Africa Hour

For the first time in history, the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival is expanding to African soil, transforming the picturesque valley of Franschhoek in the Western Cape province of South Africa into a global stage for world-class artistry. Taking place from 27 to 29 March 2026, the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek brings together a curated mix of international icons and African innovators. Among the most anticipated performers is the Grammy-nominated American vocalist, Stacey Kent, an artist globally renowned for her delicate storytelling and multilingual repertoire. To talk to us more about what this means for her as a performer, Stacey spoke to Tsepiso Makwetal 

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning calling for an urgent end to the escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel. Speaking alongside European Council President António Costa, at the European Union summit in Brussels, Guterres cautioned that the war in the Middle-East risks spiraling "out of control," with devastating consequences for civilians and the global economy. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.

As South Africa marks Human Rights Day on Saturday, a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of children and youth in South Africa, Afrika Tikkun has warns that failing to teach children about their rights in practical, accessible ways is compounding an already deep crisis. Human Rights Day  commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, where 69 people were killed by police during a peaceful protest against apartheid "pass laws. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Tiyani Mohlaba, COO of Afrika Tikkun

A major diplomatic milestone has just been reached in the South African capital of Pretoria. Following a high-stakes working visit to the Union Buildings, South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile has successfully concluded a bilateral meeting with the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit. As Pretoria's Special Envoy to South Sudan, Mashatile has been at the forefront of driving the Revitalised Peace Agreement, and today's talks are said to have secured critical commitments, ranging from support for South Sudan's upcoming December 2026 elections, to new economic partnerships in mining and transport. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President of South Africa, Keith Kh

Banks are vital in efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change, acting as both major financiers of high-carbon projects and key supporters of the green energy transition. This is according to some of those who will be attending Channel Africa's African Matters Summit taking place next week Wednesday at Wits Business School in Johannesburg, South Africa. Echoeing his colleagues sentiments, Head of Business Ecosystems and Sustainability at Standard Bank, Dr Manessah Alagbaoso says the bank has taken a leading role in financing climate related activity in South Africa..

The price of brent crude oil remains volatile as a result of the War in the Middle East, surging to around $109 dollars a barrel. Iran's Revolutions Guards have threatened to target oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. This after Israel's attacked on the world's largest natural gas field in the Persian Gulf which is shared between Iran and Qatar.  The latest escalation targeting energy infrastructure in the region has heightened concerns around the world as energy costs surge. Iran has also confirmed attacks at its oil facilities at Asaluyeh in the southwest region of the country. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports...

South African consumers can breathe a sigh of relief as inflation eases from 3,5-percent in January, to 3-percent in February. However, analysts say the positive momentum in the form of lower prices is expected to take a negative turn amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The latest data released by Statistics South Africa shows that contributions to the 3-percent annual consumer price inflation rate came from housing and utilities, food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as insurance and financial services. This latest print brings the inflation rate in line with the Reserve Bank's new 3-percent inflation target. SABC Economics reporter Naledi Mabitsela-Ngcobo reports .....

The Confederation of African Football's Appeals Board has stunningly overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, stripping Senegal of their title and awarding a 3-0 default victory to the host nation, Morocco. The decision stems from a 17-minute walk-off by Senegalese players during the final on 18 January 2026 in Rabat. Senegal had originally won the match 1-0 in extra time after returning to the pitch following their protest of a controversial stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to FAR Post Editor, Mthokozisi Dube...

Two presidential commissions in Tanzania have recommended the continuation of mass evictions of Maasai communities from key conservation areas, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The move comes despite global criticism and ongoing resistance from the Maasai, who have long lived on and relied on these ancestral lands. Human rights groups, including Survival International, have strongly condemned the recommendations, warning that they threaten both the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Linda Poppe from Survival International

The Nigerian Army says it has foiled a co-ordinated assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military base in Mallam Fatori, Borno State, on 18 March 2026, reportedly killing at least 80 fighters. While this reflects a significant operational success, analysts note that the broader security situation remains volatile, with insurgents concurrently launching deadly suicide bombings in Maiduguri and overrunning other bases in the region. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Global Security Consultant and Criminologist, Dr Diyeli Aigbe

