Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
Fort Hare duo Christian Buthelezi and Babalwa Mofokeng advance to Oxford global law finals
Two young legal minds from South Africa are preparing to step onto one of the most prestigious global stages in legal education - the Price Media Law Moot Court Competition finals at the University of Oxford. This is not just a competition - it is a global contest of ideas around freedom of expression, human rights, and media law, bringing together top law students from across the world. After competing against some of the best teams on the continent, Christian Buthelezi and Babalwa Mofokeng from the University of Fort Hare are now among a select group of African teams advancing to Oxford - carrying not only their university, but the continent's voice into a global legal arena. To talk about their journey - from Fort Hare… to Oxford, Peter Ndoro spoke to the duo before they left for the UK and began by asking them why they chose to study law
The Discourse: Climate change hits rural African women hardest, SA's Queen Neo Mopeli warns of growing inequality crisis
Welcome to The Discourse, a daily feature on Rise and Shine, where we focus on a particular issue from the African perspective. Today we are zooming into the impact of climate change on rural communities. Joining us on the line is Her Majesty Queen Neo Mopeli, the newly appointed Commissioner of South Africa's Presidential Climate Commission. As the Commission charts its strategic direction for 2026 to 2030, the focus is not only on policy and targets, but on people, particularly those most vulnerable to climate shocks. Rural communities are already experiencing the harsh realities of changing weather patterns, water scarcity, and food insecurity. Within these communities, rural women carry a disproportionate burden, often serving as caregivers, farmers, and custodians of natural resources, yet having limited access to resources and decision-making platforms. Her Majesty spoke to Tsepiso Makwetla
Market keep close eye on Middle East developments amid two-week US-Iran ceasefire deal
There seems to be disagreement and confusion around whether Lebanon was part of the two-week ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran. This comes after Israel carried out some of its heaviest strikes on Lebanon since the conflict with Hezbollah broke out last month. This issue looms large as the US and Iran prepare for talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. Peter Ndoro spoke to Sanisha Packirisamy, Chief Economist at Momentum Investments
African nations condemn British political party for suggesting blocking visas for citizens from countries demanding slavery reparations
African nations have condemned a British political party- Reform UK- for suggesting blocking visas for citizens from countries demanding slavery reparations, specifically targeting African and Caribbean nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Jamaica. Reform UK, which has only eight national lawmakers, is topping opinion polls ahead of an election in Britain due by 2029. Last month, the United Nations adopted a resolution proposed by Ghana declaring transatlantic slavery the "gravest crime against humanity" and calling for reparations, with former colonial powers such as Britain abstaining. The recent proposal by Reform UK, is seen as seeking to stop pressure on Britain. Peter Ndoro spoke to Awula Serwah, Lawyer and Director at Eco-Conscious Citizens in Ghana
President Ismael Omar Guelleh expected to extend decades-long rule in today's election
Djibouti goes to the polls today, with President Ismael Omar Guelleh widely expected to extend his decades-long rule. The small but strategically significant Horn of Africa nation has long been seen as a pillar of stability in a turbulent region-but concerns remain over political space and electoral transparency. To get a perspective from within the campaign and the media landscape, Peter Ndoro spoke to Osman Moussa Osman, Director of Djib-Press, and also in charge of communications for the president's campaign in the Obock region.
Kenyan human rights activists call for Energy Cabinet Secretary's head to roll
Kenyan human rights lobby group, the Mtetezi Grassroots Economic Justice Movement, has threatened to stage nationwide protests if decisive action is not taken against Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, over allegations of substandard fuel imports. The movement has warned that it would mobilize Kenyans across the country to demand accountability, accusing authorities of dragging their feet on a matter it says poses serious risks, expressing deep concern over reports of contaminated or substandard fuel entering the Kenyan market. The group has described the situation as a grave threat to public safety, vehicle performance, and the broader economy. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Convener Francis Awino joins us to discuss this further
Confusion over Lebanon in US-Iran ceasefire as Israel strikes threaten Islamabad talks
There seems to be disagreement and confusion around whether Lebanon was part of the two-week ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran. This comes after Israel carried out some of its heaviest strikes on Lebanon since the conflict with Hezbollah broke out last month. This issue looms large as the US and Iran prepare for talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. Botlhale Phele filed this report.
Lazarus Chakwera leads Commonwealth peace talks in Tanzania after deadly protests
Former Malawi President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, is in Tanzania on a Commonwealth diplomatic mission. He arrived on Thursday (Yesterday) to begin talks with various stakeholders including government and opposition political party leaders. Dr Chakwera was appointed by the Commonwealth to spearhead peace mediation in Tanzania, following anti-government deadly protests that claimed hundreds of lives, in November of 2025. Tsepsio Makwetla spoke to Dr George Chaima, Political Analyst in Malawi
Tsepiso Makwetla and Peter Ndoro bring you the biggest stories from 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. Tsepiso Makwetla and Peter Ndoro zoomed in on the Gambia, where appointed a special prosecutor has been appointed to investigate crimes committed during the 22- year rule of the country's former dictator YahyaJammeh, who is now living in exile. The British lawyer Martin Hackett, will investigate hundreds of killings and kidnappings committed by the state, as well as other abuses. The BBC's Thomas Naadi filed this report.
