Publisher

President Jacob Zuma delivered his seventh State of the Nation Address in Parliament recently, outlining his plans to take the country forward in the next five years.

Here are some of the main points of President Zuma’s address:

Growing the economy, improving local government, transforming the energy sector and creating jobs are some of the priorities government will focus its attention on over the next five years.

A new National Executive has been appointed to take South Africa forward under the leadership of President Jacob Zuma.

Following South Africa’s fifth democratic elections, 35 ministers and 37 deputy ministers have been sworn into office, along with the country’s new Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The members of the National Executive boast a wealth of experience with some ministers retaining their positions, while new ministers and deputy ministers have also been appointed.

The President of the Republic of South Africa, President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, was born on 12 April 1942 at KwaNxamalala in Nkandla, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Foreign and National dignitaries who came to witness the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma included Heads of State and/or Government, Vice-Presidents/Deputy Heads of State, Prime Ministers, and former Heads of State and/or Government.

The Union Buildings in Pretoria was abuzz with around 20 000 excited members of the public who gathered at the Southern Lawns to witness the Inauguration of President Jacob Zuma.

President Jacob Zuma has promised to work hard to put South Africa on the path of prosperity and success during his second term in office.

Speaking shortly after his inauguration, the President said radical socio-economic transformation policies and programmes would mark the next five years.

Every year on Freedom Day, 27 April, the President bestows National Orders to carefully chosen South Africans and foreign nationals who have played a part in developing the country.

Over the past five years, government has made great strides in protecting vulnerable groups such as women, children and people with disabilities.

Over 15 000 learners, who sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) supplementary exams, have passed matric.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga recently announced the results of the matric supplementary examinations, which took place from 17 February to 25 March.

According to the Minister, 15 030 more young people have attained the NSC, which gives them what they need to further their studies.

A total of 66 105 candidates sat for the exams at 6 168 centres across the country.

This year the world will celebrate International Nelson Mandela Day without the beloved icon who inspired it.

However, according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation the day is now an opportunity to ensure that the late former President Nelson Mandela’s legacy lives on.

Celebrated across the world in honour of the Madiba’s birthday on 18 July, Mandela Day is an international call to bring positive change to communities.

The day aims to empower communities everywhere through the slogan ‘Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day’.