The expulsion of Israel’s diplomat from an African Union heads of state summit this past weekend, for which the Jewish state has blamed South Africa and Algeria, is yet another example of the frosty relationship between Israel and South Africa since the African National Congress came to power in 1994. South Africa’s governing party disapproves of Israel’s ill-treatment of Palestinians. But relations have not always been this chilly. A new park in Israel honours the memory of South Africans who were both anti-apartheid and pro-Zionism. Asher Lubotzky sets out the complex history between the two nations.

Mauritius and Madagascar are on high alert as cyclone Freddy gathers strength in the Indian Ocean and bears down on the island nations. Cyclones are becoming more frequent and more powerful – and, with the world’s climate shifting, the situation is only set to worsen. We collated five key reads on the topic to explain the science, the human toll and the need for mitigation.

In the news, an invasive malaria-carrying mosquito recently spread into Kenya, causing alarm. And parts of South Africa have experienced severe flooding. Here are two articles on these topics from our archives:

Thabo Leshilo

Politics + Society

South Africa and Israel: new memorial park in the Jewish state highlights complex history

Asher Lubotzky, Indiana University

Gan Siyabonga is unique in Israel. It highlights a group that was both anti-apartheid and pro-Zionist.

Cyclones in southern Africa: five essential reads

Natasha Joseph, The Conversation; Moina Spooner, The Conversation

Tropical cyclones are becoming more frequent in the Indian Ocean. Here’s why and what that means.

Nigeria’s natural resources are under threat - urgent steps a new president must take

Emmanuel O. Akindele, Obafemi Awolowo University

Nigeria’s incoming president must prioritise environmental protection to avert further loss of the country’s biodiversity.

Psychological grit is over-rated as the key to retention in distance education: a South African study debunks the myth

Kelly Anne Young, University of South Africa

Seeing grit as a panacea among historically disadvantaged students can be a dangerous distraction from other barriers to student retention.

TC Afrique

Au Sénégal, les taxis clandestins de Dakar sont essentiels pour les déplacements quotidiens

Pape Sakho, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar; Gaele Lesteven, École nationale des travaux publics de l'État; Momar Diongue, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar; Pascal Pochet, École nationale des travaux publics de l'État

L'extension urbaine en Afrique subsaharienne s'accompagne d'un besoin croissant de déplacements quotidiens.

From the archives

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