The two-day Pan African Women in Health (PAWH) 2026 conference is currently underway in Johannesburg, South Africa. It has brought together women already working in the health sector, as well as those with a keen interest in the field, from various parts of the African continent.

The conference organisers say the event is a strategic investment in the leadership and influence of African women, moving beyond dialogue towards collective action and greater visibility. Key conference pillars include amplifying leadership and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

To hear more about the conference and the work of PAWH, Mpho Sithole spoke to Belinda Ngongo, Founder and Executive Director of the Pan African Women in Health (PAWH).

The two-day Pan African Women in Health (PAWH) 2026 conference is currently underway in Johannesburg, South Africa. It has brought together women already working in the health sector, as well as those with a keen interest in the field, from various parts of the African continent.
The conference organisers say the event is a strategic investment in the leadership and influence of African women, moving beyond dialogue towards collective action and greater visibility. Key conference pillars include amplifying leadership and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
To hear more about the conference and the work of PAWH, Mpho Sithole spoke to Belinda Ngongo, Founder and Executive Director of the Pan African Women in Health (PAWH).

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 

Two-day PAWH 2026 conference kicks off

Guinea-Bissau is heading towards a potentially significant constitutional referendum on August 30, less than a year after a military coup disrupted the country's presidential election process. The proposed constitution would significantly strengthen the powers of the presidency.

Under the proposed changes, Parliament would be reduced from 102 to 65 seats, while electoral constituencies would be cut from 29 to 12. Presidential candidates would also be required to prove that they have lived permanently in Guinea-Bissau for the previous five years.

Critics argue that these changes could weaken Parliament, reduce political representation and concentrate power in the presidency, raising broader questions about democratic governance in a region already facing a series of military takeovers.

To unpack what is happening in Guinea-Bissau, what it means for ECOWAS and regional democratic norms, and whether West Africa is witnessing another shift away from constitutional democracy, Mpho Sithole spoke to Lassané Ouedraogo, an analyst specialising in Francophone West Africa and international law.

Guinea-Bissau is heading towards a potentially significant constitutional referendum on August 30, less than a year after a military coup disrupted the country's presidential election process. The proposed constitution would significantly strengthen the powers of the presidency.
Under the proposed changes, Parliament would be reduced from 102 to 65 seats, while electoral constituencies would be cut from 29 to 12. Presidential candidates would also be required to prove that they have lived permanently in Guinea-Bissau for the previous five years.
Critics argue that these changes could weaken Parliament, reduce political representation and concentrate power in the presidency, raising broader questions about democratic governance in a region already facing a series of military takeovers.
To unpack what is happening in Guinea-Bissau, what it means for ECOWAS and regional democratic norms, and whether West Africa is witnessing another shift away from constitutional democracy, Mpho Sithole spoke to Lassan&eacute; Ouedraogo, an analyst specialising in Francophone West Africa and international law.

Guinea-Bissau heads to constitutional referendum on August 30

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly difficult for businesses to ignore, companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate that their climate action is measurable, credible and delivering real emissions reductions. One area undergoing significant change is the carbon market, with businesses increasingly exploring tokenised carbon credits that use blockchain technology and real-time data to improve transparency, traceability and verification.

However, beyond the technology, a broader climate question remains: do these systems actually contribute to meaningful emissions reductions, or do they simply make carbon offsetting easier to trade?

Mpho Sithole spoke to Bongiwe Mbunge, Lead Sustainability Partner for Forvis Mazars Africa, to examine how technology is changing carbon markets and whether these innovations can help businesses respond more effectively to climate change.

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly difficult for businesses to ignore, companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate that their climate action is measurable, credible and delivering real emissions reductions. One area undergoing significant change is the carbon market, with businesses increasingly exploring tokenised carbon credits that use blockchain technology and real-time data to improve transparency, traceability and verification.
However, beyond the technology, a broader climate question remains: do these systems actually contribute to meaningful emissions reductions, or do they simply make carbon offsetting easier to trade?
Mpho Sithole spoke to Bongiwe Mbunge, Lead Sustainability Partner for Forvis Mazars Africa, to examine how technology is changing carbon markets and whether these innovations can help businesses respond more effectively to climate change.

Climate change: carbon offsetting

South Africa and Brazil have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with Foreign Ministers Ronald Lamola and Mauro Vieira saying progress is being made in implementing existing agreements.

The Joint Commission served as a platform for the two countries to review their bilateral relations, assess progress in existing areas of cooperation, and explore new opportunities to further strengthen the South Africa-Brazil Strategic Partnership.

Channel Africa's Reporter Michael Mbewe filed this report.

South Africa and Brazil have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with Foreign Ministers Ronald Lamola and Mauro Vieira saying progress is being made in implementing existing agreements.
The Joint Commission served as a platform for the two countries to review their bilateral relations, assess progress in existing areas of cooperation, and explore new opportunities to further strengthen the South Africa-Brazil Strategic Partnership.
Channel Africa's Reporter Michael Mbewe filed this report.

Two-day PAWH 2026 conference kicks off

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