The University of the Free State’s (UFS) institutional Lekgotla Men’s Well-Being Project continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of male students by empowering them to become responsible and resilient men in society while enhancing their overall well-being within the university environment.

As part of this ongoing initiative, the UFS hosted a men’s well-being hiking programme at the breathtaking Maletsunyane Waterfall in Semonkong, Lesotho, on 23 May 2026. The programme was designed to empower male students through a physically demanding hiking experience that encouraged mental resilience, self-reflection, and physical wellness.

More than just an opportunity for exercise and adventure, the hike provided a platform for meaningful engagement and personal growth. Along the trail, students participated in interactive breakaway discussions focused on challenges commonly faced by young men and explored strategies for resilience, personal development, and mutual support.

Discussions centred on several important questions:

• What pressures do young men face today that are often overlooked?

• What does resilience mean on a personal level, and how can it be developed?

• How can men support one another without fear of judgement?

These conversations created a safe and supportive environment where participants could openly share their experiences, reflect on personal challenges, and learn from one another while navigating the demanding terrain.

Reflecting on the experience, Siyabonga Dyantyi, a fourth-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student, said: “This hike empowered me to never give up in life, no matter the challenges. Through this hike, I learned that life is full of challenges, but you have to keep going no matter how steep the slope.”

Before the hike commenced, Dr Temba Hlasho, Executive Director of Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture, encouraged students to embrace the experience. He emphasised that the programme was intended not only to strengthen physical endurance, but also to prepare participants for future life challenges and help them discover their personal strengths and capabilities.

The programme successfully promoted mental wellness, resilience, peer support, and physical activity among male students. More importantly, it fostered meaningful engagement and self-reflection, contributing to students’ holistic development and reinforcing the university’s commitment to student well-being.

Through initiatives such as the Lekgotla Men’s Well-Being Project, the UFS continues to create opportunities that empower students to build resilience, strengthen positive support networks, and develop the skills needed to thrive both academically and personally.

Story and picture by Maile Sewape first appeared on the UFS website.

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Following a breathtaking, record-breaking weekend at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana earlier in May 2026, University of Johannesburg (UJ) track sensation Lythe Pillay has been officially nominated for the prestigious World Athletics Athlete of the Month award for May.

• Vote for Lythe Pillay here.

Voting closes on Sunday, 7 June 2026.

Pillay, the sole South African nominee on the elite nine-athlete shortlist, catapulted himself into the global spotlight after anchoring the South African men’s 4x400m relay team to a historic silver medal.

Together with Zakithi Nene, Leendert Koekemoer, and Mthi Mthimkhulu, Pillay clocked a blistering 2:55.07. This speed shattered the South African National Record and stands as the fifth-fastest time globally.

While the United States’ legendary 1993 world record narrowly remained intact, Pillay carved out his own slice of history. The UJ star dropped jaws by clocking a mind-boggling 42.66 seconds on his lap—unofficially recognised as the fastest 4x400m split in athletic history.

The men’s 4x400m final on 3 May in Botswana was not just a race; it was an unprecedented onslaught on the athletics record books. Delivering three of the fastest times ever witnessed in the discipline, the podium finishers pushed each other to the absolute limit:

• Gold: Botswana captured the crown on home soil with the third-fastest time in history.

• Silver: South Africa’s stellar quartet.

• Bronze: Australia pushed right to the line, securing the sixth-fastest time in history.

Elite International Competition

Securing the May accolade will be no easy feat. Pillay faces a formidable field of global icons, champions, and record-breakers, including:

• The Botswana Men’s 4x400m Team: Nominated collectively for their historic gold-medal triumph.

• The Australian Relay Squad: Recognised for an incredible clean sweep, qualifying all of their relay teams for the upcoming World Championships.

• Simon Ehammer (Switzerland): Nominated after soaring to a world decathlon long jump best of 8.51m.

• Alegna González (Mexico): Celebrated for a dominant streak of three distinct victories on the World Race Walking Tour.

• Team Jamaica: The mixed 4x100m squad, who shattered two world records during the World Relay Championships.

Joining the giants of 2026

The winner of the May award will join an illustrious list of athletes who have defined the sporting year so far. The 2026 monthly winners include:

• January – Sam Ruthe (NZ): Set a blistering new U18 mile world record of 3:48.88.

• February – Keely Hodgkinson (GBR): Smashed the 800m short track record in 1:54.87.

• March – Simon Ehammer (SUI): Set a stunning world record of 6,670 points in the Heptathlon.

• April – Sebastian Sawe (KEN): Shattered the mythical two-hour barrier at the London Marathon.

Follow UJ Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram for daily updates.

Public voting and expert panels will decide if Pillay’s historic 42.66-second lightning bolt is enough to secure him the ultimate May crown. For the UJ community and South African athletics fans, he is already a champion.

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The Association of African Universities (AAU) is leading the implementation of the Sahel Regional Engagement for Learning and Collaboration in Education (RELANCE) project, a game-changing regional initiative designed to strengthen education systems and expand access to learning and employment opportunities for vulnerable youth across the Sahel.
Funded by the World Bank and the Federal Republic of Germany, in collaboration with the governments of Chad and Mauritania, RELANCE targets some of the most underserved populations in the region, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and nomadic communities.

With an investment of USD 137 million, the project adopts a coordinated continental approach to address systemic education challenges while advancing inclusion, resilience and long-term impact.
RELANCE is structured around three core components:

• Establishing a regional institute for applied research, policy advisory, and training to support education professionals and improve learning outcomes, benefiting at least 1,500 education professionals across both countries.

• Introducing a flexible Open School model to provide alternative education and vocational training opportunities for out-of-school youth, with a focus on climate resilience and digital learning. The initiative is expected to reach up to 850,000 young people, at least half of whom are female.

• Supporting coordinated project management through regional and national structures, with robust monitoring, evaluation, and financial management systems.

The project places a strong emphasis on gender equality, promoting girls’ enrollment and retention through targeted incentives and the development of gender-responsive learning environments.

As the Regional Facilitation Unit, the AAU will provide strategic oversight and coordination, ensuring effective implementation, stakeholder engagement, performance monitoring, and visibility of project outcomes across the region.

The project will be coordinated by Dr. Abass Youba Sylla, a Mauritanian national and AAU staff member with extensive experience in managing large-scale development initiatives, who is based at the Project Secretariat in Chad.

The urgency of this intervention is underscored by stark regional realities. In the Central Sahel, one in three young people is out of school, while many others have limited access to meaningful employment opportunities.

In Chad, 57% of primary-school-aged children are out of school, while in Mauritania, 45% of secondary-school-aged youth are not in school, significantly constraining their future prospects and reinforcing cycles of poverty and vulnerability.

Globally, the challenge is equally pressing. According to recent data, 46% of school-aged refugee children are out of school, and access to higher education remains extremely limited. RELANCE responds directly to these gaps by creating inclusive pathways for learning and skills development tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations.

Speaking on the initiative, Prof. Olusola B. Oyewole, Secretary-General of the AAU, noted: “RELANCE resonates directly with the AAU’s continental mandate, to connect institutions, shape policies, and advance inclusive education systems that respond to Africa’s evolving development priorities. For the AAU, it represents both an opportunity and a responsibility to further support the strengthening of education systems and expanding access to learning in one of the continent’s most challenging regions, while reinforcing our presence and sustained engagement in Chad as a strategic hub for the Sahel.”

Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire, Director of Special Projects at AAU, added:
“This project allows us to operationalize innovative approaches to education delivery, particularly for vulnerable communities. By combining flexible learning models, digital tools, and regional coordination, RELANCE is helping to redefine how education systems respond in fragile and complex contexts.”

