Last week we spoke to Douglas Gibson, South Africa’s former Ambassador to Thailand who spoke about the state of healthcare in South Africa. Gibson was reacting to the latest Global Competitiveness Index by the World Economic Forum which ranks South Africa as 123rd out of 138 countries in the health and primary education category. This is what Gibson said regarding waiting periods at public hospitals…

Over the centuries the African continent has been a focal point for western powers in terms of mineral resources which led to colonisation. Over the years many countries managed to liberate themselves. But then issues of development remain critical as many countries are still behind. How then can the continent move forward in achieving goals that will lead in the right direction?

As the year comes to an end, for those in school or university are heading towards exam time. Experts are already encouraging them to take it easy so that they don’t stress too much during the exam. But then where does one start to prepare? Is it better to start with the year or rather do it around this time? What is the best way to go about preparing for an exam?

Over the years we have been told that the Khoi people are the first indigenous people of South Africa. Now with the discovery of Mapungubwe, Commissioner Neluvhalani Nemapungubwe says this is not true and that we may also have to rewrite history. What is the true history as far as he is concerned?

Future Nation Schools which is part of the Sifiso Learning Group is bringing to life what they says is a new and experiential model of learning for 21st century scholars. They go on to say that their model makes schooling relevant to the continent of Africa while leveraging technology and the needs of the surrounding communities. Just how different is it from what is already out there?

Dr Alice Evans argues that in order for the world to amplify ongoing progress towards gender equality, we need to increase exposure to both women as professionals and men as carers. But how can it be achieved and why men don’t do as many household tasks?

The role of Chief Financial Officer is slowly becoming threatened as many computer software does what accountants do. This is of particular concern for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. As far as they are concerned, what does the future hold for CFO’s and how can they stay relevant?

Lately we’ve seen how major cities are investing in tourism initiatives, this time it is the City of Tshwane. The city’s Tourism Association launched its comprehensive tourist map for the metropolitan area. What sort of interesting information does it contain and also what are some of Tshwane’s tourism attractions?

Many of us often wonder how the brain of a child functions and also the difference between the left and right brain - also why certain people use their left brain while others use the right. Well an interesting programme called SYNC which is targeted for children between 5-14 promises to make children use their full brain function. How exactly does it work and what sort of strategy is it using?

SMME’s have become a strategic way of dealing with unemployment in many countries. The sector has become key in contributing to the GDP. But many entrepreneurs will tell you just how difficult it is to stay afloat due to economics and other factors like funding and skills. What is it exactly that’s making it difficult? Is it funding and skills or is there more to it?