Calvin Takesure, a South African resident, shares his firsthand experience of the severe weather impacting health and daily life. He highlights the chaos caused by a heavy snowstorm, leaving many stranded and vulnerable to hypothermia. At the same time, parts of the country are grappling with drought, creating a stark contrast in climate conditions. Calvin discusses the struggles faced by waste pickers during these extremes, tying personal narratives to the broader implications of climate change on their health and livelihood.

When president Samia Suluhu Hassan came into power in 2021 she lifted a ban on political rallies imposed by her predecessor the late John Magufuli, and promised the 4 Rs: reconciliation, resilience, reforms and rebuilding.But now, as the country heads towards elections - this year and next - fear is growing.Just under 3 weeks ago, an opposition official Ali Kibao, was abducted, killed and his body doused in acid. A number of other activists have disappeared. And the two most senior opposition leaders have been arrested – twice – on the eve of planned protests.For today’s Africa Daily podcast, Alan Kasujja speaks to one of them, Freeman Mbowe, leader of the main opposition party CHADEMA.He also speaks to former BBC journalist Salim Kikeke for context of what has been happening in the country.

Today on the podcast we meet a young Nigerian who’s made it her mission to revive the tradition of weaving – especially for women. Florentina Agu, the founder of luxury brand Hertunba, blends modern fashion with vibrant traditional Nigerian textiles, hoping to inspire more women and young people to consider making their livelihoods from this ancient craft. Between the 1970s and 1990s, Nigeria’s textile sector enjoyed its golden years, but in recent years the industry has declined due to economic challenges and restrictive government policies. Textile weaving has been integral to Nigerian culture since pre-historic times, reflecting heritage, identity, and storytelling. In this episode, we journey through history, exploring the rich symbolism of Nigerian fabrics, learning more about hand-weaving techniques, and discussing how to keep these textile traditions alive for future generations.Presenter: Alan @kasujja Guest: The_florentyna (instagram)

Albinism is an inherited condition that affects the production of melanin. People born with the condition have fair skin, hair and eyes. Superstitions about the body parts of people with albinism have led to violent attacks. In 2008 Tanzania appeared to be the epicentre of these superstitions and attacks. Anyone living with albinism there lived in fear. The BBC’s former Tanzania correspondent Vicky Ntetema’s reporting on the brutality of the attacks - maiming and beheadings - brought global attention to what was happening there.Over the past 16 years, attacks in Tanzania have reduced significantly but the recent increase in violence against people with albinism in Madagascar suggest the problem has not gone away. In today’s episode Africa, Daily’s Alan Kasujja speaks to journalist Raissa Ioussef in the capital Antananarivo and to Ikwonponsa Ero, the Managing Director of the African Albinism Network.

The Mpox outbreak was declared a public health emergency in August 2024. Since then, more than 29,000 cases and 738 deaths have been reported across 15 Africa Union member states, according to the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC).Despite some progress, such as the delivery of 200,000 vaccines to the DRC, challenges remain in getting the vaccines to the most affected communities. The outbreak has also evolved from a health crisis into a wider issue affecting businesses and livelihoods.Alan Kasujja speaks with BBC Africa Health Correspondent Dorcas Wangira and Monique Gieskes, Managing Director of Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), the DRC's largest industrial palm oil producer with over 10,000 employees.

In this heartfelt discussion, HIV activists Nomonde Ngema from South Africa and Jerop Limo from Kenya share their transformative journeys of growing up with HIV. They recount the pain of stigma experienced in school, revealing how a haunting song captured their struggles. Both discuss the challenges of relationships, self-acceptance, and finding support. Now in New York for the UN Summit, they advocate for young voices in the fight against HIV, stressing the need for meaningful change in public health policies.

Dan Marokane, the new CEO of Eskom, reveals his plans to end South Africa's long-standing power cuts that have plagued the nation since 2007. He discusses recent advancements in power supply and the shift towards integrating renewable energy sources. The podcast also features heartbreaking stories from caregivers at a Johannesburg hospice, illustrating the devastating impact of electricity shortages on vulnerable children. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for reliable power in healthcare and the community's struggle for stability amid the energy crisis.

The podcast dives into China's role as Africa's largest trading partner, revealing that 20% of African exports and 16% of imports flow to and from China. President Xi Jinping's promise of $50 billion for development sparks discussions on economic growth versus growing debt. Experts analyze the asymmetric nature of the partnership and emphasize African leaders' push for more agency. They explore the need for collective bargaining, transparency in negotiations, and the quest for strategic partnerships to enhance Africa's global influence.

The podcast dives into the pressing issue of child hunger in Africa, spotlighting an impactful school meals program in Kenya. It reveals how affordable meals boost student attendance and enhance academic performance. Wawira Njiru shares insights on the collaboration needed between parents, government, and philanthropy to sustain such initiatives. Personal stories illustrate the transformative power of school meals, calling for systemic reforms across the continent. Could Kenya’s success be a blueprint for the rest of Africa?

Romeo Muyunda, an official from Namibia’s Department of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, sheds light on the dire food crisis in drought-stricken Southern Africa. He shares his experiences consuming unconventional meats like elephant and hippo, emphasizing how desperate times call for unusual dietary practices. The conversation delves into the controversial idea of culling wildlife to feed hungry populations, sparking debates about ecological impacts and animal rights. The urgent humanitarian response needed in the region is highlighted, as millions face potential hunger.