South Africa’s first democratic elections on 27 April 1994 signalled not only the end of the brutal system of apartheid, but also a change in the country’s international image.

With the smell of roses and perfume likely to fill the air more than at any other time of the year today, we ought to dedicate a stem or two from our Valentine’s Day flower bouquets as a token of love for our country.

South Africa’s time has arrived! That’s the sentiment that reverberated in Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF) as our nation shared with global leaders the many advances we have had over the last year.

South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 is a first for the African continent and provides a platform for the African continent’s voice to be better heard, writes Neo Semono.

By Nomonde Mnukwa