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A Hollywood movie that depicts African history and foregrounds the role played by women is a rare thing. But the new historical epic The Woman King starring Viola Davis about the women warriors of Dahomey has been met with controversy - from racist commentators to unhappiness from descendants of slavery to claims that it misconstrues history. Dominique Somda, an anthropologist who has studied the slave trade and who grew up in Benin, cautions that viewers must watch the movie with the knowledge of the real history of the events that the film compromises in the name of entertainment.
Lesotho, the tiny constitutional monarchy of 2.1 million people that is surrounded by South Africa, has suffered bouts of political instability, including coups, since independence in 1966. The instability culminated in SADC, the regional body, recommending major reforms to the country’s political system. But successive governments have failed to implement the reforms. As the country heads for the polls tomorrow, Hoolo ‘Nyane reflects on why things haven’t changed since 2012.
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Charl Blignaut
Arts, Culture and Society Editor
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Dominique Somda, University of Cape Town
This movie is absolutely worth seeing. But it’s best viewed with the awareness of its significant alterations of history.
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Hoolo 'Nyane, University of Limpopo
Despite their pretensions to support reforms, it is clear that successive governments are not interested in the reform.
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Natasha Joseph, The Conversation; Moina Spooner, The Conversation
In some African countries, astronomical research is quite developed.
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Jasper Knight, University of the Witwatersrand
Researchers have a number of responsibilities when embarking on their work - not least of all to the participants.
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Anne Fitchett, University of the Witwatersrand
The complexity of construction projects has driven an increase in building waste, which is difficult to recycle and reuse. But there are ways to minimise the problem.
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From our international editions
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Matt McDonald, The University of Queensland
Remember hearing about COP26 in Glasgow last year? There’s a lot at stake in this year’s climate summit, so here’s your essential guide to prepare.
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Bernadette McGuinness, Queen's University Belfast; Elizabeth Coulthard, University of Bristol
Lecanemab, an experimental dementia drug, slowed cognitive decline by 27% in late-stage clinical trials.
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Sarah Allinson, Lancaster University
Avoiding smoking and keeping a healthy weight can cut your risk of cancer.
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8 October 2022
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Johannesburg
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9 October 2022
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Johannesburg
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18 October 2022
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Johannesburg
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18 October 2022
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Johannesburg
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