On the move

We often talk about access to schooling for children with learning challenges but far less about what happens after the school gates close for the last time. Across Africa, many children with autism and other learning differences spend years in structured school environments, only to step into adulthood with very little guidance or opportunity. Employment, independence, social life - these are often left to families to figure out on their own. What does adulthood actually look like for African children with learning challenges once formal schooling ends?  We spoke to Kelly Eyre, Quality and Pedagogy Lead at Dibber International South Africa and Lindiwe Ndlovu, Mother to three boys on the Autism spectrum.

Survival skills such as situational awareness, self-defense techniques, emergency escape strategies, and knowledge of basic first aid are increasingly being recognized as essential. These practices are no longer confined to law enforcement or military training but are being adopted by ordinary individuals as part of their lifestyle. We spoke to Ebrahim Hoosen, Director of Flomotion about how people and communities should adjust their daily lives to hostage and hostage- like threats.

We live in a world that often glorifies early success and those who achieve later in life are frequently judged against rigid timelines, whether in career, relationships, education, or personal milestones. We spoke to Transformational Life & Career Coach, Elin Agodi about uncovering the strength that comes with finding one’s rhythm at the right time.

Are people oversharing pain online for validation or are we confusing vulnerability with performance? We spoke to Siphesihle Dlamini, Clinical Psychologist and Asabi Olorinniyi, cultural consultant and media personality.

Are people oversharing pain online for validation or are we confusing vulnerability with performance? We spoke to Siphesihle Dlamini, Clinical Psychologist and Asabi Olorinniyi, cultural consultant and media personality...

We often hear the saying, “In life, not every argument needs a response, and not every hill is worth dying on.” Whether at home, at work, or in relationships, learning to choose your battles wisely is one of the most underrated yet powerful life skills. In this discussion, we unpack the emotional, cultural, and psychological aspects of discernment,  knowing when to speak up, when to stay silent, and when to walk away altogether. Is it a matter of maturity, strategy, or self-preservation? Life coach Grace Edibo joins us to explore this further.

Energy healing is a holistic practice that involves working with the body’s natural energy field to restore balance, promote healing, and support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  The basic idea is that we all have a life force or vital energy flowing through us. When that energy becomes blocked, disturbed, or unbalanced, it can lead to illness, emotional distress, or a general sense of feeling off.  Ashika Pillay, certified energy medicine practitioner elaborates...

Thabiso Shongwe known as 'Ketrus Levibe' is a hip-hop Swati Trap musician from Mpumalanga, eSwatini. Palesa Tau and Benjamin Tshimologo Moshatama spoke to him about his journey in music and this unique music genre...

Stefan Moritz, Secretary General of EU European Entrepreneurs, CEA-PME previewed the 3rd EU-African SME Summit which took place for the very first time on African soil, from June 19th to 21st, 2025, at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. This landmark event brought together around 200 entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and policymakers from across Africa and Europe.

Whether it’s for health reasons, environmental concerns, spiritual beliefs, or animal welfare, more and more people are choosing to put plants at the center of their plates. But what does it actually mean to go vegetarian, especially in an African context where meat often plays a big role in meals? And how can families make the shift without sacrificing taste or nutrition?

The 3rd EU-African SME Summit took place for the very first time on African soil  from June 19th to 21st, 2025, at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. This landmark event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and policymakers from across Africa and Europe. It was an opportunity to spark collaboration, unlock investment, and position Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of Africa’s development. Alassane Ndiaye, SME Capacity Building Consultant for Afreximbank is an Organizing partner of the summit...

The 3rd EU-African SME Summit took place for the very first time on African soil  from June 19th to 21st, 2025, at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. This landmark event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and policymakers from across Africa and Europe. It was an opportunity to spark collaboration, unlock investment, and position Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of Africa’s development. We spoke to Kholeka Nkombi,  Founding CEO at Makeda Legacy Group about the importance of women owned businesses to plug into such events...

The 3rd EU-African SME Summit took place for the very first time on African soil  from June 19th to 21st, 2025, at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. This landmark event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and policymakers from across Africa and Europe.It was an opportunity to spark collaboration, unlock investment, and position Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of Africa’s development.   We spoke to Paolo Campegiani, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Bit4id about his participation at the summit.