Environmental activists say greenwashing is becoming a major battleground in Africa's climate fight. As of March 2026, scrutiny is intensifying, with tighter legal frameworks and growing pressure on companies accused of overstating their environmental credentials. Much of that focus is on fossil fuel expansion and advertising campaigns that portray polluting industries as climate-friendly. A new report by the Fossil Ad Ban campaign, part of Fossil Free South Africa, suggests some of the biggest energy companies operating in South Africa are spending heavily on advertising that highlights community projects and sustainability messaging while continuing to invest in fossil fuels. To unpack what the report reveals about greenwashing, influence, and climate accountability, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Lazola Kati, climate change activist and coordinator of the Fossil Ad Ban campaign

As South Africa's Western Cape Province prepares to host one of the most iconic music festivals in the world, attendees at the Montreux Jazz Festival are urged to prepare for the coming together of legendary artists and music lovers from across the globe. This year, South African DJ, journalist and vinyl collector, Charles Leonard is part of that story. With more than 26 years behind the decks and a vinyl collection built over five decades, Leonard has become known for his eclectic sets that move effortlessly from jazz and soul to reggae, funk and township dance. He spoke to Tsepiso Makwetla

Eswatini has received four more third-country deportees from the United States. The group, which includes, two Somalis, a Tanzanian, and a Sudanese, reportedly arrived this week and are being housed at the kingdom's Matsapha Maximum-Security Correctional Centre. They join 15 others people convicted of serious crimes that were sent to the country last year as part of deals that the United States made  with several African nations to accept undocumented migrants. For more on this, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Mzwandile B. Masuku, a human rights lawyer and director of the Eswatini Litigation Centre, he has actively opposed the secret deal between Eswatini and Washington....

Namibia, Fiji, the United States and Hungary have each filed legal papers relating to the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in relation to the situation in the Gaza Strip. The move comes amid growing international legal and diplomatic scrutiny of the ongoing conflict and raises important questions about the role of international law, state obligations under the Genocide Convention, and what these filings could mean for accountability. To unpack the significance of these developments, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Namibian Policy Researcher, Suzi Shefeni

As the countdown to the inaugural Africa Matters Summit continues, the conversation about the critical intersection between climate change financing and the energy transition, has been thrust back into the spotlight. With Channel Africa only a few days away from the highly anticipated 25 March event, Peter Ndoro caught up with carbon expert at AUDA-NEPAD and one of the summit's panelists, Dr Kwame Ababio, who gave us a preview of what to expect.....

As the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip worsens, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories says it will reopen the Rafah Crossing, a main lifeline for residents, on Wednesday.  According to a statement, the land crossing will reopen in both directions for limited movement of people only, following a security assessment and an examination of the conditions enabling the resumption of operations at the crossing. For more on what is happening on the ground, Unathi Batyashe spoke to Eyad Amawi, a representative of the Gaza Relief Committee and a coordinator for local NGOs in Gaza

Leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have agreed to resume the voluntary repatriation of thousands of Congolese refugees living in Zambia, following a three-day tripartite meeting in Kolwezi, South east of the DRC. For decades, cycles of violence and instability in the DRC have forced millions of families to flee their homes and begin their lives in neighbouring countries. For more on what this means, Unathi Batuashe spoke to Helen Mebrahtu, Officer-in-Charge at the UNHCR Representation for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe

The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX, represented by SECTION27, have filed an urgent contempt application after South African authorities failed to comply with an earlier High Court compelling the state to restore safe and unhindered access to the Yeoville and Rosettenville clinics in Johannesburg South Africa. This after groups began to control access to the clinics and prevented patients from entering unless they could produce South African identity documents. For more on this, Unathi Batyashe spoke to Khuselwa Dyantyi, Attorney and Advice Office Supervisor at Section 27

South African choreographer and activist, Mamela Nyamza has been awarded the prestigious Silver Lion for Dance at the 2026 Venice Biennale. This honour, which recognises promising new talent and a distinct choreographic voice, comes as she is also named a finalist for the 2026 Salavisa European Dance Award (SEDA). Fresh off the announcement, Nyamza spoke to Unathi Batyashe as she continues to challenge the hierarchies of ballet and contemporary dance from her roots in Gugulethu to the world's most elite stages.

