2013 and is headed by Professor Malegapuru William Makgoba.

In 2011, Portia Mavhungu (30) spent seven months in a wheelchair after breaking her pelvis. For the first time in her life, her eyes were opened to the difficulties that disabled people face, especially when using the bathroom.

At age (17) Maleeto Mabe was already a convicted murderer. While in a correctional centre she took a decision to change her ways to ensure a better future for herself.

She is now 25 and is a supervisor with the Working on Fire (WOF) programme.

International Relations/ Africa News

Five of the world's biggest emerging economies maintained confidence in the multilateral system, and further committing to strengthening economic cooperation

When the curtain fell on the 10th BRICS Summit held in Sandton recently a clear mandate of solidifying trade cooperation and partnership between the five member countries was reaffirmed.

You might be a young person who has recently graduated from university or college, your future is bright and you have landed your first job.

The fruits of your labour are not being fully enjoyed thanks to ‘black tax’. ‘Black tax’ is a colloquial term used to describe young black people who share their salary with immediate and extended family while trying to manage their own expenses.

Chief Financial Officer of the Savings Institute, Gerald Mwandimbira, said a family may often have one person who has graduated from university in a well-paying job. 

A literacy project that promotes home language reading has started a new chapter of learning in the Eastern Cape.