Africa Hour

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says as South Africa prepares to take over the chair of the Southern African Development Community, she is confident that the country will advance the regions industrialization, integration and resilience on the shared interest of all its people.She was speaking at the fourth Session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria. She expressed Namibia's support for South Africa as the host of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in August 2026 and wished the country success in discharging its responsibilities within the regional organisation.Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.

Over three hundred undocumented immigrants have been arrested during a multi-departmental operation in the South African province of Limpopo. The police, Home Affairs, Health Department and other stakeholders took part in the operation. A suspect in a murder and house breaking case, who had been on the run for months was also nabbed during the operation. Avhapfani Munyai reports...

The head coach of South Africa's national women's soccer team, Desiree Ellis, has announced a final 26 player squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Morocco on Friday afternoon in Johannesburg. The squad is a mixture of youth and experience with Andile Dlamini, Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana among the experienced members of the team. Banyana Banyana will leave for Morocco on Saturday so they can acclimatize to the conditions in the North African country ahead of the tournament. Percy Nkatlo filed this report...

The organisers of the Foundational Learning Exchange (FLEX 2026) convened by the Association for the Development of Education in Africa, have described this year's event as a success.  The event which took place in Lilongwe, Malawi, brought together over 600 delegates, including education ministers, financial leaders, and policymakers. The main goal of the exchange is to share evidence-based solutions, support teachers, and work toward the goal of ending learning poverty by 2035 across Africa. Sisi Segalo has more on the story…

The United Nations has raised concern over multiple humanitarian and human rights crises unfolding across the globe. In Sudan, aid agencies warn that thousands of displaced people in El Obeid are struggling to access food, water and fuel. Meanwhile, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda continues to spread. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange reports...

Artificial intelligence is being used to help strengthen Tanzania's tourism industry by giving businesses and policymakers faster access to visitor insights. Developed by the UN Development Programme in partnership with the Tanzanian government, the Jozani AI platform is designed to improve decision-making and support economic growth on the Zanzibar archipelago. UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Tanzania, John Rutere, spoke to UN News' Isaiah Steinberg about how the initiative is making a difference.

 South African farmers are under increasing pressure from rising input costs, climate volatility, and global market shifts and they can't afford to wait for policy reform to catch up. This week, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, Wandile Sihlobo, warned that delays in adopting new agricultural technologies could undermine the sector's competitiveness in the years ahead. But while policy uncertainty continues, some argue the real opportunity lies closer to home—on the farm itself. Mpho Sithole spoke to Tsholofelo Jansen, founder and CEO of Khutso Solutions to unpack why focusing on what farmers can control may be the key to staying competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

An angry mob has stormed an Ebola treatment centre in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, forcing critical patients and emergency responders to flee for their lives. The targeted attack on the Nyakunde Hospital in Ituri province erupted after a pregnant woman tragically died of severe anaemia. Outraged community members and family members threw stones, damaged the complex, and engaged in gunfire with security forces after the hospital strictly enforced safe burial protocols that prohibited handing over the body. Humanitarian teams, including Samaritan's Purse, have fully evacuated the facility, leaving highly infectious escaped patients unaccounted for in the community. For more on what is happening on the ground, Mpho Sithole spoke to Channel Africa Correspondent, Jimmy Shukrani Bakomera

The United States and Iran have plunged back into open warfare, shattering their short-lived June ceasefire agreement. Over the last 48 hours, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) launched a massive, multi-hour wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian coastal defences, drone sites, and missile infrastructure. In retaliation, Tehran has threatened to crush regional infrastructure while targeting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and launching strikes against US assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. For a look at what this means, Mpho Sisthole spoke to American-Iranian Researcher, renowned international relations expert and geopolitical analyst, Dr Sammie Joudat

The two-week African Mainstream Media Workshop has concluded in Beijing, China, after bringing together journalists and media practitioners from seven African countries to promote stronger media collaboration and deepen exchanges between Africa and China. Organised by the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China under the theme, "Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era: The Responsibility of Media," the workshop provided a platform for participants to share experiences, strengthen partnerships among mainstream media organisations, and explore issues of mutual interest. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report

China says its decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, is a voluntary initiative aimed at promoting shared development and deepening China-Africa cooperation. The remarks were made in Beijing by the Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Sun Xueqing, during a meeting with a delegation of African mainstream media representatives visiting China to study the country's achievements in poverty alleviation and its modernization model on Monday. Sun said China's approach is founded on the principle that nations achieve sustainable development by helping one another grow, leading to mutual prosperity. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report

As African states face growing pressure to respond to the climate crisis, SECTION27 has filed written submissions as amicus curiae (friend of the court) before the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, on the climate change crises and the obligations of African State.The social justice and a public interest law centre says climate change is not only an environmental challenge, but a human rights one. Mpho Sithole spoke to Asiphe Funda Health Attorney at SECTION27.

