Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
SA's Equal Education Law Centre Urges Budget Boost for Schools
South African education advocacy group, Equal Education Law Centre, is urging government to prioritise education spending as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers the 2026 Budget Speech today. The organisation warns that years of austerity have left many schools underfunded and struggling, with some learners reportedly facing exclusion due to unlawful fees. To discuss this, Equal Education Law Centre's Legal Researcher, Daniel Peter Al-Naddaf
Across Africa, education experts are warning that a silent literacy crisis is deepening
Across Africa, education experts are warning that a silent literacy crisis is deepening inequality and limiting future opportunity for millions of children. In South Africa, the latest findings from the 2030 Reading Panel show that only about 30 percent of Grade 6 learners can read for meaning a foundational skill essential for learning, employment and economic mobility. Speaking at a Reading 2030 Panel session in Johannesburg, the country’s Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, said when children cannot read, inequality widens and entire generations risk being left behind. Thuto Ngobeni reports
Malawi to Reopen Inquiry into Fatal Crash That Killed Ex-VP Chilima
Malawi's President Peter Mutharika has directed that a fresh inquiry be conducted into the plane crash that claimed the life of former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others. The directive comes after Minister of Justice Charles Mhango, who was tasked by President Mutharika to review reports produced during the previous administration, told Parliament on Tuesday that he identified significant gaps in the investigations and recommended a new inquiry. George Mhango reports from Blantyre.
HSRC Hosts 10th Africa Unity for Renaissance Conference on AI and Development
South Africa's Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), hosted the 10th Africa Unity for Renaissance Conference on Tuesday, under the theme: "Harnessing Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development in Africa." The gathering brought together policymakers, researchers and industry leaders to examine how digital innovation and artificial intelligence can accelerate sustainable development, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen peace and security across the continent. Channel Africa's Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.
Questions Raised Over Health Levy Ahead of SA's National Budget
Today, as South Africa's Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, delivers the national Budget, questions are being raised about the future of the Health Promotion Levy, a tax on sugary drinks aimed at tackling rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases. Introduced in 2018, the levy has helped reduce sugar consumption, encourage healthier choices, and generate revenue that could support public health and nutrition programmes. Joining us now to discuss the levy's impact and what the Budget could mean for public health is Bilal Mpazayabo, Media Coordinator at the Healthy Living Alliance, HEALA
West Africa wrap with Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst, Dr David Matsanga
We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the West Africa region and we speak to Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst, Dr David Matsanga
M23 Spokesperson Willy Ngoma Killed in DRC Army Drone Strike
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a fresh wave of uncertainty in its eastern provinces after the killing of M23 rebel group spokesperson Willy Ngoma in a Congolese army drone strike near Rubaya. The region, a key hub for the world's coltan supply, has seen heavy fighting despite ongoing ceasefire efforts mediated by Qatar. With rebels controlling large swathes of North and South Kivu, questions remain about the future of peace, regional diplomacy, and the humanitarian impact on civilians. Joining Peter Ndoro to unpack these developments is DRC political analyst Didier Bayeye.
Kenyans Rescued in Cambodia Plead for Repatriation Support
More than 600 Kenyans who were lured to Cambodia with promises of jobs are now seeking urgent help from their government to return home. They say they were kept against their will in guarded compounds, forced to work long hours under harsh conditions, and some suffered injuries. Cambodian authorities have rescued them, but the group says they cannot afford to fly back to Kenya and have turned to the courts for assistance. Our correspondent in Nairobi, Alex Kiarie, joins Asanda Beda live to explain the latest developments.
Humanitarian Concerns Grow on Fourth Anniversary of Ukraine Conflict
Today marks four years since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, and millions are facing a harsh winter with homes without heating or electricity. Vulnerable groups-older people, those with disabilities, and people with chronic illnesses-are at greatest risk. Joining us from Ukraine is Scott Craig, spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to talk about the humanitarian situation on the ground and the urgent need for international support....
SADC Ministers Confront Impact of Global Aid Reductions
Experts warn that global health funding cuts introduced in 2025 risk reversing gains made in health care worldwide. Countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany have reduced their global health budgets, with devastating consequences for poorer nations. In some cases, the cuts have led to job losses and the closure of civil society organisations, particularly those working in HIV and AIDS. The funding crisis is among the key issues being discussed at a two-day meeting of Health Ministers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), currently underway in Johannesburg. To discuss this further, Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Regional Integration at SADC, Angele Makombo Ntumba.
SA's 2026 Budget Speech Set to Test Government of National Unity
South Africa(SA) Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, is preparing to table the 2026 Budget Speech, his second under the Government of National Unity, at a pivotal moment for the country's economy. Tough fiscal decisions are expected to dominate the address, as government grapples with slow growth, rising debt and increasing social pressures. Last year's budget sparked intense debate, with opposition parties rejecting proposed VAT increases and civil society raising serious concerns about the impact on households. Now, the key question is whether the Minister can strike the right balance between fiscal discipline, political consensus and the urgent needs of South Africans. Channel Africa's economics reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more....
