insert_link Entertainment Why musicians die in poverty – South African study reveals battle to make ends meet By Gwen Ansell, University of Pretoria Benefits and appeals were recently launched to support the medical costs of veteran South African guitarist Madala Kunene. It’s not the first time such initiatives have been necessary, nor the first time that media and politicians have expressed astonishment that a renowned musician “died in poverty”. Musicians’ dire financial circumstances are sometimes wrongly blamed on irresponsible spending; a […] todayJuly 9, 2024 18
insert_link Africa Sweet sorghum is a hardy, nutritious, biofuel crop that offers solutions in drought-hit southern Africa Sweet sorghum ripening in Rwanda. Ari Beser/Getty Images By Hamond Motsi, Stellenbosch University The southern African region is battling with drought at present. This is the result of El Niño, a natural climate cycle characterised by changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures. It has effects on global weather patterns, particularly rainfall and temperature. The drought has hit the region’s agricultural productivity hard. Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe have […] todayMay 23, 2024 21
insert_link South Africa Corruption and clean energy in South Africa: economic model shows trust in government is linked to takeup of renewables By Roula Inglesi-Lotz, University of Pretoria South Africa relies heavily on energy from coal-fired power stations, which emit large quantities of carbon. But making the transition to greater use of renewable energies, such as solar, is being hampered by a number of factors. Chief among them is corruption, which is affecting the quality of institutions. In a recent paper I set out how perceptions of corruption in […] todayFebruary 19, 2024 5
insert_link Africa The African Union is working on peace in Sudan: expert explains why it’s in everyone’s interests By John Mukum Mbaku, Weber State University The African Union has recently named a team to work on a peaceful end to Sudan’s civil war. The team will engage Sudan’s feuding military factions alongside civil society and international players to resolve the conflict that has been raging since 15 April 2023. The opponents in the conflict are the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The AU’s […] todayJanuary 26, 2024 13