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020, many countries reported high levels of vaccine hesitancy among younger population groups. Negative healthcare experiences and general distrust of government have cultivated vaccine hesitancy across Africa. Misleading information about vaccine side-effects on social media adds to this challenge. This hesitancy continues today. A 2024 study on adolescents and young adults (aged 10 to 35) in sub-Saharan Africa found a vaccine acceptance rate of just 38.7%. Dr. Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun,Research Associate at University of the Western Cape joined us to unpack the findings of the report  carried out among 165 young adults in Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia, which sought to establish what could be done to help improve future vaccine acceptance, inform campaigns and prepare for future public health responses.

Transgender and nonbinary people experience higher levels of stress due to societal challenges. As such, finding joy can be a powerful tool in maintaining mental and physical health. Trans joy refers to the happiness, euphoria, and positive emotions experienced by transgender and gender diverse individuals, often as a result of embracing their true selves and finding community and belonging. It's a concept that counters the common narrative of trans experiences being solely defined by struggle and hardship, highlighting the positive aspects of being trans. We spoke to two trangender women, Yaya Mavundla and Iyanda Ndlovu about what trans joy means to members of the trans community and how to find gender euphoria during a transition.

Relationship experts say an increasing number of brilliant, high-achieving women are choosing partners who may not match them on paper,  in education, income, or prestige but who bring something arguably more powerful and that is emotional intelligence, support, and a calm partner to share life with and this phenomenon is called hypergamy These women are rewriting the rulebook: they're prioritizing being understood, feeling celebrated, and finding peace at home after competitive days in the workplace. We spoke to relationship counselor, Frank Edem Adofoli.

We’ve all seen the posts. The hashtags. The online campaigns. But the question is… are we changing the world, or just scrolling through it? Is Gen Z all talk and no action? We spoke to communications and PR expert, Lorato Tshenkeng who believes that digital activism is making waves and human rights activist, William Baloyi who says we need to stop confusing likes with leadership.

Across Africa, millions of people still go to bed hungry, not because there isn't enough food, but because there isn’t enough access to it. In communities battling rising costs, unemployment, and food insecurity, food banks have become a lifeline, restoring dignity, boosting nutrition, and offering hope one meal at a time. Food banks are community-driven organizations or hubs that collect, store, and distribute food to individuals and families who are food insecure. The Root & Rise Foundation continuously calls on communities in Zimbabwe to support its open-donation Food Bank- part of their powerful mission to feed six thousand people, ensuring that vulnerable families don’t just survive, but thrive. We spoke to the foundation's founder, Solomon Zawe and Kefilwe Moalosi, Food and Nutrition Specialist at the African Union Development Agency.

For many men, the pressure to perform, at work, at home, and in society can push mental health to the back burner. But the cost? It shows up in every part of life. Joining us is occupational therapist Nasreen Cariem, who brings deep insight into how these mental health challenges impact daily functioning and more importantly, how men can take practical steps to restore balance, resilience, and a sense of purpose. We spoke to Occupational Therapist, Nasreen Cariem.

For young artists, exposure is everything. Being seen, heard, and taken seriously in professional spaces can be the difference between a fleeting interest and a lifelong career. That’s why events like the upcoming Roedean Art Fair, running from 19 to 21 June matter. Students won’t just be displaying their work, they’ll be learning how the art world functions, how to price and position their work, and how to navigate an industry that can often feel out of reach for newcomers. We spoke to Lindi Dlamini, Executive Director of Roedean School South Africa.

You’ve probably heard people talking about falling birth rates and fears of a population collapse It’s actually not that people don’t want kids. In fact, most do. The real challenge is that rising living costs, unfair gender expectations, and uncertainty about the future are making it really hard for many folks to start or grow their families the way they want. Yesterday, the UNFPA launched the State of World Population 2025 report and it found that birth rates are falling because people are unable to have the children they want. The report describes this as a real fertility crisis. We spoke to Kenneth Juma, an epidemiologist and senior research officer within the sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health unit at the African Population and Health Research Center in Kenya...

