General Podcast

The Governing Council of the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism -AFFM, has issued a call for greater action to secure adequate financing for the continent's fertilizer sector at its ninth meeting held recently. During the meeting, which was held virtually, and attended by 13 institutional members, the Council adopted the report on the year 2020 activities and endorsed a work program for 2021. The Council also commended AFFM's achievements, which include the formation of a partnership with Fertilizer group -OCP Africa-, aimed at improving access to quality inputs for 430,000 smallholder rice and maize farmers. To get some reaction on this, Khumbelo Munzhelele spoke to Dr Fadel Ndiame, Deputy President of The Alliance for Green Revolution for Africa -Otherwise known as -AGRA...

The UK Minister for Africa, James Duddridge says the integrated review will strive to position his country as a great partner in helping address some of the humanitarian challenges Africa faces, provide young girls with quality education as well as help get COVID-19 vaccines to the continent through the COVAX initiative. The document is a comprehensive articulation of the UK's national security and international policy. Among other things, it puts an emphasis on openness as a source of prosperity and places an increased determination on seeking multilateral solutions to challenges like climate change. Duddridge elaborates on what the Integrated Review is....

Issues of sustainability are becoming very crucial to businesses. This is according to Industry Trend Analyst Dion Chang.He was speaking at a panel discussion hosted by Ricoffy in Johannesburg. The panel heard that COVID-19 has offered brands, especially those previously hesitant about jumping on the bandwagon due to expense, the opportunity for a do-over to instil sustainability holistically throughout their company. Chang says sustainability is quickly becoming a must do for most companies..

As countries marked International Womens Day *yesterday, The US Department of state announced the winners for the 15th International Women of Courage Awards. The annual award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve the lives of others. Since its inception, the US Department of state has recognized more than 155 remarkable women from over 75 countries around the world with the IWOC award. Three of the winners this year are from Africa. Maximilienne Ngo Mbe from Cameroon is one them.She is said to have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, courage, and perseverance through adversity in promoting human rights in Cameroon and Central Africa.

After a year of disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the path to recovery for the people of Ghana can finally begin. This is thanks to the arrival of some 600 000 COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped this week via the COVAX Facility. The shipment is part of an initial tranche of deliveries of the AstraZeneca / Oxford vaccine licensed to the Serum Institute of India, which represent part of the first wave of COVID vaccines headed to several low and middle-income countries. To discuss this further, Samora Mangesi spoke to Celestin Traore, UNICEF's Regional Immunization Advisor on the line from Dakar, Senegal..

A new partnership that will seek to advance capacity building for equitable COVID-19 vaccine introduction around the world has been launched. This is thanks to a partnership between the University of New Mexico's Health Sciences Center's Project ECHO and the Country Readiness and Delivery Workstream, which is a collaboration of global health organizations led by the World Health Organization. To discuss this further, Tracey Boomgaard spoke to Dr Bruce Struminger, a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of New Mexico……

South Africa is this week observing National Pregnancy Awareness Week to strengthen pregnancy education and stress the important issues that promote a healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood. Paed-IQ Babyline, a telephonic-based, medical advice subscription service for caregivers to babies and children is shining the spotlight on the issue of miscarriage, which is often traumatic for many, but very hardly spoken about. Dr Iqbal Karbanee, who is the CEO of Paed-IQ Babyline discusses this further….

Advocates and affected communities working towards the global scale-up of a short-course TB preventive therapy have hailed the recent announcement of the launch of what they say is a decently priced, patient-friendly fixed-dose combinations of FDC 3HP in five high burden HIV and TB countries. The news, made possible by a Unitaid-funded project comes at a time as communities grapple with the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. To discuss this further, Tracey Boomgaard spoke to Lynette Mabote, Advocacy advisor with the Treatment Action Group ….

South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah have thrown their weight behind the covid-19 vaccine. Tutu has pledged that he will get vaccine as soon as one becomes available. In a statement released by the Tutu and Leah Legacy Foundation, they sympathised with the people whose lives have been destroyed by the virus. Channel Africas Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.

Simple, practical solutions could help bring an end to load-shedding and set Eskom on the path to successfully meeting its objective of effectively delivering electricity in South Africa. This is the thrust of the #PowerToThePeople campaign launched by the Institute of Race Relations, IRR, aimed at building public pressure on Minister of Energy Gwede Mantashe to consider a range of measures that have the potential to end load-shedding. More from Hermann Pretorius, IRR Head of Strategic Initiative.

