As democracies across the world face rising political polarization, declining public confidence, and growing pressure on institutions, one question is becoming increasingly urgent: how resilient are our democratic systems really? From elections and parliaments to courts and the media, institutions meant to uphold accountability are being tested by misinformation, inequality, governance failures, and public frustration.

Yet at the same time, citizens, particularly young people continue demanding greater transparency, participation, and responsiveness from those in power.

 We spoke to, Olufunto Akinduro, Senior Adviser of Electoral Processes for Africa and West Asia at International IDEA.

As democracies across the world face rising political polarization, declining public confidence, and growing pressure on institutions, one question is becoming increasingly urgent: how resilient are our democratic systems really? From elections and parliaments to courts and the media, institutions meant to uphold accountability are being tested by misinformation, inequality, governance failures, and public frustration.
Yet at the same time, citizens, particularly young people continue demanding greater transparency, participation, and responsiveness from those in power.
&nbsp;We spoke to,&nbsp;Olufunto Akinduro, Senior Adviser of Electoral Processes for Africa and West Asia at International IDEA.

What democratic resilience means in today’s climate and what it will take to rebuild public confidence in democratic systems for the future

As Africa marks Africa Day, the continent finds itself reflecting not only on its progress, but also on the promises made in 1963 when African leaders united to form the Organisation of African Unity. It was a bold vision built on Pan-Africanism, liberation, economic independence, and the dream of a continent united by a shared future.

More than six decades later, however, difficult questions remain. At the same time, many argue that Africa’s story is also one of resilience, innovation, cultural power, and a young generation determined to shape a different future.

We interrogate the state of the continent, the legacy of Pan-Africanism, and whether African leadership has truly honoured the dream of 1963 with Prof. Adekeye Adebajo, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria in South Africa and Author.

As Africa marks Africa Day, the continent finds itself reflecting not only on its progress, but also on the promises made in 1963 when African leaders united to form the Organisation of African Unity. It was a bold vision built on Pan-Africanism, liberation, economic independence, and the dream of a continent united by a shared future.
More than six decades later, however, difficult questions remain. At the same time, many argue that Africa&rsquo;s story is also one of resilience, innovation, cultural power, and a young generation determined to shape a different future.
We interrogate the state of the continent, the legacy of Pan-Africanism, and whether African leadership has truly honoured the dream of 1963 with Prof. Adekeye Adebajo, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria in South Africa and Author.

More than six decades later, what does meaningful African unity actually look like?

For many postgraduate students, academic writing can feel overwhelming, from developing a research topic and structuring arguments to navigating supervision, deadlines and critical analysis.

While universities often expect students to arrive with these skills, many are still trying to figure out how to write clearly, think critically and conduct meaningful research at postgraduate level. At the same time, the rise of digital tools and AI is changing how students engage with information, research and writing itself.

We spoke to Dr. Farai Mlambo,  Senior Lecturer of Digital Business at the Wits Business School and author of A Survival Guide for Every Postgraduate Journey.

For many postgraduate students, academic writing can feel overwhelming, from developing a research topic and structuring arguments to navigating supervision, deadlines and critical analysis.
While universities often expect students to arrive with these skills, many are still trying to figure out how to write clearly, think critically and conduct meaningful research at postgraduate level. At the same time, the rise of digital tools and AI is changing how students engage with information, research and writing itself.
We spoke to Dr. Farai Mlambo,&nbsp; Senior Lecturer of Digital Business at the Wits Business School and author of&nbsp;A Survival Guide for Every Postgraduate Journey.

The Practice: Why do so many postgraduate students still struggle with academic writing and critical thinking?

A proposed African Charter on Family Values, Rights and Freedoms currently under discussion within the African Union is raising alarm among human rights advocates, legal scholars, and civil society groups across the continent. The draft charter, championed by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights alongside conservative advocacy groups, aims to promote what it describes as “traditional family values” rooted in African culture and morality.

Supporters say the proposal is necessary to protect African identity, preserve cultural norms, and strengthen the institution of the family. Critics, however, warn that some of its provisions could be used to justify discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, limit reproductive and women’s rights, and weaken existing constitutional and human rights protections under the guise of protecting culture and tradition.