Childhood games are a universal language, something you will find in every city, town and village throughout the world. And while they may differ depending on where you might find yourself playing, they’re all connected by their power to connect.   You may have found yourself thinking about a childhood favourite game you once loved but stopped playing as you grew up and life got busier. Experts say for many, returning to childhood hobbies and games is more than a new form of entertainment but rather an escape from daily stressors. We talk to Theophilus Chabalala, Chairperson of WOMan (Well- Organised Man), an NPO that uses the power of sports to foster social change and uplift communities and Sports and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Keitumetse Mashego about the importance of adult play...  

As part of the First Thursdays On Loveday programme, a groundbreaking group exhibition has just opened at the Weedlovers Market in Johannesburg. Titled ‘Past, Present and Future’, this evocative exhibition, curated by Khaya Madungandaba and presented by Express:ON, invites us to reckon with our country’s journey since 1994. From the painful legacies of apartheid to the struggles of today, and into a future imagined through the eyes of our children. This is more than an exhibition. It’s a conversation. A confrontation. A collective dream.

Whether it’s a child’s first day of preschool, a caregiver heading back to work, or even just leaving a little one with a trusted family member, separation anxiety can be an emotional rollercoaster for both child and parent. The tears, the guilt, the clinginess-it’s a natural part of development, but that doesn’t make it easy. So how do we navigate these moments with empathy, patience, and the right support? What’s normal and when should we be concerned? We spoke to Dr. Carol Chakua, Psychologist and Parent Coach.

Wi-Fi and data have become everyday essentials in many South African households, providing connectivity to the world through entertainment, social media, and global news. For many, these offer relief from daily stress  but they’ve also fuelled a surge in household subscription costs. Standard Bank data shows subscription spending has risen sharply, eating into disposable income. This lifestyle inflation, including growing subscription costs, can shrink disposable income and delay emergency savings, the bank says. We spoke to Mehmood Essop, the Head of Money Management and Advisory Value Propositions at Standard Bank.

The rare form of diabetes is believed to affect about 25 million people globally, and is caused by malnutrition-induced low insulin production among lean and malnourished teenagers and young adults in low and middle-income households. According to experts, the IDF’s recognition of it as ‘Type 5 diabetes’ is an important step toward raising awareness of a health problem that is so devastating to so many people. We spoke to Dr. Chris van Straten, Global Health Advisor of Clinical Governance at International SOS and Dr. Patrick Ngassa Piotie, public health expert and Chairperson Diabetes Alliance.

South African Multi-Award Winning  Broadcaster, Ntombi Meso struggled to fit into traditional beauty standards from a young age, recalling the sting of being called umnyamane ( meaning the black onebin IsizlZulu), a word that left deep emotional scars. As a dark-skinned girl growing up, the constant portrayal of lighter skin as the standard of beauty in the media made her feel invisible and unworthy. The multi-talented broadcaster who has a wealth of experience in the broadcasting industry has now flipped the script with her new children's book, "I Am Lovely and Dark." We sat down with her to talk about what colourism looks like at home and in our communities, how to raise our children to love the skin they are in and the release of her children's book.

Today, many young parents are choosing gentler, more informed approaches to raising children but they’re doing so under the watchful eyes of those who believe that the ‘old way’ worked just fine. What happens when your parenting style clashes with that of your own parents or in-laws? We explore this with Natalee Holmes, Director & Founder of Conscious Connections.

Generations of Africans have inherited more than land and language, they’ve inherited trauma. The anxiety of displacement, the depression of loss, the internalized shame of racial oppression -these legacies live on, often unnoticed, in our behaviors, relationships, and even our silences. In societies where therapy is still taboo and pain is often spiritualized, many continue to suffer in invisible ways. Today, we ask: What happens when trauma isn’t healed, but passed down? How do we reckon with the emotional debris of a violent past? And what does collective healing look like for a continent still grappling with its past? We spoke to Clinical Psychologist, Lewis Karanja. 

Money matters don’t just impact our wallets -they reveal character, values, and boundaries. In close relationships, whether romantic or platonic, financial dynamics can often be a window into deeper issues like manipulation, entitlement, or a lack of respect. From guilt-tripping over loans to always expecting you to foot the bill, these red flags may seem small at first but can grow into major problems if left unchecked. We unpack the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that your trust and finances may be getting exploited in the name of love or loyalty with Sharon Bwanya, Founder and MD of Red Couch Advisory, a premier boutique advisory firm for Southern African businesses and entrepreneurs.

