Work has begun on rebuilding the desecrated tombs of Timbuktu. The rebuilding takes place to rectify the damage that was caused by Islamic militants who destroyed the talismanic earthen structures in 2012. The Jihadist group involved in the destruction stated that […]
Politics and Society Zimbabwe’s poor planning for a ‘rainy day’
A month after the president’s birthday celebrations and his daughter’s extravagant wedding, flood-stricken Zimbabwe is up in alms following the heavy rains of the past fortnight. Having spared no expense on the lavish festivities amounting to $16 million, the state […]
Politics and Society Media circus for white murder trials only
With so much media attention on the Oscar Pistorius case, you’d be forgiven for thinking the killing of women by their partners is a rare occurrence in South Africa. It’s not. Are murder victims only newsworthy if they’re white or famous?
Politics and Society Ugandan civil society to challenge anti-gay law
Ugandan rights activists and politicians have filed a legal challenge to overturn the anti-gay law that was recently signed in law by president Museveni.
Lifestyle Welcome to Africa, Yasiin Bey
Mos Def, who is now known as Yaasin Bey, delivered the keynote address at Music Exchange 2014, a music industry conference hosted in Cape Town, his new home.
Sport, Arts and Culture Lupita Nyong’o acceptance speech at Essence Black Women Awards
“I remember a time when I too felt unbeautiful. I put on the TV and only saw pale skin, I got teased and taunted about my night-shaded skin”
Lifestyle Made in Africa: how much do we value this label in fashion?
All that goodness attached to African textiles is valuable, but more for the purpose of international marketing, not for Africans. We do care, but an organic tag doesn’t quite make the sale; we also want fashion, style and quality and we don’t want to wear “charity”.
Sport, Arts and Culture Why elders deserve only earned respect
One of the things our cultures have in common is their reverence for elders. But is merely being around for a long time enough? Shouldn’t respect be earned? Not all elders are wise. Should we also defer to an elder known to be ignorant, misogynistic and cruel?
Politics and Society What if Oscar’s victim had been black?
The world’s media has descended on South Africa for the trial of the country’s former sporting hero Oscar Pistorius. It’s been called “the most eagerly awaited trial in South African legal history”. But what if his victim had been a black man?