In an effort to ignite the festive spirit in Johannesburg, South Africa for staycationers and explorers alike, Gauteng's MMC of Economic Development, Lawrence Khoza has unveiled the Festive Season Tourism Activities Campaign. The campaign also seeks to highlight township tourism in a bid to re-ignite, revitalise and restart the local tourism sector post the pandemic hard lockdown. More from MMC Lawrence Khoza..

A new short oral treatment for most lethal forms of drug-resistant Tuberculosis including Extensively Drug-Resistant TB or XDR-TB has been launched in South Africa to assist patients with the condition while also helping to stop transmission. The six-month all-oral regimen is funded by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, through a Clinical Access Program by USAID partner, the Clinical HIV Research Unit, at the country's Wits Health Consortium in Johannesburg. More from USAID Acting Mission Director in South Africa, Rebecca Krzywda..

A pledge to end all forms of violence and set in motion a grassroots civil society campaign to promote peace has been launched by a coalition of community activists, artists, victims of war, academics, business leaders and African youth. The launch coincides with the conclusion of the African Union heads of state summit this past weekend to review progress towards "Silencing the Guns by 2020: Creating Conducive conditions for Africa's Development". African heads of state at the 14th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly on Silencing the Guns unanimously agreed to extend the initiative's efforts to end hostilities for another ten years. More from South African musician, Zoe Modiga.

The 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children campaign is underway in South Africa. The United Nations led campaign is held from the 25th of November to the 10th of December every year and seeks to raise awareness of the negative impact that violence and abuse have on women and children. During the 16 Days period, government together with civil society and the private sector host a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with gender-based violence and femicide. As part of activities to highlight the scourge of abuse Financial Wealth Coach Samke Mhlongo has launched the book titled- Ringfence. Nhlanhla Mahlangu spoke to Mhlongo

The financial well-being of each household has a direct impact on the country's economic stability. With household debt far exceeding disposable income, and high unemployment, how prepared is the average household for unforeseen financial setbacks? The Momentum Unisa Household Financial Wellness Index seeks to not only determine the state of the nation's financial wellness, but provide effective insights to help enhance the financial wellness of all South Africans. In an effort to explore the finding of the index, Momentum recently hosted 2020 Science of Success festival in Johannesburg, which brought a fresh perspective to household financial wellness using data and insights of the index in an accessible and unconventional way. More from Charlotte Nsubunga Mukasa Momentums Head of Marketing

South African singers ,the princess of Africa- Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Afro pop songstress Amanda Black , have remade the popular South African Umqombothi song. The hit song was composed by the legendary Sello Chicco Twala and speaks to the pride of brewing African Beer. First performed by Yvonne Chaka-Chaka in 1988, The "Umqombothi" song has proved over the years to be a classic. As Channel Africa’s Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports the latest remake came after the two singers partnered with King Korn.

Young South African designers have once again been given the platform to showcase their skills. The Nandos Hot Young Designer is a talent search competition that opens a door for undiscovered young South African design .Katlego Tshuma was this years winning designer for his submission – Sangu Bench. Sangu is the Xitsonga word for a traditional African grass mat. Tshuma elaborates.

With COVID-19 infections surging worldwide, a coalition of eighteen companies representing a large portion of the world's generic pharmaceutical manufacturers have pledged to work together to accelerate access to hundreds of millions of doses of new interventions for low- and middle-income countries. This coalition includes generic manufacturers from South Africa, India, China, South Korea, and Bangladesh. The companies will do this under the umbrella of the non-profit organization, Medicines Patent Pool - MPP. To discuss this further, Samora Mangesi spoke to Charles Gore, Executive Director of MPP……

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the world putting a more considered slant on giving as we know it with people living, thinking and buying differently. One thing is for sure - the 2020 festive season will also be different - putting a more considered slant on giving.This has led to Pernod Ricard South Africa to partnering with Springbok stalwarts Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe to encourage South Africans to stand together to invest in the local economy by giving 'gifts that give'. This is part of the Sisonke Mzansi campaign which sees Pernod Ricard flagship brands together with local artists, makers and manufacturers from local communities conceptualise, design and create a range of truly South African gifts that give. More from Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.

DRC's President Felix Tshisekedi's camp says it remains hopeful that the ruling coalition will overcome challenges its currently facing This is according to Abraham Lwakabuanga press director for DRC's President Felix Tshisekedi who is in South Africa on a working visit to galvanise support and intervention .The coalition between former President Joseph Kabila and President Felix Tshisekedi appear to be in constant disagreement over internal negotiations .More from Abraham Lwakabuanga press director for DRC's President Felix Tshisekedi

With the festive season fast approaching South Africa gin brand has pushed the envelope with the launch of Inverroche Gin Schools in Gauteng. Through the gin schools people will be taught the wonders of gin as well as learn the basics of creating quality gin through an innovative experience .More from Lorna Scott founder of Inverroche Gin .

