highlights

Despite clear evidence of sustained progress, many remain sceptical about Africa. A new report by Ernst and Young highlights the continent's tremendous economic progress over the past two decades with the message: Africa's rise is real.

Far-reaching interventions in mining and energy, six-million job opportunities through public works, massively increased university entrance numbers, a possible national minimum wage ... check out some of the highlights of President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation address.

From that famous, nation-uniting triumph in the 1995 Rugby World Cup through to Ernst van Dyk's historic 10th victory in the 2014 Boston Marathon, the last two decades have seen numerous sporting successes for the democratic South Africa. Brad Morgan picks out 20 of the highlights.