South Africa’s youngest legislator ever, 21-year-old Itumeleng Ntsube of the African National Congress, was sworn into office on 23 May as a member of the National Council of Provinces, the country’s upper House of Parliament.
If we wanted to bring about meaningful change and secure our future, the voices of the youth need to go beyond social media and result in an active expression of young people’s political power and rights.
Ailing 82-year-old Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika handed in his resignation on live TV in one of his few public sightings in the last six years. Since he had a stroke in 2013, the leader, who was initially seen as a saviour, became an absentee president whose four terms in office were mired in corruption and allegations of vote-rigging.
Senegalese-born media advisor Sibeth Ndiaye, who was French President Emmanuel Macron’s communications advisor for his presidential campaign, has been appointed as the spokeswoman for the French government. She is one of three new faces in the Cabinet as it gears up for the European Parliament elections next month.
Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti was a teacher, political campaigner, women’s rights activist and traditional aristocrat in Nigeria. She was seen as the doyenne of female rights in Nigeria, gaining her the moniker “Lioness of Lisabi” for her political activism. However, like many other female leaders, her contributions and legacy has been muted.
Counting is under way in Madagascar after millions of people cast their ballots. The voter turnout stands at about 40% and so far no major anomalies have been detected in the polls. However, there have been complaints of voters not finding their names on the list, despite having registered
Anti-gay rhetoric has steadily been on the rise in Tanzania since President John Magufuli took office. It is not the rhetoric that citizens need to be mindful of, however. The government is taking surveillance and intimidation action towards perceived homosexual activity. Now, it seems, the mere act of sitting in a pair is being viewed as criminal.
America’s midterms have been the populace’s chance to exercise power at a time when they feel powerless. In this election, the desperate need for representation has seen diverse candidates break barriers across America. Ayanna Pressley and Jahana Hayes are two such groundbreaking individuals.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema and Robert Mugabe led the pack last year as the longest ruling African leaders after 38, and 37 years in power respectively, followed closely by Yoweri Museveni’s 31 years in power. Cameroon’s re-elected President, Paul Biya is eying the top spot for the longest ruling African leader with his new seven year term, which could bring his tally to 43 years.
As we welcome Ethiopia’s first female President Sahle Zewde we must also remember her historical predecessor. Empress Zewditu was the first female head of an internationally recognized state and was both the first and last Empress regnant of the Ethiopian Empire.
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