The Africa Matters Podcast: Recent Episodes
Engage Africa Media
Africa Matters is a youth-led organisation changing the African narrative through leadership skills, capacity building, and community-impact projects. Building on the organisation's existing empowerment pathways—THE AFRICA MATTERS PODCAST will provide yet another pathway for African youth and diaspora to build their knowledge by listening to the stories of other Africans actively working to empower and uplift our continent. Hosted by local activist Farai Mubaiwa.
Previous episodes have spoken about online safety and the internet police, we will now look at some tech-based activism started by African youth. Using social media to organize protests has become the new norm and whether it be through showing solidarity through photos and hashtags or standing on the frontline and marching, responses to calls of action can come in different forms. We also speak about the power of storytelling within movements and how the story of change has shifted online.
Our guest for this episode is UK-based South African multidisciplinary storyteller and creative, Zamalisa Mdoda. With experience in film, TV and digital media, she has tracked the storytelling behind movements and has even taken part in digital youth movement #FeesMustFall. Alu and Zamalisa get into various ways our movements are just cries for new narratives on the continent and throughout the world.
Our What In The Technology! season is shifting into high gear with an episode on The Power of Entrepreneurship in the Digital World. Our esteemed guest talking to Aluwani in this episode is none other than Tanzanian-American Tik Tok sensation Marie Mbullu. Marie is a part of the new wave of young African content creators who are changing the African narrative one post at a time.
Marie and Aluwani will speak about entrepreneurship and technology, discussing how young people have used the power and influence of technology to their advantage and are monetizing digital platforms through advertising, subscriptions, sponsorships, direct selling, and way way more.
Marie is passionate about African culture, marketing, and producing content. She is currently the owner of Habari Njema, a social media channel that discusses all things Africa with an audience of half a million followers. She is also the founder of Kutoaniupendo, a non-profit that supports grassroots organizations in Africa.
Catch up on past episodes if you've missed them. It's already one hell of a season!
In episode two of our What In The Technology season, Aluwani speaks to Zimbabwean human rights lawyer Namatirayi Ngwasha about online safety, privacy as well as looking at what it means to be an online user and still have one’s safety and privacy protected. Namatirayi also explores what is the appropriate amount of information to share online before it risks one’s safety and the consequences of misinformation.
Namatirayi Charlot Ngwasha is an Experienced Law Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the legal industry with over 15 years of experience. She is currently working in the NGO space as a human rights lawyer and she is very passionate about human rights, especially in the digital space.
In the first episode of the What In The Technology!season of The Africa Matters Podcast (The AMP), Aluwani Ramarumo speaks with social innovator and AMI Schools Leadership and Development (SLDP) portfolio head Eliud Luutsa about the importance of technology in the lives of African youth.
The world is ever-changing and young people more than ever need to learn not only how to use technology but use it to their advantage. As well as to understand that technological advances are not a new phenomenon in Africa. Recently many young people, more than ever, have had to adapt to the change through technology, and having an understanding of technology can help in all aspects of their lives when used correctly.
The Africa Matters Podcast is BACK with another season of providing yet another pathway for African youth and diaspora to build their knowledge on different topics surrounding technology, digital activism, as well as online safety and privacy.
Our first episode of the new season drops Friday 27 January. Don't miss it!
Hosted by Aluwani Ramarumo.
Truman’s 1949 conceptualisation of development as scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas (cited in Esteva, 1992:6) resulted in prescriptive development approaches imposed on countries in the Global South. In many cases, these prescriptive approaches have resulted in failures, with the most well-known examples being the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank’s structural adjustment programs (Stiglitz, 1998).
The effects of COVID19 on global economies resulting in economic decline prove that the 1949 definition of development, which was heavily based on development as increasing GDP per capita through economic policies determined by the Global North, is outdated and unsustainable. Development must be reconceptualized with human development, and ultimately inclusion at the core of this reconceptualization.
As the World builds back better, we must question what development means, and how do we redefine development in an inclusive manner. Smith and Todaro (2011) contextualise ‘what is development’ as a multi-faceted process involving structural societal change, an increasing GDP, reduction in inequality and unemployment and the eradication of poverty.
