Radio Workshop Radio Workshop

Many young South Africans weren't sure who to vote for ahead of South Africa's elections in late May. But, many of them told us they wanted new leadership. The results of the election reveal that uncertainty as no one party won a clear majority. In fact, the African National Congress will have to create a coalition government for the first time in their 30 years holding office. A development leading to more anxiety and uncertainty since no one knows what to expect. In case you missed it, we're revisiting our election episode to hear once again the voices of young people wrestling with where South Africa should go next.

Rihanna was just 19 years old when she was arrested for being trans in Uganda. It was 2014. She spent 9 months in prison - an ordeal that tore a rift between her and her God-fearing mother. In this episode, we hear how her arrest radically changed the course of their lives - and how Rihanna’s mom unexpectedly became a staunch ally. This is the second in our two-part series on LGBTQ rights in Uganda, as the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 turns a year old.

Young South Africans are confused about who to vote for. This year, there are dozens of parties to choose from on the ballot paper. But for many young voters, having lots of options doesn’t make it any easier. With a presidential election just around the corner, Radio Workshop reporter Naomi Grewan asks young people "Why?” and "How are you going to figure it out?"
 

It was May of 2023 and Musana was on a romantic getaway in Kenya with her girlfriend. It quickly turned somber when Uganda's President, Yoweri Museveni, signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act into law. Now what? Should Musana make a new life in Kenya or risk returning home? On the one-year anniversary of the Act, Musana reflects on her decision. This is the first in a two-part series on LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda.

Our last episode was a World Radio Day special. We asked our listeners to send us their love letters for the medium. This month, we’ve got a little bonus love letter for you: When a national emergency strikes in Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ruth Omar and her family turn on the radio to help them navigate the confusion.

This episode is a celebration of 100 years of radio on the African continent. Radio is our beloved grandmother. Our lifeline. And to honour her, we asked friends in Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda to share their best radio memories with us. Little love letters in sound…