Through RELANCE, the AAU and its partners are advancing a shared vision of inclusive, resilient, and opportunity-driven education systems, capable of transforming lives and supporting sustainable development across the Sahel region and Africa.

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The Association of African Universities (AAU) is leading a major research initiative on the state of access to higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa under a project supported by the British Council.

This initiative forms part of the Association’s ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive and equitable education systems across the continent.

The study provides a comparative, evidence-based analysis across seven countries, namely Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, reflecting a diverse range of higher education contexts within the region.

Higher education systems across Sub-Saharan Africa are under increasing pressure, driven by rapid demographic growth, rising secondary school completion rates, and growing expectations for universities to contribute to economic development, social mobility, innovation, and democratic participation.

Against this backdrop, the study aims to generate deeper insights into the barriers and opportunities shaping access to higher education, with a focus on equity, inclusion, and system responsiveness.

The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining desk reviews, institutional case studies, student surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and digital access diagnostics, to provide a comprehensive understanding of access across different national contexts.

To strengthen analytical depth, the study is also developing two innovative tools: a Digital Readiness Scorecard and an Equity and Inclusion Index, designed to assess institutional capacity and inclusiveness.

Implementation follows a structured timeline. A piloting phase was conducted between December 2025 and January 2026, followed by data collection from February to March 2026. Analysis and synthesis are currently underway, with final outputs expected in May 2026.

These will include country and cross-country reports, a policy options paper, and stakeholder validation workshops to support engagement with policymakers and institutions across the region.

The study is expected to generate actionable, policy-relevant recommendations to inform decision-making, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote equitable access to higher education across the region.

Through this initiative, AAU is contributing to broader continental and global priorities, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal 4, which call for inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.

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A Tshwane University of Technology alumnus, Banele Mgwevu, is using technology to help young South Africans prepare for one of the most challenging aspects of entering the workplace – the interview process.

The software developer from Etwatwa on the East Rand, studied Information and Communication Technology at TUT’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), where he specialised in Software Development.

Today, he is the founder of ITSAGO (Pty) Ltd, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered interview coaching and career preparation platform designed to help graduates improve their confidence, interview skills and CVs.

According to Banele, the platform was inspired by personal experience and the challenges many graduates face after completing their studies. “Being a TUT alumnus and having walked those same corridors, it was important for me to create something that gives back to students and graduates,” he said.

“I know what it feels like to finish your degree and still feel unprepared for the real world. TUT equipped me with the technical skills, but nobody taught me how to sell myself in an interview.”

The idea behind ITSAGO became even more meaningful after the company he worked for underwent restructuring, prompting him to consider returning to the job market himself.

“That feeling of uncertainty was really uncomfortable,” he explained. “Instead of just preparing for myself, I thought, ‘What if I could build something that helps everyone in that position?’”

The platform enables users to practise interview questions on camera while receiving AI-generated feedback on communication, confidence and answer structure. It also includes an AI career coach, an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and a CV Builder, all aimed at improving graduates’ chances of securing employment.

South Africa continues to face one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. Statistics South Africa reported that youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 34 reached 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the difficulties many young people face in entering the labour market.

While obtaining a qualification significantly improves employment prospects, many graduates still struggle to secure work. According to recent labour market data, graduate unemployment remains a concern, with thousands of qualified young people competing for limited opportunities.

Experts increasingly point to the need for graduates to complement their qualifications with workplace-readiness skills such as communication, interview preparation, networking and personal branding.

According to Banele, youth unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing young South Africans, particularly graduates who often struggle with confidence and interview preparation despite having the necessary qualifications.

“Many graduates have the knowledge and technical skills, but they are not always prepared for the recruitment process itself. Employers are looking for candidates who can communicate effectively, present themselves professionally and demonstrate confidence. Those are skills that can be developed,” he said.

Since launching the platform, ITSAGO has attracted hundreds of users and gained recognition in several publications, including The Citizen and Boksburg Advertiser.

Banele hopes the platform will help graduates feel better prepared, more confident and ready to compete in an increasingly demanding job market.

“As technology continues to transform the world of work, career preparation is becoming just as important as academic achievement,” he said. “Our goal is to help young people bridge the gap between graduation and employment, giving them the tools they need to succeed.”

Story by By Tshifhiwa Mudau was first published on the TUT Website.

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For Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, music has always been more than performance. It has been a lifelong bridge between continents, cultures and generations. Now, the Head of the Department of Performing Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design has received one of Bulgaria’s highest music honours, the prestigious Golden Lyre Award (Zlatna Lyra), in recognition of her outstanding contribution to music, performance and arts education over several decades.

For Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, the recognition represents not only acknowledgement of her own artistic pursuit, but also the enduring influence of music as a force that transcends borders and cultures.

Asked what the accolade means to her, she said: “Receiving the Golden Lyre Award is a deeply humbling honour, one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Personally, it serves as a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with music in the first place: the ability to move people, to tell stories without words and to create moments that linger long after the last note fades.

“Professionally, this recognition inspires me to continue further, to take greater creative risks, dedicating myself to the craft with the same passion and discipline that brought me here.

“I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has walked this journey with me; my family, my mentors, my collaborators, my colleagues, my beloved students and above all, the audiences who have given my work meaning. This award belongs to all of you.”

Born in Moscow in the former Soviet Union and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria, she received her musical training in Bulgaria before moving to South Africa later in life. Since joining the TUT Faculty of Arts and Design in September 1999, she has played a pivotal role in shaping performing arts education while simultaneously building a distinguished international artistic career.

Her connection with music began at an early age. One of her most vivid childhood memories dates to when she was only six years old and performed during International Women’s Day celebrations in Sofia for the very first time. That unexpected moment became the beginning of a remarkable artistic journey.

As a young girl she would brave snowy paths to reach her piano lessons. This poignant memory underscores the dedication and resilience she demonstrated from an early age; the kind of unwavering commitment required to achieve mastery at her level.

Decades later, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni returned to Bulgaria as an acclaimed musician and educator when she was invited to perform as the headline act at a concert celebrating International Women’s Day earlier this year.

The solo piano concert, entitled From Africa with Love, took place at the Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski and celebrated the artistic contributions of women whose voices transformed music history and advanced messages of dignity, empowerment and love.

Beyond performance, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni has continued to promote cultural dialogue between Africa and Europe through collaborative artistic and educational initiatives. Her recent visit to Bulgaria formed part of the South African Music Technology, Innovation and Capacity-building (SAMTIC) project, funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

The event was beautifully complemented by performances and poetry presented by Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni’s students, colleagues and friends.

Throughout her career, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni has balanced the worlds of artistic excellence, education and cultural diplomacy. This is a contribution that the Golden Lyre Award now formally recognises.

The event was beautifully complemented by performances and poetry presented by Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni’s students, colleagues and friends, while congratulatory messages from the Ambassador of Bulgaria to South Africa, Her Excellency, Dr Maria Pavlova Tzotzorkova, and the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design, Prof Nalini Moodley, added a fitting touch to the celebration.

Dr Tzotzorkova said: “Coming to South Africa, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni has enhanced the scope of her artistic pursuits. Her multidisciplinary art resonates across audiences of all generations and contributes to her electric and inspiring performances.”

“I am particularly proud that Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni truly represents the Bulgarian tradition in classical music and performing arts. This rich and powerful tradition in opera, ballet, music and dancing and respective professional and academic training has established itself over the centuries and produced world-renowned names in opera and classical music, such as Raina Kabaivanska,” she added.

Internationally celebrated South African soprano, Pretty Yende, trained under Kabaivanska.

Prof Moodley said: “Over more than two decades in South Africa, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and arts education. As an accomplished concert pianist, respected academic and Head of the Department of Performing Arts, she has continually expanded the boundaries of what it means to be both artist and educator.”

