Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
Late payments from big firms strain South Africa SMEs, threatening jobs and economic growth
South Africa's small and medium-sized businesses are under increasing pressure, not from a shortage of work, but from late payments by larger companies. With the sector accounting for nearly 60 percent of employment, there are growing concerns about the impact on jobs and economic growth. Lebogang Mabange reports.
US President, Donald Trump warns Iran to reopen Hormuz or face possible military action
US President, Donald Trump, has given Iran a time-frame to re-open the Strait of Hormuz or a military operation will be launched. Some countries including China and Russia are against the authorization of the use of force to resolve this impasse. The UN Security Council will also vote on the resolution to reopen the pathway. This follows increased calls to de-escalate the U.S-Israel war on Iran as soon as possible. Ditaba Tsotetsi has more...
Ibrahim Traoré delays elections, questions democracy in Burkina Faso
Recent statements on Burkina Faso's democratic future by the country's Military Leader, Ibrahim Traoré, have reignited debate on the country's political direction and that of the wider Sahel region. Traoré, a 36-year-old army captain, came to power in 2022 following a military coup and currently leads the country's transitional government. BUT, in a televised interview, the military ruler told a broadcaster that democracy was not for Burkina Faso he also confirmed that long-promised elections would be postponed indefinitely. What does this mean for Burkina Faso? Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dengiyefa Angalapu, Research Analyst at the Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa
Cameroon Renaissance Movement calls on AU to take action against "a country that has not had a cabinet meeting in 8 year" after disputed constitutional amendments
Cameroon's parliament has overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to reintroduce the position of vice president. In a joint session of the ruling party-dominated National Assembly and Senate, lawmakers voted 200 to 18 in favour, with four abstentions, to pass the bill. It is proposed that the vice president would complete the mandate of the 93-year-old president, Paul Biya in case of death or incapacity. Last Friday we spoke to Prof Elvis Ngolle Ngolle - Member of the Central Committee of the governing Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) and he told us that the decision to reintroduce the position of a Vice President was a measure that will ensure continuity. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement opposition party, Dr Marius Tchonang Pokah
Political Analyst, Mighti Jamie takes Tsepiso Makwetla some of Africa's biggest news stories
Now to look at some of the stories making headlines from the weekend and also looking at the week ahead. From how Africa is responding to the rising oil price resulting from the conflict in Iran to DRC becoming the latest African nation to agree to receive third-country nationals deported from the United States and the reaction of opposition political parties to Cameroon reintroducing a vice president position. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Political Analyst, Mighti Jamie
Ukraine mine crisis grows as United Nations Development Programme deploys AI and trains deminers
More than 130,000 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory are believed to be contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance, following Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022. As the government, with support from the United Nations, works to clear affected areas, new mines are still being laid along shifting frontlines-making the task even more complex. Speaking to UN News, Ben Lark, Ukraine Mine Action Programme Manager at the United Nations Development Programme, says efforts are now focused on training local deminers, improving coordination, and using AI-based technology to speed up the process.
Senegal curbs travel as Ousmane Sonko warns oil shock strains budget
Senegal's government has suspended all non-essential foreign travel by ministers and top officials. It has warned of difficult times ahead as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran drives global oil prices higher, straining the nation's budget. The war and Iran's effective closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz have roiled global energy markets, sending the price of benchmark Brent crude soaring and pushing governments around the world to take steps to mitigate the negative impacts. Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko also announce that he has already cancelled his own planned trips to Niger, Spain and France. Tsepiso Makwetla and Peter Ndoro bring you the latest
Ladysmith Black Mambazo lauds late founding member, Albert Mazibuko as "keeper" of the group's wisdom
The South African music industry is in mourning following the passing of Albert Mazibuko, a stalwart and longest-serving member of the multi-Grammy-award winning group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Mazibuko passed away peacefully at the age of 77, marking the end of an era for the iconic Isicathamiya ensemble. Mazibuko joined the group in 1969, shortly after it was founded by his cousin, the late Joseph Shabalala. His tenure spanned over five decades, during which he became an integral part of the group's global ascent and was affectionately known as "the librarian" as he was the keeper of the group's rich history. His deep, resonant vocals and disciplined choreography were hallmarks of the Mambazo sound that captivated audiences from local townships to the world's most prestigious stages. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to family spokesperson, Xolani Majozi
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, hails SINO–SA Media Club to boost co-operation
The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, has welcomed the launch of the SINO–South Africa Media Club in Pretoria, describing it as a significant path toward strengthening media cooperation between the two nations. Speaking at the official launch, Ambassador Wu said the initiative would serve as a vital platform to deepen engagement and understanding between Chinese and South African media sectors. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report
"Covid should have taught the African continent the importance of not being dependent on other states for your need"- OPEC increases oil output quotas for May
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has agreed to increase oil output quotas for May as the war in Iran continues. In a virtual meeting on Sunday, eight members of OPEC+, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, agreed to increase May oil output, in response to the fighting between the US and Israel in Iran. The conflict has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz - the world's most important oil route -cutting exports from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq. Peter Ndoro spoke to Johanna Leblanc, National Security Law and Foreign Policy expert
Fighting in Jonglei State displaces thousands, endangering women and children
Renewed fighting in South Sudan's Jonglei state has forced tens of thousands from their homes, leaving women and children at risk. Families are facing destroyed health facilities, limited access to food and water, and the trauma of displacement. Angela Travis, Chief of Communications for UNICEF South Sudan, accompanied UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban on his recent visit. She spoke to Peter Ndoro share first-hand insights on the humanitarian response and what still needs to be done to protect children
Benin vote looms as Romuald Wadagni, Paul Hounkpé clash on security vs hunger
Today on our Discourse segment, we turn to Benin, where security in the north is emerging as a key issue ahead of the April 12 presidential election. Romuald Wadagni, the ruling party candidate and strong favorite, has promised to create municipal police forces in northern border towns to tackle rising attacks by jihadist groups spilling over from Burkina Faso and Niger. His opponent, Paul Hounkpé, is focusing more on hunger and social issues. Peter Ndoro spoke to Dr. Victor Doke, security analyst and lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.
