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Sport, arts and culture

South African sports fans can look forward to a packed sporting calendar this year, with the national soccer, rugby and cricket squads up against stiff competition.

International relations

South Africa’s hosting of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit in March marks the country’s increased role in the distribution of power internationally.

At 17, Chris Phumlani Mazibuko stole a car with his friends and ended up in prison. In 2008 he was given a 10-year sentence for armed robbery.

Four years later, Mazibuko has emerged as the best performing inmate in the 2012 matric exams after receiving distinctions for isiZulu, English, life orientation, business studies and economics.

Mazibuko, now 23, has been accepted to study for a degree in Business Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which he will pursue through correspondence.

As of 2013 the Department of Home Affairs is only issuing unabridged birth certificates.

According to Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor, the unabridged certificates will be issued free of charge to all first time applicants, who will not have to pay the R75 previously expected of them.

Suddenly you are out of the safe haven of the classroom, where you were tested on schedule and deadlines were months away. You are now into the harsh reality of your first job. Deadlines are “tomorrow, at the latest”. And while there are no more formal exams don't ever forget that you are being tested every day.

The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) has to date approved R4.5 billion in funding for black entrepreneurs in different sectors of the economy.

It’s that time of the year again when President Jacob Zuma delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA), outlining government priorities for the year ahead. This year’s SONA takes place on 14 February. It is an opportunity for the President, as head of state, to assess the country’s domestic and foreign outlook and to outline key projects to improve government’s efforts to achieve a better life for South Africans. Vuk’uzenzele caught up with ordinary South Africans to find out what issues they expect the President to address.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has begun the third phase of its campaign to re-register recipients of social grants.

Those who receive social grants have to reregister on the new biometric-based payment system to receive a new SASSA payment card. The card is convenient, easy to use and allows people to get their social grants from an ATM, cash pay point or retail store.

Youth matters

Empowering other young women is the joint goal of Vonani Mathebula and Thandeka Myeza - both successful beneficiaries of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). Through their own start-up businesses, these youngsters have managed to encourage and inspire others in their communities. Vuk’uzenzele caught up with the two to find out what makes them great role models in their communities.

Vonani Mathebula

Youth matters

This year the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), in partnership with the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, will step up efforts to tackle drug and alcohol abuse among the youth.