“Perhaps most importantly, her legacy is found in the countless students she has inspired, mentored, challenged and guided. Her commitment to developing the next generation of performing artists is unparalleled and exemplifies the very best values that the Golden Lyre Award seeks to recognise,” Prof Moodley added.

For TUT’s Faculty of Arts and Design, the recognition serves as further affirmation of the global impact and calibre of its academic and artistic staff. Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni’s achievement reflects not only her own dedication and passion, but also the growing international reputation of the university’s arts community.

Story by By Gerrit Bester first appeared on the TUT website. Pictures by Thanini Biyase and courtesy of Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni.

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The Global University Associations Forum (GUAF) continues to strengthen its position as a key platform for international cooperation in higher education, as member associations advance collective efforts to address shared global challenges and shape the future of universities.

This year, the global platform will turn its focus to Africa, with the Association of African Universities (AAU) set to host the next edition of GUAF in Accra, Ghana, in November 2026, under the theme: “Knowledge Without Borders: Collaboration in a Fragmented World.”

The theme reflects the urgency for stronger transnational collaboration in a world shaped by rapid technological advancement alongside growing geopolitical, economic, and social fragmentation. The Accra meeting serves as a critical moment for rethinking how universities work across borders to address shared challenges.

Established in 2021, GUAF brings together leading university associations from across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Arab region to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and promote joint action on global issues. Through this platform, universities are increasingly recognised not only as centres of learning but as key actors in shaping resilient and inclusive societies.

The decision for AAU to host the 2026 forum follows the fourth GUAF meeting held in New Delhi in November 2025, where member associations reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration in an era defined by digital transformation, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and evolving expectations of higher education.

At the meeting, the hosting responsibility for the 2026 edition was formally handed over to the AAU, signalling Africa’s leadership in advancing the forum’s next phase.

As host, AAU will play a central role in shaping the focus and outcomes of the 2026 forum, while bringing African perspectives more prominently into global higher education discourse.

The fifth GUAF is expected to bring together global higher education leaders and key stakeholders to explore priorities shaping the future of the sector. These include strengthening equitable knowledge partnerships, expanding digital connectivity and open science, promoting academic mobility and talent circulation, and enhancing quality assurance and mutual recognition across borders.

The forum will also provide space to advance discussions on academic and knowledge diplomacy, as well as the evolving role of universities in fostering global cooperation and shared progress. As GUAF continues to grow, it is increasingly positioned as a vital mechanism for aligning global higher education efforts and amplifying the collective voice of university associations.

For AAU, hosting GUAF 2026 represents a strategic opportunity to deepen partnerships, showcase Africa’s higher education landscape, and contribute meaningfully to shaping a more inclusive and balanced global knowledge ecosystem.

The Accra meeting is expected to strengthen collaboration, advance shared priorities, and reinforce the role of universities as central actors in shaping a more connected and resilient global knowledge ecosystem.

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Research led by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, revealed a recent increase in sightings of the world’s two largest whale species in the southeastern Atlantic.

The research findings were published in the African Journal of Marine Science and compiled more than 60 years of confirmed sightings and strandings from Namibia and South Africa’s West Coast. The study focused on Antarctic blue whales and fin whales, both heavily targeted during the industrial whaling era.

“Our results provide important evidence that these giants of the ocean are slowly recovering from the devastating impact of 20th century commercial whaling, which pushed them to the brink of extinction,” said lead author Dr Bridget James from the Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation. “Sightings remain rare, but they are becoming more frequent than in previous decades, and with sustained protection there is reason to believe this recovery can continue.”

Nursery area for blue and fin whales

It’s believed that between 1913 and 1978, an estimated 350 000 blue whales and 750 000 fin whales were killed – causing dramatic global population declines. Today, Antarctic blue whales are still listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. Their population is currently estimated at around 3% of the pre-whaling numbers – increasing slowly at about 5–8% per year. Fin whales on the other hand are classified as vulnerable, with populations thought to have recovered to more than 30% of historical levels and growing at about 4–5% annually.

“Historic whaling data suggests that the southeast Atlantic may once have been an important nursery area for both blue and fin whales.”

Despite these signs of improvement, both species remain difficult to study as they roam vast distances and spend much of their lives in remote Antarctic waters. Data from migration routes and potential breeding grounds, including the southeastern Atlantic, has been particularly limited.

“Historic whaling data suggests that the southeast Atlantic may once have been an important nursery area for both blue and fin whales. But until now we have had very little consolidated information on their more recent presence in this region,” Dr James said.

Plugging the gap

To plug the gap, researchers compiled verified sightings and strandings recorded between 1964 and March 2025. These focused on the Benguela upwelling ecosystem – a nutrient-rich region off Namibia and the West Coast of South Africa – to better understand trends in presence and seasonality.

Blue whales, James said, were recorded infrequently – with 12 sightings, one stranding and five additional published records. They were most often seen between late spring and autumn. Fin whales were encountered more often – with 76 sighting and six strandings and were seen all year round.

“As population slowly rebuild, we would expect to see these whales reoccupying parts of their historical range,” said co-author Dr Simon Elwen, the director of Sea Search and a research associate at the Department of BotZoo at Stellenbosch University. “The increase in sightings and strandings is consistent with this gradual recovery, although increased offshore observation efforts may also contribute.”

Threats remain

While these sightings are reassuring, researchers caution that recovery does not mean that threats have disappeared. Large whales remain at risk from ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, underwater noise, pollution and climate-driven changes in ocean ecosystems.

“Signs of a return to the southeast Atlantic do not signal full recovery for blue and fin whales, and these populations have a long way to go to reach their historic numbers,” said James.

And Elwen agreed.

“They point to resilience – but it should be emphasised that both species remain vulnerable to modern human pressures and highlight that even with more than 50 years of recovery since the end of commercial whaling, we could only compile 12 records of blue whales off our coast.”

James noted that part of the recently overserved increase in sightings might be related to an increase in observation efforts and reporting, especially records from marine wildlife observers working off seismic survey vessels looking for oil and gas.

“There is still a shortage of the type of systematic scientific monitoring around our coasts, that is needed to accurately assess the populations of these two species in the southeast Atlantic.”

“There is still a shortage of the type of systematic scientific monitoring around our coasts, that is needed to accurately assess the populations of these two species in the southeast Atlantic,” she said.

This was published on the UCT website.

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A Tshwane University of Technology alumnus is celebrating a proud family achievement after two of his children graduated from the University within weeks of each other. Their success adds to a growing family legacy at TUT and highlights the transformative impact of higher education across generations.

Lucky Manzini, a National Higher Diploma in Education Management alumnus, has described TUT as the engine behind his family’s success following the graduation of two of his children from the institution. The latest graduations took place in May 2026 at the Pretoria and eMalahleni campuses.

“TUT is a reliable institution where we feel confident and empowered. After graduating at TUT, you feel really confident,” said Manzini.

Lucky’s daughter, Thando Nkosi, a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management alumna, celebrated her fourth graduation from TUT since 2022. She enrolled for a Diploma in Crop Production in 2019 before obtaining an Advanced Diploma in Crop Science in 2022. In 2024, she completed an Advanced Diploma in Project Management and recently earned her Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management.

“I’m proud to say I’m a TUT alumna because of the beautiful experiences that I’ve had since 2019 until now,” she said.

Lucky’s son, Musa Manzini, Diploma in Computer Science graduate from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at the eMalahleni Campus, described his achievement as a special moment.

“It’s a great feeling and the story continues,” he said.

Musa is currently enrolled for an Advanced Diploma in Computer Science.

Manzini said witnessing two graduations within weeks of each other filled him with gratitude and pride.

“Coming to TUT is like planting a tree where you can get a good harvest in the end,” he said.

