Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
SADC Tribunal Rights Watch Calls on Zimbabwe to Honor Property Rights
Nearly a quarter of a century after Zimbabwe's fast-track land reform programme reshaped the country's agricultural sector, the issue of compensation for dispossessed commercial farmers remains unresolved. In 2008, the SADC Tribunal ruled that the Zimbabwean government had violated property rights and should pay compensation - a judgment that Harare rejected, and after which the Tribunal itself was effectively suspended.Now, Ben Freeth spokesperson for SADC Tribunal Rights Watch and Executive Director of the Mike Campbell Foundation - has written an open letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, calling for the restoration of the rule of law and fair compensation for thousands of former title deed holders.
M23 Retakes Villages in North Kivu Amid Fragile Ceasefire
In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, clashes are intensifying as M23 rebels recapture two villages in North Kivu province, just days after losing them. The fighting comes amid a fragile Angolan-brokered ceasefire, with thousands of civilians fleeing their homes and both sides accusing each other of violations. The surge follows the killing of the M23's military spokesperson in a drone strike, raising questions about the group's next moves and the humanitarian impact on the region. For analysis, Stephanie Wolters, Senior Research Fellow at the South African Institute of International Affairs, and Director of Okapi Consulting, specialising in the Great Lakes region.
SA's Consumer Commission Probes Sanitary Pad Safety Over Chemical Concerns
South Africa's consumer protection authority, The National Consumer Commission, has launched an investigation into several major brands of sanitary pads following concerns that some products may contain potentially harmful chemicals. The move comes after a recent university study found traces of so-called endocrine-disrupting chemicals - substances linked to hormonal imbalances, infertility and certain cancers - in some commonly used menstrual products. Millions of women and girls across South Africa rely on disposable sanitary pads every month, and the findings have sparked widespread public debate about product safety, health risks and menstrual dignity. Thuto Ngobeni reports.
Madlanga Commission Continues: Ekurhuleni HR Head Testifies on Police Corruption Allegations
A Commission of Inquiry, investigating allegations of corruption and fraud in the police service in South Africa, continues. Yesterday, suspended human resources head in the city of Ekurhuleni, Linda Gxasheka, took the stand at the Madlanga Commission. Gxasheka is one of the top Ekurhuleni officials who have been accused of protecting suspended city Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, from facing disciplinary action. To reflect on this week's proceedings at the Adhoc committee, is security strategist and Retired Interpol Ambassador Andy Mashaile....
Arty Beat
Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.
National Cleantech Innovation Challenge 2026 Opens to Tackle Energy and Jobs Crisis
South Africa is facing growing pressure at provincial level as challenges such as energy insecurity, grid constraints, climate impacts on agriculture, urban waste management and job losses, linked to mining and industrial changes continue to affect communities. In response, the National Cleantech Innovation Challenge 2026 has opened applications, introducing nine province-specific challenges aimed at addressing key development and market gaps. For more on what this initiative means for innovation and entrepreneurs in the country, Tervern Jaftha, CEO and Founder of Start-Up Culture....
SA indigenous Leaders Challenge Cape Town Land Sale Over Sacred Sites and Historic Dispossession
Today, the City of Cape Town in South Africa, is holding a public land auction that has drawn strong opposition from a coalition of community organisations and indigenous groups. The coalition says the sale threatens sacred and heritage sites, exacerbates historic land dispossession, and prioritises private developers over housing and community needs. We speak now to Sores Florus, Chairperson of the Southern African Aboriginal Congress, about the coalition's response, their legal challenge, and what they hope to achieve for local communities...
Millions in Africa Face Insecure Land Rights as Customary Lands Go Unrecognised
A new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the International Land Coalition (ILC), and the French Agricultural Research and Cooperation Organization (CIRAD), shows that only 35% of land worldwide has formal documentation. Millions of people, particularly in Africa, live with insecure land rights, while customary lands, often rich in biodiversity and carbon storage - remain largely unrecognised. To help us understand the challenges and the opportunities for secure and inclusive land governance, Adriano Campolina, Senior Policy Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome....
Kenya Expels Zimbabwean Lawyer Brian Kagoro Over Alleged Foreign-Backed Political Plot
Kenya has expelled Zimbabwean lawyer and civic activist Brian Kagoro, accusing him of involvement in a foreign-backed plot to stir political unrest. Authorities say he was linked to activist networks allegedly funded from abroad, though no public evidence has been provided. Joining us to discuss the legal and human rights implications is Don Deya, Kenyan Advocate, CEO of the Pan African Lawyers Union, Chair of the International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, and based in Arusha. A close colleague of Mr Kagoro......
Human Rights Concerns Persist in Rwanda Amid Unresolved Case of Kizito Mihigo
Six years after the death of Rwandan gospel singer and peace advocate Kizito Mihigo in police custody, questions persist over accountability and freedom of expression in Rwanda. While authorities say Mihigo took his own life, human rights groups insist there has been no credible, independent investigation into his death. At the same time, critics of the government, including blogger Aimable Karasira, remain imprisoned under laws governing genocide ideology and divisionism. To discuss what Mihigo's case reveals about the broader human rights climate in Rwanda, and the implications for free speech and judicial independence, Clémentine de Montjoye, Senior Great Lakes researcher at Human Rights Watch....
In Africa, Silence Isn't Neutral: Communication Can Make or Break Business Decisions
Across Africa, the speed at which decisions are interpreted can make or break businesses. Companies often finalise strategies, plan announcements, and assume silence buys them time-but in many markets, that silence is anything but neutral. Joining us now to unpack these challenges is Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer at APO Group, who advises leaders on how communication can be a strategic tool, not an afterthought.....
Israel Seeks Stronger Ties in Africa as Netanyahu Proposes "Hexagon of Alliances
Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Tuesday, on a state visit to Ethiopia this week to strengthen bilateral ties. The visit comes days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposed forging a network of allied nations, including in the Middle East and Africa, to stand against what he called "radical" adversaries. It is not yet known which Arab and African countries will form part of Netanyahu's hypothetical "hexagon of alliances", which he said on Sunday will include Israel, India, Greece, Cyprus and others to stand against their enemies in the Middle East. However, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie said Ethiopia "consistently supports the two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace," as he hosted Herzog for talks. To unpack this further, Na'eem Jeenah Senior Researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection...
SA's Finance Minister Announces Inflation-Linked Increases on Fuel and Excise Duties
South Africa's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced an increase in fuel levies, in line with inflation. Godongwana was delivering his 2026/27 budget in parliament, Cape Town in the Western Cape province where he also announced an increase in tobacco and alcohol excise duties. The tax on a 20-pack of cigarettes will now increase from 22-rand-81-cents to 23-rand-58-cents, while the cost of cigars will rise by 4-rand-56-cents per 23 grams. A 340 millilitre can of beer or cider will now increases by 8 cents, while a 750 millilitre bottle of spirits will increase by 3-rand-20-centsWe speak to Dr Peter Baur, economist at the Universiy of Johannesburg. ..
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.
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