http://www.voanews.com Voice of America is an international news and broadcast organization serving Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Balkan countries http://www.voanews.com/img/voa/rssLogo_VOA.gif http://www.voanews.com en-US 2012 - VOA 60 Sun, 19 May 2013 18:26:13 -0400 Pangea CMS – VOA A few weeks ago, the first traditional Zulu gay wedding ceremony was held in South Africa.  The country has one of the most liberal legal frameworks regarding gay rights and protections.  Because of this, South Africa has become a land of exile for many African gays persecuted in their home countries.  But even here, challenges remain as anti-gay attacks still happen.  Tiwonge Chimbalanga greets people as she walks proudly in the street of her neighborhood near Cape ... http://www.voanews.com/content/challenges-remain-for-lgbt-in-south-africa/1652570.html http://www.voanews.com/content/challenges-remain-for-lgbt-in-south-africa/1652570.html Wed, 01 May 2013 12:53:23 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob After weeks of strikes and violent confrontations with authorities earlier this year, farmworkers in South Africa's Cape Town region won a partial victory. In February, the government agreed to increase their minimum wage by 52 percent. But this victory may be a curse in disguise as many farmers subsequently reduced the workers’ benefits and laid them off, saying they could not afford to pay the higher wage.  Pointing at a leaking roof and broken windows, Patrick Blu is eager to show ... http://www.voanews.com/content/strike-victory-backfires-for-south-african-farmworkers/1649370.html http://www.voanews.com/content/strike-victory-backfires-for-south-african-farmworkers/1649370.html Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:33:08 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/strike-victory-backfires-for-south-african-farmworkers/1649370.html#relatedInfoContainer Every day, three babies, on average, are abandoned in Johannesburg alone.  They are thrown into dumpsters and left for dead - often by desperate mothers who can't afford to raise them.  Now, a local NGO called Door of Hope has opened what it calls a "baby bin."  It allows mothers to leave their babies and know they will be taken care of. In a small street in Berea, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Johannesburg, a trap door in a wall could be mistaken for a ... http://www.voanews.com/content/baby-bins-give-abandoned-children-a-second-chance/1642351.html http://www.voanews.com/content/baby-bins-give-abandoned-children-a-second-chance/1642351.html Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:48:11 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/baby-bins-give-abandoned-children-a-second-chance/1642351.html#relatedInfoContainer The South African government has rolled out a new single pill to treat HIV/AIDS this week, claiming it will be the cheapest such treatment in the world. The country has the world's largest number of people living with the virus and it hopes this new pill will allow it to treat more patients. In this small ARV (antiretroviral multiple drug therapy) center in the north of Pretoria, South Africa, a woman looks up at a poster promoting a new treatment for HIV/AIDS. The poster reads "One ... http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-rolls-out-new-hiv-treatment/1639948.html http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-rolls-out-new-hiv-treatment/1639948.html Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:51:53 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-rolls-out-new-hiv-treatment/1639948.html#relatedInfoContainer In South Africa, traditional healers known, as sangomas, are deeply entrenched in the culture. So much so that a 2012 court case affirmed that workers can be allowed extended absences to consult a sangoma, much the way sick leave is used to see a doctor. Sangomas are believed to cure various physical and spiritual ills, protect livestock and to divine the future. But how do these traditional healers maintain their influence in modern society and modern cities like Johannesburg?  ... http://www.voanews.com/content/s-african-traditional-healers-face-increased-competition/1610289.html http://www.voanews.com/content/s-african-traditional-healers-face-increased-competition/1610289.html Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:27:14 -0500 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/s-african-traditional-healers-face-increased-competition/1610289.html#relatedInfoContainer After yet another deadly holiday season on South Africa’s roads, the government is calling on citizens to do more to prevent accidents - especially as more than half the accidents were linked to alcohol use.  The country ranks among the worst in the world in highway safety, with 40 people dying every day in road accidents. Driving while intoxicated It's an ordinary Friday night in Soweto, a township in the south of Johannesburg. The officers in charge of taking blood samples to ... http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-struggles-to-reduce-road-fatalities/1592816.html http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-struggles-to-reduce-road-fatalities/1592816.html Tue, 29 Jan 2013 07:23:08 -0500 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-struggles-to-reduce-road-fatalities/1592816.html#relatedInfoContainer In the sport of football (soccer), South Africa is in the spotlight as it prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations football tournament this weekend. The Tan Academy is capitalizing on the popularity of the sport in Johannesburg by scouting and training young football talent. But it also provides the young athletes with a top-rate education, regardless of their social background.   