The cost of everyday favourites such as coffee, tea and chocolate is increasingly being driven by climate shocks and supply disruptions in major producing countries. A new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations warns that droughts, floods, pests and diseases are causing sharp price fluctuations, threatening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers while affecting consumers worldwide. The FAO is calling for stronger climate-resilient farming systems and greater market transparency to improve stability. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange reports

African Ministers of Education  are gathering in Lilongwe, Malawi, for this year's Foundational Learning Exchange ( FLEX 2026). Despite growing recognition that foundational learning underpins future prosperity for the continent, four out of five children in Africa still cannot read or understand a simple sentence by age 10.  This and other issues are expected to be under the spotlight at FLEX 2026.  The gathering is attended by among others policymakers, thought leaders, development partners, implementers other education actors and government leaders.Sisi Segalo has more on the story

Zimbabwe is set to launch the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) tomorrow, marking a significant step toward strengthening governance and accountability. President Emmerson Mnangagwa will lead the launch in Harare, following the country's successful governance review at continental level. But what does this mean in practice for Zimbabwe's reform agenda and credibility on the African stage? Mpho Sithole spoke to Ambassador Hefny, the former Chairperson of APR Panel Member and Former Panel Member in charge of Zimbabwe.

Africa has emerged as the global epicentre of iGaming fraud, according to a new report by Sumsub - a global verification provider aiming to make verification processes simple. The findings point to a rapidly evolving threat, with fraudsters increasingly using stolen identities, AI-assisted tools, and coordinated networks to target online gaming platforms across the continent. The report shows that Africa recorded the highest fraud rate globally in early 2026 with identity fraud now far more common than traditional document forgery. To unpack what's driving this trend, Mpho Sithole spoke to Jarryd Jensen, Regional Director for Southern Africa at Sumsub

Tension in the Middle East has escalated after the United States military launched strikes on Iran, following threats by US president Donald Trump to control access through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated, collapsing a fragile truce and reigniting fears of a wider regional conflict. Mpho Sithole spoke to Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow & Director At Africa Asia Dialogues (Afrasid) to unpack the implications

West African leaders are gathering in Sierra Leone for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings, a key moment for the region as Heads of State, ministers and senior officials come together to review progress and set priorities. The meetings will culminate in the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, where critical decisions are expected on issues ranging from peace and security to economic integration, trade, and democratic governance. To help us understand what's at stake and what outcomes to watch for, Mpho Sithole spoke to Lassané Ouedraogo, Legal Researcher at the University of Pretoria and ECOWAS analyst.

A South African court has delivered its judgment in the extradition case of Zimbabwean political activist Wellington Masiwa, also known as Comrade Nyokayemabhunu. The case raises important questions about extradition law, political asylum, and the protection of activists in South Africa. Masiwa has been a prominent and outspoken critic of efforts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond constitutional limits, gaining attention through his activism and online broadcasts. However, Zimbabwean authorities maintain that the extradition request relates to fraud charges, not politics. In an exclusive interview with Channel Africa producer Tracey Boomgaard, conducted in holding cells as he awaited his return to prison, Wellington spoke about his journey and arrest in South Africa.

Alleged kingpin Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, who the State has previously described as the mastermind behind the Medicare24 SAPS health and wellness tender fraud scheme, is set to rejoin his co-accused after withdrawing from a plea deal. Matlala had initially agreed to turn state witness in exchange for a reduced sentence, potentially implicating senior police officials in the alleged scheme. But that agreement has now collapsed after the court increased the proposed jail term. While the National Prosecuting Authority admits this is a setback, it insists the case against Matlala and the others remains strong. The matter has been postponed to September. To help us understand the legal implications of this latest twist, Mpho Sithole spoke to Nthabiseng Dubaza, from Dubazana Attorneys..

In late June, public health experts warned that an unlawful anti-migrant deadline could spark a crisis. Within days, tens of thousands of people were displaced by violence or its threat and processed through sites like Musina and the Beitbridge border post in South Africa. Despite the government's rapid response, serious concerns remain about overcrowding, poor sanitation, disrupted medical care, and rising psychological trauma. There are big questions about whether recent actions against migrants are actually lawful, and what responsibilities the state has to protect people's rights, what the law says, what may have gone wrong, and what should happen next. For more Mpho Sithole spoke to Dr. Rebecca Walker, from The African centre for Migration & Society at Wits university and Collective Voices for Health Access to help us make sense of what's happening.