Sivuyile Ngcanga, a former Mercedes-Benz technician and founder of the Sheer Versatility Group, has developed the Zula navigation application to address the lack of formal addressing systems in South African townships and rural areas. Named a 2024 Global Innovator by the Royal Academy of Engineering, Ngcanga's technology enables emergency services and couriers to navigate previously unmapped locations. For more on what led Sivuyile in this direction, he spoke to Tsepiso Makwetla 

As the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon escalates, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says the ongoing bombing campaign and sweeping evacuation orders have forced hundreds of thousands from their homes, creating a displacement crisis that MSF mirroring the systematic destruction seen in Gaza. For more on what the situation is on the ground, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Director of Advocacy and Analysis for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa, Claire Waterhouse

A major rupture may be emerging within the United States' national security establishment. A resignation letter circulating online claims that Joseph Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, has stepped down in protest over the ongoing U.S. war with Iran. In the letter addressed to Donald Trump, Kent argues that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States and suggests the conflict was driven partly by pressure from Israel and its allies in Washington.  If confirmed, it would mark one of the most senior dissenting voices inside the administration since the conflict began. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Managing Director and Editor‑in‑Chief of The International Interest, Sami Hamdi

Africa's lack of financial resources to eliminate the impact of climate change has a ripple effect on the continent's population. Solutions to this challenge will be discussed at Africa Matters Summit hosted by Channel Africa and Wits Business School taking place next week Wednesday in Johannesburg, South Africa. The theme for this year is "financing Africa's recovery". My colleague, Peter Ndoro spoke to Salem Ayenan, a Climate Advocate from Benin, in West Africa and one of the guests at the Summit

The United States is hosting senior officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda this week in a renewed diplomatic push to revive the stalled peace process in eastern DRC. Bilateral engagements between Washington and each country had been scheduled for Tuesday, with a trilateral meeting expected to be held on Wednesday. Thuto Ngobeni reports...

As we draw closer to the inaugural Africa Matters summit, hosted by Channel Africa and the Wits Business School, we shine a light of the importance of climate financing as Africa seeks to mitigate the impact of climate change. Asanda Beda spoke to Nedbank's Sustainability and ESG Senior Manager, Tebogo Maake about what his role will be at the summit

The Sol Plaatje University, in South Africa, has launched the theatre production, IreOlúwa (The Goodness of the Creator), presented by Amandla Dançe Teatro ZA.  The 45-minute production blends Yoruba and Khwe Xam (Khoi-San) cultural narratives, exploring themes of storytelling, memory, spirituality, and the deep relationship between people and the land through music, poetry, and performance. As the production forms part of an experiential learning initiative for students, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to the Co- founder of Amandla Dance Teatro ZA, Bisi Bangiwe ka Jobela

Following a series of a devastating coordinated bombings that hit Nigeria's Borno State capital on Monday evening, Nigerian officials are continuing with mop up operations in the area. The suspected suicide attacks, which coincided with the breaking of the Ramadan fast, were targeted in some of the city's most vital public spaces, leaving at least 23 confirmed dead and over 100 survivors currently fighting for their lives. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Channel Africa Correspondent in Nigeria, Johnathan James Lyamgohn

A leaked State Department memo has reportedly revealed that the United States administration is considering withholding critical HIV assistance from Zambia as a 'negotiating tactic' to secure access to the country's vast minerals. If the Donald Trump administration goes ahead with the plan, it would withhold support for nearly 1.3 million people who rely on the assistance for survival. For more on this and what impact the decision would have, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

For thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, hope for movement beyond the borders has once again turned into frustration. Today, the Israeli occupation government reversed its earlier decision to open the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian-Palestinian border, leaving patients, families, and ordinary citizens in a state of confusion and despair. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Noor Al Shana, an independent journalist and a healthcare worker

Claims by Donald Trump that white South Africans are being persecuted have reignited debate about race and migration. But reporting by Reuters suggests a more complex picture — including cases of white South Africans who left the country and are now returning, saying life abroad did not meet expectations. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Tim Cocks, Reuters Southern Africa Chief Correspondent and author of 'Lagos,'  portrait of Africa's Biggest Metropolis, to unpack what the reporting actually found, and how it fits into the broader political narrative around South Africa