SADC Ministers Meet to Tackle Regional Health Challenges
A two-day Joint meeting of the Ministers of Health and Ministers responsible for HIV and AIDS within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), began on Monday in Johannesburg, South Africa. The aim of the meeting is to discuss important health issues within the region. The discussions centre around twelve agenda points. They include discussions on communicable diseases (NCDs), and climate-related health risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera amongst other issues. Sisi Segalo has more on the story
Policymakers Gather in South Africa to Shape Continent's Digital ID Systems
As African countries accelerate digital transformation, one critical question is how citizens prove who they are in an increasingly online world. From accessing government services to opening bank accounts or receiving social support, secure and inclusive digital identity systems are becoming essential to economic participation. This week, innovators, policymakers and technology leaders from across the continent and beyond have gathered in South Africa for DID:UNCONF Africa - a forum focused on shaping the future of digital identity in Africa, and ensuring systems can work across borders and institutions. Thuto Ngobeni reports.
United Nations Mission in South Sudan Moves to Tackle Justice Delays in Mundri
Communities in Greater Mundri, South Sudan, have waited years for justice. With courts often non-functional and cases of serious crimes - including sexual and gender-based violence - left unresolved, many victims have long feared that accountability would never come. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, is now preparing to deploy a mobile court to the area, aiming to bring justice closer to the people and reduce prolonged pre-trial detention. Joining Peter Ndoro to explain this initiative is Anees Ahmed, Director of the Rule of Law Advisory Section at UNMISS
East Africa wrap with Denis Beru, Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya
Now, to look at some of the stories making headlines in the East Africa region, where this week, political, security and economic developments are reshaping the region. Burundi has assumed the Chairship of the African Union, as fighting linked to the M23 rebels continues to affect eastern DRC and regional relations. Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with Sudan's Rapid Support Forces leader, drawing attention to Kampala's diplomatic role. Meanwhile, Rwanda has signed a major artificial intelligence partnership, and in Kenya, a significant cross-border banking deal is edging closer to completion. To unpack these developments, Denis Beru, Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya.
Trade Set to Recover as Lake Tanganyika Crossing Reopens
A key border crossing between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi reopened on Monday after more than two months of closure due to insecurity in eastern DR Congo. The Kavimvira post on Lake Tanganyika, a vital trade route linking Uvira and Bujumbura, had been shut following an offensive by the AFC/M23 armed group. To help us unpack the political, security, and economic implications of this development, is Jean-Baptiste Gasominari, political analyst specialising in the Great Lakes region.....
Critics Warn Constitutional Changes Could Extend Emmerson Mnangagwa's Rule
The debate over Zimbabwe's proposed constitutional amendments continues, days after it first made headlines. The ruling Zanu-PF party wants to extend presidential terms from five to seven years and transfer the election of the president from the public to parliament. Critics say the changes are designed to benefit President Emmerson Mnangagwa, potentially allowing him to stay in power beyond 2028. Joining Peter Ndoro to unpack the implications is Zimbabwean political commentator and former journalist, Jealousy Mawarire
Zimbabwe Divided After Robert Mugabe's Son Appears in Court on Attempted Murder Charge
Zimbabweans have expressed mixed feelings regarding the arrest and court appearance of former President Robert Mugabe's son, Bellamine and his friend in South Africa, for attempted murder. The young Mugabe was remanded in custody after appearing in court on Monday. While some sympathise with the mother Grace who could not travel to South Africa owing to a warrant of arrest against her, some had no kind words. More from John Cassim, our Correspondent based in Harare, Zimbabwe.
SA Records Drop in Murder Rate as Police Corruption Probe Launched
South Africa has released its latest national crime statistics, offering a snapshot of safety and law enforcement trends in one of Africa's largest economies. The figures show a decline in the country's murder rate for the third quarter of the financial year, covering October to December 2025, marking a continued downward trend after years of increases. At the same time, authorities have announced the establishment of a special task team to investigate alleged corruption and organised criminal infiltration within sections of the police and metro police services. The move follows findings from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is examining political interference and criminality within South Africa's justice system. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia released the statistics in Pretoria on Friday. Channel Africa's Sisi Segalo reports....
Ethiopia Tackles Health Worker Shortage Through High-Level Dialogue
Across Africa, one of the biggest barriers to achieving universal health coverage is not just infrastructure or medicines, it is people. The shortage, distribution and retention of trained health workers remain a critical challenge in many countries. In Ethiopia, the government, working with partners including the World Health Organisation, has launched high-level multisectoral dialogues aimed at building a competent, responsive, and equitably distributed health workforce. But what does that mean in practice? And could Ethiopia's model offer lessons for other African countries facing similar pressures? Joining Peter Ndoro is Dr Bejoy P Nambiar, Health Policy and Systems Advisor at WHO Ethiopia. Dr Nambiar, welcome to Channel Africa...
Save video to ...
