Hire Now
Message Ray
Languages
English
Jobs Completed
7
Job Success Rate
88%
Usually responds
Within a few hours
Want a profile like this one?
Join thousands of news professionals who use Paydesk to showcase their work and get hired by top media outlets.
Get Started
See how it works
Book Ray with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Ray is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Ray
I am a freelance journalist for Thomson Reuters, New Arab Media, and Remedy Health New York and a member of the US State Department Foreign Press Association. I cover technology, public health, economics, climate change, food security, migration and climate change topics. I have specialist knowledge and media contacts in Southern Africa, Canada, and the US. My work appears in The Guardian, The Financial Times, Chiba Radio International, Yale e360 Magazine, Thomson Reuters News, Radio Netherlands, New Arab Magazine, Remedy Health Media, Friends of Canada Broadcasting and others. I am available 24 hours for any project on web, radio or TV media assignment. I am also flexible as an expert analyst and opinion shaper in the topics I cover. I am also a receiver of The UN Correspondents Association Media Prize, The ILO Global Migration Fairly Reporting Prize and the Dag Hammarskjold United Nation Media Fellowship.
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
News Gathering
Business
Finance
Politics
Portfolio
Canada Is Poised to Become a Partner in the US Assault on Immigrants
The article discusses Canada's potential alignment with US immigration policies under the Trump administration, highlighting the expansion of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) and the narrowing of exceptions for asylum seekers. It critiques both Canadian political parties for their anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies, noting a shift in public sentiment against immigration due to economic pressures. The article warns of a possible 'Trump Lite' government in Canada, with the Conservative Party refining its anti-refugee stance, and highlights the challenges faced by asylum seekers attempting to enter Canada from the US.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Left
Political View
Saharan Africa, wars damage Long COVID research and surveillance
The article highlights the severe impact of ongoing conflicts in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Long COVID research and healthcare surveillance. Efforts by healthcare workers like Rino Da Costa and Dr. Jean Baganda to study and document Long COVID cases have been thwarted by violence and displacement caused by Islamist insurgencies and rebel groups. The lack of government support and infrastructure, coupled with the destruction of medical facilities and data, underscores the disparity in healthcare research between Africa and wealthier regions. The article calls for international aid to support neglected health conditions in conflict zones.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Center-Left
Political View
Telemedicine – an experiment begun amid COVID-19 in South Africa – stays on as HIV help
Telemedicine, initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, continues to play a crucial role in HIV care. The platform, based in Cape Town, serves 450 health sites across the country, offering virtual consultations that improve treatment adherence and reduce stigma. Despite challenges like regulatory complexities and digital infrastructure issues, telemedicine has reduced treatment interruptions by over 30% among PrEP patients and improved adherence rates. The platform has streamlined workflows for healthcare providers and fostered collaboration across regions. Rudi de Koker and Dr. Enwongo Ettang highlight the benefits and ongoing challenges of telemedicine in South Africa.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
The lithium from Zimbabwe feeds the batteries of Chinese electric cars and outrages the local population
The article discusses the impact of lithium mining in Zimbabwe, primarily by the Chinese company Chengxin Lithium, which has led to the displacement of local communities and environmental concerns. Despite promises of economic benefits, locals report limited job opportunities and inadequate compensation. The article contrasts these grievances with the Chinese Embassy's defense of the investments, citing infrastructure improvements. It also highlights issues of illicit lithium trade and the broader geopolitical implications of resource extraction in Africa.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Left
Political View
World’s First Climate Loss and Damage Fund Helps Malawians Rebuild
Malawi faces increasing climate challenges, with severe weather events like Cyclone Freddy causing significant damage and displacement. The Scottish government, in collaboration with GiveDirectly, has launched the world's first climate loss and damage fund, providing direct cash transfers to affected Malawians to aid in rebuilding efforts. This initiative marks a shift in disaster relief strategy, focusing on relocation to less disaster-prone areas. The fund aims to address economic vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change, with broader implications for future international climate negotiations and funding strategies.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
South Africa tries to eradicate the circulation of polluting used cars that rich countries send to the continent
South Africa is tackling the influx of polluting used cars imported illegally, primarily from Europe, Japan, and the US, which undermine local manufacturing and environmental efforts. Despite strict laws, these 'grey imports' enter through neighboring countries with lax regulations, posing safety and economic risks. The government is intensifying efforts to curb this issue, including a temporary amnesty for surrendering illegal vehicles. Meanwhile, South Africa, a major coal producer, is under international pressure to transition to cleaner energy, supported by Western funding. The situation highlights the tension between global environmental goals and local economic challenges.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Center
Political View
Bajan las exportaciones de Colombia en junio
Colombian exports fell by 5% in June compared to the same month in 2023, according to the Departamento Administrativo. The decline highlights ongoing economic challenges in the country.
Informative
Factuality Scale
South Africa’s Brain Drain Takes Wealthy Tithers from Churches
Over 400,000 South Africans have emigrated in the past two decades, impacting the country's tax base and church finances. Many emigrants are affluent Christians whose tithes supported local churches. Church leaders express concern over financial losses, while some are criticized for material ambitions. The economic challenges in South Africa, including high crime rates and low economic growth, drive this emigration. Some church leaders, like Delight Pinto, have followed their congregants abroad to maintain their pastoral roles. The situation highlights the tension between financial needs and spiritual missions within South African churches.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
In South Africa, Long Covid is an afterthought to Tuberculosis
In South Africa, Long Covid is overshadowed by the country's focus on Tuberculosis (TB), which affects a significant portion of the population, particularly among poor Black communities. Despite a high prevalence of Long Covid, it remains underdiagnosed and underfunded, with most resources directed towards TB. The healthcare system's bias and financial constraints exacerbate the issue, leaving many without proper diagnosis or treatment. Efforts to address Long Covid are primarily driven by private institutions and elite universities, with limited government support. The article calls for increased funding and global collaboration to improve Long Covid research and treatment, emphasizing the need for equitable healthcare access.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Left
Political View
A local ride-hailing service can’t beat Uber and Bolt, so its drivers are beating up their rivals
Shesha, a local ride-hailing service in South Africa, is accused of using violence and intimidation against competitors Uber and Bolt. The company, backed by taxi unions, allegedly employs 'taxi patrollers' to coerce drivers and passengers into using its app, leading to reports of illegal roadblocks and harassment. Despite its aggressive tactics, Shesha struggles with low user engagement and technical issues. The South Africa E-Hailing Partners Council and other stakeholders have reported these incidents to authorities, but little action has been taken. Shesha denies sanctioning violence, attributing it to imposters and rogue operators.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
Want to see more portfolio samples?
Sign up to paydesk, it’s free!
Log In
Sign Up