South Africa

Reporters from Bush Radio, a community radio station based in South Africa, are currently sharing their insights live from New York as part of an ambitious 14-month initiative. This project, aptly named "Strengthening Democratic Values through Cross-Cultural Journalistic Collaboration," seeks to enhance journalistic ties between South Africa and the United States. At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to nurturing up-and-coming journalists from both countries. Together, they aim to tackle the pervasive issues of…

The Earthshot Prize, initiated by Prince William in 2020, stands out as a groundbreaking environmental accolade, striving to tackle the pressing issues of climate change, air pollution, and the decline of biodiversity. This year, Africa has been chosen as the venue for the prestigious Earthshot event, shining a spotlight on the continent's vital role in enhancing climate action and addressing the most daunting environmental challenges that our world contends with today. "When I created the Earthshot Prize, my aim was to…

For many, the fascination with horror can appear insensible. With real-life nightmares like school shootings, child abuse, and war rampant in our society, why do we chase after fabricated fears for entertainment? This thought-provoking question raises eyebrows, as noted by Sarah Kollat in an insightful piece for The Conversation Africa. Unlike in some parts of the world, Halloween celebrations are low-key on the African continent. Discussions around "black magic" and "witchcraft" often accompany any mention of the holiday,…

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the authority behind the esteemed Red Lists of Threatened Species, has declared the African Penguin as “critically endangered.” The IUCN Red List serves as the worldwide benchmark for evaluating extinction risk. As of now, it has assessed 163,040 species, with a staggering 45,321 facing peril. This charming African Penguin, a beloved icon, stands as the first of 18 penguin species around the globe to meet the daunting criteria for this designation—just a…

Election day in Mozambique commenced on a tranquil note. Yet, when poll results surfaced, a remarkable shift occurred. Reports from Mozambique News Reports and Clippings indicate that thousands of citizens, predominantly the youth, took to the streets, vehemently contesting the declaration that Frelimo had secured a staggering 70% of the vote. This outpouring of discontent has stirred the fabric of Mozambican society. Many critics, fueled by the perception of electoral manipulation, expressed their frustration. As one young…

The Taiwanese government has firmly declined South Africa's request to shift its representative office from Pretoria to Johannesburg. This demand followed pressure from China, which had urged the South African administration to complete the relocation by the end of October. Speaking on behalf of Taiwan, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized the importance of honoring a 1997 agreement. That year marked a significant turning point; Pretoria officially severed diplomatic ties with Taipei but allowed Taiwan to retain its…

South Africa is currently grappling with a profound water crisis, a situation deeply entrenched in failing infrastructure, sluggish governmental action, and a staggering lack of access to clean water for countless individuals. This predicament jeopardizes not only public health but also the socioeconomic fabric of the nation. Consider the eThekwini Municipality, where a staggering 54% of water revenue is lost due to leaks, theft, and unbilled usage. Without prompt repairs to these leaks, residents might face ongoing water…

Some conspiracy enthusiasts posit that mpox was engineered by a shadowy elite aiming to reduce populations and reap profits for "big pharma." According to these theories, individuals who get vaccinated against mpox are doomed to suffer from heart attacks and a host of other grave illnesses. As highlighted by Helen McCarthy in The Conversation Africa, these conspiracies often focus on the LGBTQ+ community, casting suspicion and fear upon them. Misinformation about mpox is blooming, reminiscent of the early stages of the…

In South Africa, the battle for women's rights has reached a new crescendo, with dedicated activists rallying against the anticipated performance of the controversial U.S. artist, Chris Brown. The advocacy group, Women For Change, has initiated a petition aimed at urging both the government and concert promoters to reevaluate the decision to host him in December. The petition articulates a clear demand: the Department of Home Affairs should revoke Brown's visa, thereby preventing him from entering the country altogether.…

Tributes are flooding in for Tito Mboweni, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank and South Africa's Labour and Finance Minister, who sadly passed away following a brief illness. He was 65 years old. Mboweni's political journey began in South Africa’s first democratically elected Cabinet, where he held the position of Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999. He later took the helm as the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 1999 until 2009. His tenure in government culminated in his role as Minister of…