The world seems to be in a whirlwind of troubling and disconcerting events in this year 2024. After going through the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic, humanity sincerely hoped to see genuine solidarity and cooperation emerge among nations. Unfortunately, it seems that this opportunity for a reset was quickly forgotten, leaving a bitter taste of stagnation and generalized selfishness.
Human tragedies follow one another, with the escalation of violence in Palestine and the invasion of Ukraine by Russia persisting without end. The world witnesses, helplessly, a rise in tensions, an increase in human losses and a desire for victory at all costs rather than the search for lasting peace.
Selfishness seems to have invaded the planet, eclipsing any attempt to prioritize the needs of the most deprived. The episode of large-scale vaccination in Europe, which left many less fortunate countries behind, is a sad example. The post-Covid era should have been one of solidarity and sharing, but it turned out to be one of heightened individualism.
In America, the hope raised by Joe Biden’s election in 2020 quickly dissipated, giving way to a growing indifference towards the working classes. Political maneuvering undermined voter confidence, fueling a climate of distrust and disillusionment.
Trump’s rise to power and his announced return in January 2025 risk plunging the country back into a period of uncertainty and division. The American media, which demonized Trump throughout the year, find themselves trapped in their own rhetoric.
In Europe, democratic countries such as Germany and Sweden have sacrificed the interests of their populations to support a domineering vision of the United States. Economic compromises have often been made to the detriment of political and human rights, revealing the flaws of our Western democracies.
In South Africa, 2024 has been marked by courageous actions such as calling for the condemnation of Israel for genocide. Despite these moments of national pride, domestic politics have seemed to stagnate, with repetitive political speeches and controversial political figures resurfacing on the public stage.
In the midst of this global turmoil, sport has offered welcome escapes, reminding us of the power it can generate to mobilise and unite. However, these moments of respite are overshadowed by a tense political and social climate, where core values seem to be compromised for the benefit of vested interests.
In this year of 2024, the heart of our Western democracies seems to be wavering, shaken by internal and external crises that are testing our ability to act collectively for the common goodThe time has come to rethink our priorities, reaffirm our values and build a more united and equitable future for all.