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East African artists – ranging from writers, to musicians, cartoonists and citizen journalists - are coming under increasing attack for taking a stand on social issues and using the internet to spread the word. George Gathigi explains how Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are attempting to muzzle these voices in a bid to stifle dissent, and why the freedom of expression must be protected.
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Cartoonist Godfrey Mwampembwa was fired from a leading Kenyan daily newspaper for his political views.
Andi Weiland/Flickr
George W. Gathigi, University of Nairobi
New forms of artistic expression are driving debates in East Africa that challenge sensitive subjects. But the backlash has been vicious.
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A cement delivery truck was burnt by angry protesters against corruption and poor service delivery in South Africa.
INL/Bhekikaya Mabaso
Steven Gordon, Human Sciences Research Council; Narnia Bohler-Muller, University of Fort Hare
Corruption has become one of the biggest concerns for South Africans living in a province that has erupted in violence.
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Arts + Culture
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Adam de Paor-Evans, University of Central Lancashire
A greater synergy between academics and practitioners is needed to progress hip hop for it to be taken seriously as a core area for study.
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Business + Economy
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Brian Levy, University of Cape Town
The majority of South Africans are separated from the wealthy and formal-sector employed minority.
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From our international editions
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Thomas Kaiserfeld, Lund University
The long and turbulent history of the Nobel Prize for Literature continues.
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Nick Kelly, Queensland University of Technology; Jeremy Kerr, Queensland University of Technology; Les Dawes, Queensland University of Technology; Natalie Wright, Queensland University of Technology
The recently released Gonski report contains a recommendation to supporting teacher collaboration. Researchers in Queensland have been conducting research on how design thinking can foster this.
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Steve Georgakis, University of Sydney
An independent review has recommended steps to clean up the sport. Tennis authorities must now demonstrate they have the will to take action.
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