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The western media's focus on US President Donald Trump, Brexit and now pivotal elections in Europe has come at the expense of events unfolding in the global South. On the list of these, writes John R. Campbell, are the 40 million in the grip of Africa's worst famine.
South Africa’s newest trade union federation has its work cut out for it. Trade unions in South Africa played a key role in fighting for workers’ rights and against apartheid. But since the advent of democracy, unions find themselves facing new challenges. For example, rising unemployment has seen increasing numbers of people fall outside the formal employment net. This, argues Edward Webster, means unions have had a tough time defining their role.
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A UN helicopter flies over people waiting for food aid in South Sudan.
Reuters/Siegfried Modola
John R Campbell, SOAS, University of London
The western media's focus on events at home like the US elections and the UK Brexit referendum has come at the expense of reporting on the famine that's unfolding in Africa.
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Business + Economy
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Edward Webster, University of the Witwatersrand
South Africa's newest trade union federation, Saftu, comes at a time of declining political influence by unions, compared to during the struggle against apartheid. They are also seen as elitist.
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Politics + Society
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Sally Matthews, Rhodes University
Non-governmental organisations are criticised for pandering to the whims of the donor community at the expense of local populations. The real question is: can they bring about real change?
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Chris Jones, Stellenbosch University
South Africa celebrates Freedom Day this week amid growing discontent over misrule by President Zuma and the ANC. This has led to increased calls for ethical and caring leaders.
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