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Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
" Lieutenant Colani Mdluli is the son of Boy Mdluli, who was King Mswati's righthand man"- eSwatini monarch's security officer dies following apparent suicide
Authorities in Eswatini are investigating a shocking incident involving a senior member of King Mswati III's security detail. Lieutenant Colani Mdluli, who was part of the King's military protection unit and assigned to provide security for visiting Southern African Development Community Heads of State, allegedly shot and killed himself in front of official guests. The incident has raised serious questions about security protocols, the wellbeing of personnel tasked with high-level protection, and the circumstances leading up to the tragedy. To speak to us further on this we are now joined on the line by Swaziland News Editor, Zweli Martin Dlamini
"The founder of the orphanage is also still being held by the kidnappers"- Channel Africa Correspondent in Nigeria, Jonathan James Lyamgong
Another brazen abduction in Nigeria has left the nation asking the same difficult questions, why are children still not safe? Gunmen stormed an orphanage in Lokoja, abducting 23 pupils in a calculated attack that once again exposes deep security failures. While 15 children have been rescued, eight remain missing. This is not an isolated incident. School kidnappings have become a recurring crisis, with armed groups increasingly targeting children as leverage for ransom and attention, raising serious concerns about the state's ability to protect its most vulnerable. For more, on the line by Channel Africa Correspondent in Nigeria, Jonathan James Lyamgong.
"Abortion is not a fandamental right guaranteed by (Kenya's) constitution" - Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya, Dennis Beru
We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the East Africa region. Peter Ndoro spoke to Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya, Dennis Beru
Is the Pan-African Parliament effectively executing its mandate?
On today's edition of The Discourse, we turn our attention to Midrand, in South Africa, where the legislative heart of the continent is beating with renewed purpose. The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is currently convened for a high-stakes Extraordinary Session to elect its new Bureau leadership. This session follows the conclusion of the Sixth Bureau's mandate and aims to restore full parliamentary functionality through a transparent, rules-based election of a President and four Vice-Presidents based on regional rotation. At a time when calls for stronger accountability, unity, and legislative impact are growing louder, the outcome of this session matters far beyond Midrand. What kind of leadership is needed, and what's at stake for ordinary Africans? Joining us now to unpack the significance of these elections, the regional dynamics at play, and what this means for the 'Africa We Want,' Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Nairobi-based Political Analyst, Hassan Kulundu
"Africa must continue to pursue unity at political and economic level"- SABC News Specialist Correspondent, Sophie Mokoena
The African Union is convening a high-level strategic retreat in Malabo, bringing renewed focus to Africa's role within the G20. It comes at a critical moment, amid growing debate over whether the AU should boycott the upcoming G20 Summit in Miami in solidarity with South Africa, a country that played a key role in securing the AU's permanent membership in the bloc. At stake are not just diplomatic relations, but Africa's collective voice on global economic governance, as leaders look to align priorities with Agenda 2063 and shape the continent's engagement ahead of the 2026 United States G20 agenda. For more, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to SABC News Specialist Correspondent, Sophie Mokoena..
Afghanistan faces strain as millions return, with housing and services key to reintegration success
Afghanistan is seeing a sharp rise in refugees heading home, with more than 2.8 million people coming back from Iran and Pakistan in 2025 alone, according to UN estimates. That brings the total number of returnees since September 2023 to over three million. The surge has seen the population rise by more than 10 per cent, adding pressure to already limited infrastructure and fragile public services. UN News's Nancy Sarkis spoke to Stephanie Loose, Country Programme Manager at UN-Habitat Afghanistan, about why sustainable reintegration depends on better access to housing and essential services.
Africa Roundup: Tsepiso Makwetla and Peter Ndoro bring you key stories, expert insight, and context to start your day
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...
"Vaccines saved 150 million lives in 50 years as Immunisation Week highlights impact"- World Health Organisation
The World Health Organisation has highlighted that vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives worldwide over the past fifty years. That's 6 lives every minute, every day, for five decades. They revealed this as the world observes immunisation week from 24 to 30 April. This year's World Immunization Week theme, "For every generation, vaccines work", aims to promote how vaccines have safely protected people, families, and communities for generations - and continue to safeguard the future. Sisi Segalo has more on the story…
The Africa We Build: AU transport and energy summit drives investment, policy and transition forward
The 5th Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Transport and Energy, is underway at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event being held under the theme "The Africa We Build: Transport and Energy as Catalysts for Prosperity," brings together ministers, policymakers, and experts from across the continent. Convened in partnership with the African Union Commission, the session is focused on strengthening policy coordination, accelerating investment, and advancing key programmes such as the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa. Discussions are expected to tackle critical issues including mobility, renewable energy, and Africa's broader energy transition. Our economics reporter innocent Semosa has more....
