Life in Southern Africa
Laura Lynch at a farm outside Harare, Zimbabwe
Laura Lynch recently traveled to Zimbabwe and South Africa to document a series of stories about life in the region. It was her first trip back to Zimbabwe since the controversial elections in 2008 when she was one of a handful of Western journalists allowed in the country to cover what became a gripping story of the struggle for power inside the troubled country. On this trip, Laura uncovered new evidence that all is far from well in the country, despite the fact that it’s had a unity government in place for more than a year.
She traveled to South Africa to report on the state of the nation just weeks before it is about to play host to the world’s greatest sports event, the World Cup of soccer. Going beyond the routine stories of the nation’s prepartions for the tournament, Laura found the country facing many challenges. In some cases, those challenges are leading to deep divisions, in others they are marking a pathway to a brighter future.
Baboons in the vineyard
June 3rd, 2010
Many of the tourists venturing to South Africa for the World Cup will probably be sipping on South African wines. The wine industry has been booming since the end of apartheid also ended sanctions that crippled most vineyards. But now there’s a new threat. Wild baboons, it seems, have developed a taste for pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc – the grapes, that is! Laura Lynch has the story from Cape Town. (Audio available after 5PM Eastern)
Racial tensions on Zimbabwe’s farmland
May 27th, 2010
A decade after the first violent clashes that forced thousands of Zimbabwe’s white farmers out of the country, there’s a new twist in the tale. Some of them are quietly returning to farm again – attracting anger and controversy from whites and blacks alike. Laura Lynch visited a farm just outside the capital Harare.
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The price of digging for diamonds
May 26th, 2010
Zimbabwe’s foreign minister says the country’s economy may grow 7% this year. Most of that comes from foreign investment and some aid. The African country is also hoping to raise money through diamond sales. Laura Lynch looks at claims that the diamond fields have also become killing fields.
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Zimbabwe’s ‘blood diamonds’
May 25th, 2010
The discovery of diamonds in Zimbabwe has led to more misery in a country that’s already seen a lot of hardship. And despite claims to the contrary, Zimbabwe’s government insists the diamonds are ethical. But on a recent trip to the country, Laura Lynch found disturbing evidence that the gems are destroying the lives of many.
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Animation made in South Africa
April 27th, 2010
Laura Lynch profiles a young South African woman who’s studying to become one of the new generation of animators in what is hoped will be a successful indigenous animation filmmaking industry.
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Picture still gloomy in Zimbabwe
April 26th, 2010
Those looking for signs of hope in Zimbabwe won’t get it from the International Monetary Fund. A recent report is painting a gloomy picture of that country’s economy. There have been some gains in Zimbabwe since the formation of the so-called unity government a year ago. But as The World’s Laura Lynch reports from Harare, they’re more than matched by the problems that still plague the nation.
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South Africa’s soccer burden
April 23rd, 2010
The World Cup soccer tournament opens in South Africa in seven weeks and South Africans are psyched. 360,000 foreign spectators are expected to bring their enthusiasm – and money – to South Africa. But some South Africans view the World Cup as a burden that has made their lives worse.
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Living with South Africa’s foreign workers
April 21st, 2010
As South Africa prepares to host the soccer World Cup, it’s promising a warm welcome for tourists from around the globe. But the welcome mat isn’t out for everyone – particularly foreign workers from countries like Zimbabwe.
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Controversy over ANC youth leader
April 19th, 2010
The African National Congress is the party of Nelson Mandela and the “Rainbow Nation.” But the leader of the ANC’s Youth League doesn’t seem to be on board. Julius Malema is known for his fiery racial rhetoric. And it’s resonating with some black South Africans who feel not enough has changed since apartheid. Laura Lynch examines Malema’s past and future in South African politics. Her report begins on Robben Island.
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Zimbabwe’s Independence Day
April 16th, 2010
Zimbabwe marked its 30th anniversary of independence in April. And the same man who became the leader of the new nation is still in charge today. Back in 1980 Robert Mugabe was cheered as a hero, now he is reviled by many of his own people who have watched their nation descend into violence and poverty under his rule. Laura Lynch takes a look at the country’s fractured politics through the lens of soccer.
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