Author: Chukwu Godlove
The African Union (AU) Commission has expressed concern over the “potential negative impact” of the recent travel restrictions announced by the United States, urging the U.S. government to implement the measures in a manner that is “balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa.” In a statement issued on 5 June, the Commission said it had “taken note” of the recent proclamation by the U.S. government that imposes new entry restrictions on nationals from several countries, including Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. While recognising “the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and…
Image: Chris McGrath / Getty Images Egypt is set to streamline entry for international visitors with the launch of a new digital visa-on-arrival system. ALSO READ: This South African airport is up for a name change A pilot programme will begin at Cairo International Airport in mid-June. As per Travel News, the system will likely offer travellers various options to obtain emergency visas upon arrival using a QR code. Payments for these visas will be processed electronically. Travellers can utilise self-service kiosks located within the airport terminals or complete the transaction via a dedicated mobile application. This initiative is expected…
Except for the tenure of Chief James Onanefe Ibori (1999 to 2007), I have had several opportunities to traverse Delta State. I have formed my own mental picture of it which I share with you today. There are far more about this state than its perennial dominance of our youth sports as the defunct Bendel State (of which it was a part) used to do. Nigeria, as a country, has a lot to learn from Delta State in diversity management. The state is divided into the Igbo-speaking Delta North, the Central Zone populated by Urhobo and Isoko indigenes and South,…
If you’ve been reading the news lately, you might have seen alarming headlines suggesting that the United States has “added” South Africa to its travel alert list, implying new dangers or an escalation in security concerns. Naturally, this kind of media attention spreads quickly – and often, unnecessarily.Cape Town’s calm says more than headlines doThe Real StatusBut here’s the reality: the U.S. travel advisory level for South Africa hasn’t changed. We’re still at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – the same advisory level we’ve held for years, alongside countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.So Why the Fuss?The U.S.…
The eThekwini Municipality has prohibited swimming at all southern Durban beaches from 2 June 2025 until further notice due to the annual sardine run. ALSO READ: NSPCA pushes for specialised courts to handle and expedite wildlife cases In a public statement, the municipality said: “The public is advised that swimming is prohibited at all southern beaches from 2 June 2025 until further notice. This is due to removing shark nets to allow for the sardine run.” The sardine run occurs annually between June and July, when billions of sardines migrate along South Africa’s east coast. The event attracts predators such…
East African nation Burundi is the lone duck in the latest US emigration travel ban after the Trump administration listed it among just seven countries facing partial travel restrictions to the United States. Unlike neighbouring countries, Burundi stands alone in the Great Lakes region under this designation. While Somalia and Sudan–both in the Horn of Africa–face a total travel ban under the new proclamation, regional peers such as Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania have been spared entirely. The policy, set to take effect on 9 June, is the second major travel ban of its kind under Donald Trump,…
Dodoma — THE Tanzanian government, through the Immigration Department, has introduced an online visa application system (e-Visa), allowing tourists to apply for visas from anywhere in the world without having to visit an embassy. The initiative aims to simplify the visa acquisition process and attract more tourists to visit the country. The announcement was made today, Wednesday, in Parliament by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dunstan Kitandula, while responding to a question from Manyoni West MP (CCM), Dr. Pius Chaya. The MP had inquired about the government’s efforts to ease visa access for tourists from various countries,…
Posted on 4 June 2025 Tags:African Elephants, climate change, conservation, cull, elepahnts, elephants, Human wildlife comflict, over opoulation, Save Valley Conservancy, translocation, Zimbabwe, zimparks Image: Unsplash / Antelope Park Zimbabwe’s wildlife authority has announced plans to cull 50 elephants from the Save Valley Conservancy in the country’s southeast, with the meat to be distributed to local communities. ALSO READ: SA mourns loss of Greater Kruger conservation hero Sharon Haussmann The decision aims to address the overpopulation of elephants, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) said on Tuesday. The “management exercise” will target 50 elephants initially, aiming to address…
Dodoma — THE Tanzanian government has entered into agreements with various countries to simplify visa procedures, where about 71 countries will be able to enter Tanzania without a visa. This was disclosed by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dustan Kitandula at the ongoing Parliamentary meeting in Dodoma on Wednesday, adding that from now on, most tourists coming into the country from around the globe will obtain visas on arrival at the International Airports. Mr Kitandula made the statements in response to a question from a Member of Parliament, Dr Pius Chanya, who wanted to know what efforts…
Over the past few months, I’ve been writing a memoir. It began as a deeply personal project – part reflection, part legacy – originally intended for my children. But as the words unfolded, I realised this story might resonate more broadly. It’s not just about me. It’s about the sober revolutions that shape who we are and the families we build along the way. In honour of Pride Month, I’ve decided to share one of its chapters. One about becoming a father. About choosing love. And building something lasting in a world that didn’t always make space for it.Fatherhood begins…