The African Union is calling for stronger action to combat corruption across the continent, saying it is time for member states to move beyond commitments and fully implement anti-corruption measures. Africa marked the 2026 African Anti-Corruption Day at the weekend, under the theme "Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa," leaders and governance experts say governments, communities, families and institutions all have a role to play. Channel Africa's Lebogang Mabange reports.

A video circulating on social media has drawn attention to rising tensions between citizens of Mozambique and South Africa. The footage shows a confrontation at a venue in Ponta do Ouro, where a group of South African tourists were reportedly chased away by locals shouting “Tlhelelani Mzansi”, meaning “Go back to South Africa.” The incident has sparked widespread debate online, with many linking it to recent protests against undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa. Analysts suggest that such tensions may reflect broader regional frustrations, including concerns about safety, economic competition and the treatment of foreign nationals. Mpho Sithole spoke to Solomon Mondlane, a Mozambican political figure, journalist and member of the National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique (ANAMOLA).

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially signed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill into law, marking a significant development in the country’s legal and governance framework. With its publication in the Government Gazette, the amendment has now come into full effect and is set to introduce wide-ranging changes to the operation of key state institutions. The development has sparked public and political interest, with many seeking clarity on how the new law will affect citizens, institutions and the broader political landscape. To unpack the implications of the amendment, Mpho Sithole spoke to Professor Lovemore Madhuku, Professor of Law and leader of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) party in Zimbabwe.

Grace Bible Church, under the leadership of Mosa Sono, visited Musina in Limpopo, South Africa, where undocumented foreign nationals are currently being processed. The visit aimed to provide humanitarian support through the distribution of food parcels and essential supplies for both children and adults. Beyond material assistance, the church also offered spiritual support by praying with affected families during what is often a difficult and uncertain time. Mpho Sithole spoke to Bishop Mosa Sono.

Diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa have come under strain following tensions that have led to the repatriation of thousands of African nationals. A planned state visit by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa to Ghana has now been postponed, with Ghanaian authorities citing concerns that his presence could trigger public protests amid heightened anger over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa. To provide insight into the developments and their implications for relations between the two countries, Mpho Sithole spoke to Channel Africa’s correspondent in Ghana, Eric Mawena Egbeta.

Recognised by UNESCO, Kiswahili is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa, connecting millions of people across East, Central and Southern Africa. It is not only a means of communication but also a symbol of unity, identity and cultural exchange. As the language continues to grow in global influence, World Kiswahili Day provides an opportunity to reflect on its role in diplomacy, education and regional integration. Ambassadors and diplomats play an important role in promoting linguistic diversity and strengthening cultural ties between nations. Mpho Sithole spoke to Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, accredited to Botswana, Namibia, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Kingdom of Eswatini and Zimbabwe, Paul Amoru.

The Legal Practice Council (LPC) in South Africa has launched an application in the High Court in Johannesburg to have impeached former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane struck from the roll of advocates. The statutory regulatory body has cited several grounds, including allegations of unprofessional conduct. Mkhwebane was removed from office after Parliament’s Section 194 Committee resolved that she should be impeached on September 11, 2023. President Cyril Ramaphosa finalised her removal from office a few days later. To discuss the matter further, Mpho Sithole spoke to Kabelo Letebele, Senior Manager for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at the Legal Practice Council.

South Africa spends billions each year procuring essential medicines, including life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, for its public healthcare system. However, a recent incident in which bags of ARVs and other pharmaceutical products were discovered on a bus travelling towards Zimbabwe and Malawi following a fatal crash has raised serious concerns. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, calling for an urgent parliamentary engagement on the alleged illegal export and smuggling of medicinal products from South Africa. To discuss the matter further, Mpho Sithole spoke to Vuyolwethu Zungula, President of the African Transformation Movement.