The family’s academic journey continues with another potential graduate on the horizon. Melusi Nkosi is currently in his second year of Supply Chain Management at the Pretoria Campus.

Manzini encouraged parents to motivate and guide their children on the importance of education and preparing for the future.

The family’s achievements reflect a lasting commitment to education and demonstrate how higher learning can create opportunities across generations.

Story by By Nhlawulo Vision Chauke was first published on the TUT website.

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A Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) student and graduate has secured R100 000 in funding after leading his team to victory at Huawei Code4Mzansi. Their innovation, KasiBusket, won the People’s Choice Award for its digital solution that helps spaza shops and small businesses participate in the digital economy while strengthening township economies.

At just 20 years old, Tshegofatso Morena has added the title of award-winning entrepreneur to his growing list of achievements. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) student led his team to victory at the Huawei Code4Mzansi competition in May, where their innovation, KasiBusket, won the People’s Choice Award and secured R100 000 in funding support.

Morena, Chief Executive Officer of DevRift, led the team behind KasiBusket together with developer Kgodiso Lebese, a Diploma in Computer Systems student at TUT and developer Tebogo Seopa, who is pursuing a BSc Honours in Computer Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand.

The Huawei Code4Mzansi competition challenges students and emerging entrepreneurs to develop technology-driven solutions that address real-world problems. Participants pitch their innovations to industry experts while competing in categories that recognise innovation, business value and social impact.

Designed to support township economies, KasiBusket enables spaza shops and small businesses to participate in the digital economy. The platform connects customers, shop owners and delivery riders through a single ecosystem. Users can browse products from nearby spaza shops, place orders and receive deliveries, while businesses manage inventory, transactions and customer engagement digitally.

Morena said the idea emerged from a familiar reality in many communities.

“The inspiration came from something we all grew up seeing, spaza shops that are deeply embedded in our communities but completely invisible to the digital economy.

“South Africa has more than 200 000 informal spaza shops and virtually none of them have a meaningful digital presence. We looked at that reality and asked why the corner spaza shop should be left out of the same digital revolution transforming retail everywhere else.”

The platform incorporates digital inventory management, logistics coordination and a dynamic credit system aimed at expanding economic participation for underserved communities.

According to Morena, KasiBusket reflects TUT’s vision of entrepreneuring the future together.

“TUT has always emphasised that education should produce people who create opportunities, not just pursue them. Building KasiBusket while studying at TUT felt like putting that principle into practice in real time,” he said.

Morena believes entrepreneurship plays an important role in addressing South Africa’s unemployment challenge.

“The formal economy alone cannot absorb the number of young people entering the workforce each year. Entrepreneurship is one of the most realistic paths to creating opportunities at the scale required. Young entrepreneurs build solutions rooted in the realities of the communities they come from,” he said.

Morena said winning the People’s Choice Award carried special significance because it reflected public confidence in the innovation.

“Winning the People’s Choice Award meant that ordinary people, not just industry experts, looked at KasiBusket and chose us above everyone else. The funding is significant, but the validation that people believe in what we are building means even more.”

Morena said the team will use the R100 000 funding to strengthen platform development, enhance cloud infrastructure, complete key features and support pilot testing with spaza shop owners and community members ahead of launching.

The team’s innovation also attracted the attention of Small Business Development Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, who expressed he interest to engage further with the project during the event.

Morena said strong communication and leadership skills contributed significantly to the team’s success.

Our achievement highlights the importance of communication, leadership and presentation skills within innovation and engineering spaces. The success of our presentation was significantly influenced by my background in public speaking, which I have actively pursued for the past 13 years since the age of eight.”

Morena was among the youngest graduates from the Department of Electrical Engineering during TUT’s Autumn graduation ceremonies in May and is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering.

Looking ahead, the team aims to establish KasiBusket as a leading digital commerce platform for township economies across South Africa before expanding into other African markets.

Feature by By Mosima Rafapa first appeared on the TUT website.

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The University of Cape Town (UCT) has signed a groundbreaking long-term renewable electricity supply agreement with Discovery Green as part of a broader strategic partnership focused on advancing sustainable energy and skills development.

The agreement represents the first long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) concluded between an energy trader and a public institution of higher education in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in how large public institutions can participate in the country’s energy transition.

Through this partnership, UCT joins more than 50 organisations whose wheeled renewable energy supply is managed by Discovery Green.

Under the agreement, Discovery Green will convert 70–90% of the electricity consumption of UCT’s main and health sciences campuses to renewable energy for just under 10 years, starting in the third quarter of 2027. This is expected to reduce the university’s carbon emissions by an estimated 33 200 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent each year. The PPA follows a successful pilot, with renewable energy supplied through Ampli Energy, a joint venture established by Discovery Green and Sasol in April 2025.

Long‑term renewable electricity supply to support UCT’s sustainability objectives

By replacing the majority of electricity demand across these campuses, the agreement makes a material contribution to UCT’s climate and sustainability objectives. It supports the reduction of Scope 2 emissions associated with electricity consumption and aligns with the university’s long-term environmental sustainability strategy.

UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela said: “UCT is thrilled to have entered this groundbreaking agreement with Discovery Green to wheel renewable energy. This will support the university’s strategic plan to reduce its carbon footprint over the 10-year period.

“For UCT, securing renewable electricity at scale is an important step in reducing our environmental impact. At the same time, collaboration that supports research and skills development strengthens our ability to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s long-term sustainability goals.”

Supporting long‑term planning in a constrained energy environment

Andre Nepgen, CEO of Discovery Green, stated that energy procurement has shifted from a purely operational consideration to a longer-term strategic priority.

“For large organisations such as universities, operating in an increasingly complex energy environment – characterised by electricity supply constraints, rising costs and the need to balance environmental impact – this shift is essential. Our platform is built for energy complexity and scale, suitable to address the university’s current challenges and offer superior long-term value.”

The agreement demonstrates how public institutions can use long-term renewable energy procurement to address energy constraints, cost volatility and decarbonisation objectives within South Africa’s current electricity framework.

Manfred Braune, UCT’s Director for Environmental Sustainability, notes: “With the many old heritage buildings on most of its campuses, UCT has limited roof space that it can add solar PV onto, meaning that we have to look off-campus to increase our purchase of renewable energy. This wheeling agreement allows us to purchase a substantial amount of renewable energy from various solar and wind farms across the country via Discovery Green, who are registered energy traders that pool these various renewable energy resources.”

Braune adds: “How it works is that the physical electrons from those solar and wind farms do not necessarily arrive at UCT’s campuses, but the energy is injected into the grid from Discovery Green’s wind and solar farms which are contributing to the national pool of green energy produced. UCT receives a financial credit each month equivalent to the saving achieved on renewable energy purchased from Discovery’s renewable energy plants versus the Eskom price.”

A partnership extending beyond energy supply

In addition to the renewable electricity agreement, UCT and Discovery Green will collaborate on initiatives aimed at supporting skills development, research and knowledge creation in the fields of energy, engineering and sustainability.

This includes Discovery Green’s involvement in supporting selected scholarships within UCT’s engineering and actuarial science departments, contributing to the development of specialised skills needed to support South Africa’s energy transition.

Moshabela said: “We are also very excited that this relationship extends beyond the wheeling agreement and includes the annual funding of energy-related research as well as an undergraduate scholarship.”

Nepgen expressed a similar sentiment. “We believe that effective energy transition requires both reliable renewable energy supply at scale and the development of skills and knowledge to sustain it over time,” he said.

As the first PPA of its kind between an energy trader and a public university, the agreement sets an important precedent for how other large public sector institutions can participate in South Africa’s energy transition while maintaining operational certainty.

It also reflects Discovery Green’s broader role in supporting organisations across both the public and private sectors with structured, long-term solutions that address energy security, sustainability and system resilience.

