Keith Boyd’s audacious run from Cape Town to Cairo is a vivid portrayal of South Africa’s continued pursuit of progress and liberty. Despite facing an attempted abduction in Ethiopia, the 57yearold adventurer pressed on and recently celebrated his arrival in Cairo. Boyd’s objective is to motivate his compatriots, particularly the younger generation, to exercise their right to vote and to reinforce the idea that boundaries are meant to be transcended. His journey is a collective symbol of the undying resilience and grit that define the human spirit.
South Africa reigns as Africa’s primary wealth hub, with Johannesburg being the continent’s most affluent city, home to 12,300 millionaires, 25 centimillionaires, and two billionaires. Cape Town follows closely in second place, with 7,400 millionaires, 28 centimillionaires, and one billionaire. These rankings highlight the concentration of wealth within specific nations and cities, with South Africa possessing more than double the number of highnetworth individuals compared to any other African country. The 2024 African Wealth Report showcases the continent’s financial landscape and underscores its growing economic power.
Wellness tourism is booming in Africa, with South Africa leading the way. The market value of wellness tourism in Africa is set to reach $114.24 billion by 2029, with local customs and natural assets being incorporated into wellness experiences. South Africa is harnessing its natural assets, such as Rooibos, to offer visitors a glimpse into its wellness traditions and to carve out a unique identity on the international wellness tourism map. The trend towards healthfocused travel represents a shift towards more conscious and sustainable tourism.
Deo Kato, a man of Ugandan descent and London residency, is running from Cape Town to London along ancient migratory trails. His journey challenges racial stereotypes, questions territorial divisions, and fosters human connections. Despite facing numerous challenges, Kato’s determination remains unwavering. His marathon is a poignant commentary on the obstacles that refugees encounter in their search for safety and a lively rebuttal against racism, demonstrating that our common human heritage trumps race or nationality.
The recent internet disruption in Africa caused by damage to at least four submarine communication cables off the west coast of Africa highlights the importance of undersea cables for our digitallydriven global community. The outage led to outages and connectivity issues for mobile operators and internet service providers, with varying degrees of impact across different countries. Major international telecom operators, including Microsoft, experienced knockon effects, emphasizing our growing reliance on digital infrastructure and the need for sturdy emergency plans.
Africa is a continent full of untapped potential, with a spirit of innovation and optimism that was showcased at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa. Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile emphasized the importance of cultivating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, preparing Africa for the digital future, and addressing the issue of ‘braindrain.’ He encapsulated a vision of an innovative and digitally ready Africa that actively shapes its future, with collaboration, effective policies, and support for entrepreneurship being crucial. Overall, the congress stands as a beacon of hope for a brighter future in Africa.
Idris Elba and Trevor Noah engaged in a hilarious contest of impressions on the latest episode of Noah’s podcast ‘What Now?’. The duo mimicked renowned personalities like Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama, and also shared personal stories about their journeys in the entertainment industry. The podcast also highlighted the potential of Africa as a burgeoning centre for unique artistic expressions and narratives. Overall, the interaction between Noah and Elba was both playful and insightful, showcasing their remarkable talents in a refreshingly unconventional manner.
The Afrika Odyssey Expedition, led by the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, delivered over 7,000 mosquito nets to pregnant women and children under five in 13 African nations. The expedition covered hazardous roads and challenging conditions, with its vehicles, Moyo and Isibindi, proving their mettle in carrying humanitarian aid and supplies over 40,000 kilometers. The foundation also provides reading glasses and conducts educational campaigns on community conservation. The expedition is a testament to Kingsley Holgate’s legacy of adventure and philanthropy.
Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane emphasized the importance of beneficiation, boosting exploration, and involving women and youth in the extraction and exploitation of natural resources to revolutionize the African mining industry at the thirtieth session of the Investing in African Mining Indaba. Africa has substantial reserves of various minerals and petroleum resources, making it a leader in ecofriendly industries. However, underdevelopment persists due to the “pittoport” methodology, and the solution is to process resources locally to secure benefits for Africa.
The African Cup of Nations is a soccer tournament full of surprises and upsets. Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s team, is facing a tough match against Morocco in the Round of 16. However, coach Hugo Broos and midfielder Siphephelo Sithole both exude hope and emphasize the importance of teamwork and tenacity in achieving victory. They carry the euphoria of their previous victory over Morocco and are determined to replicate it and add another surprise to the tournament. The game is seen as a golden opportunity for Bafana Bafana to shine and conquer the odds.
Percy Tau is a footballer for Bafana Bafana who shared an amazing story of redemption during the African Cup of Nations, after missing a penalty that could have changed the game against Mali. However, he redeemed himself in the following game against Namibia, scoring a goal that helped his team win. Tau’s journey shows that failure is just a stepping stone to success and that the collective spirit and resilience of the Bafana Bafana team is stronger than any individual mistake. The team is now focused on their upcoming match against Tunisia and ready to give their best.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is eyeing an expansion into Africa following South African MMA fighter Dricus Du Plessis’s historic victory at UFC 297. UFC president Dana White has expressed a keen interest in organizing a fight in South Africa, Nigeria, or Rwanda later this year. This development could mark a fresh epoch in the sport’s annals, already brimming with narratives of determination, resilience, and victory.
MultiChoice Group is a leading video entertainment and internet company in Africa. Despite challenges, the company has established a foothold on the picturesque island of Cyprus and is set to dominate the market with a diverse range of offerings. Their premier streaming service, Showmax, is revolutionizing content delivery across Africa with a commitment to local narratives and global entertainment trends. MultiChoice’s astute understanding of African viewers’ passion for football is showcased through their strategic introduction of Showmax Premier League. Overall, MultiChoice is shaping the African narrative and quenching the continent’s thirst for highquality entertainment.
2023 was a year of farewells to remarkable individuals who left an indelible mark in their respective fields. From Russell Banks and Jeff Beck to Paco Rabanne, Burt Bacharach, Kenzaburo Oe, Tina Turner, and Victoria Amelina, among many others, each of these icons will be remembered for their unique contributions to the world. The year bore witness to significant losses in the arts, literature, politics, and sports, reminding us of life’s transient nature and the need to cherish every moment we have.
Kim Donaldson is a renowned artist whose work captures the essence of Africa. He has spent four decades exploring the continent, producing masterpieces that span painting, sculpture, and writing. ## A Passion for Africa
For the first time ever, the Netball World Cup (NWC) will take place on African soil, marking a historic moment for the sport. From July 28th to August 6th, Cape Town will be buzzing with anticipation as the opening match draws near.