Johannesburg recently hosted the Yale Directors Forum Global Symposium 2026, convened by Yale University's Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.
The gathering brought together cultural heritage leaders, scholars and practitioners from Africa and across the world to exchange knowledge and explore new approaches to preservation. 
Mmatsheko Mosito spoke to  Charlotte Ashamu, Director of International Programs at Yale University's Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage about the symposium's key conversations and what they mean for Africa's cultural heritage.

Johannesburg recently hosted the Yale Directors Forum Global Symposium 2026, convened by Yale University's Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage. The gathering brought together cultural heritage leaders, scholars and practitioners from Africa and across the world to exchange knowledge and explore new approaches to preservation.&nbsp; Mmatsheko Mosito spoke to &nbsp;Charlotte Ashamu, Director of International Programs at Yale University's Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage about the symposium's key conversations and what they mean for Africa's cultural heritage.

Yale Forum Connects Global Leaders to Preserve Cultural Heritage

The 12th African Women Writers’ Symposium took place on 17 and 18 October, at the Soweto Theatre, bringing together writers, academics and literary voices for two days of conversations, workshops, debates and performances.

 A key highlight was the Nadine Gordimer In Memoriam Lecture, delivered by acclaimed South African writer Sisonke Msimang, who explored the question, “What Does It Mean to Love South Africa?”

We spoke to Michelle Myeko Kekana about the significance of this gathering, the legacy of the women who helped shape it, and the role African women writers continue to play in shaping the continent’s stories and public discourse.

The 12th African Women Writers&rsquo; Symposium took place on 17 and 18 October, at the Soweto Theatre, bringing together writers, academics and literary voices for two days of conversations, workshops, debates and performances.
&nbsp;A key highlight was the Nadine Gordimer In Memoriam Lecture, delivered by acclaimed South African writer Sisonke Msimang, who explored the question, &ldquo;What Does It Mean to Love South Africa?&rdquo;
We spoke to Michelle Myeko Kekana about the significance of this gathering, the legacy of the women who helped shape it, and the role African women writers continue to play in shaping the continent&rsquo;s stories and public discourse.

Why do African women’s stories matter?

The Real Shama Melody is a Nigerian Highlife and Bongo musician from Imo State in southeastern Nigeria, known for a sound deeply connected to the musical traditions and cultural identity of the Owerri and Igbo communities.

His music draws from Owerri Bongo, a distinctive indigenous musical tradition from southeastern Nigeria, blending traditional influences with Highlife and contemporary sounds. His work often carries themes of community, identity, life, relationships and the everyday experiences of people, while maintaining a strong connection to the cultural heritage of the region.

The Real Shama Melody is a Nigerian Highlife and Bongo musician from Imo State in southeastern Nigeria, known for a sound deeply connected to the musical traditions and cultural identity of the Owerri and Igbo communities.
His music draws from Owerri Bongo, a distinctive indigenous musical tradition from southeastern Nigeria, blending traditional influences with Highlife and contemporary sounds. His work often carries themes of community, identity, life, relationships and the everyday experiences of people, while maintaining a strong connection to the cultural heritage of the region.

Exploring the roots and cultural memory carried by Nigeria's Owerri Bongo music 

African cinema is gaining global recognition, but recognition alone does not build a sustainable film industry. Behind every successful production is a question that is often less visible: where does the money come from to develop, produce and distribute African stories, and who is willing to take the financial risk?

 

That question was at the centre of the inaugural African Film Investor Roundtable, held in Cape Town in July, bringing together 13 investors, 11 African producers and industry experts to focus on a challenge facing filmmakers across the continent: how to move from talented producers and compelling stories to a film industry that can attract serious, sustainable investment. The discussions included how to reduce risk across the film value chain, structure financing and unlock the value of intellectual property.

 

We spoke to Wakiuru Njuguna, Managing Partner of the HEVA Fund about this.

African cinema is gaining global recognition, but recognition alone does not build a sustainable film industry. Behind every successful production is a question that is often less visible: where does the money come from to develop, produce and distribute African stories, and who is willing to take the financial risk?
&nbsp;
That question was at the centre of the inaugural African Film Investor Roundtable, held in Cape Town in July, bringing together 13 investors, 11 African producers and industry experts to focus on a challenge facing filmmakers across the continent: how to move from talented producers and compelling stories to a film industry that can attract serious, sustainable investment. The discussions included how to reduce risk across the film value chain, structure financing and unlock the value of intellectual property.
&nbsp;
We spoke to Wakiuru Njuguna, Managing Partner of the HEVA Fund about this.

