South Africa has been described as a rainbow nation since it boasts a rich diversity of context, culture and language.
Tracing the history of the country, this presentation describes the context of South Africa and the impact of colonialism on education and social dynamics. For most South Africans the social dynamic is collectivist, influenced by the African philosophy of Ubuntu.
Present day reality of the adversities we confront in our post-colonial struggle, include three major challenges, namely poverty, inequality and unemployment. The approach to counseling weighs heavily on building resilience ad hope. Registration of councilors is complex and regulated by the Health Professions Council (HPCSA). There are several levels of training recognised, and several different categories to suit the diverse needs of the population. Major difficulties encountered in providing adequate assistance to those in need are discussed in general. Then the focus turns to the problem of unemployment. The specific need for contextually and culturally appropriate interventions in a country where an informal labor market prevails, is discussed.
The presentation concludes with describing the development of hope and resilience in a country that has endured several adversities. The National Development Policy 2030 will be briefly discussed, as well as the role of non government organisations that provide assistance to people finding hope-filled ways to move forward.