🔅 South Africa's Historic Judge Impeachments & The Rise in Gender-Based Violence
Plus, Ukraine's Covert Operations in Sudan & Malawi's Air-Powered Electricity Debate
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Brief & Bright: Africa's Top Five
South Africa To Judges on the Bench: Beware!
South Africa's parliament has done the unthinkable in the land of the Rainbow Nation: impeached not one, but two of its top judges. One of the two, John Hlophe, was the star judge of Western Cape but was caught trying to play puppet master with the country's highest court back in 2008 in order to tip the scales for none other than former President Jacob Zuma in a corruption case. Hlophe's defense? A staunch denial. But as the legal saga dragged on, the wheels of justice ground exceedingly fine, leading to a historic impeachment, the first of its kind since democracy dawned in 1994.
The second is Judge Nkola Motata, with a performance that's, let's say, less than judicial. He was charged with disorderly conduct and racial outbursts during a 2007 drunk-driving escapade. His defence also reads a firm "not guilty."Â
As the curtain falls, both find themselves stripped of their robes, their lifetime perks of a hefty monthly salary, a car allowance, and medical care all but a memory.
Gruesome Killings of Women Prompt Outrage and Indignation
The recent surge in gruesome killings of women across Africa has ignited a firestorm of protest and demands for action against gender-based violence. In Kenya alone, the horror unfolded with the killing of 31 women in January; their lives brutally ended through beatings, strangulation, or even decapitation. The violence is not isolated; with an estimated 20,000 gender-related killings in 2022, Africa reports the highest rate globally, a figure that barely scratches the surface of the true scale, given the many incidents likely unrecorded.
Indeed, this wave of femicide — a term coined to specifically denote the killing of women and girls because of their gender — is part of a distressing trend that has worsened amidst economic downturns and the confines of pandemic lockdowns.
Behind these statistics are deeply ingrained societal norms that, as activists argue, normalize gender-based violence, perpetuating the belief that women are disposable. The indifference, if not outright denial, of many African leaders and law enforcement towards this epidemic only compounds the tragedy, often leaving victims blamed and silenced.
In response, the streets of Kenya and beyond have become stages for powerful demonstrations. Notably, a "Dark Valentine" vigil in Kenya's capital brought together hundreds to mourn and remember the victims. These protests, significant in both size and message, challenge not only the acts of violence but the pervasive culture that allows them to continue.
Malawi's Maverick: Air-Powered Electricity or Just Hot Air?
A secondary school dropout from rural Malawi has stepped into the limelight with a claim that sounds like science fiction: an air-powered generator that could revolutionize how we think about energy. Forget fuel, toss out the oil, and let batteries be a thing of the past—this invention promises a future powered by the very air we breathe.
Yet, as our imaginations run wild with visions of a green energy utopia, experts hum a more cautious tune. They're peering over their spectacles with scepticism, pondering the mechanics of this supposed breakthrough. So, what's the verdict on this tale of innovation? How about you judge for yourself?
Ukraine's Shadow War in Sudan
A video published by the Kyiv Post on February 5th suggests Ukrainian forces are actively participating against Russian interests far from their homeland. The footage shows three blindfolded men, identified as members of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, being interrogated by someone with an insignia of Ukraine's military intelligence. This development points to Ukraine's broader strategy to counter Russia's global influence, particularly in Africa.
Sudan, now a battlefield for external powers, sees Ukraine aiming to disrupt Russia's gold mining operations. The meeting between Ukraine's President Zelensky and Sudanese Armed Forces' leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan underscores the strategic discussions likely focused on Russian-funded armed groups.
This manoeuvre by Ukraine not only aims to weaken Russia's economic assets but also serves as a message against Russian aggression worldwide. As the conflict in Sudan escalates, the effectiveness of Ukraine's efforts remains uncertain. However, this engagement highlights the increasingly international dimension of local wars and the intricate geopolitics at play, where global adversaries seek leverage in distant conflicts.
Vestas' Breezy Exit from Lake Turkana's Wind Farm
Vestas Wind Systems has bowed out of its relationship with Africa's largest wind farm, Lake Turkana, passing its 12.5% stake to a suitor managed by BlackRock. The details of the deal remain a closely guarded secret. Vestas isn't ghosting Lake Turkana entirely; they'll still be around, servicing the turbines and making sure they're spinning in the right direction. This strategic sidestep is part of Vestas' grand plan of setting up wind farms, selling them on and then flying the nest.
Food for Thought
“You must attend to your business with the vendor in the market, and not to the noise of the market."
— Beninese Proverb