Stories written by Siphosethu Stuurman

Africa Leads Fight Against HIV

With its youthful population, fast growing economies and an expanding middle class, Africa has much to celebrate on 25th May, Africa Day.

SA’s Africa Day Awareness Lagging Behind

As the continent prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on Africa Day, 25th of May, IPS Africa speaks to ordinary South Africans to hear how they plan to celebrate this important day.

Equality for Women in Africa Still a Work in Progress

History was made last year July when the African Union Commission elected Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as its chairperson, making her the first woman to lead the organisation.

Parents Find Caring for Handicapped Children a Major Challenge

Caring for mentally and physically children is difficult any where in the world. In South Africa the situation is worsened by the fact that parents with handicapped children are stigmatized and some parents believe giving birth to a handicapped children is the result of witchcraft or punishment by God.

Getting water is a daily chore for this woman in Swaziland.  Credit: Mantoe Phakathi/IPS

Q&A: Water Infrastructure Falls Far Short in Southern Africa

The cost of maintaining and expanding water infrastructure in southern Africa is high. And while South Africa may be in a better economic position than the rest of the region, it also faces funding challenges that are similar to those of its neighbours.

Hundreds of residents in Diepsloot queue for hours to access clean, safe water. Credit: Siphosethu Stuurman

South African Township Desperate for Safe Drinking Water

Thousands of residents in Diepsloot, a large township north of Johannesburg, South Africa, are queuing for hours to access clean, safe water a week after their supply was contaminated by sewage.

Young Entrepreneurs Gather in Benin

Young people from across the globe gathered in Benin’s economic capital city of Cotonou to share their success and experiences in the agricultural sector with each other.

Rabbit Farmer Inspires Youth

Young Beninese rabbit breeder, Samuel Agossou, inspired youth from across the globe when he shared his success story during the Global Youth Innovation Workshop held in Benin late last year.



the dragon can't dance