Africa branding specialist, Dr Thebe Ikalafeng, has released his second book, Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence. Described as both a cultural manifesto and a career strategy guide, the book encourages Africans to lead authentically by drawing strength from their heritage. In Rooted and Rising, Dr Ikalafeng calls on Africans to reclaim cultural confidence, reconnect with ancestral wisdom, and redefine their global impact on their own terms. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Africa branding specialist and author of Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence and The Traveller: Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa, Dr Thebe Ikalafeng

Africa branding specialist, Dr Thebe Ikalafeng, has released his second book, Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence. Described as both a cultural manifesto and a career strategy guide, the book encourages Africans to lead authentically by drawing strength from their heritage. In Rooted and Rising, Dr Ikalafeng calls on Africans to reclaim cultural confidence, reconnect with ancestral wisdom, and redefine their global impact on their own terms. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Africa branding specialist and author of Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence and The Traveller: Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa, Dr Thebe Ikalafeng

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 

Dr Thebe Ikalafeng launches his second book, Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence

According to statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS), an average of 51 people are kidnapped each day, with over 4,500 cases reported in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Ahead of the festive season, Canada, the United States, and China issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens about travelling to South Africa. The advisories highlighted the high risk of serious crimes, including "express kidnappings," where victims are abducted and forced to withdraw money from ATMs, and in some cases, held overnight to make additional withdrawals. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Crime expert, Professor Jacob Mofokeng.

According to statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS), an average of 51 people are kidnapped each day, with over 4,500 cases reported in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Ahead of the festive season, Canada, the United States, and China issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens about travelling to South Africa. The advisories highlighted the high risk of serious crimes, including "express kidnappings," where victims are abducted and forced to withdraw money from ATMs, and in some cases, held overnight to make additional withdrawals. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Crime expert, Professor Jacob Mofokeng.

Several countries issue  travel advisories as concerns rise over kidnappings is SA

As the world marks International Migrants Day (IMD) today, the International Organization for Migration (IOM),  is calling for stronger, more robust migration systems that protect people on the move and support the communities that welcome them. Observed each year on 18 December, the day recognizes the contributions of migrants worldwide and underscores the importance of protecting their rights and dignity. This year the Day is marked under the theme "My Great Story: Cultures and Development," highlighting how human mobility enriches societies, drives economic growth, and strengthens connections across communities. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to IOM Regoinal spokesperson for East, Horn and Southern Africa  Yvonne Ndege..

As the world marks International Migrants Day (IMD) today, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), &nbsp;is calling for stronger, more robust migration systems that protect people on the move and support the communities that welcome them. Observed each year on 18 December, the day recognizes the contributions of migrants worldwide and underscores the importance of protecting their rights and dignity. This year the Day is marked under the theme "My Great Story: Cultures and Development," highlighting how human mobility enriches societies, drives economic growth, and strengthens connections across communities. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to IOM Regoinal spokesperson for East, Horn and Southern Africa &nbsp;Yvonne Ndege..

The  International Organization for Migration calls for stronger and robust migration systems that protect people on International Migrants Day

Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian soldiers who were detained after making an unauthorised entry in the Burkinabe territory, this comes after Nigeria's sent an envoy to apologise for violating the country's airspace. The Nigerian Air Force C‑130 transport aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in the Burkinabe city of Bobo‑Dioulasso, on 8  December 2025 due to a technical problem, but did so without prior clearance from Burkina Faso's authorities. The unauthorised landing sparked a diplomatic row with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), made up of Burkina Faso and its neighbours, Mali, and Niger, with the Alliance characterising it as an "unfriendly act". Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Austin Aigbe, Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network.

Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian soldiers who were detained after making an unauthorised entry in the Burkinabe territory, this comes after Nigeria's sent an envoy to apologise for violating the country's airspace. The Nigerian Air Force C‑130 transport aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in the Burkinabe city of Bobo‑Dioulasso, on 8  December 2025 due to a technical problem, but did so without prior clearance from Burkina Faso's authorities. The unauthorised landing sparked a diplomatic row with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), made up of Burkina Faso and its neighbours, Mali, and Niger, with the Alliance characterising it as an "unfriendly act". Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Austin Aigbe, Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network.

Dr Thebe Ikalafeng launches his second book, Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence

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