In recent years, South Africa has seen a significant rise in the implementation of internships and learnerships by large corporations. These programs, often touted as solutions to the country's high youth unemployment rates, are designed to provide young people with valuable work experience and skills. However, beneath the surface lies a more complex and troubling reality. Big corporations have increasingly turned to internships and learnerships as a cost-cutting strategy. By hiring interns and learners, companies can significantly reduce their labor costs. These positions are often offered as 24-month work opportunities, with the option to retain a few interns as permanent staff at a junior level. However, the majority of interns are released back into the job market, frequently returning to unemployment. This practice often involves a subtle yet deliberate strategy: after about ten years of service, experienced professionals are pushed out, only to be replaced by a group of five ...

The Rise of Sports Betting in Africa: A Lucrative Career or a Dangerous Gamble? The sports betting industry in Africa has surged, driven by a passion for sports and increased accessibility of betting platforms. However, this growth has raised concerns about the implications and consequences of this expanding industry. Regulations play a critical role in safeguarding individuals and families from potential harms associated with gambling addiction. However, the effectiveness of these regulations in preventing gambling-related harms is a topic of ongoing debate. Disturbing reports have surfaced detailing instances of violence linked to gambling losses. These incidents underscore the potential dangers of gambling and the urgent need for effective interventions. Nigeria has emerged as a frontline in the sports betting industry, with the market generating revenues of over $2 billion annually. The industry has also expanded to other countries like Eswatini, South Africa, and Botswana. Sports ...

Africa's Liberation Movements: Navigating Modern Political Challenges In the post-colonial era, Africa witnessed the rise of liberation movements that aimed to dismantle oppressive regimes and bring freedom to their people. These movements, led by charismatic leaders and fueled by ideals of equality and justice, succeeded in toppling colonial and apartheid regimes. However, as the global political landscape evolved, many of these liberation movements struggled to adapt, often becoming the modern-day oppressors they once fought against. This article explores the dilemma faced by these movements, focusing on the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa and the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) in Zimbabwe. We will delve into the challenges they face, their resistance to change, and propose strategies for their renewal and continued relevance in the 21st century. The ANC and ZANU-PF are emblematic of liberation movements that transitioned into ruling par...

African Unity: A Path Towards a Brighter Future For the better part of the week, I found myself deeply engrossed in the topic of economic migration in Africa and the concept of a borderless continent. My exploration delved into the impacts on countries like South Africa, often seen as a beacon of hope for many Africans. This reading journey naturally led me to the broader topic of African unity, which is the focus of this week's article. Understanding the historical context and the current aspirations for a unified Africa not only provides insights into past struggles but also inspires us to envision a future full of potential and growth. The journey towards African unity began with the vision of leaders who aspired for a continent free from colonial rule and united in purpose. This vision was first officially articulated on April 15, 1958, when Ghana’s Prime Minister, Kwame Nkrumah, convened the First Conference of Independent States in Accra. At this historic gatherin...

The Legacy of Nokuthula Simelane: An Unsung Heroine of South Africa's Liberation Struggle When you drive around the town of Bethal, you cannot miss the statue put up in memory of Nokuthula Simelane. It prompts reflection on her story and what it means for our country and its people today, in our times of democracy and freedom. Nokuthula Orela Simelane was born in 1960 in Mzinoni, a small township near Bethal in Mpumalanga. She was the first of two daughters of Ernestinah and Matthew Simelane. Growing up in a humble home, she was part of a family deeply rooted in the Swati lineage, known for its rich cultural heritage and resistance to oppression. From a young age, Nokuthula was aware of the injustices around her. Her community's struggles under apartheid influenced her, sparking a strong desire to fight for change. Nokuthula excelled in her studies, which took her to the University of Swaziland. There, she pursued a degree in Social Sciences, majoring in Public Admi...

Namibia’s Oil Industry: A Regional Transformation for the SADC Namibia, renowned for its vast desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is on the brink of a transformative economic journey through its burgeoning oil and gas sector. The recent legal and regulatory overhaul aimed at creating a more conducive environment for international investors signifies the nation’s determination to harness its untapped hydrocarbon resources. This article explores the potential impacts of a matured and realized oil industry in Namibia, lessons from other oil-producing countries, and how the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC) region could be transformed through strategic development and regional cooperation. Namibia’s oil and gas sector has shown significant promise, particularly with the government’s active efforts to attract foreign investment. The country’s economy experienced a growth rate of 4.2% in 2023, driven primarily by the mining sector, which includes investments in o...

 Empowering Eswatini - A Network of Progress Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and history of progressive leadership under King Mswati III. Amid its evolution, several organizations and individuals have emerged as catalysts for change, spearheading initiatives that uplift communities. Bulembu Ministries, Potters Wheel Church, and their partners stand out for their profound impact. Established in 2006, Bulembu Ministries revitalized the once-abandoned town of Bulembu through community care and enterprise. Offering family-style children’s homes, education, and healthcare, the organization has laid a solid foundation for Eswatini's youth. Key figures like Kevin Ward, a co-founder, and Neal Rijkenberg, the current Minister of Finance of Eswatini, have led Bulembu Ministries, combining faith-based principles with practical community development strategies. Potters Wheel Church, led by Pastor Kevin Ward, serves as a hub for leadership development an...

  Dear Citizens of South Africa, In a land where promises abound and hope persists, we find ourselves amidst another tale of partnership and progress. The recent announcement from the corridors of power extols the virtues of collaboration between government and business, painting a picture of triumph over adversity. However, let us not be swayed by the grandeur of words; instead, let us delve into the reality beneath the glossy rhetoric. On the surface, the partnership between government and business appears to be the solution to our woes, a panacea for our most pressing issues. Yet, as we look closer, a different narrative unfolds - one of broken promises and unfulfilled dreams. The promise of tackling the electricity supply crisis is a prime example. While load shedding has reportedly decreased, let us not forget the countless hours spent in darkness, the businesses closed, and the dreams deferred. Are we to celebrate a 61% decrease in load shedding while our industries languis...

The Impending Crisis: Is South Africa Heading Towards "Water Shedding"? In recent times, South Africa has been grappling with a peculiar phenomenon that has long haunted rural areas: "water shedding." Traditionally associated with rural regions, where water is rotated or shifted from one area to another on a permanent basis, this practice has now emerged in urban centers like Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Labeled as "planned maintenance," water shedding has caused significant infrastructure damage, including broken water meters and pipes due to the system's inability to handle frequent switches in water flow. Consequently, taps are running dry for weeks, leaving residents in dire straits. The situation begs the question: Is South Africa hurtling towards a state of collapse? The signs are ominous. Basic services, once taken for granted, are now faltering. Electricity woes have reached unprecedented levels, with crippling blackouts becoming the n...

SMART MEDICINE - Advancements in Medical Technology Medical technology has long been at the forefront of revolutionizing healthcare. From 3D bio-printing to robotic surgery, virtual reality for mental health, and nanomedicine, these advancements have transformed how we diagnose, treat, and care for patients. One of the most significant recent shifts has been the widespread adoption of telemedicine, which has become integral to healthcare delivery, especially during the pandemic. Telemedicine, once considered a novel concept, quickly became essential as patients and healthcare workers turned to technology out of necessity during the early days of the pandemic. Today, telemedicine is a preferred route for many patients, particularly for minor medical issues. This shift reflects a broader trend within the healthcare sector, with stakeholders embracing automation and technology-driven processes to improve efficiency and patient care. The convenience of telemedicine is significant. Patients...