In a bid to combat the rising health risk posed by hypertension during pregnancy, Dr Rogers Mmabatswa, an Obstetrician-gynecologist based in South Africa’s capital city-Pretoria is launching a dedicated awareness campaign on educating pregnant women and their families about the dangers of high blood pressure and the importance of early detection and care. Hypertension, or high blood pressure affects 10% of pregnancies worldwide and is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal complications including preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight.

We’re stepping into the world of raw power and determination, far from glossy gyms and protein shakes, deep in the heart of Africa’s villages. With homemade weights, rusty iron, and unshakable drive, African village bodybuilders and fitness gurus are redefining what it means to be fit, strong, and self-made. We explore how this grassroots fitness movement is inspiring a new generation, promoting health, and lifting communities with Jesse Besse, a Liberian Certified International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation Trainer and fitness influencer who promotes African culture through fitness.

The phrase “indoda ayikhali” is a well-known isiZulu proverb  in South Africa that translates to “a man does not cry.” It reflects a deeply entrenched cultural belief in many African societies and others around the world that men must be stoic, emotionally reserved, and tough in the face of hardship. This expression has historically been used to teach boys to suppress vulnerability and emotional expression, especially sadness or fear. We debated the emotional upbringing of boys in 2025 with Musa Mseleku, traditionalist, polygamist and public figure, MKhulu Nobamba Zulu, founder Kwa-Nobamba Family Spiritual and Mental Wellness Institute and McDonald Thato Rametse, founder of Pakgama Learning and Mentorship Hub.

Culture steers women, from day one of their lives, toward motherhood. Despite all the gains women have made, they still face enormous pressure and expectations to become mothers.  A childfree woman is often viewed as “unnatural” or “selfish,” and it is typically assumed that something went wrong over the course of her life that caused her to turn her back on her reproductive destiny. Many childfree women feel stigmatized, misunderstood, and alone. We spoke to Clinical Psychologist, Charity Mkone and Jean-Marc Groenewald, who together with his wife made a decision to be child free.  

In today’s connected world, African professionals are making bold moves, stepping into global roles, joining international companies, and contributing to cross-continental teams. But with opportunity often comes a quiet tension: the clash of cultures, the unspoken rules, and the need to ‘fit in’ while holding on to who you are. From greetings and dress codes, to communication styles and even lunch choices, African identity often meets global expectations in ways that are both enriching and, at times, exhausting. We unpack the real-life experiences of Africans navigating diversity, inclusion, and sometimes subtle exclusion in multinational workplaces with diversity expert, Asanda Ngoasheng.

With living on your own being so costly, opting to share a flat or a house has become the new norm. But as normal as it is for many people, it can be difficult if you share a space with someone who does not have basic space- sharing etiquette. People have different personalities and different backgrounds that can cause problems when living together. To avoid any misunderstandings we get tips from founder and Director at the South African Etiquette Academy, Riandi Conradie.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) has implemented a trauma-informed approach to education, which has shown significant positive impact on learners' academic and emotional well-being.  Dumisani Tshabalala, Head of Academics at OWLAG, highlights the critical need for teachers to receive trauma-informed training to effectively support learners who have experienced trauma.

What happens to a child’s emotional development when they’re busy raising a family instead of simply being a kid? And how do we break the cycle? We spoke to Edivic Vivian Kakiiki, clinical Psychology trainee working with children dealing with trauma about the impact of parentification.

Over the years, some educationists in the African continent and abroad have called for a rethink on how much homework children are given, with some saying that homework should be done away with because they should be taught what they need to know in the classroom. There are parents and educators who support this practice but there are also those who are not in favour of making learners do extra school work at home. There are even some countries that implement a no homework policy. We asked Janine Hammond, the Western Cape Manager for Club Engage, Obert Masaraure, National President of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and Educational Psychologist, Professor Ramodungoane Tabane.

The African continent boasts a wealth of natural resources, and among its hidden treasures are a myriad of superfoods and other medicinal plants that have been integral to traditional practices for centuries. These foods have been overlooked for years but are now becoming more popular as experts shed more light on their benefits. We explore some of the nutritional and healing treasures that lie within the continent’s varied ecosystems with Mbali Mapholi, Registered Dietician. 

