The tax system is opaque - and abused, with politicians and private citizens lining their pockets.
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Intro Video
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Kennedy Road fire: Hundreds of Durban homes destroyed in South Africa
Wimbledon 2023 women's final: Ons Jabeur calls defeat her 'most painful loss'
Saturday, July 15, 2023
How Guinness World Record mania has gripped Nigeria
Wimbledon 2023 results: Marketa Vondrousova beats Ons Jabeur in women's final
Friday, July 14, 2023
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu declares state of emergency over food
World Athletics Championships 2023: Fahnbulleh says African elite can challenge US sprinters
South Africa's ex-President Jacob Zuma in Russia for medical treatment
African Cuisine: A Gastronomic Journey through the Continent
When you think of a gastronomic journey, the mind likely flutters through an array of Europe’s culinary capitals, perhaps lingering on the rich cheeses of Paris or the homely pasta dishes of Rome. However, we are voyagers on a different path today, steering the compass toward the vibrant, sun-drenched continent of Africa.
African cuisine, much like its culture, is a complex and vibrant tapestry woven from myriad ethnic groups, their histories, and the abundant resources available within this expansive terrain. This gastronomic narrative is as diverse as the landscapes that stretch from the sandy dunes of the Sahara to the verdant richness of the Congo Basin.
In North Africa, we encounter Morocco’s tagine, a robust, aromatic stew of meats and vegetables slow-cooked in a conical earthenware pot. Each spoonful promises a symphony of spices, from fragrant cinnamon to smoky paprika, echoing the ancient spice routes that have shaped the region's history.
Venturing south, we arrive in Ethiopia where we discover injera, a sourdough flatbread that doubles as both a dish and a utensil. It serves as a canvas for a variety of delectable stews and salads, delivering a mélange of flavors that are tart, spicy, and profoundly satisfying.
Next, the pulsating beats of Nigeria welcome us to a feast of jollof rice, a harmonious blend of rice, tomatoes, onion, and an orchestra of spices. This vibrant one-pot dish, a reflection of the country’s diverse cultural influences, is a meal that unites and celebrates.
Our final destination, South Africa, presents us with bobotie, a layered dish of spiced minced meat topped with a golden custard crust. Dutch, Malay, and indigenous African influences converge here, creating a culinary metaphor for the nation's "Rainbow" identity.
These flavors of Africa, while only scratching the surface, serve to underline a pivotal point: the continent's cuisine is an exciting, dynamic realm begging for global exploration. It stands as an open invitation for foodies, chefs, and the gastronomically curious to expand their palates and embrace the delectable, diverse dishes Africa has to offer.
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Sudan conflict: 87 people found in Darfur mass grave, UN says
Women's World Cup: South Africa's Andile Dlamini talks football and music
Art of the Continent: Exploring Africa's Lesser-Known Art Forms
Africa, the cradle of humanity, boasts a diverse, dynamic, and extensive history of art forms that have shaped the culture of the continent. Unfortunately, many of these artistic traditions remain lesser-known to the world, despite their profound influence and profound beauty. This piece aims to shed light on these hidden gems and showcase their artistic richness to a broader audience.
Let's embark on this artistic journey, taking a leap into the past, as we delve into the heart of African art forms.
Rock Art of the Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert, contrary to popular belief, is not just a barren landscape. It's an open-air museum, showcasing some of the world's most ancient and captivating rock art. This prehistoric art form, with pieces dating back more than 12,000 years, provides a window into the lives, culture, and environment of our ancestors.
Beadwork of the Maasai People
In East Africa, the Maasai people are known for their intricate beadwork. Beadwork is not only an aesthetic endeavor for the Maasai; it's a narrative medium that illustrates personal and societal identities. The color, pattern, and design of each piece tell a distinct story, making every beadwork creation a unique piece of art and history.
Ethiopian Church Art
Ethiopia, one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, is renowned for its unique church art. These wall and ceiling paintings in ancient monolithic churches are filled with vibrant colors and distinctive iconography, depicting scenes from the Bible, saints, and Ethiopian monarchs.
Makonde Wood Carvings
In East Africa, particularly Tanzania and Mozambique, the Makonde people are known for their intricate wood carvings. Traditionally, they used ebony wood to create pieces reflecting both abstract and figurative themes, often capturing the essence of communal life and spiritual beliefs.
Ndebele House Painting
The Ndebele people of South Africa and Zimbabwe are renowned for their brightly colored, geometrically-patterned house painting. This unique form of expression, traditionally done by women, communicates social status and familial lineage, serving as a vibrant beacon of identity.
