South Africa has been on a winning streak across various sporting and cultural arenas, showcasing the nation's talent and resilience on the global stage. From the Rugby World Cup to the UFC and the Grammy Awards, South Africans have been making their mark and bringing home prestigious accolades.
In a historic moment, Siya Kolisi has been nominated in the Laureus World Sports Award (Grammy’s in the Sporting World), for “Come back of the Year”, This was in recognition for his determination and undying spirit for recovering in a near-fatal, however, he started playing in 119 days of recovery.
Adding to the nation's sporting achievements, Bafana Bafana claimed the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off in February 2024, showcasing their prowess on the football field. The team's victory, along with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams' stellar performance, earned them recognition and accolades, including goalkeeper of the tournament and the Fair Play team award.
In the realm of mixed martial arts, Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis made history by becoming South Africa's first UFC champion. His victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 solidified his position as the UFC Middleweight Champion, highlighting his knockout prowess and skill in the octagon.
On the music front, Tyla Laura Seethal made waves at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, clinching the Best African Music Performance award for her song "Water." Her win not only marked a personal triumph but also made her the youngest-ever African artist to receive a Grammy Award, showcasing South Africa's musical talent on a global platform.
Additionally, the 2024 Forbes Woman Africa Awards celebrated the achievements of women from across the continent, with notable figures like Bonang Matheba, Lira, Nomzamo Mbatha, and Connie Ferguson being recognized for their contributions to various industries. The event served as a platform for women to come together, share insights, and inspire one another to break barriers and make a difference in their respective fields.
As South Africans continue to excel and make their mark on the world stage, their triumphs serve as a source of inspiration and pride for the nation, highlighting the spirit of resilience, determination, and excellence that defines the country's diverse talent pool.
Sporting events are more than moments of competition, national pride, and entertainment. They are economic activities that can stimulate tourism, create employment, support local businesses, and generate revenue across multiple sectors of the economy.
Umntwana womgquba a term traditionally used in the Nguni language that means “born out of wedlock,” but nowadays it is used to emphasise that one is born kwisintu. As lontwana, I look back on my own adventures: sometimes I pat myself on the back, and sometimes I wish I could redo them.
Each September, South Africa turns its attention to the rich cultural tapestry that defines our nation. Heritage Month is a time to honour the traditions, languages, histories, knowledge systems, customs and creative expressions that have been passed from generation to generation, while recognising that our heritage is not confined to the past.
My first encounter with heritage at the Mandela Bay Development Agency was, appropriately, somewhat uncomfortable. It began with cleaning. The Gale Monument, the Horse Memorial and the Queen Victoria statue became my first practical introduction to the business of preserving history.