In a quiet and serious classroom in the eastern suburbs of Johannesburg are what may be the future of South ... http://www.voanews.com/content/south-african-academy-is-home-to-future-football-stars/1586454.html http://www.voanews.com/content/south-african-academy-is-home-to-future-football-stars/1586454.html Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:38:38 -0500 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/south-african-academy-is-home-to-future-football-stars/1586454.html#relatedInfoContainer South Africa has made significant gains in the past decade in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. While it still has the largest number of people living with the virus, the country has seen a significant drop in new infections and a decline in the number of HIV/AIDS related deaths.  Sakhiwo Hobo picks up his medicine from the counter and walks away. It only takes him an hour to see a doctor and get his treatment renewed at the Themba Lethu Clinic in Johannesburg, one of the biggest HIV/AIDS ... http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-reports-progress-in-fighting-hiv-aids/1573201.html http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-reports-progress-in-fighting-hiv-aids/1573201.html Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:38:27 -0500 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-reports-progress-in-fighting-hiv-aids/1573201.html#relatedInfoContainer In South Africa, the Christmas Eve Mass was the occasion for refugees from all parts of Africa to get together and express their belief in a better life, despite the difficulties many face in finding their place in South Africa. The benches of the little Central Methodist Church in downtown Johannesburg are a patchwork of nationalities. The worshippers come from various countries: mostly Zimbabwe, but also Malawi, DRC, Mozambique, Nigeria... It is the most cosmopolitan church in the country, ... http://www.voanews.com/content/refugees-in-south-africa-hopeful-at-christmas/1571708.html http://www.voanews.com/content/refugees-in-south-africa-hopeful-at-christmas/1571708.html Tue, 25 Dec 2012 06:56:57 -0500 Africa Emilie Iob Kwaito music emerged in South Africa at the same time as democracy did in the country. Born in the township of Soweto almost 20 years ago, the upbeat music is deeply linked to the history of the country and is trying to reinvent itself. Released in 1995, the song "Kaffir" was one of the first hits of a new genre of South African music called kwaito, which means "angry" in Afrikaans language. The music is a mix of dance rhythm with lyrics in South African languages. Its ... http://www.voanews.com/content/for-south-african-blacks-kwaito-music-equals-fun/1559529.html http://www.voanews.com/content/for-south-african-blacks-kwaito-music-equals-fun/1559529.html Thu, 06 Dec 2012 07:52:47 -0500 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/for-south-african-blacks-kwaito-music-equals-fun/1559529.html#relatedInfoContainer The township of Soweto, a symbol of the struggles against racial discrimination in South Africa, has changed. Eighteen years after Nelson Mandela became president, some promises have not been not kept, although optimism is still present. The former ghetto has turned into a place of hope, a cultural hub where a new middle class has emerged. The road out of poverty is long, however, and challenges remain. Tourists cycling fearlessly in Soweto are finishing up a historical tour in one of the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/soweto_shows_uneven_development_after_18_years_of_democracy/1555476.html http://www.voanews.com/content/soweto_shows_uneven_development_after_18_years_of_democracy/1555476.html Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:16:25 -0500 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/soweto_shows_uneven_development_after_18_years_of_democracy/1555476.html#relatedInfoContainer Growing protests have rocked the Kingdom of Swaziland recently. The protests are being led by young people, who say they want democracy for their country.  Facing a packed crowd of protesters, Swazi student leader Maxwell Dlamini gave another speech to the cheers of the crowd. It is one of the many protests that have taken place over past months in Swaziland. Students and teachers have been protesting new education measures, though Dlamini said the grievances are wider. “These protests ... http://www.voanews.com/content/king_of_swaziland_faces_growing_unrest/1553236.html http://www.voanews.com/content/king_of_swaziland_faces_growing_unrest/1553236.html Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:50:05 -0500 Africa Emilie Iob With the world's highest HIV rate, the kingdom of Swaziland also battles drug-resistant tuberculosis -- the main cause of death among patients with HIV/AIDS.  