Editor's note

Kenya has become the first country in Africa to collect data on intersex people – those born with physical characteristics that don’t fit the typical characteristics of male or female. Boniface Ushie argues that the decision is a giant stride in a country that continues to discriminate against people with different sexual orientations as it holds the promise of inclusivity and liberalisation of the legal and policy environment.

South African courts have the power to declare directors delinquent, an innovative remedy for holding directors accountable. But the laws setting out these provisions have a flaw – they can be abused. Rehana Cassim explains

It’s hard to stay healthy in Soweto – one of South Africa’s largest urban areas that’s home to one-third of Johannesburg’s population. Unhealthy, cheap food choices abound, while young women are scared to venture out in public spaces to exercise, fearing harassment and even assault. In today's episode of Pasha Alessandra Prioreschi explores the issues and potential solutions.

From The Conversation UK, game theory expert Abhinay Muthoo argues that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to suspend parliament in September has significant consequences for the UK as it tries to secure a better Brexit deal from the EU than the one that was negotiated by Theresa May. 

Julius Maina

Regional Editor East Africa

Top Stories

People buy food at the Githurai market in Kiambu, Kenya. The country is doing a census that is breaking new ground in Africa. EPA/Daniel Irungu

Recognising intersex people opens access to fundamental rights in Kenya

Boniface Ushie, African Population and Health Research Center

Kenya's decision holds the promise of inclusivity and liberalisation of the legal and policy environment.

The delinquency clause seeks to raise standards of good behaviour expected of directors. Shutterstock

Why South African law on directors’ delinquency is open to abuse

Rehana Cassim, University of South Africa

For the first time in South African company law, courts can declare directors delinquent. This new remedy must not be abused by those with the power to use it.

Science + Technology

New technologies can be a force for good in Africa if they’re developed from the ground

Roland Benedikter, Wroclaw University

The emerging relationship between new technologies and Africa may be some of the most promising news for the continent but caution is important.

Cloud computing could be key to speeding up Africa’s development

Willem Fourie, University of Pretoria

If African countries can get the fundamentals right, cloud computing could become a powerful ally in the push for sustainable development.

Environment + Energy

Debunking myths about the impact of elephants on large trees

Ross Harvey, University of Cape Town

In large ecosystems, managing elephant populations so they don't exceed a certain threshold number is arbitrary.

African grasslands are meant to burn – we can’t let this distract from the Amazon fires

Colin Beale, University of York

Yes, there are more fires in Africa than Brazil. But unlike the Amazon, Africa's savannah has evolved to grow back quickly.

Podcasts

Pasha 33: Staying healthy is difficult for young women in Soweto

Ozayr Patel, The Conversation

It’s not enough to simply promote healthy eating and exercise without considering South Africa's very real environmental and structural constraints.

Pasha 32: Ebola in the DRC - Part 2

Ozayr Patel, The Conversation

The Ebola vaccine alone is not enough to deal with the outbreak in the DRC.

From our international editions

Suspending parliament could be the act of a credible madman or master bluffer – top game theorist on Boris Johnson

Abhinay Muthoo, University of Warwick

Is this all part of Boris Johnson's master plan to negotiate a better Brexit deal with the EU?

Star laws: what happens if you commit a crime in space?

Danielle Ireland-Piper, Bond University

NASA is reportedly investigating the first alleged crime in space. But criminal jurisdiction aboard the International Space Station is much more straightforward than it would be for space tourists.

En français

Commotion cérébrale chez les jeunes : le sommeil est essentiel pour bien récupérer

Brian Brooks, University of Calgary; Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, University of Calgary

La thérapie cognitivo-comportementale a permis la rémission de l'insomnie chez 80 à 90 pour cent des adolescents participant à l'étude et a amélioré leur rétablissement global.

Débat : Comprendre la culture de la pauvreté pour remédier aux inégalités

Ilyess El Karouni, Neoma Business School

Les difficultés socioéconomiques de certains individus ou groupes tiennent plus de leur rapport au monde que d’un manque d’opportunités en tant que tel.

 
 
 
 

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