We examined why critics believe the proposed charter could have far-reaching implications for rights and freedoms across the continent with Dr. Nicola Jearey-Graham, Senior Researcher of Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction at Rhodes University.

A proposed African Charter on Family Values, Rights and Freedoms currently under discussion within the African Union is raising alarm among human rights advocates, legal scholars, and civil society groups across the continent. The draft charter, championed by the African Commission on Human and Peoples&rsquo; Rights alongside conservative advocacy groups, aims to promote what it describes as &ldquo;traditional family values&rdquo; rooted in African culture and morality.
Supporters say the proposal is necessary to protect African identity, preserve cultural norms, and strengthen the institution of the family. Critics, however, warn that some of its provisions could be used to justify discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, limit reproductive and women&rsquo;s rights, and weaken existing constitutional and human rights protections under the guise of protecting culture and tradition.
We examined why critics believe the proposed charter could have far-reaching implications for rights and freedoms across the continent with Dr. Nicola Jearey-Graham, Senior Researcher of Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction at Rhodes University.

Understanding the African Charter on Family Values, Rights and Freedoms

More and more people are turning to short-term rentals and platforms like Airbnb as a pathway into entrepreneurship, tourism, and property investment. Social media is filled with stories of hosts generating passive income, building hospitality brands, and transforming ordinary apartments into profitable businesses.

 

But behind the success stories lies a more complicated reality. Questions around oversaturation, rising operational costs, tourism fluctuations, regulation, safety, and profitability are beginning to emerge. 

 

We explored whether short-term rentals are still a viable business model on the continent and what aspiring hosts need to understand before entering the market with hospitality and rental entrepreneur, Tshidi Siyila.

More and more people are turning to short-term rentals and platforms like Airbnb as a pathway into entrepreneurship, tourism, and property investment. Social media is filled with stories of hosts generating passive income, building hospitality brands, and transforming ordinary apartments into profitable businesses.
&nbsp;
But behind the success stories lies a more complicated reality. Questions around oversaturation, rising operational costs, tourism fluctuations, regulation, safety, and profitability are beginning to emerge.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We explored whether short-term rentals are still a viable business model on the continent and what aspiring hosts need to understand before entering the market with hospitality and rental entrepreneur, Tshidi Siyila.

The Practice:  What separates profitable Airbnb listings from those that struggle to get bookings?

Agriculture in the African continent is starting to look very different and a lot more interesting. Farms are no longer just about production; they’re becoming places where people go to learn, unwind, eat, explore, and reconnect with nature. That shift has given rise to agritourism, a growing space where farming meets experience.

 

Naledi Farm in the east of Johannesburg, South Africa, founded by Manti and Samuel Maifadi sits right in that evolution. It blends farming with storytelling, food experiences, wellness, and hands-on learning, turning the farm into a destination rather than just a workplace.

 

What began as a creative idea rooted in African language and storytelling has grown into a living, working space that invites people to experience land in a more interactive way.

Agriculture in the African continent is starting to look very different and a lot more interesting. Farms are no longer just about production; they&rsquo;re becoming places where people go to learn, unwind, eat, explore, and reconnect with nature. That shift has given rise to agritourism, a growing space where farming meets experience.
&nbsp;
Naledi Farm in the east of Johannesburg, South Africa, founded by Manti and Samuel Maifadi sits right in that evolution. It blends farming with storytelling, food experiences, wellness, and hands-on learning, turning the farm into a destination rather than just a workplace.
&nbsp;
What began as a creative idea rooted in African language and storytelling has grown into a living, working space that invites people to experience land in a more interactive way.

Agritourism is changing what a working farm is in Africa today

For many parents and carers, one of the most difficult parts of raising teenagers is navigating conversations around sex, curiosity, boundaries, relationships, and online exposure. Often, these conversations only happen after a moment of shock, discovering explicit content on a child’s phone, overhearing conversations, or realising a teenager is exploring sexuality in ways adults feel unprepared for.

 

Family Sex and Relationship Educator, Akinyi Emily Ochieng says the challenge for many parents is understanding what is developmentally normal, what may be harmful and how to respond without fear and shame.