As we edge closer to Channel Africa's inaugural Africa Matters Summit, the conversation is shifting from abstract climate goals to the hard reality of who actually holds the purse strings. While Africa is at the forefront of the global climate crisis, a massive gap remains: the women who produce the majority of our food are often the last to receive the funding needed to protect it. To help us bridge this divide, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to President of the Economics Association of Malawi, Dr Bertha Bangara-Chikadza

Unity and reformation within the South African Development Community (SADC) are critical in order for the region to thrive. This emerged at the Council of Ministers of SADC in Pretoria, convened to deliberate on the implementation of regional integration programmes. As Bonolo Maribe reports, the meeting is being chaired by South Africa's International Relations and Co-operation Minister, Ronald Lamola   

A message from Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader Motjaba Khamenei appeared to defy a resolution passed by the U.N. Security Council demanding Tehran immediately stop all attacks directed at Arab countries in the region. The resolution, which passed with 13 voters in favour and two abstentions from Russia and China, only targeted Iran's retaliatory strikes but made no demands on the United States or Israel in relation to continuing military action targeting Iran. Khamenei, who's first public statement was read on Iranian state television, said all U.S. military bases in the Middle East should close immediately, that those bases would be attacked and that the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed as a tool to "pressure the enemy" – a likely reference to the United States. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports.

In Madagascar, a severe combination of drought, cyclones, and malaria has resulted in an 87% surge in child malnutrition cases in the Ikongo district. A new report from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) highlights that over 550 000 children are at risk, prompting urgent calls for action. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Claire Waterhouse, Director of Advocacy and Analysis for MSF Southern Africa

Tonight,  the African media fraternity is mourning the sudden passing of Jonisayi "Warchild" Maromo, a veteran Pan-African journalist and Pretoria Bureau Chief for the African News Agency (ANA). Maromo, who had nearly two decades of experience covering international relations, crime and investigative politics, passed away in Zimbabwe while visiting his ailing mother. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dianah Chiyangwa, a fellow award-winning Zimbabwean-born Photojournalist based in Johannesburg. She was a close peer and professional collaborator of Maromo.

We continue to look at the Africa Matters Summit, a strategic project launched by Channel Africa radio. The summit, which will take place on 25 March at the Wits Business School in Johannesburg, South Africa, aims to shift the narrative, ensuring African voices and perspectives shape the discourse on critical continental issues. This year's theme focuses on climate change, "Financing Africa's Recovery." To delve further into the subject of climate change, Channel Africa's Asanda Beda spoke to Climate & Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, Siya Myeza, and she began by asking him about some of the organisation's ongoing work

As the world marks twelve days since the beginning of the seismic events involving the US, Israel and Iran, the geopolitical maps are continue to be redrawn, but behind the headlines of airstrikes and successions lies a civilian population navigating a transformed reality. For ordinary Iranians, 'home' has become a place of profound uncertainty. To help us go beyond the strategic analysis and into the heart of the Iranian streets, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dr Samine Joudat, an Iranian-American Researcher and artist whose work explores the very forces that uproot and transfigure society's sense of belonging

Across the world, the fallout from the unprecedented joint United States-Israeli strikes on Tehran, is being felt far beyond the borders of the Middle East. Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28th, the world has seen massive waves of mourning and protest, not just in the streets of Iran, but right here on the African continent. In Northern Nigeria, from Kano to Kaduna, thousands of Shia Muslims have taken to the streets to mourn a leader they consider a global religious authority. Amidst an environment of heightened security and a ban on the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), these processions have seen portraits of the late Ayatollah held high and symbols of Western intervention dragged through the dust. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Adesuwa Giwa Osagie, an Independent Journalist in Nigeria

South Africa's Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced that, in the next few weeks, the country will launch a campaign to eliminate cervical cancer using the global strategy adopted by the World Health Organisation. Cervical Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among South African women, with over 11,000 cases and nearly 6,000 deaths annually.  According to the World Health Organisation Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally.  The highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are in low- and middle-income countries. Sisi Segalo has more on the story