Kenya’s campaign to secure a seat at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has received a major boost, with Judge Phoebe Okowa attracting a record number of co-nominations from across the globe. The announcement, published by the United Nations Secretary-General, highlights strong cross-regional backing ahead of the crucial elections in November for the 2027–2036 term. Countries from Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America have endorsed her candidacy, signalling growing confidence in both her legal expertise and Kenya’s role in shaping international law. To unpack what this means for Kenya, Africa and the broader international legal system, Mpho Sithole spoke to Patrick Kadima, an international law expert from Wits University.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated dramatically following a fresh exchange of military strikes and increasingly hostile rhetoric. Donald Trump has threatened to hit Iran “hard”, just hours after declaring that the US-Iran ceasefire is effectively over. Speaking from the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump used unusually strong language to describe Iran’s leadership. The developments follow reports that the US struck more than 80 Iranian-linked targets, while Iran responded by targeting US military positions in the Gulf region. For more on these developments, Mpho Sithole spoke to Amir Bagherioromi, a South African-Iranian independent political analyst and writer focusing on Iran, the Middle East and global power dynamics.

Tunisia is facing renewed international scrutiny after courts handed down lengthy prison sentences to several prominent human rights defenders, in what critics say is the latest sign of a shrinking civic space under President Kais Saied. Human Rights Watch says the convictions target activists for their human rights work and are intended to silence dissent. The organisation is calling on Tunisian authorities to release those it says have been arbitrarily detained and is urging the international community to take stronger action in response to the developments. Channel Africa’s Lebogang Mabange reports.

World Rural Development Day highlights the importance of improving the quality of life of people living in rural areas, focusing on challenges such as poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure. The day aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Rural communities play a vital role in food production, environmental conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage. Yet many remain underdeveloped compared with urban areas and continue to face significant barriers to economic and social progress. To discuss this further, Mpho Sithole spoke to Sanel'Ekhaya Ntathu, a Quality Control Specialist at PROXICOM Quality Control and Engineering Consultancy.

The International Women’s Peace Group, in partnership with the City of Johannesburg, has graduated a new group of peace ambassadors through its Peace Leadership Training and Education programme. The initiative aims to equip participants with skills in conflict resolution, peaceful communication and community leadership at a time when many communities continue to grapple with violence and social divisions. The programme seeks to empower individuals to become agents of peace within their communities, promoting dialogue, social cohesion and non-violent approaches to resolving conflict. Our reporter, Lebogang Mabange, has more.

As South Africa continues the process of repatriating undocumented migrants to their home countries, including Malawi and Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) Coordinating Committee has raised concerns about the impact this could have on school-going children. The committee warns that the removal of families may disrupt children's education, emotional wellbeing and access to essential services, particularly for those who have spent much of their lives in South Africa. Thuto Ngobeni has the report.

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has adopted a motion condemning the escalating violence in Sudan, particularly in the city of Al-Obeid. The violence has been attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with alarming reports of serious human rights abuses, including summary executions, abductions, torture and sexual violence. The motion, led by the United Kingdom and supported by several countries, also calls for an urgent investigation into the alleged atrocities. Mpho Sithole spoke to Majak Daniel Kuany Alier, Secretary-General of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan.

Concerns have been raised over press freedom in East Africa after the Congress of African Journalists condemned the reported shutdown of Nation Media Group offices in Uganda by security forces. The organisation says the move amounts to a serious violation of press freedom and restricts citizens’ access to information, warning of a growing pattern of pressure and attacks on journalists and media houses across the region. Mpho Sithole spoke to William Oloo Janak, Secretary-General of the Congress of African Journalists.

The FW de Klerk Foundation has raised serious concern over the escalation of anti-undocumented migrant protests, intimidation, and the scapegoating of foreign nationals in South Africa. The foundation says such actions are not “community grievances”, but constitute a direct violation of the Constitution and the rule of law. It warns that a failure to act decisively risks undermining South Africa’s democratic settlement and moral foundations. Mpho Sithole spoke to Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation.

The leader of the National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique, Venâncio Mondlane, has weighed in on the June 30 demonstrations amid growing debates around immigration and regional responsibility. As anti-immigration groups call for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, Mondlane argues that African leaders themselves are responsible for the current migration pressures. He says the issue lies not with migrants, but with what he describes as “broken countries” across the continent. To discuss this further, Mr Mondlane spoke to Mpho Sithole.

The United Kingdom has announced a major boost to its international clean energy efforts, extending the Ayrton Fund to 2030 and committing an addition of approximately 110-million USD to its Transforming Energy Access platform. The initiative aims to accelerate clean energy access in developing countries, support innovation, attract investment, and help countries transition towards more sustainable and resilient energy systems. To discuss what this latest announcement means for Africa's energy future and the role of innovation and partnerships in expanding access to clean energy, Mpho Sithole spoke to Nadia Algera, Senior Manager at Carbon Trust Africa.

