New research reveals that South Africa’s social grants are doing more than alleviating poverty—they are actively fueling small-scale entrepreneurship. Beneficiaries are strategically using these cash transfers as seed capital to launch a diverse range of micro-businesses, from street vending to photography and poultry farming. These individuals demonstrate immense agency, often pooling funds or borrowing small amounts to start ventures that provide a more dignified livelihood. Their stories powerfully counter the myth that grants foster dependency, instead showing how they can be a springboard for economic activity. As South Africa debates expanding its social protection system, this evidence highlights the potential…
Author: Montage Africa
Angola and India are set to strengthen bilateral ties, expanding cooperation across technology, energy, and defense. The announcement followed President Droupadi Murmu’s historic state visit to Angola—the first by an Indian head of state—during which she and President João Lourenço highlighted the countries’ growing partnership at a joint press conference in Luanda. Murmu emphasized Angola’s pivotal role in India’s energy sector and expressed interest in deeper collaboration under the India-Africa Forum Summit framework. Angola also signaled its commitment to global environmental initiatives by joining two Indian-led alliances focused on big cat conservation and biofuel development. With several new agreements signed, this…
South Africa has launched a clinical trial for its first locally developed oral cholera vaccine in 50 years. Cholera, which spreads through contaminated food and water, has caused nearly 7,000 deaths this year amid global shortages. This oral inoculation, created by the partly state-owned Biovac Institute, aims to address this shortage. This development is even more significant given that Africa currently accounts for 94% of the world’s cholera deaths but produces less than 1% of vaccines globally. If the trial succeeds, the cholera vaccine will be available by 2028, bolstering regional health security. This initiative is a direct response to continent-wide calls…
Dwindling emotional baggage following the pandemic has brought with it a new appetite for awe-inspiring experiences. Instead of simply sitting down to a meal at a restaurant, South Africans wanted to be blown away by creative cuisine, the atmosphere and the view. While cities like Cape Town could rely on breathtaking natural landmarks like Table Mountain, landlocked metros such as Johannesburg had to think outside the box. Radisson Blu Gautrain Shishanyama platter It soon became clear that Jozi’s inner-city skyline – said to be one of the top-two most visually-striking in Africa – was just the ingredient to entice diners…
By Rédaction Africanews and AP In Sudan’s North Darfur, new accounts from women fleeing the city of Al-Fashir reveal horrifying scenes of violence and abuse after its capture by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. According to UN Women, survivors describe killings, systematic rape, and the disappearance of children, atrocities that unfolded as the RSF cemented its control over the Darfur region in its brutal war with the Sudanese army. Anna Mutavati, UN Women’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, says sexual violence is now being used deliberately and systematically as a weapon of war. “Women’s bodies have become a…
By Brennan Heugh, Rentals and Sales Executive at Waco Modular In South Africa, education is a vital driver of social and economic progress. Teachers across the country work tirelessly to shape young minds and open up new opportunities for learners. As student numbers continue to grow, so does the need for adequate classroom infrastructure. Ensuring every student has access to a supportive, well-equipped learning environment is essential for sustaining growth. To meet this rising demand, it’s time to explore innovative approaches to school infrastructure. While traditional construction will always have its place, it can often take months and require extensive…
Tarik Saleh’s latest film, Eagles of the Republic, was the sole African title in the official competition at the Cannes film festival this year. The political satire stars regular Saleh contributor Fares Fares as George Fahmy, a beloved Egyptian superstar. The high-stakes thriller, which also showed at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and will premiere in European theaters starting November 12, marks the conclusion of Saleh’s heralded Cairo trilogy, which started with The Nile Hilton Incident in 2017 and continued with Boy From Heaven in 2022. Though all the films are set in Cairo, not all scenes were filmed there —Turkey provided a practical substitute. Saleh,…
By Dominic Wabwireh with other agencies Approximately 35% of mpox vaccines donated by Japan to combat a dangerous new outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo are being wasted due to stringent preparation requirements that leave doses unusable within hours, the head of the country’s mpox response has told Reuters. Congo’s mpox lead, Cris Kacita, reported that while over half a million people have been vaccinated, the loss rate for the Japanese LC16 vaccine is between 32% and 35%. “We’re really doing everything we can to prevent loss,” Kacita stated. The wastage occurs because each vial contains 250 powder doses…
Before a capacity audience at Constitution Hill — a site symbolic of South Africa’s struggle, freedom, and rebirth — Africa’s leading branding authority, Thebe Ikalafeng, launched his much-anticipated follow-up to his bestselling memoir The Traveller: Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa. In conversation with veteran broadcaster Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu, and interspersed with a Pan-African playlist curated with Lebo M and performed by DJ Kenzhero and DJ XO, the evening blended intellect, rhythm, and reflection. Her Royal Highness Queen Nozizwe Mulela of the Zulu Kingdom delivered the opening remarks, and the event was facilitated by Reverend Kabelo Motlhakane. Thebe Ikalafeng’s New #1 Book — Rooted & Rising The launch was covered by SABC African Language…
Spotify, through its global LGBTQIA+ initiative, GLOW celebrates the indomitable spirit of the legendary Brenda Fassie, the Queen of African Pop. Known for her bold artistry, fearless individuality and cultural influence, she remains one of Africa’s most revered music icons. At the heart of this celebration is ‘The Impact of Brenda Fassie’ – a 10-minute documentary which premiered today on Spotify’s YouTube channel, spotlighting Brenda’s influence across generations. The film features artists who have drawn inspiration from her sound and unapologetic presence – amongst them are Langa Mavuso, Zoë Modiga, Muneyi, and Nanette. Beyond the documentary, Spotify brought Brenda’s legacy to life through a memorable event which took place on Tuesday,…