SympliFi, a U.K.-based fintech company has announced a finalization of a partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations agency charged with making public and private finance work for the poor in least-developed countries. The UNCDF partnership will expand SympliFi's digital financial solutions to migrants and their families in Africa. SympliFi offers a first of its kind solution that enables migrants and diaspora to digitally guarantee a microfinance loan for family in their home country, in minutes. Maurice Iwunze, co-founder of SympliFI elaborates..

At a time when the South African economy is shedding jobs, Bathu, a local sneaker brand, continues to make strides since its inception in 2015.The man in charge, Theo Baloyi is a former accountant who built his sneaker business from his uncle's back room in the township of Alexandra. He has since partnered with other brands and says he wants to tell a proudly South African township story through his successful sneaker brand. He elaborates.

The 2020 edition of Moshito music conference and exhibition has been launched in Johannesburg, South Africa. Now in its 17th year, Moshito has positioned itself as Africa's premiere music industry event. This year's edition will take place from the 4th to the 7th of November at various venues including the Joburg Theatre and Vilakazi Street in Soweto. Veteran musician Steve Kekana and singer Makadzi are this years ambassadors. Channel Africa's Nhlanhla Mahlangu caught up with Steve Kekana..

Many women in Africa work in the informal sector and since the lockdown across the continent, have lost their livelihoods due to borders being shut and economic activity slowing down. Being aware of the adverse effects of the virus on women entrepreneurs across the continent and in South Africa particularly, need to think about the long-term issues faced by women within the sector and how to overcome them. Some very fundamental issues include the lack of skills for women to enter the formal sector and the design of many economic sectors that continue to maintain shut doors for women. One woman that's tackling some of these issues head-on is Lebo Letsoalo, founder of African Women in Supply Chain Association. With her recent partnership with the UN Women, Letsoalo is setting up a skills development programme to help women penetrate the male-dominated logistics sector in the post-COVID South Africa. Letsoalo explains...

South African comedians Donovan Goliath ,Lihle Msimang and Mojak Lehoko have teamed up with Castle Lite to launch South Africa's first-ever YouTube news talk show,Lite News. The show focuses on wrapping up the weekly headlines in a light-hearted way, giving South Africans the opportunity to stay abreast of the latest news while enjoying a good laugh as they tackle the strain of the national lockdown. More from comedian Lihle Msimang.

The South African University of Witwatersrand's Dr. Bernard Coetzee has been announced as the winner of the second, annual 150-thousand US dollars Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Grant. Dr Coetzee, who is with the university's Global Change Institute was selected from a record entry of 217 applications from 26 different countries in Africa. He spoke to Samora Mangesi about his achievement......

Policy drivers, thought leaders, expert clinicians and decision-makers in healthcare will from *today take park in a virtual event which will focus on transforming healthcare's most pressing challenges through collaboration and empowerment. The five-day event will unite some of the most innovative and knowledgeable minds from African healthcare communities, allowing attendees to keep up to date on the latest developments shaping the African healthcare industry. Wouter Molman, Executive Vice President for Informa Markets - Healthcare elaborates on what the aims of Omnia Health Live Africa are....

As Uganda marks 58 years of independence today, some citizens say they find little to celebrate in a country with high unemployment, poverty, corruption and political repression, while others believe self-autonomy is worth celebrating regardless. Uganda, known as the 'Pearl of Africa', attained its independence from Britain on October 9, 1962, after many years of British colonial rule. This year's independence day theme is 'Celebrating Uganda's steady progress towards economic take off and self-sustaining economic growth'.

The Wits School of Public Health in South Africa together with other partners recently hosted a convention on decolonizing health systems in Africa - which they say are predominantly westernized amidst the existence of alternative healing systems in Africa. Among other things, the virtual event was aimed at providing a platform for conversations to build solidarity across Africa and to eradicate colonial-imposed divides in health systems on the continent. To discuss this further, Zikhona Miso spoke to Shehnaz Munshi , a Lecturer in the Wits School of Public Health..

With South Africa on level one of the national lockdown, artists and musicians are now able to perform provided event organisers implement various measures and protocols to curb and prevent the spread of the corona virus.Musician Manu World Star recently performed in Rosebank at the Clubhouse in Johannesburg. Channel Africa's Nhlanhla Mahlangu caught up with him.