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©Higher Education Media Services.

The Association of African Universities (AAU) has stepped into a new phase of international cooperation after participating in the 1st Brazil–Africa Rectors’ Forum in Brasília on Monday, 25 May 2026 — an event that also saw Brazil announce a $9.43 million USD (R$47.4 million) postgraduate scholarship programme for African students.

Represented by AAU Secretary-General Prof Olusola Oyewole and Mr Ransford Bekoe, the AAU joined more than 64 African rectors from over 30 countries and 70 Brazilian university leaders to strengthen partnerships in higher education, research and innovation.

Hosted by Brazil’s Ministry of Education, the forum focused on expanding collaboration in agriculture, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, mining, aerospace, and the human sciences — areas identified as critical to shared development.

Prof Oyewole delivered opening remarks emphasising the urgency of deepening Africa–Brazil cooperation in research, innovation and technological advancement. The AAU delegation also engaged with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who underscored Africa’s central role in global development.

In a major announcement, President Lula unveiled the Capes Move Africa programme, which will fund 2,600 scholarships for African master’s and doctoral students to study in Brazil for up to ten months. The initiative, developed by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes), aims to boost academic mobility and joint research output.

“Strengthening undergraduate and graduate exchange programmes is essential to consolidating higher education as a pillar of the strategic partnership between Brazil and Africa,” President Lula said.

Brazil’s Minister of Education, Leonardo Barchini, described the forum as the beginning of “a new phase of cooperation, friendship and opportunity” between the two regions.

“Opening Brazil’s doors to African students deepens our historical ties, expands research networks, and strengthens scientific and productive cooperation,” he said.

Prof Oyewole welcomed the renewed momentum, noting Brazil’s longstanding support for African student training and joint research initiatives.

The AAU’s participation signals its continued commitment to expanding global opportunities for African universities and positioning the continent as a key partner in international higher education and innovation.

©Higher Education Media Services.

Luxury Without Trying Too Hard

We had travelled down to Durban with our parents, Edwin and Brenda, while my brother blasted Ballin’ by Snoop Dogg and The Dramatics through the speakers.It’s funny how certain vehicles become attached to moments in your life. The EQV brought some of those feelings rushing back — memories of simpler days, long drives, and youthful ambition. Only this time, the experience arrived in near silence.

And that’s perhaps the most interesting thing about the EQV. Unless you spot the subtle badging, it’s actually difficult to tell it’s electric.That, oddly enough, is part of its charm. In reality, the EQV is a tidy-looking van with unmistakable premium flair. It’s unapologetically large, boxy, and takes up road space with confidence. I quite like its bread-loaf proportions. The front end especially stood out for me. You’ve got illuminated lighting stretching across the grille, sleek LED headlamps, attractive alloy wheels, and our test unit arrived finished in a striking shade of red that suited it perfectly. Add the panoramic sunroof and tinted windows, and the EQV really stands on business. It feels luxurious without trying too hard.

A Proper Lounge On Wheels

Step inside and the EQV immediately leans into its role as a premium people mover. The cabin feels classy, purposeful and exceptionally well insulated. There are leather seats, heated seating for passengers, fold-out tables in the rear, and a genuinely excellent Burmester sound system.

In fact, the audio setup ended up becoming one of my favourite parts of the experience. While charging the vehicle, my better half Jess and I connected a tablet to the speakers and watched Your Friends & Neighbours, effectively turning the EQV into our own private cinema on wheels.

It handled the role surprisingly well. From a practicality perspective, there’s also loads of space. The seven-seat configuration makes perfect sense for families, airport shuttles, executive transport services or long-distance travel, while the cargo area is absolutely massive. More than anything, though, the EQV genuinely feels like a luxury lounge on wheels.

Smooth, Silent And Effortless

Of course, this isn’t a performance machine. Nobody is expecting a large electric van to behave like Speedy Gonzales, but the EQV has more than enough power for its intended purpose. Out on the road, it feels smooth, quiet and refined. Despite its size, it’s also remarkably easy to drive.I spent most of my time navigating the chaos of Fourways traffic rather than escaping onto an open road, but even there the EQV impressed with its composure and effortless nature.

Underneath it all sits a 93.3kWh battery pack producing around 150kW and 365Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims a range of more than 350km, which is respectable for something this large. Because it’s electric, the power delivery feels immediate and seamless, while charging times are fairly reasonable depending on the charger you use. That said, living with an EV in South Africa can still occasionally feel like a range-anxiety-inducing irritation. And at roughly R2.3 million, the EQV firmly positions itself in the luxury space.

Does The EQV Make Sense?

Truthfully, I’d probably still lean toward something like a Mercedes-Benz V300d fitted with monoblock wheels, or even a Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer. But the EQV occupies a unique corner of the market. There aren’t many direct rivals either. Ultimately, the EQV makes the most sense as a premium shuttle — whether for luxury hotels, airports, executive transport services or buyers fully committed to the EV lifestyle. And if you’re willing to go against the grain and embrace electric motoring in a full-sized luxury van, then the Mercedes-Benz EQV might just tickle your fancy.

Workplace culture is like the foundation of a building — not visible, but essential to stability, growth, and the overall experience of the people within it. In higher education, particularly, where institutions are shaped as much by people as by systems and strategy, culture increasingly influences not only the employee experience but also the broader quality of organisational sustainability.

Across industries globally, conversations around employee wellbeing, flexibility, and organisational culture continue to evolve. Increasingly, employees are seeking workplaces that offer more than employment alone. There is growing emphasis on environments that foster belonging, collaboration, professional development, and a sense of shared purpose. As institutions expand and workforces become larger and more dynamic, maintaining meaningful human connections can become increasingly complex.

In just two months at MANCOSA, one of the things that has stood out most to me is the institution’s effort to maintain that sense of connection across its large national staff complement. In large organisations, growth and scale can sometimes create distance between people. Yet what I have observed so far is a workplace culture that appears conscious of balancing institutional growth with people-centred values.

What has been particularly noticeable is that the culture is not defined by a single initiative or carefully crafted statement. Rather, it reveals itself in consistent day-to-day interactions between colleagues, leadership, and teams. Often, it is the smaller moments within organisations that shape how supported people feel — a willingness to assist, an openness to share knowledge, or simply the feeling that individuals are acknowledged beyond their job titles.

Early in my first few weeks, I experienced an unexpected health setback, which required me to take time to recover. Naturally, as someone new to an organisation, I felt a level of apprehension. What stood out, however, was the understanding and encouragement I received to prioritise my wellbeing. The experience reinforced an important perspective on workplace culture: employee wellness is not separate from performance and productivity but forms part of the foundation that supports both.

This reflects a broader shift taking place across professional environments. Increasingly, organisations are recognising that workplace wellness is no longer viewed simply as an employee benefit, but as an important component of organisational resilience, engagement, and long-term sustainability.

MANCOSA’s efforts to create flexible and people-conscious approaches, provide access to wellness-driven initiatives and resources, and prioritise employee wellbeing through wellness initiatives and by encouraging employees to prioritise their health have demonstrated that even relatively small considerations can have a meaningful impact on morale, engagement, and the overall workplace experience. In fast-paced professional spaces, these considerations often shape how connected and valued employees feel within their organisations.

Equally meaningful has been the support and openness from colleagues during my transition into a new role. Joining a new organisation can often feel overwhelming, particularly within large and evolving institutions. However, I have experienced a strong culture of collaboration and guidance, where people are willing to share institutional knowledge and support one another. Those interactions may seem small on the surface, but they play a significant role in helping new employees navigate unfamiliar environments with greater confidence.