This conceptualisation is a Global South perspective of development, as it goes beyond monetary and economic lenses to include a human aspect to development. Smith and Todaro’s (2011) conceptualisation builds upon the work of Amartya Sen’s development as a freedom (2001).
With Africa Matters Co-Founder and Podcast host, Farai Mubaiwa, so passionate and knowledgeable about development, this episode ties together the topics we’ve unpacked in the season and encourages Africans to chart our own development.
Additional Reading
Reconceptualising Development: The Painful Job of Thinking
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9780230389052_2/
Let us know what you think of our episodes or whether you’ve been inspired to make a change in your community today. Visit www.africamattersinitiative.com
In most African countries, youth unemployment “occurs at a rate more than twice that for adults,” notes the African Development Bank. Young women feel the sting of unemployment even more sharply than young men. The AFDB found that in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and all of those in North Africa, it is easier for men to get jobs than it is for women, even if they have equivalent skills and experience. Africa’s unemployment statistics exclude those in vulnerable employment and those who are under-employed in informal sectors.
In this episode we unpack the following questions:
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What is the definition of unemployment, both as per the ILO and the expanded definition of unemployment?
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What is the current rate of youth unemployment in Africa and why is this rate so high?
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With such a high youth unemployment rate, is Africa's youth boom an economic burden or an economic opportunity?
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How can youth unemployment be reduced?
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What can unemployed youth do to change their circumstances?
Pearl Pillay is a youth development practitioner based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is currently the Managing Director of Youth Lab, a national youth think tank that aims to mainstream youth participation in community development and policy making. She holds a Masters Degree in Political Studies from Wits University with a focus on youth participation in policy making and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town.
Additional Reading
The Effects of COVID19 on Youth Unemployment in Africa:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/covid-19-is-likely-to-increase-youth-unemployment-in-africa-this-is-how-business-can-mitigate-the-damage/
Let us know what you think of our episodes or whether you’ve been inspired to make a change in your community today. Visit www.africamattersinitiative.com
Social enterprises play a critical role in addressing many of the world’s socio-economic challenges by uplifting communities, accelerating progress and creating job opportunities – and technology plays a key role in helping to increase their impact and scale (SAP, 2019). Social entrepreneurs, in particular, help to tackle social and environmental problems at the same time as providing goods and services for their communities. Their work brings together different people to trade in products, services and information. And by doing this, they strengthen as well as build the resilience of their communities.
Bertha Sithole, the founder and Managing Director of Kuanza Deliveries, a YALI Mandela Washington Fellow of 2019 and a Public Relations Degree holder. Kuanza Dreams Deliveries, trading as K Deliveries is an innovative fruits and vegetables delivery startup business in the Kingdom of Eswatini at Siphocosini. K Deliveries aims to secure a market for small scale farmers and provide food security for the Siphocosini community.
Additional Reading
What is a Social Enterprise? - https://riseafricarise.com/what-is-social-entrepreneurship/
Let us know what you think of our episodes or whether you’ve been inspired to make a change in your community today. Visit www.africamattersinitiative.com
When we think of mental health in Africa, we think of race and stigmatisation. The misperception that mental health is a ‘white people thing’ still exists. For African people to get the help we need to deal with mental health challenges, we need to change this perception and destigmatize mental health.
A 2018 extract from The Conversation states that “Many people in Africa suffering from mental health problems have only had two options: traditional or religious healing methods; and out-dated psychiatric hospitals. In both, incarceration with little choice over treatment has been common. With only one psychiatrist per million people in sub-Saharan Africa, more evidence-based and dignified treatment has been out of reach for the vast majority. In many countries, 90% of people with mental illness have no access to treatment. Even where they do, that “treatment” can often be ineffective, painful and more likely to be harmful than helpful, as the recent Human Rights Watch report on mental health in Nigeria highlighted. The challenge is compounded by the fact that in most societies, mental illness is still widely stigmatised, inhibiting both sufferers and their families from admitting the condition and seeking help”.