Unpacking the importance of de-risking the film value chain

As African music continues to reach global audiences, a new generation of artists is redefining what it means to preserve culture in a modern world. Among them is Chosi, a contemporary indigenous South African artist whose work blends traditional storytelling, African heritage and indigenous sounds with modern musical expression. Through music, live performance and visual artistry, she is creating work that celebrates African identity while speaking to audiences across cultures. 

As African music continues to reach global audiences, a new generation of artists is redefining what it means to preserve culture in a modern world. Among them is Chosi, a contemporary indigenous South African artist whose work blends traditional storytelling, African heritage and indigenous sounds with modern musical expression. Through music, live performance and visual artistry, she is creating work that celebrates African identity while speaking to audiences across cultures.&nbsp;

Chosi on preserving heritage, challenging perceptions and proving that cultural authenticity can thrive on the global stage

Farmers Pride International is exploring an agriculture based cluster model in Botswana that seeks to connect farmers with processing, manufacturing, research, technology and markets, with the ambition of turning high value crops into entire industries.

 

Moringa, turmeric, ginger and Devil’s Claw are among the crops being positioned as potential drivers of value addition, employment, rural development and new export opportunities.

 

The idea is to move beyond exporting raw agricultural products and instead build value chains that create businesses and jobs around everything from processing and packaging to product development and distribution. We spoke to Elfas Zadzagomo, Executive President of Farmers Pride International.

Farmers Pride International is exploring an agriculture based cluster model in Botswana that seeks to connect farmers with processing, manufacturing, research, technology and markets, with the ambition of turning high value crops into entire industries.
&nbsp;
Moringa, turmeric, ginger and Devil&rsquo;s Claw are among the crops being positioned as potential drivers of value addition, employment, rural development and new export opportunities.
&nbsp;
The idea is to move beyond exporting raw agricultural products and instead build value chains that create businesses and jobs around everything from processing and packaging to product development and distribution. We spoke to Elfas Zadzagomo, Executive President of Farmers Pride International.

How high value crops can become the foundation for a new generation of African bio industries

As Mandela Month slowly draws to a close, we look at whether we should be thinking differently about mentorship and how we can turn it from a once-off gesture into a lasting commitment to the next generation.

We spoke to Nyawa Dikwayo,Managing Director of NTG Solutions.

As Mandela Month slowly draws to a close, we look at whether we should be thinking differently about mentorship and how we can turn it from a once-off gesture into a lasting commitment to the next generation.
We spoke to&nbsp;Nyawa Dikwayo,Managing Director of NTG Solutions.

Rethinking mentorship as a long-term investment in people rather than a once-off intervention

We're asking a question that seems to be showing up everywhere, in our friendships, our families, our workplaces and even our romantic relationships: Have we become too quick to walk away?

This generation is often praised for setting boundaries, protecting its peace and refusing to tolerate unhealthy relationships.

But at the same time, some argue that we've become far less willing to work through conflict, discomfort or disagreement. Instead of having difficult conversations, are we choosing to cut people off too easily?

And in protecting ourselves, could we also be losing opportunities for growth, healing and deeper human connection?

We spoke to Thobile "Tops" Mkhwanazi, conversationalist and woman advocate at Sisterhood Connect

We're asking a question that seems to be showing up everywhere, in our friendships, our families, our workplaces and even our romantic relationships: Have we become too quick to walk away?
This generation is often praised for setting boundaries, protecting its peace and refusing to tolerate unhealthy relationships.
But at the same time, some argue that we've become far less willing to work through conflict, discomfort or disagreement. Instead of having difficult conversations, are we choosing to cut people off too easily?
And in protecting ourselves, could we also be losing opportunities for growth, healing and deeper human connection?
We spoke to&nbsp;Thobile "Tops" Mkhwanazi, conversationalist and woman advocate at Sisterhood Connect

What social and cultural shifts have contributed to the growing culture of not working through conflict?

More Africans are choosing to reclaim indigenous names, with some opting to move away from the Christian or European names they were given and reconnect with names rooted in their own cultures and traditions. This is not necessarily about rejecting other naming traditions, but rather about rediscovering the meaning, history and heritage carried by African names.

