Equal

Intensive talks between Zimbabwe's ruling party and the main opposition party over the next two weeks, brokered by South African President Thabo Mbeki, have inspired hope that the country's political landscape is on the verge of an about-turn.

President Thabo Mbeki has praised Nelson Mandela for his role in South Africa's transition to democracy, describing the famous 90-year-old as "an iconic son of the people of South Africa whom we have also surrendered to the nations as a citizen of the world."

It's a potent symbol of unity and progress. It's the only six-coloured national flag in the world. It's also one of the youngest, yet whatever shape it takes - and it's taken more than any other national symbol - it's instantly recognisable to South Africans everywhere. Learn how to draw our flag!

Oscar Pistorius' dream is alive again after the Court for Arbitration in Sport ruled that his prosthetics do not give him any advantage over able-bodied runners, thus paving the way for him to compete in the Olympics.

Texas-based fund manager John Mauldin pays another visit to South Africa - and is amazed at the difference 13 years can make.

When Gary Player tees off at the US Masters at Augusta on Thursday, he will be playing in the major for a record-equalling 50th time.

South Africa has become the fifth country in the world, and the first in Africa, to allow legal marriages between same-sex couples, after a historic vote in Parliament, followed by the signature of the acting President, passed the Civil Union Bill into law.

World Aids Day calls on people around the world to honour all HIV infected persons and people living with Aids for their courage and determination to live their lives to the fullest and continue to face all challenges head-on.

In South Africa, World Aids Day presents a unique opportunity for Government, civil society, faith-based, non-governmental (NGOs), and community-based organisations to reflect on achievements and goals reached during the course of the year.

"Are we about to witness an ideological shift in the ANC? I don't think so." Sir Anthony O'Reilly, chief executive of Independent News & Media, explains why he regards South Africa as a modern-day miracle - and why he thinks the miracle isn't over.

As South Africa celebrates Youth Day, new research reveals that the country's young people believe they are better off than their parents were - and that their children will be even better off than they are now.