Vimbai Masiyiwa, Mental Health Activist, Social Entrepreneur and CEO of Batoka Hospitality, takes us through her own journey with mental health and shares critical insights into mental health in Africa.
Additional Reading
Fighting Stigma: Protecting the mental health of African Rights Advocates - https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/openglobalrights-openpage/fighting-stigma-protecting-mental-health-of-african-rights-a/
Let us know what you think of our episodes or whether you’ve been inspired to make a change in your community today. Visit www.africamattersinitiative.com
A Chinese proverb says "If you want to proposer, first build roads". In line with this proverb, infrastructure is a major part of African development.
The Deloitte Africa Construction Trends report of 2018 highlights how African governments are prioritising infrastructure and closing the infrastructure gap through numerous construction projects across the continent. Many of these projects are financed by development banks or Chinese funding. Most noticeable is the growing number of Chinese companies overshadowing the support of local contractors. Another interesting aspect is the types of projects our governments are investing in. Transport projects account for 40% of projects in 2017/2018 and yet healthcare and education projects account for 3% and 0,4% respectively.
In this episode we dive deep into Construction trends, Africa's reliance on Chinese construction, navigating construction as a young woman, and ultimately, what sort of projects should government be focusing on as we chart our own development in Africa. Remind Mudau a junior broker in the construction and engineering department with AON Commercial Risk Solutions shares her experiences and perspectives with us.
Additional Reading
Deloitte Africa Construction Trends 2018.
Let us know what you think of our episodes or whether you’ve been inspired to make a change in your community today. Visit www.africamattersinitiative.com
Identity refers to who or what a person is. A significant impact of colonialism in African is the dictation of the African identity, and the exploitation of African people for economic gain.
Fast forward a century or so and the effects of colonialism are not only seen economically or politically, but also socially as we grapple with our identity as Africans. The cycle of inventing and reinventing Africa with cool new packaging continues and the end result is still the same: African voices don’t have a say in the way they’re represented and understood on a global scale. So how can we as Africans stand firm outside of westernization? José Litako Belengo, a Pan-Africanist philosopher, writer and the co-founder of JEMO, an organisation for building rural communities with social entrepreneurship-oriented programmes, shares his perspective of African identity and how we can truly reclaim this identity.
Additional Reading
Africa's Identity Begins At Home - https://mg.co.za/article/2019-02-08-00-africas-identity-begins-at-home/
Let us know what you think of our episodes or whether you’ve been inspired to make a change in your community today. Visit www.africamattersinitiative.com
Welcome back! In this episode, we introduce you to Africa Matters Initiative so that you have better understanding of the work that we do. Additionally, we give a nice outline of what to look forward to for the rest of the season. Enjoy!
Life after COVID19 will never be the same. Society has changed forever. On a Global scale, there is a realisation that jobs deemed as ‘low-skilled’ are actually critical to keep our society going. On a continental scale, there is a realisation of the need to strengthen healthcare systems for all. And on a personal scale, there has been a change in mentality with young people asking themselves ‘What can I do to play my part?’.
For African youth, COVID19 has worsened youth unemployment rates working against our youth boom. As economic growth declines, businesses close, and the informal sector shrinks, there are less jobs created for youth. While this may appear devastating, this can also be seen as an opportunity for African youth to step up and be proactive in leading change within their communities.
In this last episode of the Africa Matters Podcast, host Farai Mubaiwa, takes us through the effects of COVID19, lessons for Africa and motivations for African youth. We can shape the Africa we want tomorrow, today.
Additional Reading
COVID19 and Increasing Youth Unemployment - https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/covid-19-is-likely-to-increase-youth-unemployment-in-africa-this-is-how-business-can-mitigate-the-damage/
Let us know what you think of our episodes or whether you’ve been inspired to make a change in your community today. Visit www.africamattersinitiative.com
“Organizations led by people of color win less grant money and are trusted less to make decisions about how to spend those funds than groups with white leaders, according to a new report by the consultancy Bridgespan and Echoing Green, an organization that invests in and provides support for leaders of emerging social enterprises.” – Jim Rendon, The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Africa Matters is not different from other black-run NGOs facing the abovementioned problem. In fact, led by two black African and diaspora womxn, Africa Matters receives less money than organisations led by black men or white womxn. The institutionalised racism in the industries makes it difficult for black-run organsiations to thrive and have their intented impact.