As South Africa prepares for planned marches and demonstrations on June 30, questions are being raised about the readiness of the country's security forces to manage potential tensions on the ground. With large gatherings expected, and in some cases opposition groups also mobilising, the spotlight is on law enforcement's ability to maintain order, prevent violence, and protect both participants and the public. So, how prepared are South Africa's security structures for.

Prosecutors in Kenya are preparing murder charges against students accused of starting a deadly dormitory fire that killed 16 girls at a secondary school in May. The blaze tore through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls School, where more than 200 students were housed, forcing many to flee through a single exit. Authorities say nine suspects have been arrested, with allegations that a mattress was deliberately set alight near a doorway. Mpho Sithole spoke to Alex Kiarie, our correspondent in Kenya for the latest.

Niger has become the latest African country to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, citing concerns over what it calls selective justice and institutional bias. The move places Niger alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, fellow junta-led states that have increasingly distanced themselves from regional and international bodies, including ECOWAS, and formed the Alliance of Sahel States. At the heart of this decision is a long-standing criticism from several African nations - that the ICC disproportionately targets African leaders while failing to hold more powerful countries to account. But what does Niger's exit really mean for international justice, accountability, and stability in the region? Mpho Sithole spoke to Lassané Ouedraogo, Legal Researcher at the University of Pretoria and based in Burkina Faso to unpack this

Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX) has raised alarm over what it describes as a deepening humanitarian crisis affecting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers across South Africa. KAAX accuses authorities of failing to uphold constitutional and legal obligations, while also highlighting troubling incidents of poor coordination, obstruction of humanitarian aid, and threats to documented refugees.  Mpho Sithole spoke to Mpho Makhubela, a human rights activist with Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia.

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the violence against undocumented foreign nationals, while acknowledging the deep frustrations felt by many South Africans. The SACC has urged compassion without ignoring real community grievances, and rejects scapegoating, violence, and exclusion. It has called on both the Church and the state to act. While the statement offers clear moral direction, it also raises important questions about how these principles will be implemented in practice. Mpho Sithole spoke to Reverend Mzwandile Molo, General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches.

British politics entered a period of rapid transition following the resignation of Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader. Andy Burnham has now been sworn in as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Makerfield and is expected to mount a leadership bid, reportedly with support from senior Labour figures including former Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Starmer, in an emotional statement outside Downing Street, confirmed he will remain as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen, citing a desire to focus more on family life after stepping down from party leadership.  Mpho Sithole explores the implications with Associate Professor, at the School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand, Professor William Gumede.

As artificial intelligence reshapes how people access and trust information, questions about the future of open, reliable knowledge platforms are becoming more urgent. Against this backdrop, Bernadette Meehan, CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation, recently visited South Africa in May to engage with local Wikipedia volunteer communities. The visit underscored the critical role African contributors play in shaping Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, while highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen representation of African knowledge in the world's largest free, freely accessible encyclopedia. It also comes amid growing global concern about misinformation, AI-generated content, and the sustainability of independent knowledge platforms. Mpho Sithole put these issues to Wikimedia's CEO, Bernadette Meehan.

The United Nations (UN) Refugee Agency says it is concerned by the accelerating spread of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the growing risks it poses to displaced communities across the region.  More than two million forcibly displaced people, including over 320 000 refugees, live in areas at risk in the DRC, where fighting continues alongside the spread of Ebola disease. Fears are growing about population movements into and out of affected areas, and their potential impact on transmission, reinforcing the need to align public health with protection interventions.  United Nations (UN) Refugee Agency global spokesperson Eujin Byun spoke to Channel Africa reporter Sisi Segalo.

Legal and political tensions surrounding President Cyril Ramaphosa continue to unfold following the impeachment committee’s decision to oppose an urgent court application seeking to halt the Section 89 impeachment inquiry. The inquiry, which is examining allegations of misconduct, has become a significant constitutional and political flashpoint, with parties now turning to the courts over its legality and continuation. The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) has also weighed in on the developments, expressing its reaction to the committee’s stance and outlining the broader implications for governance and accountability. To unpack FOSA’s position and what this could mean for the political landscape, Unathi Batyashe spoke to FOSA’s National Leader, Tebogo Mashilompane.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has already delivered some dramatic opening fixtures, with teams from Africa and beyond battling for early momentum in the tournament. From surprise results to strong performances by tournament favourites, the early matches have set the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive competition. As the tournament progresses, attention now turns to upcoming group stage fixtures and what they could mean for teams still fighting to secure qualification to the knockout rounds. To help break down the action so far and look ahead to next week’s matches, Unathi Batyashe spoke to Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe, a sports executive and former professional football player