Category BreakingNews

Women and youth are the overlooked drivers of Africas energy transition


The mail& Guardian


The transition to renewable energy in Africa can promote gender equality and empower youth. Energy poverty affects 600 million Africans, with women and youth disproportionately impacted. Integrating gender and youth perspectives in energy policies can unlock economic opportunities. Inclusive strategies, education, and partnerships are crucial for sustainable development in the renewable energy sector. Karabo Mokgonyana advocates for these initiatives at Power Shift Africa.



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2024 matric results: Top-performing private schools in South Africa


BusinessTech


Private schools in South Africa are renowned for their prestige and academic excellence, with smaller class sizes and highly qualified teachers. The 2024 matric results showed a 4.4 percentage point increase in the pass rate to 87.3% for private schools, with the IEB reporting an overall pass rate of 98.47%. Parents opt for private schools due to the perceived superior education they offer.



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China exports accelerate amid trade tensions, imports surprise


Daily Maverick


China’s December exports surged by 10.7% year-on-year, beating expectations, with a trade surplus of $104.8 billion. Analysts attribute the increase to frontloading due to Trump trade risks and Lunar New Year. Challenges remain, including potential US tariff hikes and unresolved disputes with the EU. Despite signs of recovery, China aims for around 5% economic growth in 2025 amid ongoing challenges.



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At least 100 illegal miners have died while trapped in a South African mine for months, group says


AP News


Over 100 illegal miners in South Africa died of starvation and dehydration while trapped in an abandoned gold mine. More than 500 others remain trapped. Bodies were found wrapped in plastic underground. Rescue operations have recovered 18 bodies and 26 survivors. The miners had been stuck for months as police tried to remove them.



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Operation under way to rescue trapped miners from South African gold mine


Al Jazeera


400 men are trapped in an abandoned South African gold mine, with reports suggesting at least 100 deaths. Rescuers have retrieved illegal miners and bodies from the mine near Stilfontein. A professional rescue company successfully brought up seven people and four bodies. Videos from rescued miners’ phones show numerous bodies underground. Police had previously tried to remove illegal miners from the site.



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After the Bell: The Economist’s long-overdue epiphany on Africa


Daily Maverick


The Economist magazine has been criticized for its inaccurate coverage of Africa, with notable blunders like labeling the continent as “The Hopeless Continent” in 2000. Despite its insightful articles on America and Europe, its portrayal of Africa reflects biases of urban, developed world readers. The magazine failed to anticipate Africa’s economic growth driven by manufacturing and building, influenced by China and Asia’s resource extraction activities.



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Trump’s 2nd presidency presents major challenge to South Africa


Daily Maverick


The US president’s threats of military action and economic pressure on various countries raise concerns about imperialist tendencies. South Africa faces Agoa suspension due to its foreign policy alignment, risking preferential US market access. The Biden administration recently renewed South Africa’s Agoa eligibility, but uncertainties loom with Trump’s potential return to power.



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The capitalist revolution Africa needs


The Economist


Africa’s importance is set to rise significantly in the coming years, with its share of the world’s population expected to reach 21% by 2030. The continent will become a key source of labor as the rest of the world ages, with over half of the young workforce in 2030 projected to be African. This demographic shift will have significant global implications.



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