Lungu burial dispute deepens as family and state clash over funeral arrangements
The body of the former Zambian president Dr. Edgar Lungu is at the centre of a complex legal dispute...Lungu died in South Africa in June last year, he has not been buried. The conflict over his burial is between his family led by his wife,Esther and the Zambian government. The family seek a private funeral without the presence of Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema, BUT the government wants the former president to be buried at Embassy Park in Lusaka with full state honours. Last week, the Zambian government briefly took possession of the remains, claiming the family's appeal had lapsed. However, the family secured an urgent South African High Court order that same night, directing that the body be returned to a private funeral home until at least May 21. Now to discuss this further we are joined by Dr Eustone Chiputa, a Historian, and Socio-economic analyst from the University of Zambia in Lusaka
"I can assure you that there is no diplomatic row"- Ghana's High Commissioner to SA, Benjamin Quashie pours cold water "spat" allegations
Ghana has summoned South Africa's envoy to the country over reported acts of harassment against its citizens and other African migrants living in South Africa. This follows video clips shared online, showing vigilante groups attacking and confronting people they believed were in South Africa illegally. Authorities in Ghana warn that the xenophic attack on its citizens living in South Africa may damage diplomatic relations between South Africa and Ghana. We are now joined by His Excellency. Benjamin Quashie, Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa
"South Africa remains an attractive destination for tourists and investors"- Political Analyst, Mighti Jamie
Now we look at some of the stories making headlines in the continent and we speak to Political analyst, Mighti Jamie
"I cannot afford a Gautrain, I can only afford a taxi from Orland to town" - Veteran anti-apartheid struggle activist, Seth Mazibuko on SA's Freedom
South Africa marks Freedom Day today, commemorating the country's first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994, when all South Africans were, for the first time, able to vote regardless of race. The day is a reminder of the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new constitutional democracy founded on equality, human rights, and dignity. We are joined by veteran anti-apartheid struggle activist Seth Mazibuko, one of the youth leaders of the 1976 Soweto uprising, to reflect on what freedom means today, the progress made under democracy, and the challenges that remain in building a more equal society.
Sierra Leone marks 65 years of independence, reflecting on unity, resilience, and national progress
Sierra Leone marks its 65th Independence Anniversary today* (Monday). The West African nation gained independence from Britain ending over 150 years of colonial rule. At midnight on April 27, 1961, the British Union Jack was lowered and the new green, white, and blue national flag was unfurled at Brookfields Playground in Freetown. England handed over sovereignty and Sir Milton Margai, leader of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), became the country's first Prime Minister. The Independence was achieved through peaceful negotiations that began in 1960. Today, the country commemorates independence under the theme - "Building a Responsive, Resilient and Cohesive Sierra Leone". Now to discuss more on what this day mean for the people of Sierra Leone, we speak to Dr Bernadette Lahai, Former Vice Presidency of Pan African Parliament and she also served as the minority leader in the Sierra Leone Parliament
Southern African Development Community (SADC) unites to restore land, boost biodiversity, and drive green investment initiatives
Good morning, and welcome to The Discourse and this morning, we turn our attention to one of the most pressing issues facing our region - the state of biodiversity and land degradation across Southern Africa, and what is being done to address it. The Southern African Great Green Wall Initiative, is emerging as a key regional platform by SADC member states aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, strengthening climate resilience, and unlocking economic opportunities through nature-based solutions. This week, South Africa is hosting a regional capacity building workshop in Sandton - bringing together governments, development partners, and the private sector to move from policy commitments to investment-ready programmes. To unpack this, Peter Ndoro spoke to The Deputy Director-General for Biodiversity and Conservation at the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Flora Mokgohloa ----- and Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Senior Environmental Officer at the SADC Secretariat, Sibongile Mavimbela.....
"He is a murderer and a womeniser"- PUDEMO Treasurer General, Velaphi Mamba piles criticism on eSwatini's King Mswati
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in eSwatini over the weekend. Chia-lung is serving as a special envoy for President Lai Ching-te. The Kingdom of Eswatini marked 40 years on the throne for King Mswati the third. Regional leaders also attended the Ruby Jubilee at the national stadium in Mbabane on Saturday. What does 40 years on the throne for King Mswati the third mea, and for AmaSwati? and what diplomatic ties with Taiwan mean? To answer these questions, we speak to Velaphi Mamba, human rights activist and Treasurer General of People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) in Eswatini
Africa Roundup: Tsepiso Makwetla and Peter Ndoro bring you key stories, expert insight, and context to start your day
Time now for our daily Africa Roundup. Each morning, just after the six o'clock news, Tsepiso Makwetla and Peter Ndoro 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...
Literacy crisis persists as Africa grapples with gaps in early reading and access to learning resources
Good morning and welcome to the Friday edition of The Discourse. We're coming to you just after World Book Day, a global celebration of books and reading. But beyond the symbolism, it leaves us with a pressing question here in South Africa and across the continent: are we truly building the conditions that allow children not only to go to school, but to become confident readers who understand what they read?The latest evidence continues to point to serious gaps in early reading, with many children still struggling to reach basic reading benchmarks in the first years of school. That raises deeper issues around access to books, the language of learning, classroom support, and the broader ecosystem that supports literacy. To unpack this, we spoke to Caroline Munier, Programme Specialist in the Culture Sector at UNESCO and Thembalethu Shangase, Executive Director of Book Dash, a South African non-profit organisation.
South Sudan peace deal falters as rising violence sparks fears of renewed civil war crisis
The war in South Sudan might be far from over... the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission in the country has warned that there was limited progress in implementing Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. A delegation from the African Union's Peace and Security Council, arrived in Juba yesterday (Thursday) for a three-day assessment. But the United Nations says South Sudan is headed towards a potential return to full-scale civil war, despite a 2018 peace deal. The country has faced intensified fighting since late 2024, resulting in massive displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis. We spoke to Dr Majak D'Agoot, Former South Sudan Defence Minister
Malaria crisis deepens in Africa, with experts warning of rising economic threat and urgent action needed
Health experts say Malaria is no longer just a public health concern but an escalating economic threat. They say despite years of intervention, malaria continues to tighten its grip on Africa. Africa bears the world's heaviest malaria burden, with 94% of cases and 95% of deaths - figures that signal not just a stalled fight, but a crisis at risk of being normalised.As countries mark World Malaria Day this Saturday the 25th of April, Dr Chris van Straten, Global Health Advisor, Clinical Governance at International SOS has called on businesses to self-assess their commitment and efforts towards addressing malaria in the workplace.
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