Another aspect I have appreciated is the accessibility of leadership. In many professional environments, hierarchy can unintentionally create distance between employees and leadership teams. Yet simple moments of conversation, approachability, and engagement can contribute meaningfully to creating a more connected workplace culture. These interactions often shape how comfortable employees feel in contributing ideas, asking questions, and developing a stronger sense of belonging within an institution.

I have also come to appreciate the importance of understanding an institution’s history and journey. In fast-moving workplaces, it is easy to focus only on immediate responsibilities without fully understanding the broader story behind an organisation’s growth and evolution. Opportunities to engage with that history create a stronger sense of purpose and context. What I found particularly interesting was how institutional milestones and stories are shared intentionally. Initiatives such as MANCOSA Connect, a coffee-table publication documenting the institution’s journey and the people behind it, are among the many ways the institution seeks to contribute to a sense of continuity and shared identity. It was fascinating to see that the recognition extended beyond the publication itself, acknowledging the collective contribution and the individuals behind the institution’s progress. In growing organisations, these moments can help employees feel connected to something larger than their individual roles.

Exposure to experiences beyond routine day-to-day responsibilities has also highlighted the growing importance of professional development within modern workplaces. Increasingly, employees are looking for environments that provide opportunities for learning, networking, leadership development, and broader professional exposure. Organisations that create spaces for ongoing growth are often better positioned to cultivate engagement and long-term organisational commitment. Workplace culture, therefore, extends beyond internal organisational dynamics and can ultimately influence how institutions deliver value to the communities and students they serve.

Of course, two months is still a relatively short period in any organisation, and my perspective is still evolving. However, my observations thus far have reinforced the idea that organisational climate and employee experience are rarely shaped by large statements or formal messaging alone. More often, it is reflected in everyday interactions, in how people support one another, and in the extent to which organisations recognise the human aspect of professional life.

At a time when workplace expectations continue to shift globally, institutions that intentionally cultivate environments of well-being, connection, and shared purpose may ultimately be better positioned to sustain both organisational growth and the people who contribute to it. In many ways, that balance may become one of the defining characteristics of meaningful and sustainable workplaces in the future of higher education.

Get the balance right!

Esivani Naidoo is a Student Experience Specialist/Online Education Practitioner at MANCOSA.

©Higher Education Media Services.

The recent discussion surrounding the Children’s Amendment Bill has prompted a national conversation about access, equity, and quality in South Africa’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector.

For many years, ECD centres have faced significant challenges in navigating registration requirements while simultaneously attempting to provide safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children.

This is most significantly the case in under-resourced centres. While regulation remains essential to protect children’s rights and wellbeing, stakeholders across the sector have long argued that administrative barriers should not prevent children from accessing vital early learning opportunities.

The Children’s Amendment Bill seeks to address this tension by creating a more enabling framework for ECD registration and support. The proposed amendments recognise that many community-based centres operate under challenging circumstances and require assistance to achieve compliance rather than exclusion from the system.

This development comes at a critical time for South Africa. Research consistently demonstrates that the first five years of a child’s life represent the most important period for brain development, language acquisition, social-emotional growth, and school readiness. However, despite this evidence, many children continue to face barriers to accessing quality ECD services.

The Children’s Amendment Bill presents an opportunity for Early Childhood Development. However, legislation alone cannot address the complex challenges facing the sector. Sustainable progress will require continued investment in the infrastructure, curriculum development and teacher training in centres.

As organisations working within the ECD sector, we welcome reforms that recognise the realities faced by centres. We cannot stress enough how important the first 1000 days of a child’s life are. We firmly believe that investment in ECDs is a long term investment because it advances children during their most pertinent years.

The Bill reflects a growing understanding that quality Early Childhood Development is not merely a social service; it is a national investment. Every child who gains access to quality early learning enters school better prepared to succeed, while society benefits from stronger educational outcomes, improved economic participation, and reduced inequality.

The Children’s Amendment Bill represents another positive step towards ensuring that all children have access to the strong foundations they need to thrive.

“The early years represent the greatest opportunity we have to change a child’s trajectory. We welcome reforms that make it easier for ECD centres to access support while maintaining a focus on quality and child wellbeing. When more centres are able to participate fully in the ECD ecosystem, more children benefit from the learning experiences that prepare them for lifelong success”- Theresa Michael, CEO Afrika Tikkun Bambanani.

©Higher Education Media Services.

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Their degrees are almost a guarantee of jobs - and they’re consistently among the best on the African continent. Now, Wits University has strengthened its position as Africa’s leading research powerhouse after being ranked No. 1 on the continent in the 2026 Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR). The University now sits 200th globally out of 21,291 institutions, placing it firmly within the top 1% of universities worldwide.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi FRS says the ranking underscores Wits’ growing global influence at a time when African universities are increasingly measured by their ability to produce world‑shaping knowledge and highly employable graduates.

“This achievement confirms Wits’ standing as a leading African institution with global reach and relevance,” Vilakazi says.

“The CWUR uses objective data to assess education quality, research output, faculty excellence and graduate employability. Being ranked first in Africa and among the top 1% globally reflects the collective excellence and ambition of our students, staff, alumni and partners.”

The recognition follows another major milestone: Wits was recently named the top university in sub‑Saharan Africa for innovation performance in the 2025 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. The Index measures how effectively institutions convert research and technology into economic and social impact—an area where Wits continues to lead.

The CWUR, regarded as one of the most transparent global ranking systems, evaluated universities using 81 million data points. Wits excelled in indicators tied directly to real‑world influence, including a global Employability Rank of 97, highlighting the competitiveness of its graduates, and a Faculty Rank of 87, reflecting the distinction of its academic community.

Wits researchers are driving advances in pandemic response, AI, quantum technologies, climate science and inequality studies, while its humanities scholars—such as Holberg Prize laureate Prof. Achille Mbembe—continue to shape global intellectual debates.

The 2026 results reaffirm that African universities can compete with the world’s best while remaining deeply committed to advancing knowledge, opportunity and progress on the continent.

Wits. For Good.

©Higher Education Media Services.

‘I receive this recognition tonight with humility, but also with caution. Because the work of a police officer is not performed for applause.

It is not performed for headlines.

It is not performed for awards.

It is performed for the people of South Africa.

As a disciplined member of the South African Police Service, I took an oath many years ago; an oath to uphold the Constitution, protect the citizens of this country and defend the rule of law without fear or favour.

That oath does not change depending on political convenience, media pressure, public opinion or personal consequence.

Therefore, this award must never be misunderstood.

The media briefing of 6 July 2025 was not an exercise in popularity. It was not a campaign. It was not an attempt to become a public figure. It was an act of duty. An act informed by conscience. An act informed by the love of this country. And an act informed by the responsibility I carry as the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal.

When institutions begin to fear the truth more than they fear criminality, society enters dangerous territory.

South Africa is standing at such a crossroads.

We cannot continue to normalise corruption.

We cannot continue to protect incompetence.

We cannot continue to romanticise criminality while honest citizens live behind burglar bars, businesses collapse under extortion, communities are terrorised by organised crime and public trust in institutions continues to erode.

The truth is painful; A capable state cannot coexist with compromised institutions.

And the process of renewal cannot selectively target certain sectors while others remain untouched.

The spring cleaning currently confronting the criminal justice system must cut across all sectors of society; government departments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, the private sector and yes, even the media itself.

Every institution in this country must ask itself;

Are we serving South Africa, or are we serving ourselves? Because patriotism is not found in slogans.

It is found in accountability.

It is found in ethical leadership.

It is found in courage.

And it is found in the willingness to place country before comfort.

We do not all have to agree.

We do not all have to be friends.

But we all have a responsibility to serve the interests of South Africa. This country does not need heroes.

It needs principled people.

People who will do their jobs honestly when nobody is clapping for them.

People who understand that integrity is not a performance, but it is discipline.

