In a year where we’ve been united as a country behind court trails, blackouts and parliamentary chaos, it’s understandably difficult to think of all the good we did this year!
So, South Africa, let me not keep you hanging. Here we go!
Mark Shuttleworth set up a fund of R250-million to support Constitutional court cases. Billionaire Shuttleworth won R250 million from the Reserve Bank after taking the institution on about exchange controls, but what did he do with his winnings? He didn’t just pocket the cash for a Space jolly. The money is going into a fund administered by veteran Constitutional scholars to take on constitutional cases against the state on behalf of those who can’t afford to do it. Good guy, Mark.
From next year, UCT and Wits are offering free online courses. Wits have partnered with non-profit online education service edX and will be providing more than 200,000 students in Africa free courses. This is progress, guys! UCT, meanwhile, will be offering Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) from early next year, which are free and have no entry requirements. Booyah!
Trevor Noah is killing it on The Daily Show. The South African comedian is the latest contributor to join the world’s top satirical news show. His first appearance is worth seeing – he takes the piss out of America and teaches them a thing or two about our continent. His dry humour and humans truths are hilarious…and he’s helping put SA on the map in the entertainment industry!
Two South African writers hit the stratosphere. Sarah Lotz’s thriller The Three, the subject of a six-figure bidding war among international publishers, was hailed as a global summer blockbuster. Lauren Beukes’ international bestseller Broken Monsters, meanwhile, was raved about by Stephen King, and Leonardo DiCaprio bought the rights to adapt it for television. Power!!!
South Africa’s youngest doctor qualified, age 20. Warning: Inspirational tear-jerker of the day! Newcastle’s Sabile Kubheka was raised by a single mother who worked at Shoprite, and matriculated at 15. He obtained his MBChB degree aged 20 with distinctions in obstetrics and gynaecology, and is currently interning at Grey’s Hospital in Newcastle. Absolutely OWNING life!
