Earlier this week, the High Court of Malawi delivered a judgment declaring that the unwritten or written policy of the Government requiring all learners, including children of the Rastafari community to cut their hair before admission into government schools is unlawful and constitutes a violation of the right to education, freedom of religion and amounts to discrimination on grounds of religious affiliation.

We talk to Chikondi Chijozi of Southern Africa Litigation Centre (Represented the applicants) Victor Mhango, Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance, Malawi (Supported the case).

Earlier this week, the High Court of Malawi delivered a judgment declaring that the unwritten or written policy of the Government requiring all learners, including children of the Rastafari community to cut their hair before admission into government schools is unlawful and constitutes a violation of the right to education, freedom of religion and amounts to discrimination on grounds of religious affiliation.
We talk to Chikondi Chijozi of Southern Africa Litigation Centre (Represented the applicants) Victor Mhango, Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance, Malawi (Supported the case).

Serious and topical issues on continent, breaking stories.

Serious and topical issues on continent, breaking stories.

The Upside

Malawi High Court declares unconstitutional the banning of dreadlocks in government schools

Red Bull King of the Air returns to Cape Town in 2024, bringing with it the introduction of a women’s division for the first time in the competition’s history. Hosted at the Kite Beach, this year’s event, scheduled to take place on the windiest day between 23rd of November and 8th of December 8, is set to make waves in the world of Big Air kiteboarding.

Joining us is Jason van der Spuy, a rising star in the world of kiteboarding who has quickly earned his place among the sport’s elite. At just 22 years old, the South African athlete achieved fourth place in the 2023 Red Bull King of the Air, held in his hometown of Cape Town. His near-final performance, missing the top three by just one point, demonstrated both his exceptional skill and his potential for future victories in the sport.

Red Bull King of the Air returns to Cape Town in 2024, bringing with it the introduction of a women’s division for the first time in the competition’s history. Hosted at the Kite Beach, this year’s event, scheduled to take place on the windiest day between 23rd of November and 8th of December 8, is set to make waves in the world of Big Air kiteboarding.
Joining us is Jason van der Spuy, a rising star in the world of kiteboarding who has quickly earned his place among the sport’s elite. At just 22 years old, the South African athlete achieved fourth place in the 2023 Red Bull King of the Air, held in his hometown of Cape Town. His near-final performance, missing the top three by just one point, demonstrated both his exceptional skill and his potential for future victories in the sport.

WHINEDOWN WEDNESDAY: Defying gravity with Kiteboarding

In recent years, the conversation around masculinity has begun to shift, spotlighting the importance of men’s mental health and emotional vulnerability. Traditional notions of masculinity, often rooted in stoicism and emotional suppression, have been challenged as outdated and harmful, contributing to higher rates of depression, anxiety and even suicide among men.

 According to the World Health Organization, men account for a significant majority of suicide deaths globally, a statistic linked to societal expectations that discourage emotional expression and seeking help. 

The growing emphasis on redefining masculinity seeks to break these stigmas, encouraging men to embrace their feelings and prioritize mental well-being. This movement toward emotional openness is reshaping how society views strength in men, emphasizing resilience through vulnerability. Initiatives such as "Movember" and platforms dedicated to men’s mental health such as The Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development, have highlighted the urgent need for conversations that normalize seeking therapy and emotional support.

On the line we have Nelson Banda, National Coordinator at The Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development

In recent years, the conversation around masculinity has begun to shift, spotlighting the importance of men’s mental health and emotional vulnerability. Traditional notions of masculinity, often rooted in stoicism and emotional suppression, have been challenged as outdated and harmful, contributing to higher rates of depression, anxiety and even suicide among men.
 According to the World Health Organization, men account for a significant majority of suicide deaths globally, a statistic linked to societal expectations that discourage emotional expression and seeking help. 
The growing emphasis on redefining masculinity seeks to break these stigmas, encouraging men to embrace their feelings and prioritize mental well-being. This movement toward emotional openness is reshaping how society views strength in men, emphasizing resilience through vulnerability. Initiatives such as "Movember" and platforms dedicated to men’s mental health such as The Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development, have highlighted the urgent need for conversations that normalize seeking therapy and emotional support.
On the line we have Nelson Banda, National Coordinator at The Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development

Redefining Masculinity: Men's mental health and emotional vulnerability

The ongoing investigation into fraudulent medico-legal claims has shed light on systemic corruption within South Africa's healthcare sector, revealing collusion between attorneys, healthcare professionals, and intermediaries. Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi and Head of Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Andy Mothibi have identified fraudulent activities involving fabricated or inflated claims, often submitted without the knowledge or consent of patients. 

A staggering R100 billion in claims has burdened provincial health departments since 2015, with over R33 billion under active SIU investigation. This misconduct is not limited to false medico-legal claims, recent controversies in health-related tenders, such as the R836-million project to install oxygen plants in hospitals, further emphasize the endemic challenges of transparency and accountability. To further unpack we are joined on the line by Charlton Murove, Head Of Research at the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF)

The ongoing investigation into fraudulent medico-legal claims has shed light on systemic corruption within South Africa's healthcare sector, revealing collusion between attorneys, healthcare professionals, and intermediaries. Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi and Head of Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Andy Mothibi have identified fraudulent activities involving fabricated or inflated claims, often submitted without the knowledge or consent of patients. 
A staggering R100 billion in claims has burdened provincial health departments since 2015, with over R33 billion under active SIU investigation. This misconduct is not limited to false medico-legal claims, recent controversies in health-related tenders, such as the R836-million project to install oxygen plants in hospitals, further emphasize the endemic challenges of transparency and accountability. To further unpack we are joined on the line by Charlton Murove, Head Of Research at the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF)

Malawi High Court declares unconstitutional the banning of dreadlocks in government schools

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