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Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
Global Witness: 124 Land and Environmental Defenders Killed Worldwide in 2025
A new report by Global Witness says at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed around the world in 2025 while protecting forests, rivers, farmland and Indigenous territories. Titled Collective Power, the report documents the deaths of people who stood against environmental destruction, land grabs, illegal logging, mining projects and other threats to their communities. The report warns that violence against activists remains widespread even as recorded killings have declined from previous years. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.
COSATU Congress Adjourned Amid Dispute Over Deputy President Mike Shingange’s Status
The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, has adjourned its 15th National Congress after a dispute over the status of its First Deputy President, Mike Shingange, contributed to the federation failing to reach a quorum. The development has left the leadership elections and other outstanding business unresolved. The congress, which began in Midrand on Monday, was scheduled to run until Thursday, September 17, with delegates expected to elect new national office bearers and deliberate on key issues affecting the labour movement. Our Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more…
Africa Roundup: Key Developments Shaping the Continent and the World Over the Past 24 Hours
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...
SA Family Mourns Following Discovery of Dineo Motapane's Body Among Nine Murdered Gauteng Women
The family of 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane is mourning her death after her body was discovered alongside a road in KwaThema, Springs. Her family positively identified her remains at the Springs Mortuary on Wednesday, after she was found among the victims in a series of murders being investigated as potentially linked. According to her family, Dineo was last seen alive on Sunday, and her disappearance had not yet been reported to police when her body was discovered. Her death has added to growing concern in Gauteng as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of nine women and whether they are connected. We speak to a member of the Motapane family, who has asked to remain anonymous
CSIR Showcases AI Technologies to Tackle Literacy and Language Challenges in South Africa
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which is part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation in South Africa, hosted a roundtable webinar to present locally developed artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) technologies, aimed at addressing significant challenges in the country's education system. These technologies target aspects such as literacy, language, accessibility, and learner engagement, highlighting the potential for local innovation to enhance inclusive and effective learning outcomes. Sisi Segalo has more on the story….
South Sudan Election Commission Chair Removed Two Months Before Scheduled December Polls
South Sudan President Salva Kiir has removed the National Election Commission Chairperson, Abednego Akok Kacuol two months before the scheduled December 22nd elections. No official reason was given on the removal of Kacuol who has led the electoral commission since 2012. Civil rights groups have warned that changing the electoral commission's leadership so close to the polls was creating chaos and a disaster. A week ago the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said the country still lacks the essential safeguards, funding and political stability to hold credible elections. The December vote would be South Sudan's first election since the country gained independence in 2011. We spoke to Rajab Mohandis, Member of the People's Coalition for Civil Action - a South Sudanese civil rights and pro-democracy movement
SA's Independent Electoral Commission Confirms Readiness for November 4 Local Elections Amid High Candidate Numb
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in South Africa says it is ready for the upcoming local government elections set for November 4th. The IEC says a total of 136,790 candidates across the country have been certified to run in the elections. The Commission told a media briefing on Wednesday (yesterday) that some areas would have a double-column ballot layout because of the high number of candidates contesting for votes in those areas. Meanwhile the Electoral Court has dismissed an application by the African National Congress party, the ANC took the IEC to court challenging an exclusion of 181 of its candidates whose nominations were not finalised before the 28th August deadline set by the electoral commission. We spoke to James Aphane, General Manager for Electoral Operations at the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa
Nigeria Heads to 2027 Presidential Election Amid Economic Pressures and Rising Insecurity
Nigeria is preparing to host its presidential election in January 2027 as tough economic and rising insecurity conditions persist in the country. The cost of living has skyrocketed since President Bola Tinubu cut a costly fuel subsidy in 2023. Critics have pointed out that while the reforms such as liberalising the exchange rate of the naira and overhauling the tax code have won the hearts of investors, the benefits are yet to reach the average Nigerian citizen. Thuto Ngobeni has more...
South Africa and Japan Strengthen Cooperation on Education, Skills Development and Infrastructure
South Africa and Japan are strengthening cooperation in education, human-capacity development and infrastructure, with a particular focus on mathematics, science, vocational training and skills development. The partnership was highlighted during an engagement hosted by Japan's Ambassador to South Africa, Fumio Shimizu, in Pretoria on Wednesday evening, attended by South Africa's Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) representatives and Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. Speaking to Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe after the engagement, Ambassador Shimizu outlined Japan's cooperation with South Africa on education, energy transition, infrastructure and the rule of law. Let's listen in……
UN Women Warns of Rising Violence, Displacement and Restrictions Facing Women in West Bank
Women and girls in the occupied West Bank, part of the occupied Palestinian territory, are facing increasing risks from violence, displacement and restrictions on their movement. A new analysis by UN Women says settler violence, military operations and movement restrictions have reached their highest levels in two decades. It says women who head households are particularly vulnerable, with many struggling to access healthcare, livelihoods, humanitarian assistance and basic necessities. We spoke to Sofia Calltorp, UN Women's Chief of Humanitarian Action.
