The 2023 World Rowing Masters Regatta, a four-day event, concluded on Sunday at Roodeplaat Dam in South Africa. This occasion is notable as it marks the first time the World Rowing Federation has held a competition on the African continent. Marize de Klerk reported from the location with Patrick O’Reilly handling the camera work.

In South Africa, there is a growing trend of companies and institutions implementing mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations in response to a new wave of infections caused by the omicron variant. The Religious Forum Against COVID-19 is actively working to reduce vaccine hesitancy by encouraging religious communities to get vaccinated. Marize de Klerk has reported on this development from Johannesburg for VOA.

Scientists in South Africa have made a significant discovery at the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Johannesburg. They have uncovered the first partial skull of a Homo Naledi child, providing evidence that this ancient non-human species may have engaged in ritualistic behavior concerning their dead. This behavior was previously thought to be unique to humans. The find adds to the rich collection of hominin fossils at one of the world's most prolific sites for such discoveries. The report on this finding was provided by Marize de Klerk for VOA, with Franco Puglisi on camera duty.

Scientists in South Africa have discovered a partial child's skull of Homo Naledi at the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The skull, named Fossil Leti, was found by Lee Berger and the Rising Star Expedition team from the University of the Witwatersrand. The discovery suggests that Homo Naledi may have performed death rituals, as the child's skull was placed on a remote shelf in the Rising Star Cave, indicating it was not moved there by natural forces. The skull is composed of 28 fragments and six teeth and is believed to be between 241,000 to 335,000 years old. This find adds to the collection of over 20 Homo Naledi individuals at the University of the Witwatersrand's fossil hominid vault.

The International Financial Corporation and Jumia reported that women-led online businesses in Africa have been more adversely affected by the pandemic than those led by men, with sales dropping by 39% compared to 28% for male-led businesses. Charlotte Ntim from the IFC highlights the challenges faced by women in competitive fields like beauty products, exacerbated by the pandemic and border closures. The report also notes the digital and financial gaps that hinder businesswomen, with a significant financing gap and lower internet usage among women. The World Bank and Facebook survey indicated higher temporary closure rates for female-owned firms during the pandemic. Wacu Mureithi, an online business owner, shared her struggles with understanding consumer behavior. The IFC encourages women to seek loans and calls for online platforms to provide training for women-led businesses.

The article reports the first fatalities of the current Mount Everest climbing season, involving a Swiss climber named Abdul Waraich and an American climber named Puwei Liu. Waraich reached the summit but encountered problems during his descent and died despite the efforts of additional Sherpas who brought him oxygen and food. Liu suffered from snow blindness and exhaustion and died on his descent after reaching Hillary Step. Nepal, which had halted expeditions last year due to COVID-19, has issued a record number of permits this season to boost tourism.

The article discusses the efforts by South African researchers to understand the long-term health effects of COVID-19 on athletes, including those preparing for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics. South African Olympic hurdler Wenda Nel has recovered from COVID-19 and is training for the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee has appointed South African sports physician Martin Schwellnus to lead the development of guidelines for treating athletes with respiratory infections, including COVID-19. The University of Pretoria's SEMLI and the IOC Research Center in South Africa are conducting the AWARE Research Study, which includes an online survey and a COVID-19 Recovery Clinic for athletes. Preliminary findings suggest that athletes recovering from COVID-19 experience more difficulty with low-intensity exercise and longer recovery times. The research aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for athletes' recovery and return to sport.

The article discusses the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and the concerns regarding COVID-19, particularly its long-term health effects on athletes. South African researchers are at the forefront of an international study aimed at understanding these long-term impacts. The Tokyo Olympics organizers are implementing measures to mitigate the spread of the virus during the event. The report includes contributions from Marize de Klerk in Pretoria, with camera work by Franco Puglisi and production by Jon Spier.

In the Greater Tzaneen Municipality of northern South Africa, drones are being used to educate people about COVID-19 prevention. The drones broadcast messages in local languages and monitor potential hotspots. This initiative, led by Mayor Maripe Mangena, is a pioneering effort in the country to leverage technology for public health messaging. Ntiyiso Aviation Services, a licensed drone service provider, is conducting the operations. The South African Federation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and local media, including the Far North Bulletin, have noted the effectiveness of drones in spreading awareness in rural areas. South Africa has been significantly affected by COVID-19, but the lockdown measures are being gradually eased as they have helped curb the virus spread.