For many parents and carers, one of the most difficult parts of raising teenagers is navigating conversations around sex, curiosity, boundaries, relationships, and online exposure. Often, these conversations only happen after a moment of shock, discovering explicit content on a child&rsquo;s phone, overhearing conversations, or realising a teenager is exploring sexuality in ways adults feel unprepared for.
&nbsp;
Family Sex and Relationship Educator, Akinyi Emily Ochieng says the challenge for many parents is understanding what is developmentally normal, what may be harmful and how to respond without fear and shame.

What is considered normal sexual curiosity and exploration during adolescence?

As debates around energy, development and sustainability intensify across South Africa (SA), questions are also being raised about power, representation, and whose voices are truly being heard in climate decision-making. 

Fossil Ad Ban Advocacy Campaigner at Fossil Free SA, Noxolo Mfocwa recently explored this in a thought-provoking article examining how fossil fuel narratives can undermine meaningful consent and environmental justice in SA. 

We unpacked the contents of the article with her. 

As debates around energy, development and sustainability intensify across South Africa (SA), questions are also being raised about power, representation, and whose voices are truly being heard in climate decision-making.&nbsp;
Fossil Ad Ban Advocacy Campaigner at Fossil Free SA, Noxolo Mfocwa recently explored this in a thought-provoking article examining how fossil fuel narratives can undermine meaningful consent and environmental justice in SA.&nbsp;
We unpacked the contents of the article with her.&nbsp;

Fossil fuel narratives shape the way ordinary South Africans understand climate and energy discussions?

Previously on Unfiltered, we opened a conversation that asked difficult but necessary questions about how we see ourselves, the stories we inherit, the pressures we carry, and the silent ways in which identity can be shaped or shaken.

In Part 2 of that conversation, we went deeper.  We turned inward, to focus on restoring our relationship with ourselves, rebuilding self-worth, and exploring what cultural healing truly looks like in a time where many are still navigating fragmentation, expectation, and emotional fatigue.

Because beyond society, beyond systems, and beyond history, there is the self. And the question becomes: how do we come back home to who we are?

We unpacked this with Thobile and Nikiwe Mkhwanazi from Sisterhood Connect.

Previously on Unfiltered, we opened a conversation that asked difficult but necessary questions about how we see ourselves, the stories we inherit, the pressures we carry, and the silent ways in which identity can be shaped or shaken.
In Part 2 of that conversation, we went deeper. &nbsp;We turned inward, to focus on restoring our relationship with ourselves, rebuilding self-worth, and exploring what cultural healing truly looks like in a time where many are still navigating fragmentation, expectation, and emotional fatigue.
Because beyond society, beyond systems, and beyond history, there is the self. And the question becomes: how do we come back home to who we are?
We unpacked this with Thobile and Nikiwe Mkhwanazi from Sisterhood Connect.

Restoring ourselves beyond beauty culture: Prt 2

Beauty has always been more than appearance. It shapes who gets noticed, who feels accepted, and who is often left questioning themselves. While conversations around representation and self-expression have opened up in recent years, the pressure to fit certain ideals hasn’t disappeared, it has simply changed form.

From social media filters to colourism, body image, hair politics, and the influence of global beauty standards, many people are still navigating the tension between authenticity and acceptance.

We unpack the politics of beauty and explore how these standards continue to influence identity, confidence, opportunity, and the way people relate to themselves and others with contributor and woman advocate at Sisterhood Connect, Thobile "Tops" Mkhwanazi.

Beauty has always been more than appearance. It shapes who gets noticed, who feels accepted, and who is often left questioning themselves. While conversations around representation and self-expression have opened up in recent years, the pressure to fit certain ideals hasn&rsquo;t disappeared, it has simply changed form.
From social media filters to colourism, body image, hair politics, and the influence of global beauty standards, many people are still navigating the tension between authenticity and acceptance.
We unpack the politics of beauty and explore how these standards continue to influence identity, confidence, opportunity, and the way people relate to themselves and others with contributor&nbsp;and woman advocate at Sisterhood Connect,&nbsp;Thobile "Tops" Mkhwanazi.

Unfiltered: Why is individuality still punished in beauty culture? Part 1

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

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