Tag: South Africa
In South Africa, death in family puts high schooler at the helm
In the middle of midterms at South Africa's Centre of Science and Technology high school, one of the students lost his mom — who succumbed to illness. Now the teenager, Sive, is the man of the house and must balance those responsibilities with coursework, homework, being a student and, hopefully, charting a future for himself....
In South Africa, funny hats mark boys' circumcision, transition to manhood
South African tribes have long had traditions with respect to circumcising their men -- typically happening around their 18th birthday. And while more organizations are criticizing the timing and methodology, if not the practice entirely, the tribal groups hold firm to their customs....
South African students face real danger in simply getting to school each day
South Africa's COSAT school is widely regarded for the success it's had moving its students out of poverty. But it's not immune to some of the other problems of South Africa. As students walk to school each day, they run the risks of being abused, physically, by thugs....
No Excuses: Year begins at ascendant science-focused school in South Africa
The best way out of poverty for students in urban South Africa is to get an education. One school in the bustling city of Cape Town has developed a system that's generated graduation rates of virtually 100 percent. But it's been tough. And it's getting tougher....
South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius charged with murder
Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius, a double amputee, gained international attention when he competed against able-bodied athletes at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. But now the athlete is gaining attention of a different kind, after beginning charged with the murder of his girlfriend....
South Africa introduces new currency design, honoring Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela led South Africa out of the apartheid era and on Tuesday, South Africa honored him by putting his face on the face of the country's money. The new, advanced security bills feature Africa's indigenous animals on the reverse side....
Africans often miss out on resources because of lack of translations
In many African countries, dozens of different languages are spoken by different ethnic groups. And while each country often has a European language as its "official" language, most people don't even begin to understand it. That presents a problem for aid groups, trying to share information....
Double-amputee Oscar Pistorius to compete in two Olympic events
Oscar Pistorius, a South African runner, has spent his career blurring the lines between disabled and able-bodied athletes. Next month he'll have the chance to make history as the first amputee to compete in track at the summer Olympics. ...
In South Africa, a movement to bring tribal courts into mainstream legal system
South Africa's tribal courts have a long history of deciding disputes among the nation's people, particularly in rural areas. But critics say they also have a long history of discrimination and corruption. Now there's a movement to bring those courts into the mainstream court system, while also reforming them....
South African gold miners launch largest lawsuit in Africa's history
About half of South Africa's gold miners suffer from silicosis, a life-threatening disease caused when silica from gold lodges in the lungs. Now, thousands of gold miners have signed on to the largest class action lawsuit in Africa's history....
