"Dear Editor

Re: Brand South Africa Moves Up the Rankings
Having returned from the U.K. recently after a year's absence, I am encouraged by the report of an improvement in SA's Brand rankings."

Contact us on: editor@reconnectafrica.com

Dear Editor

This is a great article offering us alternatives to how to assist our children here in the UK with their education choices in schooling. I would like to see such choices spread to children of East African descent.

Grace N., UK

Dear Editor

Having returned from the U.K. recently after a year's absence, I am encouraged by the report of an improvement in SA's Brand rankings. My view is that this measurement is against a very sharp drop in rankings of a lot of developed countries, due to the economic turmoil befallen them, rather than an improvement per se, of South Africa's own efforts in this regard. The unemployment situation and cost of living are a cause for concern for long term economic sustainability and growth. However, concerted efforts to maintain good governance, crime control, sound foreign and domestic policies, and efficiency are encouraging. The continuing widening of economic disparities however will undermine any efforts in sustaining stability. Tourism needs to be taken more seriously than it is at present, by providing affordable accommodation and services, as well as widening the participation of the indigenous population in the tourism sector. This aspect of the tourism industry is still very poor. Brand South Africa needs to work harder at getting a buy-in of the country's vision by all sectors of the population. The communication of the Vision is lacking in my view.

Gugulethu M., South Africa

Dear Editor

Just make sure that it's Fairtrade chocolate!

CJ