This week saw South Africa open up almost all sectors as the country moved to level one of the national lockdown. One such sector is the entertainment and eventing industry which has since implemented various measures and protocols to curb and prevent the spread of the corona virus. Beverage brand Flying Fish has launched an exclusive gateway to fashion collaborations, entertainment and reveals of the latest culture trends, the Clubhouse in Rosebank, Johannesburg. One such collaboration is by one of South African's most credible high street fashion designers, Amen who are showcasing what progressive bespoke insight localisation looks like. More from the designer duo Amen

South Africa joined the rest of the World on Sunday in marking World Tourism Day. Celebrated annually on the 27th September,this year's international day of observation was held under the theme of 'Tourism and Rural Development'. It came at a critical moment as the tourism sector looks to drive recovery, including that in rural communities where the sector is a leading employer and economic pillar. Gauteng Tourism Authority led the 2020 edition of World Tourism Day through a series of celebrations highlighting the unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside big cities and preserving cultural and natural heritage. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports..

The South African Medical Technology Industry Association, SAMED recently held its first virtual conference under the title: "Partnering to shape healthcare and grow medtech". The three-day event which comprised of about twenty-four sessions, was attended by over 200 delegates. To shed some light on the outcomes of the meeting, Samora Mangesi spoke to Tanya Vogt, Executive Officer of SAMED….

Opposition figures have reacted angrily after Ivory Coast's Constitutional Court rejected 40 candidates for upcoming presidential elections, validating the contested bid of incumbent Alassane Ouattara but sidelining his predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo. Former Prime minister Guillaume Soro, a onetime Ouattara ally who had been sentenced to 20 years in absentia over alleged embezzlement of public funds, was also barred from contesting the vote. With tensions running high ahead of the polls protests broke out in several cities, including in southeastern Bonoua, where some young people marched against Ouattara's candidacy in defiance of a ban on demonstrations. For some reaction to the Constitutional Court's ruling, Channel Africa spoke to Kone Adama, secretary general of the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace party-RHDP.

The international charity organization, Oxfam has warned that wealthy nations representing about thirteen percent of the world's population have already secured more than half of the promised doses of leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Oxfam's warning follows a meeting of health and finance ministers of G20 countries which took place virtually this week to discuss the global pandemic. Mthandazo Ndlovu Hlahla is the Governance, Democracy and Strategic Alliances Manager at Oxfam South Africa.....

The search for a COVID-19 vaccine recently hit a hurdle with the suspension of the Oxford trial due to a reported side effect in a patient in the UK. While the trial has since resumed, some experts have raised questions about the current safety protocols in place for vaccine trials. Globally, some 18 000 individuals have received study vaccines as part of this trial. More from Dr Caryn Fenner, Technical director of the South African company, Afrigen.....

September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month, a condition that affects one in ten women. The condition can lead to symptoms like acne, excessive body hair growth, infertility, inability to lose weight and irregular periods among others. To shed some light on this, Zikhona Miso spoke to Karen Lamelle medical trainer at Lamelle Reseach Laboratories….

South African property brand, Private Property has today launched the Virtual Property Show. The platform has been created to allow key players in the property sector to engage with consumers in an interactive and innovative way. The Property Show will host 10 000 visitors in a virtually exclusive environment. The virtual event will bring together diverse thought leaders and brands that are keen to offer property consumers insights, information and tools required to further their property goals. More from Tracy Miller Brand and marketing executive at Private Property, the conveners of the virtual property Show

The University of Witwatersrand in South Africa is part of a new study that will explore SARS-CoV-2 transmission by asymptomatic people in rural and urban households in the country. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes coronavirus disease. Cheryl Cohen is the Professor of Epidemiology in the Wits School of Public Health and Head of the Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in the National Health Laboratory Service she talks to Teddy Sibiya about the study..

Cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has surpassed the one-hundred mark, prompting the World Health Organization to describe the situation as concerning. The new Ebola outbreak is DRC's eleventh and was declared on June 1st. The last outbreak of Ebola in the Kivu province only just ended as the current one in Équateur began. More from Dr Mory Keita of the World Health Organisation.....

In an effort to increase female representation amongst investors, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange - JSE will be hosting its third #JSESheInvest summit on Saturday the 8th to mark Women's Day. South Africa celebrated Women's Day annually on August the 9th. The JSE's annual event aims to empower, educate and support women who want to achieve financial freedom through investing on the stock market. Due to lockdown regulation, this will be a virtual event, with the digital platform providing an opportunity to expand its footprint and reach even more women from all walks of life. Each year the summit aims to build the movement adding even more empowered women, who are determined to build wealth for themselves and future generations. Zanele Morrison, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the JSE, and one of the speakers at the event explains...