By understanding and appreciating these lesser-known art forms, we gain insight into Africa's rich cultural heritage. They tell stories of the past, reflect on the present, and give an artistic roadmap for future generations.
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Caster Semenya says 'justice has spoken' after European Court of Human Rights ruling
Tunisia's Jabeur beats defending champion Rybakina
Understanding the African Diaspora: A Historical Perspective
The African diaspora isn't just a historical concept; it's an intricate web of experiences, memories, and cultures that stretches across the globe. Understanding its vastness requires an exploration of both the distant and recent past, unfolding tales of human journeys shaped by will, necessity, and the indefatigable spirit of survival.
Imagine, if you will, the earliest periods of human history, when the African continent served as the cradle of civilization. Humanity's first steps toward what we now know as organized society occurred on these lands. Over time, a combination of trade, explorations, and migratory patterns spread the influence of African cultures far beyond the continent's borders.
However, the African diaspora took on a more somber, significant tone during the periods of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, colonization, and subsequent migrations. The forced removal of millions of African people, driven by the brutal engines of slavery and imperialism, left imprints on the social, cultural, and economic landscapes of the Americas, Europe, and beyond. These events, while painful, are integral to understanding the complex identities within the African diaspora today.
In the post-colonial era, the face of the African diaspora transformed again, defined this time by more voluntary migration for economic opportunities, education, and political stability. African immigrants began to shape their own narratives, adapting to new environments while maintaining their cultural heritage.
Today, the African diaspora is a vibrant and diverse network of communities, contributing significantly to the global socio-economic landscape. From the pulsating beats of Afrobeat music that set the rhythm in clubs across London and New York, to the delicious aromas of Jollof rice that waft from kitchens in Accra and Houston alike, the African diaspora is far-reaching, complex, and beautifully intertwined.
Understanding the African diaspora means recognizing these historical contexts and appreciating the richness of the cultures that have emerged as a result. It means acknowledging the pain of the past, celebrating the resilience of the present, and looking with hope towards the future.
Samuel Eto'o: Cameroon FA president urged to resign by group of amateur clubs
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Fifa ends Zimbabwe football ban as committee created to oversee return
The Rich Tapestry of African Languages: A Deeper Look
The African continent has long been a wellspring of vibrant, diverse cultures, a rich history, and a remarkable array of natural resources. Yet, what truly stands out as the crown jewel of this bountiful region is its linguistic diversity. The rich tapestry of African languages offers us an unparalleled journey into a world where every word echoes with ancient wisdom and resonates with the vibrancy of a thousand distinct cultures.
Believe it or not, Africa is home to an astonishing 2,000 languages, all beautifully distinct, each carrying within its cadences centuries of history, lore, and the distilled essence of a people. This linguistic diversity isn't merely a testament to the continent's cultural wealth; it's also an expression of the resilience and adaptability of African communities.
Take the fascinating case of Swahili, a Bantu language widely spoken in Eastern Africa. Despite the proliferation of colonial languages, Swahili has managed to not only survive but thrive, evolving into a lingua franca for millions. Today, the Swahili language serves as a bridge connecting nations, enabling commerce and cultural exchange and fostering a shared sense of identity amongst diverse groups.
Moving west, we find the Niger-Congo family, home to nearly 1,400 languages including Yoruba, Igbo, and Zulu. These languages, with their tonal nuances and complex grammatical structures, are a testament to the rich oral traditions of storytelling and history keeping. They are melodies to the ears, filled with the vibrant rhythm and expressive tones that are distinctively African.
North Africa, primarily Arabic-speaking, offers a different shade to our linguistic tapestry. The region's linguistic evolution was heavily influenced by the spread of Islam, blending indigenous Berber languages with Arabic. This created a unique linguistic cocktail, Maghrebi Arabic, which despite its roots in Classical Arabic, has a distinct flavor all its own.
A journey through Africa's linguistic landscape is akin to experiencing a symphony – a thousand different notes blending seamlessly, each contributing to a greater whole. Each language is not merely a means of communication; it is a vessel carrying a people's culture, values, history, and worldview.
In essence, understanding Africa's linguistic diversity is more than an academic pursuit. It is a window to comprehend the intricacies of African societies, the subtle interplay between language, culture, and identity, and the resilience of African people in preserving their linguistic heritage amidst globalization. It is, ultimately, a deeper look into the human ability to create, adapt, and endure.
Monday, July 10, 2023
Air travel in Africa: Costly flights hold the continent back
South Africans marvel at snow and sleet in Johannesburg during cold snap
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