Accepting this award therefore does not suggest that all is well in our country.

It is precisely because all is not well that every one of us must recommit ourselves to making it well.

If South Africa is serious about a national reset, then that reset must include all of us; political leadership, law enforcement, the judiciary, business, civil society and the media. No institution can place itself above scrutiny while demanding accountability from others.

Tonight, I accept this award primarily on behalf of the men and women in blue.

➢ The police officers who leave their homes every day uncertain if they will return.

➢ The detectives working through the night to secure convictions.

➢ The officers who continue to serve with integrity despite intimidation, despite limited resources and despite relentless criticism.

➢ The members who still believe in the badge.

➢ The members who still believe that the SAPS can and must become a trusted instrument of justice for the people of South Africa.

There are many honest and committed police officers in this country.

Men and women who refuse to surrender this organisation to corruption, criminal infiltration or institutional decay.

This recognition belongs to them.

➢ To those who continue to carry the integrity of the organisation.

➢ To those committed to building a safe, ethical and capable state.

➢ To those who understand that service to the people is not a slogan - it is a sacred responsibility.

History will not judge us by the titles we held, the awards we collected or the speeches we delivered.

History will judge us by whether we defended the truth when it mattered. Whether we protected the weak when it was difficult.

And whether we placed the future of South Africa above personal interest. May we all find the courage to do so.’

©Higher Education Media Services.

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From restoring key highways to reviving lake transport and advancing airport projects, the Malawian government has committed to transforming the sector despite funding and climate‑related challenges.

Landlocked Malawi faces an arduous task of revitalising its transport sector, after decades of neglect.

Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Bright Kumwembe, says the government has embarked on upgrading, rehabilitation, and construction of road, rail, water, and air transport systems to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.

Kumwembe, speaking in an exclusive interview, observes that some sections of the country’s roads were experiencing significant deterioration, warranting restoration of their functionality.

He says: “In particular, the M1 Corridor between Lilongwe and Blantyre has developed potholes, pavement distress and compromised drainage”.

Kumwembe says in view of this, the ministry has initiated comprehensive maintenance and rehabilitation programs through the Roads Authority, financed by ring-fenced resources, including the fuel levy and tollgate collections.

He says this is aimed at restoring the functionality, safety and resilience of the country’s road network while ensuring more sustainable asset management.

For example, he says the government intends to upgrade the Rumphi-Nyika Road in the Northern Region, improve the capacity of the Kaunda-Chendawaka Road in the capital, Lilongwe, and rehabilitate the Lakeshore Road and the Liwonde-Msipe Road in the Southern Region.

Additionally, Kumwembe says the government would like to rehabilitate the M1 Road from the Kamuzu International Airport turn-off to the Mzimba turn-off and Kacheche-Chiweta, with funding from the European Investment Bank and the European Union.

He observes that climate-related shocks have increasingly disrupted trade connectivity and socio-economic activities, largely due to the recurrence of Tropical cyclones such as Idai and Freddy.

“In response, the sector has adopted a proactive approach to mitigate and prevent climate-related impacts while racing the building Back Better principle to ensure more resilient and sustainable infrastructure development,” he says.

He says to ensure the successful implementation of the project, the ministry intends to, among other things, ensure inclusion of climate resilient issues in sector strategic documents, develop guidelines for the road sector to ensure its resilience to climate change, set up a research unit at the Roads Authority and review and update manuals for designing roads.

On revitalising shipping and railway transport on Lake Malawi, Kumwembe says the government has adopted a holistic approach to modernise all ports and vessels while also promoting effective administrative structures that foster the growth of water transport.

He says the government would like to resuscitate the Malawi Lake Services Limited as a primary administrative authority to lead the efforts. Malawi recently terminated its shipping and ports concession agreement with Portuguese conglomerate Mota-Engil.

“Additionally, the ministry is progressing with the establishment of the Rail and Marine Regulatory Authority of Malawi to strengthen the oversight and regulation of the rail and marine subsectors,” he says.

Meanwhile, Kumwembe says negotiations are underway between the Government and the National Bank of Malawi to enter into a partnership agreement to operate shipping services on Lake Malawi.

“Once both sides reach a consensus on the agreement’s framework, official communication will be made outlining the partnership’s scope and operational plans,” says Kumwembe, adding that he was optimistic of a positive outcome from the negotiations.

On air transport, Kumwembe says the government is rehabilitating Mzuzu Airport to restore air services in northern Malawi, adding that it has engaged a consultant to conduct feasibility studies and preliminary design work for a new airport in the northern city.

The new airport project is expected to be funded by BADEA and OPEC.

He further disclosed that the government also intends to conduct feasibility studies in the resort District of Mangochi to assess the viability and determine a suitable location for an airport in the District.

Kumwembe says Malawi continues its partnership with Ethiopian Airlines for long-term sustainability and also plans to expand the fleet and introduce new routes to position Malawi as a regional aviation hub.

He disclosed that resource mobilisation for the implementation of the TAZARA railway project connecting northern Malawi was on course, adding that procurement of feasibility studies is expected to be completed within the current financial year, and that the African Development Bank was willing to support it with funds.

Kumwembe says one of the challenges facing the transport sector was the continued deterioration of transport infrastructure at a time when demand for the same was increasing.

“This mismatch places significant pressure on the existing systems and constrains the ministry’s ability to deliver efficient, reliable and sustainable public services,” he says.

He observes that the challenge was compounded by limited public finance for investment, limited public-sector participation, critical human resource inadequacies, the effects of climate change, and vandalism of transport infrastructure.

He, however, says: “I wish to reaffirm the government’s commitment to transforming Malawi’s transport sector into a modern, integrated and resilient system that supports economic growth and improves the livelihoods of people.”

Kumwembe says the ministry is working closely with various stakeholders, cooperating partners, and the private sector to meet the nation’s transport aspirations and advance Malawi’s development agenda.

Former Vice President Khumbo Hastings Kachali says he is looking forward to the commencement of the construction of Mombera University, apart from several stalled road construction projects.

President Arthur Peter Mutharika recently appointed his Second Vice President, Enock Kamzingeni Chihana, to champion the development of the Mombera project after it had halted for about 7 years.

Kachali then says he hopes that contractors will resume road construction works before the rainy season.

Kachali previously served as Minister of Transport and Public Works.

©Higher Education Media Services.

The League of African Ambassadors has officially announced that its President, Ambassador Nwannebuike Eze Ominyi, will lead a high-powered delegation of top African diplomats to the prestigious MOSAIC FORUM 2026.

The forum is scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from 3rd June to 5th June 2026. The delegation’s participation shows the League’s ongoing commitment to fostering intra-African cooperation, strengthening regional partnerships, and advancing the continent’s strategic economic and geopolitical interests on global platforms.

Accompanying the President to this prestigious forum is a distinguished delegation of prominent continental figures and seasoned diplomats. The official delegation includes Ambassador Mona Omar of Egypt, Ambassador Kufa Edward Chinoza of Zimbabwe, Ambassador General Tukur Buratai (Rtd) of Nigeria, Ambassador Alexander Grant Ntr-akwa of Ghana, Ambassador Carmen Jolene Smidt of South Africa, Ambassador John James Usanga of Nigeria, Ambassador Sylvester Mundanda of Zambia, Ambassador Jaqueline Zwambila of Zimbabwe, Ambassador Kasongo Musenga of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ambassador Ali Magashi of Nigeria, who is already in Cairo alongside Mr Mayor Iduma, representing the media.

Throughout the three-day forum, this high-level team is set to engage in a series of critical, impact-driven activities on the sidelines to deepen bilateral and multilateral ties with global and continental bodies.

Leading diplomats from the delegation will feature as key panellists, contributing Africa-centric perspectives to discussions on contemporary public affairs facing Africa, regional integration, economic resilience, and sustainable development.