Cameroon prepares roads and sites for Pope Leo XIV April visit across Africa
Cameroon is stepping up preparations ahead of the visit of Pope Leo the 14th, with construction and road rehabilitation underway in towns he is expected to visit. The pontiff will be in the country from April 15 to 18 as part of a wider African tour, which will also take him to Algeria, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea-marking his first visit to the continent. Channel Africa's Moki Kindzeka reports from Yaoundé
Africa Roundup brings you the latest from across the continent
Time now for our daily Africa Roundup. Each morning, just after the six o'clock news, we bring you a concise update on the key developments shaping the continent and the world over the past 24 hours. With insights from our team of journalists, analysts, and newsmakers, we place the day's biggest stories into context , helping you stay informed, connected, and prepared for the day ahead. And we start here; Sudan has appointed General Yassiral-Atta, a member of the country's Sovereign Council and assistant to the commander-in-chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chief of Staff of the country's Armed Forces. Al-Atta, who has served in the military for more than 40 years, has frequently lashed out in public speeches against the United Arab Emirates, accusing the Gulf state of backing the RSF, as well as civilian politicians he says supported the paramilitary group.
Cameroon considers constitutional change to reintroduce Deputy President role
Cameroon is looking at amending its constitution so to allow the reintroduction of a Deputy President position. A joint session of Cameroon's National Assembly and Senate began talks on Thursday examining the constitutional amendment. It is proposed that the Vice President would complete the mandate of the 93-year-old president, Paul Biya in case of death or incapacity. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Prof Elvis Ngolle Ngolle - Member of the Central Committee of the governing Cameroon People's Democratic Movement.
Oxfam flags trillions in hidden offshore wealth as inequality deepens
The amount of untaxed wealth hidden offshore by the richest zero- point one percent exceeds the entire wealth of the poorest half of humanity (4.1 billion people). This is according to new Oxfam analysis published ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Panama Papers. The findings show that, a decade later, the super-rich continue to exploit offshore systems to evade taxes and conceal assets, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international action to tax extreme wealth and end the use of tax havens. Oxfam estimates that over three trillion US dollars in untaxed wealth was stashed offshore in tax havens and unreported accounts in 2024. Peter Ndoro Spoke to Oxfam International's Tax Lead Christian Hallum.
Uganda Law Society to challenge US deportees deal in court
The Law Society of Uganda says it will take government to court to challenge the non-national deportees' agreement that Uganda signed with the US. Yesterday, the first group of deportees from the United States landed at the Entebbe International Airport, marking the first transfer under a bilateral agreement that designates Uganda as a destination for migrants America cannot return to their home countries. Uganda is the latest African nation to accept non-national deportees from the US joining others such as Ghana, South Sudan, Cameroon, and Eswatini. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Eron Kiiza - Lawyer at the Law Society Uganda.
Middle East war fuels shortages and price surge across Africa
African countries are continuing to feel the impact of the ongoing war in Iran, as millions of motorists struggle to locate fuel across the continent. From Johannesburg to Lilongwe, the scenes have been the same this week: 48-hour queues, dry pumps at hundreds of stations and rising fuel prices. Governments are scrambling, with South Africa slashing its fuel levy and Mauritius is rationing power. In Kenya, motorists have begun crossing into Uganda in search of cheaper fuel at the pump station in the border district of Busia, while in Malawi, the country is reportedly on the brink of a fuel crisis with indications that pump prices could soon rise as global oil supply disruptions intensify. As global crude hovers dangerously above $100 a barrel, the question remains: how much longer can African economies hold their breath? Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dr Themba Nyasulu, an Energy and Development Economist from Malawi and Peter Ndoro spoke to Kenyan Government Spokesperson, Dr Isaac Mwaura.
UNHCR warns Middle East war driving displacement, aid disruptions
The United Nations Human Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), this week warned that trauma of mass displacement and humanitarian supply chain disruptions throughout the world, are among the devastating impacts of the war raging in the Middle East. UNHCR's representative in Syria, Asseer Al-Madaien, says more than 2 - hundred - thousand people have crossed the border from Lebanon between March the 2nd and the 27th. Thuto Ngobeni reports.
ARTY BEAT
Here's this week's edition of African Arty Beats, compiled by Nhlanhla Mahlangu.
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