All Posts by Lungelo Ngongoma

A bride and groom from South Africa. Photo credit - seeafricatoday.com

Cultural Crossroads: Surname Tradition and the Future of African Marriage

Introduction The significance of a woman taking the surname “Isibongo” in isiZulu from her husband is deeply rooted in culture; it is mostly common in African traditions that acknowledge the custom of marriage. Its importance is multifaceted, surrounding cultural norms, social norms, and family structures.   Diving into Cultural Significance

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An illustration of Internet censorship. Photo credit - AI Generated

Internet Censorship: Justified or Overreach?

Introduction In an increasingly digital world, the question of internet censorship has become more pressing than ever. While some argue that censorship protects society from harm, we believe it is ultimately a threat to fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the open exchange of ideas.   Internet Censorship as an Overreach One

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An illustration of the decline of democracy. Photo credit - The New Indian Express

The Decline of Democracy in Africa: A Threat to Human Rights

Introduction During the leadership of Nelson Mandela in 1994, South Africa transitioned from apartheid to democracy which was admired and inspired by other countries across the world establishing the groundwork for a democratic society founded on equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.   The Ascendance of

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Frustrated parents looking over their child's stationery list. Photo credit - iStock

South Africa’s Stationery Lists Causes Anxiety to Parents

Introduction It had been an overwhelmingly, frustrating January that left parents disheartened as the school holidays ended, and it was time to get ready for school. South African parents were left shocked by the school stationery lists in the new year, which include items like macaroni, beans, and cosmetics, as

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Artwork by Willard Magiga. Photo credit - Trinkoh Arts

Indigenous Futurisms in African Art

Introduction Indigenous Futurism is a movement that primarily uses lenses to motivate people to change the way they think. Changing perspectives and taking actions that support colonialism and apartheid. Speculative fiction, science, and traditional indigenous storytelling are all incorporated within Indigenous Futurism. Indigenous Futurism aims to regain sovereignty, question colonial

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Feminism: breaking stigma and bias

Why do Black Men need Feminism: Breaking Boundaries and Stigmas

Introduction Growing up, a boy was taught how to hunt and kill because a man must provide for his family. One day, while walking in a grim, depressing forest looking for his grandfather’s lost cow, he remembers that: “Indoda indoda ngezinkomo zayo”, meaning that a man is a man with

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Challenging Orthodox Gender Ideology in Sport: Breaking down Barriers for Inclusivity and Equality

Introduction South Africa’s most recent sports statistics highlight that Banyana Banyana’s fan base has grown dramatically as a result of its WAFCON victory and dish-fit-for-a-king performance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup. We cannot, however, make the same claim about other Middle Eastern nations, such as Yemen, Iran, and Saudi

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