The eSwatini High Court is hearing a test case that could set precedent for whether employers should accept sick notes and medical reports from traditional healers.
Cultural norms
Politics and Society Nigerian churches and their role in encouraging patriarchy
“In Christ there is no male or female,” but in many churches across Africa gender inequality is the norm, which is often justified. The church has become a tool which engenders gender segregation, in support of patriarchy. Rape in marriages is hardly addressed, and women are taught to be submissive in marriage. Are churches guilty as charged? How should some of these teachings be challenged and changed? Let’s hear your thoughts on this issue.
Lifestyle World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: The Elderly Deserve Our Respect and Compassion
How many times have you been told to always be mindful of your actions and words in the presence of the elderly? In many African communities, the #elderly are revered, respected and old age is seen as a blessing. Today is #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay, are we treating our elders with the respect they deserve? Or do we exploit them, emotionally, physically and economically?
Lifestyle South Africa: New reality TV show Uthando Nes’thembu on polygamy stirs debate
Polygamy is regarded by some as an old fashioned and outdated idea, and a new reality TV show in South Africa, Uthando Nes’Thembu on Mzansi Magic is challenging such perceptions. Musa Mseleku a South African businessman has four wives, and the show is premised on their experiences. The show has a huge following in South Africa, and it has stirred debate on the highly contentious cultural practice.
African identities Many Africans agree with Archbishop Desmond Tutu on assisted suicide: “Utata Tutu is right”
In what suggests a fundamental shift in attitudes, many Africans agree with Nobel Peace Laureate Desmond Tutu’s position that terminally ill people deserve the right to decide when they shall die. Archbishop Tutu made his views known last week on the day he turned 85. Many young Africans have come out in support of Tutu on social media, terming his stance brave and humane. What side of the debate are you on and is it time African countries passed laws allowing for assisted suicide?
Politics and Society Malawi to institute tough laws against harmful cultural practices
Malawi is planning to legislate tough laws against harmful cultural practices, which target women and young girls in the wake of the arrest of an HIV-positive man, who confessed to having sex with pubertal children as part of initiation rites. Eric Aniva, was arrested on President Peter Mutharika’s orders, and Mutharika announced the country is planning a major crackdown on such practices.
Lifestyle Afro emojis app: offers culturally diverse stickers
A Nigerian-American tech team has developed “Afro Emojis”, which are culturally diverse stickers, which allow users to express themselves “realistically”. Afro emoji stickers can be downloaded for free and additional stickers can be purchased for $1.99 from Google Playstore and Apple’s App Store.
Lifestyle Is Absolute Monogamy Possible?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary monogamy is defined as “the condition of having a single mate during a period of time.” It’s an ideal generations before us aspired to, but nowadays it’s become abundantly clear that expecting every single inhabitant of this planet to be monogamous is absurd.
African identities Does culture preclude the right to safe sex on the continent?
Culture and tradition have long been used as a means of shutting down debate on Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights on the continent even as the most vulnerable members of our society continue to suffer because of our chronic inability to engage with these matters. The context we live in has made it clear that regional bodies can no longer ignore issues such as abortion, safe sex and violence against sexual minorities as these are issues facing the majority on the continent today