In this issue, we bring you opinions, articles and an update on news and events.

In this issue, John Battersby reports on how South Africa’s role has proved critical to the success of the recent climate change summit in BRICS Open Way for Global Deal on Climate Change. South Africa’s role in Davos is also explored by Miller Matola, CEO of Brand South Africa, in Davos – A Chance for South Africa to raise Africa’s Global Profile. In Brand South Africa Moves up the Rankings we report on South Africa’s brand reputation and move up to 36th out of 50 countries as measured in the Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brand Index.

In our Careers section, we look at the challenges involved in moving from working in the public sector into the private sector in From Public to Private .

Also in this section, our careers coach offers advice on giving feedback at work in Ask the Career Coach – 'Have I Got What It Takes to Freelance?'

In Towards a Multi-Faith Common Agenda for African Development and the MDGs Knox Chitiyo and Lucy Mbugua consider the role of faith groups in achieving the MDGs in Africa. In The Middle East Can Keep their Revolution, Uganda has Resolution Nicole Johnson shares her views on why the spirit of entrepreneurship and the ambitions of Uganda need to be celebrated.

Our guest interviewee in this month's 5 Minute Interview is Remi Aiyela, Lawyer & Advisor who shares some of the lessons she has learned along the way.

February sees an extensive line-up of events in the UK and overseas and our Events listing gives you details of what’s on this month and some un-missable Dates for your Diary.

ReConnect Africa acts as a Media Partners for numerous events in Africa and around the world. Visit our Media Partnerships web page so you can keep abreast of upcoming events that we are promoting.

Keep up to date with events across Africa with constant breaking news from Africa through Thomson Reuters on the ReConnect Africa website. Catch up on news from the UK and around the world in bite sized chunks with our News Round feature.

Share your comments about our articles or write into our Letters page and let us know what you think about ReConnect Africa.

We visit the ReConnect Africa Library and, with Valentine’s Day coming up, we give you another chance to read Tolulope Popoola’s words of caution about the dangers of office relationships in Dating in the Workplace .

Finally, check out this month's Editorial - Find Your Chocolate – and let me know what you think.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and show your support by forwarding the newsletters to your friends and contacts.

Keep up with the latest from South Africa on our dedicated portal, ReConnect South Africa, where we bring you features, articles, news feeds and highlight some of the key events taking place in and about South Africa.

ReConnect Africa.com brings you a wealth of information from jobs on the ReConnect Jobs website to our listings and features.

Revisit previous issues and browse through the hundreds of articles in the ReConnect Library.

Whether you need to write a great CV, make the right impact at interview or need help with your plans to find a job in Africa, our range of careers services are tailor made for your needs.

Other information you can find includes:

Enjoy this issue and the new website and please write in to me and share your comments!