Geopolitical Analyst, Aaron Nga'mbi walks Peter Ndoro through some of the stories making headlines in the Central Africa region
Now, we look at some of the stories making headlines in the Central Africa region. Peter Ndoro spoke to Geopolitical Analyst, Aaron Nga'mbi
Africa strengthens health security as Africa CDC monitors outbreaks continent-wide
Africa's push to strengthen health security and sovereignty remains in focus, as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (AFRICA-CDC) continues to monitor outbreaks across the continent. In its latest weekly briefing, the agency outlined key developments in disease surveillance, prevention and response - aligned with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda. Our reporter Lebogang Mabange has more...
Melania Trump denies Epstein link, calls claims false and defamatory
US First lady Melania Trump on Thursday denied ever having a relationship with disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and said the claims about it are defaming her.
DRC GBV crisis: Can faith leaders drive change to protect women and children?
Welcome to The Discourse, a daily feature on Rise and Shine, where we explore pressing social issues and hear directly from experts and community leaders about solutions in action. In today's edition, we focus on gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the world's most conflict-affected countries. Can religious leaders-pastors, imams, and rabbis-be allies to women and children in preventing abuse and promoting safety? Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dr. Meg Warren, a Professor of Management at Western Washington University, a researcher, author, and social-organizational psychologist with expertise in allyship and wellbeing, who has conducted research on faith leaders' role in promoting social change, and Passy Mubalama, Executive Director of AIDPROFEN, a Goma-based nonprofit advocating for women's rights.
Global food prices rise again as conflict-driven costs fuel pressure on markets and food security
Global food prices have risen for the second month in a row, driven largely by higher energy and fertilizer costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Near East. The Food and Agricultural Organisation Food Price Index averaged 128.5 points in March, with wheat, vegetable oils, and sugar seeing the biggest increases. While global cereal stocks remain broadly comfortable, uncertainties in key regions, rising input costs, and the effects of the Iran war are putting pressure on farmers and international markets. Joining us from Rome to explain what this means for global food security is FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero...
Benin votes as Wadagni emerges frontrunner to succeed term-limited President Talon
Beninese head to the polls on Sunday. In an election that is expected to see country Minister of Finance, RomualdWadagni making the leap from behind the scenes technocrat, to Head of State. He is running for President position as the strong favourite. The 49 year old former Deloitte Executive has spent the past decade implementing the economic agenda of outgoing president Patrice Talon, who is barred by constitutional term limits from running again. Now, to discuss what these elections mean for the people of Benin... We speak to Beninese, Morgan AssogbaMetondji, a Geopolitical Researcher, Consultant and Author of the book titled- Making an ECOWAS of the people a reality'
Middle East conflict drives paraffin price surge, deepening hardship for Africa’s poor
The conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States has caused significant volatility in global oil markets, leading to sharp increases in paraffin prices, which have doubled in some areas, heavily impacting low-income households. In South Africa, the Motor Industry Staff Association - MISA, has called on the government take decisive action to bring relief to the poorest of the poor on following the steep increase of wholesale price of illuminating paraffin by 0.71 dollars or 11.67 South African rands. Paraffin users say this increase has made life even harder for them as a the situation is even dire for them as they now have to pay double for a litre of paraffin. Thuto Ngobeni has more...
IMF warns global shocks drive capital flight from emerging markets like South Africa
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its latest Global Financial Stability Report, with particular focus on the capital flows going in and out of emerging markets, like South Africa. The IMF notes that global shocks, such as the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, do adversely affect emerging markets in terms of their ability to retain capital investors in their markets. This, as some investors tend to take flight to what are considered safe-haven assets, like Gold, the US dollar and the Swiss Franc, for example. This report by Nompumelelo Siziba...
UN Security Council under fire as global crises deepen, Pretoria talks push urgent solutions for SA
Concern is mounting that the United Nations Security Council is struggling to deliver solutions aligned with the spirit of the UN Charter and international law. The spotlight has sharpened amid the Middle East conflict and the U.S.–Israel war on Iran. Diplomats and experts gathered in Pretoria, under the auspices of the Department of International Relations and UNISA, to unpack the shifting geopolitical landscape and explore ways out of the impasse. They say the moment demands urgent, critical engagement — to grasp the wider implications, especially for South Africa. Ditaba Tsotetsi has more...
Delay in South Africa Cabinet performance deals raises accountability concerns
The ongoing delay in the publishing of performance agreements between South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet Ministers remains a cause of concern and indicates poor accountability. This is according to the Director at the Public Service Accountability Monitor, Jay Kruuse. His comments follow a written Parliamentary reply where ActionSA requested the details of the agreements, but it could not be shared. In another reply, the details of lifestyle audit agreements could also not be made public. Zalene Merrington reports...
SA Department of International Relations backs ceasefire, hosts Iran peace talks with UNISA
South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation- DIRCO, says they have welcomed the fragile ceasefire that was announced between Iran and the United States, saying it is in accordance with South Africa's approach to peace-making. The Department in partnership with the University of South Africa- UNISA, held a roundtable discussion on Wednesday under the the theme, International Law, Diplomacy and Multilateralism for Peace in the Context of War: Iran and the Middle East. Sisi Segalo has more on the story…
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