Today we commemorate the death of an African Reggae legend #LuckyDube who was shot and killed during a hijack in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2007. We pay tribute to this African Raggae music icon, and give you our selection of arguably Dube’s five best songs.
This Is Africa
Politics and Society Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed wins Nobel Peace Prize
The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his successful peacemaking efforts in his region.
African identities Kenya: Litigation as a tool for Rastafari female liberation
As an entry point for advocacy, litigation shapes public discourse. Importantly, it addresses violations and mitigates future violations. In Kenya, the High Court upheld the rights of a female Rastafari learner. She was expelled from school because of her dreadlocks. The court pronounced that “the rule that she cuts her hair is intrusive to her religion and not justifiable in a democratic country”.
Politics and Society Nigeria at 59: Waiting for Godot
Nigeria is in the throes of various economic, security and social challenges. However, the urgency to address poverty, unemployment and other pressing social and political issues is lacking. What is concerning is how Nigerian leaders are quoting the Bible, asking their compatriots to persevere like the children of Israel till they reach the “land flowing with milk and honey”.
Africans rising Uganda’s Solomon Serwanjja scoops BBC World News Komla Dumor award
Ugandan investigative reporter and news anchor Solomon Serwanjja has been named winner of the 2019 BBC World News Komla Dumor Award. The award aims to continue Komla’s legacy by celebrating African journalism and finding exceptional talent.
Politics and Society Nigeria: A country with more churches and mosques than hospitals
Nigeria has an estimated total of 23,640 health facilities according to the Federal Ministry of Health census of 2005. While more health care facilities have been built in recent years, it appears more churches and mosques are opened in Nigeria than hospitals. There is under-investment in health care infrastructure, and the Nigerian government needs to do more if the country is to achieve most of the health-related SDGs.
Politics and Society Racism and ‘xenophobia’: 10 key points
Ivan Katsere, a PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and a lecturer in the Department of Psychology, recently wrote an opinion piece for the Daily Maverick, “Dehumanising the other: The language of black-on-black racism”. In it, Katsere illustrates the centrality of racism in violence against African migrants.
Africans rising Touch down for SA’s banking Siri
An African counterpart for Apple Inc’s virtual assistant, Siri, that focuses on banking and financial management, and speaks four of South Africa’s official languages, is breaking ground on the continent. A group of University of Cape Town (UCT) students are behind the novel idea.
Politics and Society Zimbabwe government and Mugabe’s ‘immediate family’ battle over his funeral and burial
Relatives of Robert Mugabe have issued a statement expressing concern and displeasure at Zimbabwe’s government for developing the programme for the funeral without consulting his immediate family. There is still no agreement and clarity on where the former president is going to be buried.