Reanne Olivier, Africa Matters Co-Founder and CEO, honestly shares the Africa Matters challenge of funding and support from African Venture Capitalists. And discusses what actions are needed to better support black-run NGOs. Reanne also talks about what drives her to continue the great work of Africa Matters.
As a black African and diaspora community, we need to support one another more for our businesses, our NGOs and our communities to thrive.
Additional Reading
Nonprofits Led by People of Color Win Less Grant Money With More Strings (Study) - https://www.philanthropy.com/article/Nonprofits-Led-by-People-of/248720?fbclid=IwAR3UBs8-nGFIkBSUhz17L01ktfS6cNMym04SBoMHHaMU-SL5zVd8TqznNs8
Let us know what you think of our episodes or whether you’ve been inspired to make a change in your community today. Visit www.africamattersinitiative.com
Africa’s youth boom demands more resources to educate and upskill our youthful population. Currently, Africa faces a shortage of 17 million teachers to align with the minimum teachers per capita as outlined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. While we need more teachers, African youth do not seem inclined to pursue teaching as a viable career option. Industries such accountancy, law and medicine seem to be the preferred option.
But what happens when we have a growing population and not enough teachers to educate?
Thembi Ngoma takes us through the importance of investing in teaching as a career and the impact teachers have in all of our lives.
The role of a teacher is not given the importance it deserves in our society,
Additional Reading
Shortage of Teachers in Africa - https://qz.com/africa/801571/world-teacher-day-unesco-estimates-show-africa-has-the-worlds-largest-teacher-shortage/
Let us know what you think of our episodes or whether you’ve been inspired to make a change in your community today. Visit www.africamattersinitiative.com
Africa is young and female, with women making major contributions to Africa’s economic growth through farming and entrepreneurship. Over the last few years, the continent has seen tangible improvements in the gap between men and women through Women Empowerment initiatives such as equal rights to primary education and gender mainstreaming in parliaments. Despite these advancements, African women still face many barriers related to political, economic and social rights. Join us and our guest, Minister of Menstruation Candice Chirwa as she unpacks what gender inequality is, why it is a problem within Africa and how we overcome these barriers.
The #NotTooyoungToRun movement started out in Nigeria with young people demanding that their voices be heard in all spaces including politics. In this episode, South African Candidate Attorney and Student Activist, Lindokuhle Ntuli, unpacks the importance of young people in political leadership.
Our special guest Lindokuhle unpacks the following for us:
- Why are African leaders so much older than their populations and does this create a disconnect?
- Young Africans in political leadership is on the rise. What does this mean to and for young people?
- What advise would you give to young Africans discouraged about politics and youth participation in their countries?
Links for reading:
- Young African Political Leaders: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/17/namibias-youngest-mp-enters-the-crucible-as-africa-youth-lead-way-emma-theofelus
- Constitutional Court Ruling: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-06-17-concourt-ruling-on-electoral-act-has-profound-implications-for-democracy-in-south-africa/#gsc.tab=0
- About Lindokuhle Ntuli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindokuhle-ntuli-5954aa77/
A welcome to the Africa Matters podcast, outlining what Africa Matters does and the responsibility of young Africans to shape the Africa we want by each playing our part. Additionally this episode reflects on lessons young Africans have learnt from COVID19, and our responsibility in building a post-COVID Africa.
Disclaimer: This podcast is not about how Africa is the dark and poor continent of little hope. This podcast is about an Africa of possibilities, growth and prosperity driven by our large youth population.
Links for reading:
- Getting beyond stories of Africa's youth doom: https://www.theafricareport.com/16440/africas-youth-getting-beyond-the-stories-of-boom-or-gloom/
- Myth of the West' Invincibility: https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/pandemic-catalyst-decolonisation-africa-200415150535786.html
- About Farai Mubaiwa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farai-mubaiwa/