IEC Finalises Over 136,000 Candidates for South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections
South Africa's Electoral Commission has finalised the candidates who will contest the country's 2026 Local Government Elections. More than 136-thousand candidates have been certified to contest seats across the country's municipalities, a significant increase from the number recorded in the previous local government elections in 2021. The election is scheduled for the 4th of November. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange reports...
FAO Report Highlights Critical Role of Forests and Trees in Global Food Security and Livelihoods
Forests are often seen as vital for tackling climate change and protecting biodiversity. But a new report by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization says they also play a crucial role in feeding the world. The report says more than five billion people rely on forests and trees to some extent for their livelihoods, while forest foods provide important sources of protein, vitamins and minerals. At a time when hundreds of millions of people are still facing chronic hunger, the FAO is calling for forests to be better integrated into national food and agriculture policies. For more on this report, we are now joined by Sooyeon Laura Jin, an FAO Forestry Officer
COSATU congress debates workers’ challenges, economy and federation’s political direction in Johannesburg
The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU's 15th National Congress is underway in Johannesburg with thousands of workers and union delegates gathering to assess the state of South Africa's economy, the labour market and the federation's political direction. Delegates are debating the political, organisational and socio economic challenges facing workers, while also adopting resolutions that could shape COSATU's engagement with government and its alliance partners. Our economics reporter Innocent Semosa attended the congress and filed this report
West Africa Roundup: Key regional developments under the spotlight
We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the West Africa region. We spoke to Dr David Matsanga, Political Scientist and Conflict resolution expert.
IMF urged to reject spending cuts amid fears of higher prices and worsening inequality in Africa
As the IMF Board of Executive Directors met on Monday, the Fund reportedly voted to impose upfront public spending cuts on countries borrowing from the institution. Campaigners have warned that the move could trigger immediate price increases for food, electricity, fuel and other essentials. They are urging the board to reject what they describe as a return to structural adjustment under the guise of "frontloaded fiscal adjustment", and to ensure its programmes do not exacerbate inequality. For more on this, Nhlanhla Mahlangu spoke to Martha Tukahirwa, Regional Coordinator for Africa at the Fight Inequality Alliance.
Wednesday Profile: Kenya’s Dr Isaac Mwaura on His Journey from Advocacy to Public Service
For our Wednesday Profile this week, we speak to one of Kenya's most prominent young politicians, Dr Isaac Maigua Mwaura. Having built a career at the intersection of public service, politics, advocacy and communication, Mwaura has risen above a range of challenges to the highest levels of government, including to the position of Kenya's Government Spokesperson. His professional journey has included work in disability advocacy, public relations, Parliament and public policy, along with postgraduate studies in South Africa and the United Kingdom. And most recently, Kenya's President William Ruto appointed Mwaura to Head the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Disability Rights in the his Executive Office, opening a new chapter in his public-service career. He spoke to us
Professor Calls for Urgent Action to End Violence Against Women and Children in South Africa
An Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of South Africa, Professor Nokuthula Mazibuko says violence against women and children in the country will only end when South Africa moves from words to effective action, from mourning to prevention and from promises to accountabilities. She adds that the question that needs to be asked is what the country is prepared to do differently before another woman leaves their home and never returns to her children. This as Gauteng police investigations into a number of cases involving the deaths of women in the Kempton Park area continue. Sisi Segalo has more on the story….
Murders of 8 SA Women Sparks Outcry as Political Parties Demand Answers
South African political parties have joined organisations and communities across the country in condemning the killing of women in parts of Gauteng province, which includes the city of Johannesburg. Eight women have so far been discovered dead over a two-month period. Among them was 38-year-old mother and runner Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, who left behind an eight-year-old child. The Good Party, ActionSA and the African Transformation Movement are among those calling for answers and expressing their condolences to the families. Sisi Segalo has more on the story.
Malaysia and South Africa reaffirm mature partnership built on shared history and inclusive development
Malaysia and South Africa have described their bilateral relationship as a mature partnership, underpinned by shared histories, diversity and a commitment to inclusive development. Malaysian High Commissioner to South Africa, Dato' Yubazlan Haji Yusof, made the remarks in Pretoria during celebrations marking Malaysia's 69th National Day and 63rd Malaysia Day. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report
Africa Roundup: Key stories shaping the continent and world over the past 24 hours
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...
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