It is 25 years since most of us voted for the first time. For many, this was a liberating and dignifying experience, a freedom that so many had strived for.

As a nation we are navigating a young democracy, a journey which has been dispiriting at times, with load shedding, corruption and the general state of economy. But we have proven to be robust. People in our communities are doing extraordinary things, with many inventions from South Africans being adopted world-wide. In addition, in the SME sector, small businesses are creating much needed jobs and stimulating the economy.

Ubuntu, which is the shared humanity of allowing our people to develop, flourish and reach their full potential should be our focus as a nation. The values espoused in Ubuntu are already evident in our country, with 9 out of 10 South Africans having done something charitable in the last year. We are a resilient nation and we should all work hard together for the South Africa which Nelson Mandela strived for. TÜV SÜD is here to help build a country that we can be proud of.

TÜV SÜD South Africa www.tuv-sud.co.za Tel: 021-935-7960