Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
Africa Round Up: Peter Ndoro and Tsepiso Makwetla bring you the day's top stories
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...
EmpowaYouth Week 2026 Aims to Tackle Youth Job Crisis in South Africa’s Vaal region
Youth unemployment continues to weigh heavily on economies around the world, with millions of young people struggling to make the transition from education into meaningful work. In South Africa, where the challenge is particularly acute, initiatives aimed at bridging that gap are increasingly turning to direct engagement between young people, employers and training institutions. One such initiative is EmpowaYouth Week 2026, taking place in the Vaal region later this month, designed to connect thousands of young people to skills development, job opportunities and enterprise support. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to by EmpowaYouth Managing Executive, Sechaba Motsieloa
Firearm Conviction Appeal by SA's Julius Malema Raises Stakes ahead of 2029 Elections
South African politician and opposition Leader, Julius Malema - has moved to appeal both his conviction and five-year prison sentence. A magistrate court in the Eastern Cape province setenced Malema to five years direct imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and two years imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. He was found guilty of contravening the firearm controls act when he discharged an automatic rifle in the air during his political party - the Economic Freedom Fighters' fifth birthday celebration in the province in 2018. To look at how this case changes the political landscape in South Africa ahead of the 2029 elections and the role of the party in parliament if Malema goes to jail...Peter Ndoro spoke to political analyst, Prof Bheki Mngomezulu, He is the Director at the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy (CANRAD) at the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa
Zimbabwe marks 46th Independence amid economic strain, debate continues over progress and citizens’ reality
In today's edition of The Discourse, Zimbabwe is set to mark its 46th Independence anniversary on Saturday, at a time of economic strain and renewed political debate over governance and development. While the government points to infrastructure projects and its decentralisation drive as signs of progress, critics say many citizens continue to feel left behind amid rising living costs and unemployment. In Matobo District, where this year's national celebrations will be held, questions persist about the balance between symbolism and substance in Zimbabwe's development agenda - and what Independence means for ordinary people today. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Professor Ibbo Mandaza - Zimbabwean political analyst, academic, author, and Executive Chairman of the Southern African Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust - to unpack the country's political trajectory, the state of its economy, and the meaning of Independence nearly five decades on.
Mozambique President Chapo begins landmark China visit, with key trade deal expected
Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo is currently on a seven-day state visit to China. This trip marks his first visit to China since taking office last and is the first state visit to China by a Mozambican head of state in 10 years. The two countries are expected to agree on bilateral trade agreement. To discuss this we are now joined by Peter Ndoro spoke to Dr Egas Daniel, Senior Country Economist at the International Growth Centre (IGC) in Mozambique
Gabon opposition leader Bilie-By-Nze arrested, party confirms detention by state security forces
Gabon's opposition leader and Former country's Prime Minister, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze has been arrested. His political party- Together For Gabon (EPG) confirmed in a statement on Thursday (Yesterday) that Bilie-By-Nze was taken into custody by the state security forces. Bilie-By-Nze was the last prime minister under former President Ali Bongo. A military coup ousted Bongo in August of 2023. Following the takeover, Bilie-By-Nze emerged as a central figure in the political opposition. He was the runner-up in the last election, that voted junta leader and current President Brice Oligui Nguema. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Gabonese Journalist, Roland Olouba Oyabi, He is in Libreville in Gabon
Peaceful “Free Iran” protest in SA highlights rights concerns for women and children
A peaceful protest unfolded outside the American Consulate in Sandton on Thursday, as demonstrators under the banner "Friends of Israel" staged a "Free Iran March" in solidarity with the Iranian people. The group, comprising members of South Africa's Christian and Jewish communities, voiced strong concerns over alleged human rights abuses in Iran, particularly affecting women and children. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report..........
Pope Leo XIV visits Cameroon’s conflict-hit Bamenda, urges end to corruption and calls for peace
Pope Leo XIV, who is in Cameroon as part of his Apostolic journey to Africa, is expected today in Bamenda, a town in the country's English-speaking Northwest region, still recovering from years of separatist conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced at least 400,000 people.. On Wednesday, during a meeting with President Paul Biya and members of civil society, the pontiff delivered a firm message on leadership, warning that authority loses its meaning when corrupted, and urging that the chains of corruption must be broken for justice and peace to prevail. On his part, President Biya acknowledged the country's challenges, citing terrorism, a protracted separatist crisis, and economic hardship, while maintaining that his government remains committed to unity, stability, and national development. Channel Africa's Moki Kindzeka reports from Yaounde
Lebanon-Israel ceasefire begins as Donald Trump signals fresh Iran talks
A ten-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel came into effect on Thursday, raising hopes of easing tensions in the region. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump says a new round of talks between the United States and Iran could take place over the weekend, fuelling optimism that the conflict may be nearing an end. He added that Iran had proposed not to pursue nuclear weapons for more than twenty years. Tehran's nuclear ambitions had been a key sticking point during talks held in Islamabad last weekend.
