Today is Human Rights Day in South Africa, one of the few African countries whose constitution guarantees the equality of all people and which outlaws discrimination against anyone, including the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, in many African countries this community is increasingly vulnerable. So when the continental human rights watchdog recently reversed the gains it had made, declaring that queer rights are in conflict with “the virtues of African values”, it was a setback for human rights. Frans Viljoen outlines the decision and what the landscape looks like for LGBTQ+ people in Africa.

It is a cruel twist of fate that Gloria Bosman, the trailblazing South African jazz singer and composer, passed away just as everything was finally going right for her. After a career battling with music industry business structures and overcoming the stereotypes of what is expected of female singers, as well as the setback of the COVID years, she had just released a new album, her first in a decade. In full throttle and at ease, her final work is part of a powerful legacy, writes Gwen Ansell.

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Thabo Leshilo

Politics + Society

LGBTQ+ rights: African Union watchdog goes back on its own word

Frans Viljoen, University of Pretoria

Discrimination against anyone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity is not an African value.

Gloria Bosman was more than a South African jazz vocalist, she was a guiding light

Gwen Ansell, University of Pretoria

Her passing shocked the nation and drew praise for her unique vocal powers and musical mentorship.

US-China tensions: how Africa can avoid being caught in a new Cold War

John J Stremlau, University of the Witwatersrand

There are fears that escalating US-Chinese tensions could threaten the independence of African and other nonaligned nations.

Beans are a favourite food in Nigeria - 4 safe ways to preserve them

Ismaila Aderolu, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Nigerians are fond of beans but they need to preserve them without using toxic chemicals.

TC Afrique

Les footballeurs d'Afrique de l'Ouest se battent pour s'intégrer et réussir en Europe : deux d'entre eux partagent leurs expérences

Ikechukwu Ejekwumadu, University of Tübingen

Au-delà du glamour et de l'adulation des supporters, les footballeurs africains en Europe ont du mal à s'adapter à un nouvel environnement.

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