Now more than ever, we’re witnessing powerful shifts in how leadership is defined, moving away from rigid, hierarchical models to ones rooted in empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity. At the heart of this transformation lies feminist leadership, a form of leadership that challenges traditional power dynamics, centres lived experiences, and strives to dismantle inequality in all its forms. How do we navigate that identity in spaces that don’t always welcome it? And what qualities distinguish feminist leaders from the rest? We spoke to Kaata Minah, a feminist and educator from Sierra Leone.

According to reports, Google has warned remote workers at several units across the company to return to the office or else lose their jobs. Google says the company’s push to get remote workers back into the office are focused on specific individual teams and do not represent a blanket policy. Several executives and leaders have said they believe productivity increases when workers are in the office together, while others hope to increase in-person collaboration. Even some CEOs who previously praised the flexibility of remote work have backpedaled. We spoke to HR Specialist in Namibia, Andrea Zimba about this...

We change, our opinions, personalities, careers, friends, and much more. But people often wonder: Is change possible in an abuser? In discussing why abusers abuse , it’s clear that a lot of the causal factors behind these behaviors are learned attitudes and feelings of entitlement and privilege, which can be extremely difficult to truly change. We asked Clinical and Sports Psychologist Dr. Keitumetse Mashego if abusers ever change...

From extravagant celebrations to the pressure of meeting societal expectations, African weddings often come with a hefty price tag.   But with rich traditions at stake, some wonder if the cost is truly worth it or if it's driving couples into a financial bind. We spoke to Mabutla Innocentia Modiba, Owner and Director of InnoVative EventZ, a trailblazer in the field of event planning, Professor Sihawukele Ngubane, Cultural Expert and Pastor Segun Bisi Olatunji...

Across the African continent, women have long been the pillars of strength in families, villages, and cities. But in a world that often challenges women socially, economically, and emotionally, how do you draw strength not just from within, but from each other? We explore how community support can be a powerful force for healing, growth, and lasting resilience  especially for African women navigating layered challenges with PR executive and TEDx Organiser, Linda Mupupa..

Something surprising is happening: a return to the hobbies we once dismissed as “uncool” or “old-fashioned”. Knitting circles, community gardens, and book clubs are thriving.  Gen Z is baking sourdough bread, birdwatching, and crocheting bucket hats and posting about it on TikTok. Why? Because science (and our ancestors) were right all along: we need community like plants need sunlight. So we are relearning what grandmas always knew: hobbies aren’t just hobbies, they’re lifelines to a regulated state of mindfulness.  We spoke to a recent arts school graduate, Tali Lehr-Sacks. She specialises in felting, knitting and crocheting.

South Africa (SA) boasts the largest and most successful animation sector in Africa. Known for its diverse range of styles and mediums, the country has earned international acclaim, attracting partnerships with global clients. From animated series to feature films, South African studios are delivering high-quality productions that reflect their unique cultural narratives while adhering to global standards. We  unpack the state of animation in South Africa with Joel Matladi, Managing Director of Blacknative Media.

A groundbreaking cultural initiative will bring together 20 emerging and established artists from South Africa and Tanzania to exchange artworks, fostering cross-border dialogue and market access.  Running throughout Africa Month (May), the inaugural International Print Portfolio Exchange Exhibition, will debut in Johannesburg before traveling to Dar es Salaam, offering artists unprecedented exposure to international audiences and collectors. We spoke to Molefe Thwala, co-founder of TACS Studio to talk about this landmark cultural collaboration.

Mtwana has released a new single titled African queen and we caught up with him to talk about the new single, upcoming projects and the big decision of relocating to the city of gold Johannesburg. Xhanti (TJ) Mtwana, 26 years of age goes by the stage name Mtwana. He is a Pop & R&B singer-songwriter born and raised in Kuils River, Cape Town, South Africa.

In 2022, a Professor at South Africa's (SA) University of Cape Town, Amrita Pande, started hosting Women Walk at (Almost) Midnight. The walking group started relatively small and has recently grown into more than 100 participants. The walks are challenging patriarchal norms and creating safe, inclusive space for women to exercise their right to freedom of movement.  These walks were inspired by similar walks in New Delhi several years ago. We spoke to Prof. Pande about this initiative.