Julius Malema to appeal conviction and sentence over 2018 firearm incident in Eastern Cape
The South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters party leader Julius Malema says he will appeal the conviction and sentence of his case for contravening firearms laws. He was convicted of discharging a firearm in a built up area and reckless endangerment of people or property, during the party's fifth birthday celebrations in 2018 in the Eastern Cape province...Peter Ndoro spoke to Political Analyst, Sandile Swana...
South African court to sentence Julius Malema in firearm case after 2018 rally incident today in SA
A magistrate court in South Africa is this morning expected to hand down sentencing on the firearm case against the Economic Freedom Fighters party leader, Julius Malema...Malema was found guilty of multiple charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, discharging a firearm in a built-up area and reckless endangerment of people or property. The incident occurred during the party's fifth birthday celebrations in July 2018. Both the defence and the state have submitted their mitigation and aggravation arguments. The state is arguing for a jail sentence, while the defence is asking for a non-custodial sentence. Peter Ndoro Spoke to Legal expert, Mpumelelelo Zikalala
Trump criticises Pope Leo XIV over Iran stance as pontiff pushes peace during Cameroon visit
US President Donald Trump has criticised Pope Leo the 14th over his opposition to the conflict involving Iran. Pope Leo, who was elected in May last year following the death of Pope Francis, has recently become more outspoken on global issues, particularly the U.S.-Israel stance on Iran. He is currently visiting Cameroon, where he is due to meet national leaders, celebrate Mass, and host a "meeting for peace" in Bamenda. Botlhale Phele reports.
Global row over HIV drug lenacapavir as access limits raise equity and pricing concerns globally now
Today on The Discourse - a growing global row over access to a breakthrough HIV prevention drug. Médecins Sans Frontières says efforts to secure lenacapavir for use in its programmes have been blocked, despite the medicine being hailed as a game-changer in the fight against HIV. The organisation argues that limited supply and restrictive licensing are keeping life-saving treatment out of reach for some of the world's most vulnerable communities. At the same time, South Africa is preparing for a phased rollout of the injectable, which can provide protection against HIV for up to six months at a time-raising fresh questions about equity, pricing, and global access to medical innovation. So who gets access first-and who is left behind? Peter Ndoro spoke to Dr Tom Ellman, Director of MSF's Southern Africa Medical Unit, and Fatima Hassan, Founder and Director of the Health Justice Initiative in South Africa.
Central Africa Wrap: Pope Leo XIV continues visit, Angola rejects Botswana's stake in Lobito refinery
From Pope Leo XIV's visit, Angola rejecting Botswana's stake in the Lobito refinery to violence escalating in the DRC despite peace talks... We look at some of the stories making headlines in the Central Africa region and Peter Ndoro spoke to Geopolitical Analyst, Aaron Nga'mbi
Africa Round Up: Peter Ndoro briefs you on the day's biggest stories
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 President urges urgent local government reform to drive economic growth
South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called for urgent reform of local government, describing it as the "main engine" needed to drive the country's economy. He was delivering a keynote address on Wednesday, at the National Local Economic Development Summit in Johannesburg, where government and stakeholders are meeting to find solutions to boost small business growth and improve the ease of doing business. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange has more...
United Nations Secretary-General warns global justice eroding as law ignored, civilians suffer
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is turning a blind eye to justice, as respect for international law continues to erode—particularly in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters in New York on Tuesday, Guterres said rules governing the use of force are being ignored, civilians are suffering intolerable harm, and humanitarian obligations—including protections for United Nations personnel—are being violated. His remarks come ahead of his visit to The Hague to mark the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report
Sudan war at 3 years: Millions lack food, shelter as WFP warns of rising civilian toll amid conflict
The United Nations World Food Programme, WFP has warned that the conflict is killing and injuring countless civilians, and leaving millions without access to food, shelter or sanitation. As yesterday marked the third anniversary of the devastating war, the Sudanese people are still being left to cope with intense fighting and widespread suffering. Thuto Ngobeni has more...
Africa Roundup: A look at the biggest stories over the last 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. And we begin here...South Africa has returned to Zimbabwe, ancestral human remains and a centuries-old stone carving of the Zimbabwe bird, its sacred national emblem. Eight coffins draped in Zimbabwean flags were displayed at a ceremony in Cape Town, attended by officials from both countries. Little is known about the remains except that they had been unethically exhumed for research.
South Africa appoints Roelf Meyer as US ambassador to mend strained Washington ties after diplomatic tensions
South Africa has appointed veteran negotiator Roelf Meyer as its new ambassador to the United States - a move widely seen as an effort to repair strained relations with Washington after a turbulent period. Meyer, who helped steer negotiations to end apartheid alongside Cyril Ramaphosa, replaces Ebrahim Rasool, who was expelled by the administration of Donald Trump in 2025. Tensions between Pretoria and Washington have deepened over issues ranging from South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, to disagreements over domestic policy and foreign relations. To unpack what this appointment signals for the future of US-South Africa relations, Mpho Sithole spoke to former US diplomat and international relations expert J. Brooks Spector, Welcome to The Discourse.
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