The glass container industry in South Africa has been hardest hit by the alcohol ban imposed by the country government last month in order to curb high number of hospitalization as the country combats the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry has warned that if the ban continues, there'll be catastrophic consequences on livelihoods. The ban is the second of its kind, the first one was imposed in late March when the government declared hard lockdown restrictions. The ban was subsequently lifted and reinstated last month. Isanti Glass and Consol are the southern African nations biggest suppliers to the alcohol and non-alcoholic beverage. They produce about five million bottles a year. Managing Director at Isanti Glass, Shakes Matiwaza has more...

The International Women's Forum of South Africa, IWFSA, has welcomed the statement issued by Cabinet of the Republic of South Africa advising the approval by Cabinet of three vitally important Gender Based Violence - GBV - Bills. The IWFSA recognises the approval by cabinet of the theme of Women's Month as 'Realising women's rights for an equal future' and further applauds cabinet for the approval of three Bills namely the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill of 2020; National Register for Sexual Offences) and the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill for submission to Parliament. For more on the subject, Samora Mangesi spoke to Tryphosa Ramano, board member of the International Women's Forum of South Africa.

There's concern on the levels of alcohol on some sanitizers being sold to the public in South Africa. The latest research carried out by accredited laboratory SciCorp in the country's KwaZulu-Natal province, has shown that out of 11 hand sanitizers, 9 bought from stores and two samples given out at the entrance to a mall or shop, only five were found to be non-compliant. This means they didn't contain the minimum 70 percent alcohol content, required by law. Chief Executive Officer at Biodx which manufactures sanitizers, Burt Rodrigues explains..

CNBC Africa, in partnership with Forbes Africa and prominent sponsors, will host the "future of work virtual conference" 20th of this month. The event will be hosted on Hopin, an online events platform that allows attendees to engage in interactive virtual networking sessions and expo booths. Businesses on the African continent are at a crossroads, with the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbating existing cracks in the system, creating an urgent need to adopt innovative technologies for future success. Sid Wahi, Managing Director of CMA Investment Holdings has more..

Dating back some one - hundred thuosand years, the KwaXolo Caves, located inland of Margate in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal -KZN- South Coast, were once open-rock shelters for indigenous San communities, with the history of these people echoed in the rock paintings evident today. Set atop the precipice of a deep gorge and boasting some of the region's most magnificent views, these once-inaccessible caves are now a top tourist attraction following the launch of the KwaXolo Caves Adventures earlier this year. Tour Operator at the caves, Shaun Makhanya explains...

The Jack Ma Foundation continues commitment to addressing barriers to economic development and entrepreneurship across Africa in various ways. Their current and ongoing initiative is the 2020 Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) prize competition which identifies and awards top outstanding business heroes from across Africa who are creating significant impact and driving change in their local communities. This year, 50 - Entrepreneurs from across Africa have been selected where the top ten finalists will enter a grand finale later this year and take the stage to pitch business legends - including Jack Ma - for a chance to win their share of a 1- point - 5 million dollars prize pool. The 2020 finalists represent 21 African countries which include: Algeria, South Africa, Kenya, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon and Zimbabwe among others. These represent 18 sectors such as, agriculture, AI, Big Data, business services, construction and transportation. More from Partnerships and Program Manager for the Jack Ma Foundation's Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative, Zahra Baitie...

South Africa's live entertainment industry is in need of serious love and support. Through the #LightSAred campaign, the industry will host a live stream event today to raise awareness about the jobs that were instantly lost when the lockdown was announced at the end of March. freelancers, venues, theatres, artists, musicians, technical crew, backstage professionals and performers, companies and businesses, in the live entertainment industry have been affected by the blanket ban on all events. The campaign is calling on government and financial institutions to extend financial relief to those who earn a living in the technical production and live events industry until they are permitted to resume work. Alistair Kilbee of the LightSAred campaign has more...

Leading South African digital bank TymeBank has reached another key milestone as it on boarded two - million individual customers since formally launching the bank in February 2019. Over a million of these are regarded as active customers.The bank has achieved this milestone five months ahead of its initial target date of 31 December 2020. In addition to onboarding individual customers, the bank has already onboarded over 18 - thousand 000 small businesses as customers as part of its small business proposition. TymeBank CEO Tauriq Keraan spoke to Channel Africa about this milestone....