Furthermore, the League is set to institutionalise strategic partnerships by signing landmark Memoranda of Understanding to boost collaboration and diplomatic synergy across the continent.

In addition to the main forum events, the itinerary features critical diplomatic engagements. The President and the accompanying delegates will hold a closed-door bilateral meeting with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt to discuss shared regional priorities and diplomatic cooperation on contemporary public affairs facing Africa.

The delegation will also meet with the Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors accredited to Egypt, strengthening solidarity and alignment on the continent’s common positions within the diplomatic corps.

A robust schedule of sideline meetings has also been finalised with international investors, policy experts, and development partners to explore avenues for mutual growth.

The Mosaic Forum 2026 aims to foster a renewed commitment among African and Middle Eastern leaders, practitioners, and partners to navigate contemporary public affairs challenges by shifting from reactive management to proactive agency.

The goal is shaping Africa’s destiny through deeper policy dialogue, smarter strategic communications, and tangible collaborations that deliver prosperity and dignity for all peoples.

The League of African Ambassadors remains a premier diplomatic body dedicated to promoting unity, fostering robust socio-economic collaborations, and advocating for effective policy frameworks that support the sustainable advancement of the African continent and its global diaspora.

©Higher Education Media Services.

• Dr Panashe Chigumadzi, a historian and writer, was the speaker at Stellenbosch University’s 8th Annual Africa Day Lecture.

• Chigumadzi serves as rapporteur for the African Union committee of experts on reparations for racialised chattel enslavement, colonialism and apartheid.

• Africa Day, celebrated annually on 25 May, commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.

The enslavement of black Africans was a “world-breaking crime” that continues to shape global inequality, sovereignty and power today – and now is the time to repair its enduring damage.

That was the central argument advanced by historian and writer Dr Panashe Chigumadzi during Stellenbosch University’s (SU) 8th Annual Africa Day Lecture on Wednesday evening (27 May 2026).

Drawing on Nobel laureate Toni Morrison’s 1992 observation that slavery “broke the world in half”, Chigumadzi argued that slavery, colonialism and apartheid should be understood not as separate historical episodes, but as part of a single enduring structure shaping the modern world.

In an address that drew together political philosophy, African intellectual traditions, reparations discourse and historical memory, Chigumadzi challenged the audiences to rethink ubuntu, justice and Africa’s place in the modern world.

Chigumadzi is the author of These Bones Will Rise Again, and is writing a new work The World is Dead: Ubuntu as an ethics of war and conquest under the 1779-1879 Wars of Dispossession. She is also a professor of African History at Brandeis University in the United States.

‘Gravest crime’

She serves as rapporteur for the African Union committee of experts on reparations for racialised chattel enslavement, colonialism and apartheid. She also drafted and conceptualised the AU reparations framework A Crime Does Not Rot: 1441 to Present, which informed Ghana’s landmark 25 March 2026 United Nations resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement “the gravest crime against humanity”.

The resolution explicitly links slavery to ongoing global inequalities and calls for “reparatory justice” – including formal apologies, restitution of stolen cultural property, compensation, rehabilitation, institutional reform and guarantees of non-repetition.

In her lecture at the SU Museum, Chigumadzi argued that the current global order could not be separated from the histories of enslavement and dispossession that shaped it – and that the debt created over 600 years remained unpaid.

High time for reparations

For her, the scale and endurance of these histories required reparations and what she called “radical redistribution” aimed at addressing structural dispossession across generations.

“A crime does not rot,” she said repeatedly throughout the lecture. The phrase also appears in the AU reparations framework and the subsequent UN resolution, which affirm that there is no statute of limitation on crimes against humanity.

Chigumadzi drew direct connections between slavery-era compensation and the accumulation of wealth in the Cape. She noted that when slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1834, compensation was paid not to enslaved people but to slave owners for the loss of their “property”.

“We very rarely talk about the reparations that were actually paid to enslavers in this country,” she said.

According to Chigumadzi, the British Empire paid £20 million to slave owners across the empire after slavery was abolished in 1834 – approximately £2.7 billion in today’s terms and, at the time, about 40% of the British national treasury.

She noted that the Cape Colony received more than £1.2 million of that amount – nearly R4 billion in today’s terms – with Stellenbosch among the largest beneficiaries because of its extensive slaveholding economy.

Stellenbosch district, she said, held 8,452 enslaved people at emancipation in 1834, second only to Cape Town.

She argued that this capital helped lay the foundations for enduring concentrations of wealth in the Western Cape, including financial and business networks associated with Stellenbosch capital.

‘Radical ubuntu’ reclaimed

One of the lecture’s central interventions was Chigumadzi’s challenge to popular understandings of ubuntu.

She argued that the notion had often been reduced in post-apartheid South Africa to a language of individualised and interpersonal forgiveness detached from the structural histories of conquest, dispossession and structural inequality.

Chigumadzi traced part of this shift to what she described as the “mistranslation” of ubuntu by the Kenyan theologian John Mbiti in his influential 1969 book African Religions and Philosophy, in which he formulated ubuntu as: “I am because we are”.

She argued he did so as an African analogue to French philosopher René Descartes’s famous dictum “I think, therefore I am”, arguing that the modern Western conception of the autonomous individual had emerged alongside the expansion of racialised chattel slavery.

“Although the fullness of African metaphysical worlds cannot be translated into English without loss, the isiNtu language dictum ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ is more accurately rendered as ‘A person is a person through other people’,” she said.

Drawing on oral traditions and more than 500 texts in isiXhosa, isiZulu, seTswana and seSotho recovered from 19th-century black newspapers, Chigumadzi argued that ubuntu was not simply a moral appeal to harmony, but an ethics concerned with sovereignty, accountability and collective obligation.

That is “the radical ubuntu we seek to reclaim tonight,” she said.

South Africa still ‘separated’ from rest of Africa

Chigumadzi argued that apartheid and settler colonialism had historically sought to separate the rest of the continent both politically and psychologically.

She did not explicitly address the current resurgence of xenophobic violence in South Africa during her input, but in an interview afterwards, she was clear: “This is Afrophobia – a centuries-old fear and hatred of black people. It’s the familiar “swartgevaar” (black peril) logic, so to speak.”

Chigumadzi linked anti-migrant sentiment to longer histories of racial exclusion, pass laws and what she described as the historical project of constructing South Africa as a “white man’s country”.

“For black people, there was the notion that you are trespassing on white property,” she said.

She argued that although democracy brought formal inclusion into the nation state, persistent inequality and limited economic redistribution after 1994 had intensified competition over scarce resources.

In the absence of structural reparations and land redistribution, “people are clinging on to that little crumbs afforded to them by citizenship within the nation state,” she said.

“When people feel they are not getting the actual economic benefits of citizenship, black ‘foreign nationals’ become easy scapegoats.”

‘Confront uncomfortable truths’

Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, Director of AVReQ, facilitated a discussion with the audience. Praising Chigumadzi’s “profound historical clarity”, she said: “You’ve brought this to our attention in such a powerful way.”

In his remarks, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath described the lecture as part of the University’s commitment to creating spaces for difficult but necessary discussion.

“These are not easy conversations. They require a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths,” he said.

“But if universities are serious about their role in society, these are exactly the conversations we must be willing to host and engage in.”

Opportunity to remake the world

For Chigumadzi’s, the stakes of these discussions extend far beyond reflection.

If racialised chattel enslavement was a “world-breaking crime”, she argued, reparations must become a “world-making project”.

“And so this is the opportunity before us,” she concluded: “To rethink fundamentally what kind of world is possible.”

Story by Desmond Thompson first published on the Stellenbosch University website.

©Higher Education Media Services.

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