What do names reveal about our histories, values and the communities from which we come? As interest in cultural identity and heritage continues to grow, many people are revisiting the significance of names as an important expression of belonging and self-understanding.

Mpho Sithole spoke to Mkhulu Nobamba Zulu, founder of the Kwa-Nobamba Family Spiritual and Mental Wellness Institute, and Asabi Olorunniyi, a cultural consultant from Nigeria.

More Africans are choosing to reclaim indigenous names, with some opting to move away from the Christian or European names they were given and reconnect with names rooted in their own cultures and traditions. This is not necessarily about rejecting other naming traditions, but rather about rediscovering the meaning, history and heritage carried by African names.
What do names reveal about our histories, values and the communities from which we come? As interest in cultural identity and heritage continues to grow, many people are revisiting the significance of names as an important expression of belonging and self-understanding.
Mpho Sithole spoke to Mkhulu Nobamba Zulu, founder of the Kwa-Nobamba Family Spiritual and Mental Wellness Institute, and Asabi Olorunniyi, a cultural consultant from Nigeria.

More Africans reclaim indigenous names as interest in cultural identity grows

There is a growing conversation about the hidden cost of achievement: the pressure to keep performing, the difficulty of setting boundaries, and the tendency to measure self-worth by productivity and accomplishments.

Many high-achieving professionals appear successful on paper, with strong careers, financial stability and professional recognition. Yet behind that success, some may be grappling with exhaustion, stress, burnout, anxiety and a lack of fulfilment. The constant pursuit of the next goal can leave little room for rest, reflection or personal wellbeing.

As workplaces become increasingly demanding and connected, questions are being raised about whether exhaustion is simply the price of ambition, or whether society has misunderstood what sustainable success should look like. Experts argue that long-term success requires balancing achievement with mental health, meaningful relationships and personal wellbeing.

To unpack these issues, Mpho Sithole spoke to Pepe Minambo, Business Strategy Specialist and Human Resource Consultant specialising in Organisational Culture Transformation.

There is a growing conversation about the hidden cost of achievement: the pressure to keep performing, the difficulty of setting boundaries, and the tendency to measure self-worth by productivity and accomplishments.
Many high-achieving professionals appear successful on paper, with strong careers, financial stability and professional recognition. Yet behind that success, some may be grappling with exhaustion, stress, burnout, anxiety and a lack of fulfilment. The constant pursuit of the next goal can leave little room for rest, reflection or personal wellbeing.
As workplaces become increasingly demanding and connected, questions are being raised about whether exhaustion is simply the price of ambition, or whether society has misunderstood what sustainable success should look like. Experts argue that long-term success requires balancing achievement with mental health, meaningful relationships and personal wellbeing.
To unpack these issues, Mpho Sithole spoke to Pepe Minambo, Business Strategy Specialist and Human Resource Consultant specialising in Organisational Culture Transformation.

Why high-achieving professionals can be thriving on paper but struggling in real life

The Journal, with Mmatsheko Mosito is a human-interest platform that explores the stories shaping our world through a thoughtful, solutions-oriented lens.

The show brings together voices from across sectors in policy, agriculture, arts, health, youth development, and beyond to unpack issues that matter to everyday people.

With a distinct tone that is both grounded and reflective, The Journal goes beyond headlines to examine the deeper context, lived experiences, and long-term implications of today’s conversations.

It creates space for meaningful dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and perspective-building, while amplifying African voices and narratives on a global stage.

At its core, the show is about connection, connecting ideas to action, people to purpose, and audiences to a more conscious understanding of the world around them.

The Journal, with Mmatsheko Mosito is a human-interest platform that explores the stories shaping our world through a thoughtful, solutions-oriented lens.
The show brings together voices from across sectors in policy, agriculture, arts, health, youth development, and beyond&nbsp;to unpack issues that matter to everyday people.
With a distinct tone that is both grounded and reflective, The Journal goes beyond headlines to examine the deeper context, lived experiences, and long-term implications of today&rsquo;s conversations.
It creates space for meaningful dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and perspective-building, while amplifying African voices and narratives on a global stage.
At its core, the show is about connection, connecting ideas to action, people to purpose, and audiences to a more conscious understanding of the world around them.

The Journal

Social links:

61 clip(s)