Editor's note

The portrayal of Africa in the popular new film, Black Panther, has been widely hailed as a breakthrough for Hollywood: finally it’s produced a movie that breaks from the racist narratives of yesteryear. But, warns Alease A Brown, black people should be wary about believing the film proves that America’s movie industry holds black people in high esteem.

The 10 million people who live in Kinshasa rely heavily on the city’s 400 markets for food and other commodities. But the way the markets are run leaves much to be desired. Kristof Titeca and Albert Malukisa Nkuku explain how they are used as a source of private revenue for well-connected Congolese.

Corruption appeared to be undermining democracy and destroying South Africa’s economy. But, writes Anton Harber, explosive revelations by investigative journalists have helped turn the tide.

Some fungi are food. Some have been used to produce powerful antibiotics. Some are dangerous. Andi Wilson explains why understanding their different sex lives can help find ways to controlling those that pose a threat.

Charles Leonard

Arts + Culture Editor

Top Stories

Black people beware: don't let Black Panther joy mask Hollywood's racism

Alease A. Brown, Stellenbosch University

Hollywood will allow the world of the Black Panther to be black, only if it doesn't hurt white people's feelings.

How Kinshasa's markets are captured by powerful private interests

Kristof Titeca, University of Antwerp; Albert Malukisa Nkuku, University of Antwerp

Graft is common in the way that markets in Kinshasa are run.

How investigative journalists helped turn the tide against corruption in South Africa

Anton Harber, University of the Witwatersrand

South African investigative journalists and civil society played a crucial role in bringing a country in the clutches of patronage networks back from the brink.

Trump should be the trigger for Africa to find common cause with Americans

John J Stremlau, University of the Witwatersrand

Relations between the US and Africa are unlikely to improve while Trump remains president. But that doesn't mean the continent should remain passive.

Politics + Society

Survey of young people in east Africa shows their values mirror those of adults

Alex Awiti, The Aga Khan University

Some young East Africans believe that there is nothing wrong with corruption -- except in Rwanda.

Tillerson's visit to Africa confirms America's policy is all about security

Gorm Rye Olsen, Roskilde University

The US secretary of state's visit to five African countries didn't have much to offer by way of investments and commerce.

Survey shows Zuma and ANC's mutual dance to the bottom

Robert Mattes, University of Cape Town

Former South African President Jacob Zuma's bad behaviour damaged his image and the ANC's.

How the free movement of people could benefit Africa

Tshepo T. Gwatiwa, Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID); Michael Noel Sam, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

Free movement in Africa might be needed but more thought is needed for successful implementation.

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