The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, is set to embark on his first major international apostolic journey to Africa from Monday, visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. The ten‑day visit is expected to focus on peace‑building, inter‑religious dialogue and strengthening one of the fastest‑growing Catholic populations in the world, with Africa now home to more than 20% of global Catholics.

Key themes include social justice, youth empowerment and the Church’s role in conflict‑affected regions, particularly in parts of Cameroon. Mpho Sithole spoke to Father Hugh O’Connor, Secretary‑General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, for insight into what this historic visit means for the region.

The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, is set to embark on his first major international apostolic journey to Africa from Monday, visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. The ten‑day visit is expected to focus on peace‑building, inter‑religious dialogue and strengthening one of the fastest‑growing Catholic populations in the world, with Africa now home to more than 20% of global Catholics.
Key themes include social justice, youth empowerment and the Church&rsquo;s role in conflict‑affected regions, particularly in parts of Cameroon. Mpho Sithole spoke to Father Hugh O&rsquo;Connor, Secretary‑General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops&rsquo; Conference, for insight into what this historic visit means for the region.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

Africa Hour

Africa World Hour 

Catholic Church head, Pope Leo XIV, to embark on his first major international apostolic journey to Africa from Monday

Tonight, we’re talking about the wellbeing benefits of board games, and why gathering around a table for a game night may be doing more for us than we realise. Stefan Roets, an avid board gamer and Spokesperson for Solarpop, unpacks what new research is saying about games, connection, and why tabletop play continues to resonate with families and friends of all ages, in conversation with Mpho Sithole.

Tonight, we&rsquo;re talking about the wellbeing benefits of board games, and why gathering around a table for a game night may be doing more for us than we realise. Stefan Roets, an avid board gamer and Spokesperson for Solarpop, unpacks what new research is saying about games, connection, and why tabletop play continues to resonate with families and friends of all ages, in conversation with Mpho Sithole.

Board games benefit a person’s wellbeing

A court in eSwatini has ruled that a group of migrants deported from the United States, under policies linked to Donald Trump, must be granted access to legal representation after being held without counsel in a Swazi prison.

The decision rejected the government’s argument that the detainees had not formally requested representation by human‑rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi. While the ruling currently applies to five detainees, it could set a precedent for at least 19 individuals transferred to eSwatini under a controversial bilateral arrangement.

The case raises serious questions about due process, international deportation agreements and the protection of migrants’ rights within the Kingdom, which is ruled by King Mswati III. To discuss this further, Mpho Sithole spoke to Zweli Martin Dlamini, Editor of the Swaziland News.

A court in eSwatini has ruled that a group of migrants deported from the United States, under policies linked to Donald Trump, must be granted access to legal representation after being held without counsel in a Swazi prison.
The decision rejected the government&rsquo;s argument that the detainees had not formally requested representation by human‑rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi. While the ruling currently applies to five detainees, it could set a precedent for at least 19 individuals transferred to eSwatini under a controversial bilateral arrangement.
The case raises serious questions about due process, international deportation agreements and the protection of migrants&rsquo; rights within the Kingdom, which is ruled by King Mswati III. To discuss this further, Mpho Sithole spoke to Zweli Martin Dlamini, Editor of the Swaziland News.

Migrants deported from the US to be granted access to legal representation in eSwatini

The recent release of the Protected Disclosure Bill in South Africa by Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, alongside Deputy Minister Andries Nel, marks a significant step in strengthening protection for whistleblowers in the country. The Bill aims to address longstanding gaps in safeguarding individuals who expose corruption, fraud, and other forms of wrongdoing, issues that have historically discouraged many from coming forward. As an organization deeply involved in advocating for accountability and justice, Action Society plays a crucial role in evaluating whether this legislation will meaningfully protect whistleblowers or fall short in practice. Mpho Sithole spoke to Juanita Du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society..

The recent release of the Protected Disclosure Bill in South Africa by Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, alongside Deputy Minister Andries Nel, marks a significant step in strengthening protection for whistleblowers in the country. The Bill aims to address longstanding gaps in safeguarding individuals who expose corruption, fraud, and other forms of wrongdoing, issues that have historically discouraged many from coming forward. As an organization deeply involved in advocating for accountability and justice, Action Society plays a crucial role in evaluating whether this legislation will meaningfully protect whistleblowers or fall short in practice. Mpho Sithole spoke to Juanita Du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society..

Catholic Church head, Pope Leo XIV, to embark on his first major international apostolic journey to Africa from Monday

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