Africa Within Podcast's Podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Africa Within, we sit down with Wendy Pekeur, an activist and co-founder of the Ubuntu Rural Women and Youth Movement—a grassroots organisation that emerged from resistance to farm evictions in Stellenbosch and has since become a powerful force for change across the Western, Northern, and Eastern Cape.Since 2014, Ubuntu has been at the forefront of amplifying the voices of rural women and youth, building leadership, and addressing the deep inequalities that shape life in marginalised communities. Their work addresses critical gaps in access to justice and gender-based violence (GBV) services, advocates for safer working conditions, and champions community rights. This speaks to the realities often overlooked in national discussions.In this conversation, we unpack what grassroots activism truly looks like on the ground, how communities organise and mobilise for change, and why centring women's voices is essential for achieving gender justice, particularly in the face of climate and socio-economic challenges.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Africa Within Podcast, we speak with Dr. Dille Mahamadou Issimouha, Technical Officer for Cancer Control at the World Health Organization's Africa Region, to discuss Africa's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting women on the continent.Despite the availability of effective tools for prevention, early detection, and treatment, cervical cancer continues to claim thousands of lives each year in Africa. Dr. Issimouha explains WHO's global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, which includes the 90–70–90 targets, and discusses the progress that African countries are making in HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment. We also address the ongoing barriers facing women in low-resource and fragile settings, including access to health services, inequality, and stigma.Beyond the statistics, this conversation emphasises that the elimination of cervical cancer is not only a health priority but also a matter of women's rights, dignity, and equity. Dr. Issimouha outlines what governments, partners, and communities must do next and explains why eliminating cervical cancer in Africa is both achievable and urgent.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Africa Within Podcast, we take you to Dar es Salaam, where the African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET) brought together African women leaders, activists, and policymakers to discuss the African Union’s Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG).The conversation explores what this groundbreaking convention means for Africa, how it can help address femicide and gender-based violence, and why urgent political will is necessary to make it a reality across the continent.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Africa Within, we sit down with Simone Diouf, the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace in West Africa, to explore the core of the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Agenda.Simone shares her journey as a young peacebuilder and discusses the vital role youth play in conflict prevention and the establishment of sustainable peace. She emphasizes that youth inclusion is not just necessary; it is urgent. From grassroots activism to continental policymaking, this conversation unpacks the progress, challenges, and aspirations for a peaceful future driven by Africa’s youth.About Ms DioufSimone Mbodé Diouf is a young Senegalese woman passionate about gender issues, youth empowerment, peace, and security. She serves as the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace, representing the West African region. Simone is an international consultant and trainer on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) as well as Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) for various institutions and organizations, including La Francophonie and Senghor University.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailIn this impactful Youth Day episode of The Africa Within Podcast, we chat with Nonhlanhla Siwela, a future doctor dedicated to a present-day mission. As a medical student and passionate advocate, she is already championing better youth health, women's rights, and improved access to healthcare in South Africa.We discuss:-  Her journey into medicine- The challenges young people face in accessing healthcare- Mental health and gender-based violence- The power of youth-led advocacyAbout Nonhlanhla SiwelaNonhlanhla Siwela, also known as “A Young Poet’s Mind,” is a multi-talented storyteller from South Africa. Currently studying medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand, she expertly balances rigorous academics with her commitment to social justice and creative expression.As the host of her own podcast (title TBD), Nonhlanhla explores critical youth issues, healthcare access, gender-based violence, and mental wellness, amplifying voices often left unheard. Her advocacy extends to social media, where she critiques policies like the NHI Bill and pushes for accountable and equitable solutions for South African communities.She authored and self-published a powerful poetry anthology, The Rainbow Nation is Black, released in 2021 and expanded in a deluxe edition in 2023. Her work confronts themes of identity, race, patriarchy, and trauma. In “Our Boys,” she challenges the emotional suppression of Black men; in “Bring Back Our Girls/Uyinene Is Not Dead,” she addresses the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence; and in “I Wish,” she reflects on the pain of suppressing one’s cultural identity.Nonhlanhla’s poetry has incited real-world change. Following the Uyinene Mrwetyana tragedy, she organized silent protests at her high school, and her poem “Uyinene Is Not Dead” became part of school assemblies across KwaZulu-Natal.Beyond words, she speaks at events and on social platforms, fostering conversations that connect medicine, poetry, and youth empowerment. With each spoken word and every online post, she lights the path for a generation hungry for equity and expression.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with two inspiring Kenyan journalists to explore the challenges and opportunities that African journalists face when reporting on climate change.Malemba Mkongo is a multi-award-winning journalist based in Kenya, driven by her mantra to make a difference in the world through her writing. Her reporting focuses on human rights, gender, and social justice, covering issues across East and South Africa.Dennis Aseto is a news anchor for KTN NEWS and KTN HOME , and he also delivers news for the Standard Group's SPICE FM and VYBEZ RADIO. He has been covering climate issues for several years.This conversation highlights the challenges of navigating limited resources and emphasizes the importance of amplifying local climate stories, showcasing the power and potential of African media in the fight against climate change.We want to extend our special thanks to the African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) for the opportunity to participate in the Journalist Training on Gender-Responsive Reporting on Climate Justice, which took place in Dar es Salaam. This conversation is a result of that training.