Today we celebrate another African hero, 16 years old Tisekwa Gamungu. The grade 5 learner who lives in Tanzania rescued nine of his classmates when their dhow capsized on Lake Victoria recently. We applaud the young hero for his valiant act.
Africans rising
Africans rising Africa’s youngest neurosurgeon, Dr Ncumisa Jilata
Mthatha-born Dr Ncumisa Jilata 29, is among the new batch of fellows for the Council of Neurosurgeons of South Africa, following their graduation at Glen ridge Church in Stamford Hill, Durban last week. The young achiever completed her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree at Walter Sisulu University’s Mthatha Faculty of Health Sciences in 2009. Even though there is still a lot to do, it is clear that the face of Neurosurgery is certainly changing in several parts of Africa. A hearty congratulations on the remarkable achievement.
Africans rising 2017 Caine Prize Shortlist announced
The Caine Prize for African Writing, currently in its 18th year, released the 2017 shortlist. This year’s shortlist seems to have taken a cue from the 2015 debate over inclusivity and includes a few relatively unknown names. The list includes three Nigerian writers, a South African and a Sudanese.
Africans rising WATCH: 14 year old Carson Huey-You becomes one of the world’s youngest university graduates
Carson Huey-You a 14-year-old boy has become one of the world’s youngest university graduates. He was just 11 when he began studying physics at Texas Christian University, also taking courses in Mathematics and Chinese. Carson is the youngest person to graduate in the University’s 144 year history. He has earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics, and will return to TCU for his Master’s in Physics.
Africans rising The world’s new heavyweight champion: Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua
With the tattoo of the African continent and Nigeria mapped out on his right shoulder, the Nigerian-British boxer Anthony Joshua who lays heavy claims to his roots continued his winning streak in his professional career and became the undisputed champion of the world heavyweight boxing. Joshua beat former champion and title holder Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round.
Africans rising Gift Ngoepe: First Africa-born player in Major League Baseball
South Africa and Africa has made it into the Major League Baseball through professional baseball shortstop and second baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates Mpho’ Gift Ngoepe. Ngoepe is the first African-born player in Major League Baseball history. He is literally one in 1.6 billion.
Africans rising Two Ugandan health workers receive Women in Focus Awards
Two Ugandan health workers Edridah Muheki Tukahebwa, and Aciro Grace Oyat won awards at the inaugural Women in Focus Awards for their roles in fighting Neglected Tropical Diseases. Oyat, 45, won the Women in Focus Inspirational Award while her compatriot, Tukahebwa, 51, was awarded the Women in Focus Leadership Award.
Africans rising Meet Musa Saurombe Africa’s youngest female PhD graduate
At 23 Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe has made history, graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial Psychology, from the North-West University – Mafikeng, in South Africa. Musa’s PhD thesis passed without corrections, a remarkable feat. She joins a list of elite record breaking young scholars that have wowed the world. A hearty congratulations on the remarkable achievement.
Africans rising Nigerian filmmaker Faraday Okoro wins $1 million to produce film
Nigerian filmmaker Faraday Okoro on the 18th of April won a grant of $1 million for his proposed film “Nigerian Prince.” The NYU film school graduate will shoot his film in Nigeria. The film is expected to premiere in 2018 at the Tribeca Films Festival.