Africa Daily

‘‘I was a very ambitious young girl, I looked at Margaret Thatcher and Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meir, and I said well, if they can do it at that level, why not me?’’ What and who made you the person you are today? It’s a big question and the answer is different for us all. Over the festive period Alan Kasujja will be exploring this subject with people who have gone on to do amazing things in their lives. In the first interview of this special series, Alan speaks to former Senegalese Prime Minister Dr Aminata Toure.As she pursued her education in France and the USA, Aminata was clear in her mind what she wanted to do: champion human and women’s rights.Her work on reproductive health in Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and later with the United Nations would help her prepare a set of priorities for when her opportunity would come to serve in the government.But it wasn’t all work and she loved football and judo - interests her mother worried would stop her from finding a husband.

Bridget Mangwandi, a trailblazing 20-year-old from South Africa, made history as the youngest MasterChef winner and the first black woman to achieve this title. She shares how she transformed the challenges of her age into an empowering strength. Bridget discusses her creative final challenge, reimagining a cherished family dish, and reflects on the influence of her biochemistry background on her culinary skills. With a vision for inspiring youth through cooking, she also elaborates on the significance of African culinary traditions and her future aspirations.

In the vibrant coastal city of Durban, the contrast between holiday joy and homelessness becomes stark. Hear personal stories from individuals facing eviction and survival struggles amidst the festive season. Community support shines through, as friendships blossom among the homeless, reflecting hope and resilience. Inspiring young people are stepping up to tackle these challenges, showcasing their role in driving social change. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on the pressing issue of homelessness as many seek connection and stability during the holidays.

In today’s episode, our presenter Alan Kasujja meets South African musician and writer Lebohang Morake. Popularly known as Lebo M, he co-wrote and sang the music for the Disney movie The Lion King back in 1994. 30 years later he is doing the same for the prequel Mufasa: The Lion King, he was in London to attend the film’s premiere. He talks to Alan about how he went from the slums of Soweto to the red carpets of the world. “I’m born into the most racially divided society in the world, South Africa. I’m born into apartheid. That means, I don’t know what it is like to be in a ‘multiracial environment’ until I get to America”, he tells our presenter.

Beverley Ochieng, a senior analyst with Control Risks specializing in the Wagner Group, discusses the global repercussions of Bashar al-Assad's regime collapse. She highlights how African countries, reliant on Russian paramilitary support, may face instability and the return of militants. The conversation dives into the shifting diplomatic ties, with Tunisia and Algeria navigating their relationships with Syria, and emphasizes the broader security concerns for nations like Egypt in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

In this discussion, Mohamed Ahmed Diriye, a key security official for the Mogadishu government, sheds light on the controversial use of CCTV in the city. He reveals that, despite reduced bombings and increased safety perceptions, business owners face dire threats from al-Shabab. Some feel caught between the government’s security measures and militant retaliation, creating a complex landscape of fear and resilience. Diriye emphasizes ongoing government efforts to bolster security, aiming to reassure a vulnerable community amid ongoing tension.

Isabel Dos Santos, the eldest daughter of Angola's former president, is a businesswoman who once boasted a fortune of $2 billion. In this conversation, she discusses the dramatic shift in her life, marked by lawsuits and asset freezes. Isabel defends herself against claims of corruption, arguing they are politically driven. She reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, shaped by a childhood steeped in politics and her struggles with identity. Her experiences challenge perceptions of wealth and power in a complex socio-political landscape.

Joining the discussion are Michael Sonariwo, a vibrant social media personality and event specialist from Lagos, and Jola Ayeye, a celebrated screenwriter and co-host of Nigeria's top-streamed podcast. They delve into the electrifying festivities of Detty December, exploring its transformation into a global phenomenon that unites the diaspora and locals. Amid rising inflation, they tackle the impact on participation and suggest ways to adapt. They also humorously dissect spending habits in club culture, highlighting the dance between joy and financial wisdom in these star-studded celebrations.

In December 1944, Senegalese troops who fought for France in World War II were killed for demanding the pay and dignity they were promised. The Thiaroye Massacre, long shrouded in silence, is now officially acknowledged by France, shedding light on a dark chapter of colonial history and its lasting impact on Senegal and beyond. BBC Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to Mamadou Faye, based in BBC’s Dakar bureau, about the massacre, the historical context behind the killings and the lasting impact this tragic event has had on Senegal.

“I’m not sure if Egypt is looking to replace the dollar at the moment. I’m not sure even BRICS wants to do that at the moment” - Wael Gamal, Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights US president-elect Donald Trump recently threatened BRICS member states with 100% tariffs, should they go against his country’s currency. “We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US Dollar”, he told his social media followers. He further said, these nations “should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US economy”. BRICS is an acronym for a bloc of five states, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Founded in 2009, it aims to promote economic co-operation and increase multilateral trade and development among member states. Trump’s remarks come after the bloc welcomed new members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Presenter: Alan Kasujja Guests: John Steenhuisen and Wael Gamal