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailJoin us on the Africa Within Podcast as we commemorate World Malaria Day with an impactful conversation about malaria eradication in Africa.Our guest, Dr. Olusola Oresanya, Senior Country Technical Coordinator at Malaria Consortium Nigeria, shares valuable insights on the progress, challenges, and innovations shaping Africa’s fight to end malaria.From prevention strategies to community-led interventions, this episode emphasizes the urgency and hope in the journey toward a malaria-free Africa.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailThis World Malaria Day, we highlight Africa's efforts to combat one of its deadliest yet preventable diseases—malaria. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Corine Karema, a leading Rwandan public health expert, CEO and Founder of Afrika Kwanza Health Impact in Rwanda. We examine Africa's progress in malaria eradication, the persistent challenges, and the necessary steps to eradicate this preventable disease permanently. We also discuss how Rwanda has positioned itself as one of Africa’s leading nations in the fight against malaria, demonstrating consistent progress through a combination of robust political commitment, community-based interventions, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailIn this inspiring episode of the Africa Within Podcast, we sit down with Wevyn Muganda, a dynamic Kenyan expert on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) in Africa. She discusses young people's vital role in peacebuilding, the challenges they face in accessing decision-making spaces, and the urgent need for meaningful youth inclusion in security and governance processes.From grassroots activism to continental leadership, we explore what the future of youth leadership could and should look like across Africa. This episode is a powerful reminder that youth are not just beneficiaries of peace — they are its architects.Tune in now to hear real stories, powerful insights, and bold visions for a more peaceful and youth-driven Africa.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with a Public Health Medical Specialist, Dr. Atiya Mosam, to discuss the challenges, progress, and future of Primary Health Care in Africa. From healthcare accessibility to funding gaps and innovative solutions, we uncover what is working and what needs urgent attention.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Africa Within Podcast, we explore some of the major health events since the beginning of 2025 that are shaping the future of the continent. 🌍🎙️ What’s Inside?✅ Health: A look at major public health events, from disease outbreaks like Mpox and Marburg to cholera challenges and how governments and communities respondA special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailNigeria remains free of wild poliovirus, having achieved this milestone in August 2020. However, the country is currently addressing outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). Nigeria's journey to polio eradication is a testament to resilience, innovation, and collaboration.Insecurity poses a significant challenge to polio eradication in Sokoto State by limiting access, disrupting services, and increasing mistrust. However, through community engagement, innovative delivery methods, and coordinated security efforts, progress can still be made in safeguarding children against poliovirus.In this compelling podcast episode, we discuss the challenges, victories, and lessons learned. We spoke with Aishat Hashim, a registered nurse, midwife,  and public health specialist, from the northern part of Nigeria, (Sokoto state). While Nigeria has successfully eradicated wild poliovirus, the emergence of cVDPV2 underscores the necessity for sustained vaccination efforts, robust surveillance, and community engagement to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard public health. Follow us on Linkedin, X, Instagram and YoutubeA special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful and insightful conversation, Dr. Keitumetsi Tumi Mashego, a leading clinical psychologist, sheds light on the often-overlooked topic of mental health in African men.Key Topics Covered:The cultural stigmas surrounding mental health in African communities.How societal pressures and toxic masculinity affect men’s emotional well-being.Common mental health challenges African men face, such as depression, anxiety, and stress.Practical strategies for breaking the silence and seeking support.Follow us on Instagram , X and on Youtube A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailAccording to the United Nations, over 800 million women between the ages of 15 and 49 are menstruating on any given day. Every month, young girls around the world are forced to miss school days due to menstruation. Health experts and charities have pointed out the global problem of spiraling inflation as pushing up the cost of pads in many African nations, driving more girls out of school, or unhygienic alternatives that can cause infections and infertility.Thanks to people like Catherine Nakayemba and her organisations, Safe Girl, who work tirelessly to provide sustainable, healthy solutions. We celebrate Safe Girl for fighting the stigma surrounding menstruation, promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, and combating climate change brought about by the use of conventional sanitary pads.You can follow Safe Girl’s incredible work on the Gejja Women Foundation website: https://gejja.org/safe-girl/Follow the show on:X: @africawithinpodYoutube: Africa Within PodcastInstagram: africa_within_podcastLinkedin: Africa Within PodcastA special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Africa Within Podcast host Nontobeko Mlambo speaks to Alison Tucker, a South African author and breast cancer survivor. She talks about her breast cancer journey, treatment options, and her book titled “My Best Worst Year”A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin

Send us Fan MailAfrica Within Podcast explores the intersection of health, peace, and climate change in Africa, shedding light on the continent’s unique challenges and inspiring solutions. From combating infectious diseases to addressing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, we bring you stories of resilience, innovation, and collaboration. The Africa Within Podcast is hosted by South African journalist, Nontobeko Mlambo.Join us as we speak with experts, community leaders, ordinary citizens, activists, and policymakers working to create a healthier, more peaceful, and sustainable future for Africa.A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube for producing this episode.Follow us on all our social media platformsTwitter (X)InstagramSpotifyApple PodcastLinkedin