The article discusses the successful reduction of rhinoceros poaching in Kruger National Park, which is attributed to the cooperation between South African and Mozambican officials, as well as private business stakeholders. The park has seen a significant decline in poaching incidents and rhino losses due to improved patrols, technology, and cross-border efforts, despite the lack of an extradition agreement between the two countries. Challenges remain, including the need for social upliftment to ensure the long-term sustainability of anti-poaching efforts. Kruger National Park is a major tourist attraction, home to the world's largest wild rhino population, and officials are hopeful that the rhino numbers will continue to grow with ongoing cooperation.

South Africa is recognized for its rugby prowess, which extends to wheelchair rugby, despite it being an amateur sport with limited resources. Players like Okkie Anker, who once aspired to join the Springboks but suffered a neck injury, now play with pride for the Wheelboks, the national wheelchair rugby team. Leratho Netchane, Africa's first female wheelchair rugby player, is actively promoting the sport. The high cost of specialized wheelchairs is a challenge, but innovations like Jared McIntyre's more affordable beginner's wheelchair are helping. The South African Wheelchair Rugby team has not competed internationally since 2015 due to financial constraints, but with efforts from the South African Wheelchair Rugby Vice President David Jacobs and affiliations with rugby unions, there is hope to develop the sport further in Africa. The Mustangs recently won the South African Wheelchair Rugby League, and there are aspirations to compete internationally again next year.

Mosibudi Jo Mathole and Khomotso Ramodipa are sisters who have successfully penetrated the male-dominated diamond industry in South Africa with their company, Kwame Diamonds. Established in 2008, Kwame Diamonds is notable for being one of the few women-owned diamond polishing businesses globally and the first run by sisters in South Africa. Despite the challenges of a declining global diamond market and a significant reduction in the number of polishers in South Africa, Kwame Diamonds has thrived by specializing in responsibly sourced, certified stones and fancy and bespoke cut diamonds. They are accredited to cut and polish De Beers Group's branded diamonds. The sisters are committed to empowering women in the industry by developing their skills and are recognized for their innovative approach by industry leaders.

Mosibudi Jo Mathole and Khomotso Ramodipa are South African sisters who have established Kwame Diamonds, one of the few women-owned diamond polishing businesses in the world. Despite challenges in a male-dominated industry and a global downturn in the diamond market, they have succeeded by focusing on responsibly sourced, certified stones and specializing in fancy and bespoke cut diamonds. They are accredited to cut and polish De Beers Group's branded diamonds, which is a mark of excellence in the industry. The sisters are committed to empowering women by developing their skills in diamond polishing. The South African diamond industry has significantly contracted, but Kwame Diamonds is thriving by innovating and refusing to downsize.

A group of South African teenagers, part of a nonprofit initiative by U-Dream Global, successfully built and flew an aircraft across Africa. However, the project ended in tragedy when the two adult pilots, Des Werner and Werner Froneman, who were accompanying the teens in a support plane, died in a crash in Tanzania. The project, which was followed closely by Athol Franz of African Pilot magazine, aimed to inspire young people and demonstrate that dreams can be achieved. The teens had flown from South Africa to Egypt and were on their way back when the accident occurred. The U-Dream Global project has highlighted both the potential of youth and the inherent risks of aviation.

South Africa recently hosted the eighth annual Education Africa International Marimba and Steelpan Festival, which saw nearly 2,000 musicians from across Africa, including Botswana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. The festival celebrates a mix of musical styles and prides itself on inclusivity, featuring performances by disadvantaged and disabled musicians. Joan Lithgow highlighted the importance of a multi-faceted approach to music education. Deaf marimba player Boitumelo Lekaka, along with her teacher Rose Moloi, expressed that deaf individuals can achieve anything, including playing various musical instruments. American artist Jason 'Malletman' Taylor, a Grammy Ballot Award nominee, served as a judge and was particularly moved by the performances of deaf musicians. The festival also included competitive elements, with St. Jude's Private Schools of Nigeria being a past winner, and offered 90 music workshops, with award-winning composer Dave Reynolds commenting on the therapeutic nature of marimba and steelpan music.

