The fight for social justice will never end, and we embrace this

Sipping my morning tea as I reflect on the year that was to write this column, it strikes me that we have not, in fact, fallen apart, as some had predicted.

- Zukiswa Pikoli

It started off on a bit of a chaotic note from a geopolitical perspective, with US President Donald Trump assuming his second term in office and immediately issuing various proclamations. They have had a destructive effect on the world, including jeopardising lifesaving healthcare in our country.

However, Trump is but a symbol of a world at odds with itself as we fight to retain our moral compass in the face of immorality and individualism, which threaten the hard-fought social justice gains that have been made. This year was one that truly tested our commitment to the universal principles of humanity, equity, justice and peace.

Reflecting on this in the foreword of the UN's World Social Report, UN secretary-general António Guterres says: “These are troubling times. Rising tensions and increasing polarisation are threatening global cooperation. Thus, international solidarity is needed now more than ever...