The South African Department of Health has clearly made significant gains in certain areas of the health system. However, analysis presents a picture of an underperforming system in almost every area. South Africa spends as much, and in some cases more, on health care than its peer countries. Yet it is experiencing poorer health outcomes and a rise in the burden of major diseases, according to a report by the Helen Suzman Foundation. The report has been submitted to to the department in response to the recently published National Health Insurance Green Paper (NHIGP).

The term “infrastructure” took on a central role in this year’s State of the Nation address by president Jacob Zuma at the official opening of parliament. Looking at the roots of the word reveals that the renewed prominence of the term might be a lot more appropriate at this juncture of the country’s development than is appreciated at first glance. It is really about getting back to basics.

South Africa is not immune to the international trend of an ever stretching inequality gap with all its dangers to social stability, reported on in another article in Leadership “Social unrest”.  The South African Reconciliation Barometer Survey (SARBS) reveals that employment has increased among higher-income groups in South Africa, while many of the country's lowest earners have lost their jobs. While many explanations like the higher skills being needed for ever-expanding technological input in production processes can be found, the side effects are not less serious. 

The security of nuclear, radioactive material and its associated technologies will be in the spotlight from 26 - 27 March 2012 at the second Nuclear Security Summit taking place in Seoul, South Korea. The summit is a follow-on meeting to the 2010 Washington Nuclear Security Summit and is one of many nuclear security-related initiatives that have emerged in the last five years to focus specifically on the challenges of securing nuclear materials, as well as the threat of nuclear terrorism, writes Amelia Broodryk of the Institute of Security Studies (ISS).

The bicentenary of author Charles Dickens was celebrated on the 7^th of February. Britain’s secretary of culture marked the occasion by presenting his cabinet colleagues each with a copy of a Dickens novel. Was there something prophetic in his choice of A Tale of Two Cities, the much celebrated novel about the French revolution of the late 18^th century? Is Europe and the rest of the so-called developed word on the eve of a similar historical moment as the socio-economic order seems to be teetering on the verge of collapse?

Richard Levi was verbally taunted by Tim Southee after his failure in the first T20 cricket international for South Africa against New Zealand in Wellington. He responded in spectacular fashion by bludgeoning an undefeated 117 and thereby shattered two world records as he hit the fastest T20 international century ever. He slammed the most sixes ever in a single game on his way to that ton.

Zambia stunned arguably one of the greatest teams to ever have fielded at an Africa Cup of Nations tournament, Ivory Coast.  Zambia went to win this year’s continental title against them, a victory that would help to heal the wounds after the tragedy of 1993, which whipped out the then Zambian national squad when their plane plunged into the Atlantic Ocean.

Neither popular uprisings nor the increased spreading of democracy’s sweet appeal across Africa have managed to completely rid the continent of all its 'Big Man' rulers – the bully autocrats and dictators who rule with iron fists while looting and plundering their way to fabulous wealth. But at last it seems they may be hit where it hurts most: in their pockets.

The latest developments around the fate of ANC Youth League (ANCYL) leader Julius Malema may have ushered in a battle in the ANC unlike any seen before. If it runs its full course, the brutality with which it may yet be fought could well make the palace revolt against former President Thabo Mbeki look mild in comparison. But, it might also mark the final transition of the ANC from liberation movement to a truly political party.

Don’t let anybody kid Super Rugby-supporters in South Africa. The performances of the local teams in the Super Rugby season starting on Friday, will be vitally important for the Springboks and their new coach, Heyneke Meyer. Some argue that the local fans will look at it with a measure of trepidation because of the exodus of so many frontline-players in 2011, as well as the loss of two masterminds in Rassie Erasmus and Meyer.

The announcement by President Zuma during his State of the Nation address that the government will focus on infrastructure development was greeted with approval and enthusiasm and rightfully so. It is predicted that Southern Africa, especially South Africa and its neighbours Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique, are on the brink of enormous and unprecedented developments over the next few years in the energy and mining sectors.

Justin Cartwright’s novel Other People’s Money has been on the shelf for almost a year now. But as it is becoming increasingly clear that the financial crisis, which started in 2008 is far from over, that the worst might still lie ahead, and globally the anger is mounting, that those responsible are getting off scot-free, it might now be more than ever worth a read.

Winning the best business magazine in the world last year and voted the best business to business magazine in South Africa for 3 years. Leadership's award-winning team can work for you too. Click here to find out more...

With the co-operation of the The LR Management Group, we can now bring you the leadership training tool 50 Lessons, which is a powerful force in the world of corporate learning. 50 Lessons is the worlds premier multimedia business resource, offering more than 1 000 personal and authentic video lessons from internationally respected business leaders. It can assist you to increase the utilisation and return on investment of your learning programmes immediately!