Author: Prudence Makoge

Manie Libbok says the Springboks are sticking to their usual approach ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster Test against France in Paris. The flyhalf, who came off the bench in the 61-7 win over Japan at Wembley, said the Boks’ focus is on execution rather than emotion as they gear up for a rematch of the 2023 World Cup quarter-final at the Stade de France. “We prepare for this game like any other Test match,” Libbok said. “We’re focused on ourselves and what we want to do on the field on Saturday, to go and give our best for the team and…

When it comes to protecting women’s health, a little awareness goes a long way. For the #StopHPVForHer campaign, Dr Omolola Salako, Clinical Oncologist and founder of Sebeccly Cancer Support, breaks down everything we need to know about HPV and how some of its high-risk strains can lead to cervical cancer — all in a way that’s easy to understand. In the video, Dr Salako explains how HPV moves within the body, why certain strains are more dangerous, and what every woman should know about prevention and testing. As someone who has cared for over 5,000 cancer patients, she’s not just…

According to a UNICEF report, “Nigeria faces a severe learning crisis, with over 70% of children lacking foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) skills.” This became more pronounced because even now, some privately-owned schools in rural Nigeria operate without certified teachers or standard infrastructure. I’ve seen it firsthand, the startling reality of thousands of children. I walked into my NYSC Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) completely demoralised. The school, or should I say, the venue of learning, was nothing like what we call a school. Wooden boards sealed with tarpaulin served as partitions between classrooms. These makeshift barriers didn’t stop the…

English golfer Marco Penge says he is “in disbelief” as he prepares to tee off the DP World Tour’s penultimate tournament with a chance of winning the Race to Dubai.The 27-year-old, who has emerged as British golf’s hottest male prospect with three wins this season, will play with Race leader Rory McIlroy for the first time when he competes in this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.Penge’s original goal for the season was to merely make it to the season-ending play-off events here in the Middle East. The final competition, the DP World Tour Championship is in Dubai next week.It is…

Constituting nearly 50% of the population, Nigerian women are critical to the country’s economy, owning over 40% of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and employing millions. Yet, when it comes to funding, they are locked out of Nigeria’s formal lending system. Despite their entrepreneurial spirit and proven reliability, they encounter financial barriers that are not only unjust but also economically shortsighted.  The Gates Foundation’s survey of over 100,000 women in Nigeria revealed that 62% identified lack of start-up capital or equipment as the primary barrier to achieving their economic ambitions. Structural barriers, including insufficient family support, deficits in training,…

Courtrai Primary emerged triumphant in the primary school girls’ division of the RCS Rising Star Tennis National Finals, while Helen Franz Special School from Limpopo won the girls’ division in the wheelchair tennis competition, which concluded at the Gauteng East Tennis Complex in Benoni, Gauteng, on Sunday, 2 November 2025.  Western Province’s Courtrai Primary came out on top of the girls’ teams, taking the trophy ahead of Stirling Primary (Eastern Cape) and Laerskool Saamtrek (North West), who finished second and third respectively. Helen Franz showcased their class in the wheelchair tennis girls’ division finals, with Ithemelihle (Gauteng) taking the runner-up…

Nick Mallett says Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s confidence should be celebrated, not mistaken for arrogance. Speaking on the Talking Boks podcast, the former national coach said there’s “a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance” – and Feinberg-Mngomezulu clearly has the right kind of attitude. “With self-confidence, you’re often accused of arrogance, and it’s not necessarily the same thing,” said Mallett. “To be self-confident in sport is a massive advantage.” Feinberg-Mngomezulu has worn the No 10 jersey for the Boks in their last four Tests, and Mallett believes his positive mindset is part of what makes him successful. “Just think, ‘Give…

Photo Credit: Morgan Freeman/Instagram It’s not every day you see a living legend strutting through The Jennifer Hudson Show’s Spirit Tunnel — but when it’s Morgan Freeman, the moment deserves its own applause. The acclaimed actor made his entrance in smooth, timeless style. Dressed in dark jeans, black boots, a deep maroon collared shirt, and a light grey-and-burgundy checked sports jacket, he looked every bit the icon we know him to be. As he made his way down the hallway, staff members lined up on both sides, clapping, singing, and grinning from ear to ear. Their chant filled the space…

South Arrica’s young squad kicked off their FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2025 in the best possible manner with a 3-1 win over Bolivia in their opening Group A match in Al Rayyan, Qatar. In matches involving other African teams, Tunisia thumped Fiji 6-0 in their Group D clash. Senegal were held to a 0-0 draw by Croatia, while Morocco lost 2-0 to Japan. South Africa were reduced to 10 men on 36 minutes when right-back Sive Pama was sent off after a Video Assistant Referee review. But two minutes later, they took the lead through their talisman Emile Witbooi. After…

Olakunle Ologunro and I graduated from the same university, the University of Ilorin (Unilorin). We both studied English. In my first year, Olakunle was one of the writing references for creative writers on campus. He was a 2016 alumnus of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s writing workshop, and his story, A Nonrequired Guide to Writing Love Stories published in Brittle Paper, was critically acclaimed among the students. In his final year, he organised a writing workshop for a select group of writers on campus. I was one of them. Having this conversation with Olakunle Ologunro feels like a full-circle moment because we…