Southern Africa Archives

POLITICS-SUDAN: Peace Process is Vulnerable, Say Analysts

Sudan's peace process will collapse if Khartoum and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army refuse to involve others in the talks that are underway in Kenya, political commentators have warned.

HEALTH-SOUTH AFRICA: A Month into 2004, and ARV’s Still Scarce

By Moyiga Nduru

AIDS campaigners in South Africa are worried about the apparent lack of progress in implementing a plan to distribute anti-retroviral drugs to millions of people living with the disease.

ENVIRONMENT-SOUTH AFRICA: St Lucia Strives to Unite Conservation, Development

By IPS Correspondents

Game parks often have an aura of elitism. Those who frequent them generally need money to buy the equipment that allows the wilderness to be enjoyed in comfort - and a stable job so that they can take the time off to do so.

EDUCATION-SWAZILAND: A New Policy to Keep AIDS Orphans in School

By James Hall

A new education initiative has been started in Swaziland to assist children who have lost parents to the AIDS pandemic.

DEVELOPMENT-MALAWI: Fishing Industry Gets Shot In the Arm

By IPS Correspondents

Malawi has launched a fishing project that will benefit more than 300,000 people who depend on fishing for their livelihood.

ECONOMY-SOUTH AFRICA: The Brain Drain Proves Colour-Blind

By Moyiga Nduru

The so-called "brain drain" of professional expertise from South Africa has been a source of concern for several years now. Discussions of the trend have tended to focus on white professionals - but, it appears that black South Africans are also joining the exodus.

ECONOMY-ZIMBABWE: A Dangerous Spice Route

By IPS Correspondents

At dawn, Tsitsi Savanhu wakes her teenage daughter so that they can prepare for the 25 kilometre journey to neighbouring Mozambique. Once there, they will dig up as much ginger as possible before rivals descend to challenge their claim to certain areas.

ENVIRONMENT-MALAWI: An Elephant Poacher’s Paradise?

By IPS Correspondents

As the clock ticks closer to a sell-off of ivory stocks in Southern Africa, questions are being asked about why Malawi's legislation has not yet been strengthened to meet the dangers posed by elephant poaching.

RIGHTS-SOUTH AFRICA: New Land Bill Unconstitutional, Say Campaigners

By IPS Correspondents

South Africa's Communal Land Rights Bill is unconstitutional and misconceived, according to human rights groups, legal practitioners and gender campaigners.

EDUCATION-SWAZILAND: English a Passport to Success?

By James Hall

A heated debate is underway in Swaziland about whether children who fail English should be forced to repeat the academic year.

POLITICS-ZIMBABWE: The Talks That Never Were

By IPS Correspondents

With people still left guessing as to whether he intends holding formal talks with his country's opposition, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe added a new dimension to the drama this weekend when he was allegedly rushed to South Africa after collapsing at his home in Harare.

ENVIRONMENT-NAMIBIA: Heavy Rains Spark Fears of Flooding

By IPS Correspondents

While large parts of Southern Africa labour under the effects of a drought, Namibians - especially those in the north-east of the country - are bracing for floods.

LABOUR-SOUTH AFRICA: German and South African Unions Strengthen Ties

By Moyiga Nduru

"We live in one world. Not in the first, second, third, fifth or sixth world," Michael Sommer, head of the Confederation of German Trade Unions, said in South Africa this week.

POLITICS-MALAWI: Main Opposition Parties Pull Out of Coalition Deal

By IPS Correspondents

Malawi's three main opposition parties have pulled out of a coalition deal that seeks to wrestle power from the ruling United Democratic Front in the May 18 general elections.

SPORT-AFRICA: Soccer Greats Gather for Cup of Nations

By IPS Correspondents

The 24th edition of Africa’s premier soccer showcase, the African Cup of Nations, kicks off Saturday in Tunisia. In the only game to be played on the first day, the hosts are tackling Nations Cup debutantes Rwanda after the opening ceremony at Rades Stadium in Tunis.

CULTURE-SWAZILAND: Politics and Tradition Clash in Swaziland’s “Incwala”

By James Hall

Swaziland is currently in the midst of its sacred Incwala ceremony, which many believe is crucial for the welfare of the country. However, the celebrations have not been without controversy.

POLITICS-MALAWI: Voter Registration Dogged by Poor Planning and Apathy

By IPS Correspondents

With just under four months remaining before Malawi’s general elections, local activists and international observers have expressed concern at the lack-lustre response to voter registration efforts. The registration exercise has also prompted opposition parties to cry foul.

DEVELOPMENT-SOUTH AFRICA: Millions in Need of Food Aid

By Moyiga Nduru

The spectres of drought and malnutrition are stalking South Africa, where more than four million people require emergency food aid. Farmers' organisations estimate that the figure could rise to 15 million by June - this out of a population of roughly 44 million.