The article discusses the aspirations of four South African women mountaineers who are training to become the first all-female African team to climb Mount Everest. They are inspired by Saray Khumalo, the first black African woman to reach the summit of Everest. The team, consisting of Deshun Deysel, Lisa Gering, Tumi Mphahlele, and Alda Waddell, is currently preparing in the Drakensberg Mountains. They are undergoing intensive mental and physical training to tackle the technical, physical, cold, and altitude challenges of the climb. Deshun Deysel, who in 1996 became the first black South African woman to set foot on Everest, highlights the increase in women mountaineers in South Africa. The team, also entrepreneurs, draws parallels between climbing and navigating a male-dominated business world. Their goal is to inspire more African women to aim high.

A group of 20 South African teenagers, led by 17-year-old pilot Megan Werner and her nonprofit U-Dream Global, has successfully assembled a four-seater airplane. They embarked on a round-trip flight from Cape Town to Cairo, stopping in 11 countries to inspire other teens. The project aims to show young people the possibilities within the aviation industry and to encourage them to pursue their dreams. The teens were supervised by qualified adults, including Megan's father, Des Werner, and U-Dream Global Project director Werner Froneman. Athol Franz, editor of African Pilot Magazine, highlighted the importance of involving youth in aviation to ensure a skilled and enthusiastic future workforce. The journey covers approximately 12,000 kilometers and includes opportunities for other teenagers to fly and be motivated by the project.

Dr. Karin Lourens is recognized as Africa's 'pangolin doctor' for her medical work with pangolins rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. She has developed innovative medical treatments for the endangered ground pangolin, significantly improving their chances of survival and return to the wild. Lourens and her team have introduced a tube-feeding method and conducted blood-testing research to create customized treatment plans. Professor Leith Meyer from the University of Pretoria and Nicci Wright from the African Pangolin Working Group and Humane Society International emphasize the importance of veterinary care in pangolin conservation. Professor Raymond Jansen reports a high success rate in rehabilitating and releasing pangolins with their monitoring showing promising post-release survival rates. The article highlights the critical role of specialized veterinary treatment in preventing the extinction of one of the most trafficked animals in the world.

Dr. Karin Lourens is recognized as Africa's 'pangolin doctor' due to her significant role in the medical rehabilitation of pangolins that have been saved from the illegal wildlife trade. She has developed innovative methods such as tube-feeding and blood testing to enhance the chances of survival for these endangered animals. Marize de Klerk has covered this story for VOA, reporting from Johannesburg, highlighting the impact of Dr. Lourens' work on pangolin conservation.

The article discusses the need for significant investment in Africa to achieve universal access to modern energy, highlighting the potential role of crowdfunding in financing energy projects. Dr. Richard Munang of UNEP emphasizes the need for a blended financing model and the socioeconomic benefits of energy development. The German crowdfunding platform bettervest has raised funds for global renewable energy projects, with a focus on energy efficiency and societal benefits. The article also mentions the work of EFABOSA in building sustainable food systems and the innovative approaches of The Sun Exchange, which uses blockchain technology for solar panel investments. Abundance Investment, a UK-based platform, expresses interest in African solar projects but notes the challenges due to the lack of mature legal and government systems in developing countries.

The article discusses the need for significant investment in Africa to achieve universal access to modern energy, highlighting the potential role of crowdfunding in financing energy projects. Dr. Richard Munang of UNEP emphasizes the need for a blended finance model and the socioeconomic benefits of energy development. The German platform bettervest and its spokesperson Sara Steidinger are mentioned for their success in funding renewable energy projects, despite higher risks in Africa. The article also covers the work of EFABOSA in promoting sustainable agriculture and the innovative approaches of The Sun Exchange and Abundance Investment in financing solar and sustainable technologies. The challenges of crowdfunding in the African context, such as the need for mature legal and government systems, are also discussed.

Researchers from South African and European institutions are collaborating to develop water-use-and-stress maps for savannahs in South Africa to aid smallholder farmers in managing drought conditions. Utilizing satellite data from the European Space Agency, the team aims to assess ecosystem health and vulnerability. The research is part of a broader initiative, the EAU4Food project, which seeks to enhance food production in irrigated farming systems across Africa. Additionally, concerns about water pollution from Microcystin toxicity and uranium are prompting calls for further research into their effects on human health through bioaccumulation in the food chain. The article also touches on the importance of water management research for food security and the potential for recurring droughts in South Africa, necessitating careful water management across all industries.