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Check FAQAbout Valerie
Valerie Hirsch is a Belgium french speaking journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, since 1996.
Portfolio
At the Centre for the Less Good Idea, ideas abound
Six women perform on stage with masks of historical figures, set against a backdrop of animated starry skies and thought-provoking questions. The performance is a hallmark of William Kentridge, a renowned South African artist known for his work in visual arts and performances. His latest project, The Great Yes, the Great No, is set to premiere in Arles in July, with an initial performance held at the Centre for the Less Good Idea in Johannesburg, an institution Kentridge founded in 2016.
Trésor, the Congolese star who blossomed in South Africa
Trésor Riziki, a Congolese musician, overcame significant hardships to become a celebrated artist in South Africa. Despite facing xenophobia, he has achieved remarkable success, signing a lucrative record deal and winning multiple awards. His music blends Congolese, traditional Zulu, and pop styles, and he has collaborated with notable artists like Zahara and Johnny Clegg. Trésor plans to record an album in French and aims to restore the glory of African pop music. He also highlights the economic contributions of migrants in South Africa amidst new restrictive laws.
A ceremony without ostentation, Desmond Tutu's final message
Desmond Tutu's funeral was marked by simplicity, reflecting his wishes for a modest ceremony. The event highlighted his lifelong commitment to humility and environmentalism, with his body undergoing aquamation, an eco-friendly alternative to cremation. President Cyril Ramaphosa honored Tutu by presenting the South African flag to his widow. Mpolokeng Madibe and Helena Dolny shared personal memories, emphasizing Tutu's discontent with corruption and his advocacy for social justice. Philippe Denis reflected on Tutu's independent stance and his early denunciation of corruption within the ANC.
South Africa: The Cat and Mouse Game Between Jacob Zuma and Justice
Jacob Zuma faces charges of corruption, money laundering, and fraud related to a bribe from Thales. His absence from court, attributed to illness, was contested by the judge. The ANC's youth league and regional branches criticized the judge's decision, claiming it threatens national stability. Zuma's son, Duduzane, linked to the Gupta family's corruption network, remains a controversial figure. The state capture inquiry continues to reveal extensive corruption, implicating various individuals and organizations.
Mugabe, hated in the West, praised in Africa
Robert Mugabe, the former president of Zimbabwe who died at 95, is viewed as a criminal despot by Europeans but remains a hero to many Africans for his fight against neocolonialism. Initially celebrated for liberating Zimbabwe from a racist regime and for his social and racial reconciliation policies, Mugabe's reputation deteriorated in the late 1990s due to social discontent following IMF-imposed austerity measures. His violent land expropriation campaign in 2000 further tarnished his image in the West.
South Africa, Belgium, Israel: A Variant with Variable Effects on Healthcare Workers
South Africa, Complicit in Atrocities in Yemen, According to an NGO
An NGO report accuses South Africa of complicity in war crimes in Yemen by allowing arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, despite embargoes. The German company Rheinmetall, through its joint venture with South African Denel, allegedly supplied arms used in attacks on Yemeni civilians. The report criticizes South Africa's arms control mechanisms and highlights the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, exacerbated by these arms sales. Key figures like Nelson Mandela and Navy Pillay are mentioned for their stances on arms control and human rights.
South Africa: a bittersweet visit for the king
During a royal visit to South Africa by Philippe and Mathilde, a delay in customs prevented them from seeing a new vaccine production machine, only its life-size photo. José Castillo, founder of Univercells, anticipates the production of 50 million mRNA vaccine doses annually at Afrigen's Cape Town labs. South Africa's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is nearing animal testing, with broader aspirations to produce vaccines for other diseases, including HIV. Belgium has invested 8 million euros to support vaccine production initiatives in South Africa, Rwanda, and Senegal.
South Africa: a second term looms for Ramaphosa, the 'wounded buffalo'
Cyril Ramaphosa was reelected as the head of the African National Congress (ANC) with 56% of the votes from 4,324 party delegates, defeating his rival Zweli Mkhize, who was supported by proponents of radical economic transformation, including expropriation of white farmers and the creation of a state bank. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana welcomed the continuity of economic policy, while the 'moderates' secured four of the six leadership positions within the ANC. Ramaphosa must now be cautious of his vice president, Paul Mashatile, who recently shifted support to Mkhize.
South African climber ascends towards the peaks of equality
Saray Khumalo, a South African mountaineer born in Zambia, speaks to girls in a Soweto high school, encouraging them to dream big and overcome challenges. She uses her mountaineering experiences, including climbing Everest, as metaphors for personal growth and aims to change how black girls see themselves. Khumalo, who has published her autobiography, is on a quest to complete the 'Explorer's Grand Slam' by climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents and skiing both poles.
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