South Africa has lost one of its musical greats, with the death of traditional Zulu music superstar Joseph Shabalala, the founder and director of choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. South Africa and the continent mourns the death of an African musical icon and tributes continue to pour in.
This is Africa
Sport, Arts and Culture Celebrating “the life and legacy of a voice of change”: Google pays tribute to Nkosi Johnson
To remember, celebrate and honour one of the world’s best-known child HIV/AIDS campaigners Google today published a doodle, dedicated to the late South African AIDS activist Nkosi Johnson. Celebrating Nkosi’s remarkable legacy, Google said the “Doodle honors the life and legacy of a voice of change heard by millions around the world”.
Politics and Society West Africa to abandon CFA franc and adopt single currency – the Eco
Eight West African countries have agreed to change the name of their common currency to the Eco, finally cutting ties with the CFA franc. The Eco will still be pegged to The euro but the rule that member states keep 50 percent of reserves with French treasury will be removed.
Sport, Arts and Culture Kipchoge and Muhammad crowned World Athletes of the Year
Kenyan marathon maestro Eliud Kipchoge and American track and field star Dalilah Muhammad have been named World Athletics’ male and female athletes of the year. Kipchoge clinched the award which he also won last year following an impressive season.
Lifestyle KFC proposal goes viral; a wedding of a lifetime pledged for South African couple
A heartwarming video of a proposal at a KFC outlet in South Africa went viral on social media. The couple has finally been identified, and now corporates including KFCSA, Total South Africa, various entertainers and well-wishers are clamouring to sponsor Bhut’ Hector and his bride Nonhlanhla’s wedding. The spirit of Ubuntu and togetherness is certainly in the air.
Politics and Society South Africa: Xenophobic attacks an “embarrassment” to Africa – President Buhari
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari who was on a state visit to South Africa described the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa as an “embarrassment to the continent”. President Buhari addressed the Nigerian community in South Africa in a town-hall meeting.
Africans rising Best little (sustainable) house in Africa
A solar-powered, “green” house designed and built by staff and students of the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Stellenbosch University (SU) has been awarded second place in the architecture category of the continent’s first Solar Decathlon Africa title in Morocco.
Politics and Society The importance of independent media
The world’s media are facing unprecedented challenges, from declining revenue, a broken business model and new forms of censorship, to threats to journalists’ safety, misinformation campaigns, competition with social media and growing public distrust.
Sport, Arts and Culture Reviving the history of great African composers
Internationally recognised cellist, composer and researcher, Dr Thokozani Mhlambi, has shed light on a rich history of great African composers which he hopes will spark a revival in music that has been hidden for years.