The war between Iran, Israel and the United States continues to escalate, with the risk of a wider Middle East conflict growing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel's military offensive against Iran is "not done yet," insisting the campaign is weakening Iran's clerical leadership. The war began on 28 February when Israel and the United States launched strikes inside Iran that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei — just days before planned negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes across the region, while Saudi Arabia has condemned attacks on Gulf states and warned it reserves the right to respond. Some pundits say "Trump's War on Iran Makes a Mockery of American Democracy." While French President Emmanuel Macron says it will take a lot more than missiles to defeat Iran. Does the war with Iran represent a democratic and constitutional crisis in US foreign policy, driven by executive power, weak public support, and a lack of effective domestic opposition? Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Ayo Kimathi, Social Architect, Author, Lecturer, & Freedom Fighter

 Guided by the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, South Africa is building a prevention-to-prosecution continuum that centres on rights, dignity and accountability. That's according to the country's Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga. She was delivering Pretoria's statement at the opening plenary session of the 70th Commission on the Status of Women at U.N. Headquarters in New York. As Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports, Chikunga has also affirmed the country's support in favour the next UN Secretary General being a woman

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged stronger economic ties between South Africa and Brazil, by telling investors that the two countries should position themselves as strategic gateways to each other's regional markets. Speaking at the Brazil–South Africa Business Forum during his state visit to Brazil on Monday, Ramaphosa said South Africa could serve as Brazil's entry point into African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while Brazil could act as South Africa's gateway into Latin America. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report

With a little over two weeks left before Channel Africa hosts the station's first ever Africa Matters Summit, one of the gathering's panelists, Chief Executive Officer of Chedza Enviro and Planning Solutions, Eliezer Goma, has highlighted the importance of having an inclusive conversation with Africans on the impact of climate financing. Speaking to my colleague, Peter Ndoro earlier today, Goma says it is vital for the continent to shift from conversations and actionable solutions.

Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina, has dismissed his prime minister along with his entire cabinet, just months after he seized power in  the island nation. Randrianirina seized control of the Indian Ocean nation in the wake of youth-led protests that led to the ouster of his predecessor, Andry Rajoelina. In announcing the decision, Randrianirina's spokesperson said the President is set to appoint a new Prime Minister, following the procedures set out by the country's constitution. For a look at what this means for the nation's political stability, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Political Analyst from the University of Toamasina in Madagascar, Professor Solofo Randrianja

Legendary South African visual artist, Professor Zanele Muholi has made history as the first black queer South African to ever win the prestigious Hasselblad Award. Professor Muholi was recently announced as the recipient of this year's award, which is widely considered as "Nobel Prize of photography". For more on what this means, Muholi spoke to Tsepiso Makwetla

In the wake of growing public concern over a recent study by South Africa's University of the Free State, the country's Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says the levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in sanitary pads are too low to be clinically harmful. The minister made the remarks during a joint media briefing with representatives from the World Health Organisation and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, following reports that popular menstrual products contained trace amounts of substances like phthalates, parabens, and bisphenols. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dr Motsoaledi

Tanzania's opposition, CHADEMA party has called for the immediate release of all its members arrested during what it calls a peaceful commemoration of International Women's Day. The call comes after police in the country's Musoma region fired tear gas and apprehended members of BAWACHA, the women's wing of the CHADEMA party, arresting at least 39 attendees, including the party's Secretary General, Pamela Maassa. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to John Kitoka, CHADEMA's Director of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs

The Kenyan government says the death toll from heavy rains and flooding in the capital of Nairobi and surrounding areas, has nearly doubled to 42. Floods have pummeled the region in recent days, drowning some residents, washing away a number of vehicles and disrupting traffic at the country's largest airport. Local resident, Eric Orimbo says his friend and a colleague died when the car they were travelling in was submerged on Friday afternoon. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dr. Ahmed Idris, the Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross Society

Iran has appointed a new Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during recent strikes by the United States and Israel. Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, has now taken over the leadership of the Islamic Republic as tensions in the region continue to escalate. SABC News Reporter, Botlhale Phele has more.

South African animator, Director and Visual Artist, Lesego Vorster has earned one of France's most prestigious distinctions, after he was recently knighted by the French government as a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). This honour, bestowed on behalf of the French Ministry of Culture, recognises significant contributions to the arts and his role in strengthening the creative ties between South Africa and France. Through his work, he has not only enriched the local cultural landscape but has also fostered a rich global dialogue of innovation and creativity. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Lesego