Those who have TB often live in remote homesteads in the Swazi mountains and getting to a clinic is a challenge. As Emily Iob reports for VOA from Nhlangano, a new home injection program holds out new hope for tackling TB. Mai Nambuli is still a bit hesitant, but soon she will be the personal nurse for her friend Nosipho ... http://www.voanews.com/content/tb-swaliland-health/1552032.html http://www.voanews.com/content/tb-swaliland-health/1552032.html Fri, 23 Nov 2012 16:29:31 -0500 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/tb-swaliland-health/1552032.html#relatedInfoContainer A century of digging for gold has created a silhouette of mine dumps all around the South African city of Johannesburg. The legacy of intensive soil excavation in South Africa’s economic capital is toxic waste and radioactivity, posing serious health problems for thousands of South African living nearby them. The rain has just stopped in Tudor Shaft, a poor township in Mogale City, a one hour drive from Johannesburg. Jeffrey Ramoruti walks on the muddy track amid the crowded shacks and points ... http://www.voanews.com/content/thousand-of-south-africans-live-near-toxis-mine-dumps/1550307.html http://www.voanews.com/content/thousand-of-south-africans-live-near-toxis-mine-dumps/1550307.html Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:29:41 -0500 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/thousand-of-south-africans-live-near-toxis-mine-dumps/1550307.html#relatedInfoContainer Rising South African opera singer Bongiwe Nakani had an international audience at this year's United Nations General Assembly in New York when she performed for world leaders celebrating Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday.  Bongiwe Nakani is one of South Africa's rising opera stars.  Although she has sung in front of heads of state, she seems embarrassed before an audience of family and neighbors. Pursuing her dream Nakani grew up in Cape Town's infamous Khayelitsha ... http://www.voanews.com/content/rising-south-africa-opera-singer-from-township-to-world-stage/1536637.html http://www.voanews.com/content/rising-south-africa-opera-singer-from-township-to-world-stage/1536637.html Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:58:33 -0400 Asia Emilie Iob South African President Jacob Zuma revealed another land-reform strategy last week in South Africa, less than two months before the ruling ANC’s party elections.   Land reform was one of the major promises made to the black population after the end of apartheid, but it has not worked out as planned. Land reform, failing Solomon Mokwena opens the rusty door of the barn and proudly walks in, showing the farming machines he partly owns.  Ten years ago, the South African ... http://www.voanews.com/content/black-farmers-in-south-africa-still-struggling-with-land-reform/1535152.html http://www.voanews.com/content/black-farmers-in-south-africa-still-struggling-with-land-reform/1535152.html Mon, 29 Oct 2012 06:03:26 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/black-farmers-in-south-africa-still-struggling-with-land-reform/1535152.html#relatedInfoContainer When South Africa won its bid to host football's 2010 World Cup it promised its citizens lasting social and economic benefits.  But huge costs associated with the sporting event have been a point of controversy, causing some to question whether it was worth it.  Everyday after school, about 80 children come to play on a brand new football field in the heart of Hillbrow, one of Johannesburg's most infamous areas.  The court was donated by the Dutch soccer team and the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-struggles-to-sustain-world-cup-legacy/1528895.html http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-struggles-to-sustain-world-cup-legacy/1528895.html Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:09:24 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/south-africa-struggles-to-sustain-world-cup-legacy/1528895.html#relatedInfoContainer CABINDA, Angola — When Angolan President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos is inaugurated for another term in office, many in the province of Cabinda are not expected to join the celebrations. The oil-rich region continues to demand its independence from Angola, claiming it is marginalized and exploited.  Until recently, worshippers at Sunday Mass in Cabinda would hear political sermons in favor of independence, but not any more.  The former priest is gone, and the current one refuses ... http://www.voanews.com/content/cabinda-still-waits-for-independence/1515340.html http://www.voanews.com/content/cabinda-still-waits-for-independence/1515340.html Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:30:25 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/cabinda-still-waits-for-independence/1515340.html#relatedInfoContainer As Angola is experiencing one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, its capital city, Luanda, is facing a dramatic transformation.  It has become a land of opportunity for some westerners, but for some Angolans, the development of the city has a bitter taste. The city has become a big construction site.  Everywhere in Luanda, new buildings are rising from the ground, as a ballet of cranes is shaping the new skyline of the capital. Luanda is busy leaving the past behind - ... http://www.voanews.com/content/angolas-economic-boom-has-winners-and-losers/1510390.html http://www.voanews.com/content/angolas-economic-boom-has-winners-and-losers/1510390.html Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:29:31 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob MALANGE, Angola – Ten years after the end of the civil war in Angola, the country still remains, despite its best efforts, one of the most unexploded mine-affected countries in the world. The African nation was due to finish the demining by 2013, but the Angolan government is requesting a five-year extension to complete the task. Cautiously, meter after meter, a deminer checks if the ground is clear of mines and unexploded devices. He is working on a demining zone operated by the NGO ... http://www.voanews.com/content/angola-still-riddled-with-landmines-despite-efforts/1509035.html http://www.voanews.com/content/angola-still-riddled-with-landmines-despite-efforts/1509035.html Sun, 16 Sep 2012 12:23:46 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob http://www.voanews.com/content/angola-still-riddled-with-landmines-despite-efforts/1509035.html#relatedInfoContainer