Life in Southern Africa

Laura Lynch recently traveled to Zimbabwe and South Africa to document 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. From South Africa Laura reported on the state of the nation just weeks before it is about to play host to the world’s greatest sports event, the soccer World Cup.

• Listen to Laura’s stories

Animation made in South Africa

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The World’s 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. (photo: Laura Lynch) Download MP3

• View some of the aspiring animator’s artwork
• Illustrated transcript
• Living with South Africa’s foreign workers

Living with South Africa’s foreign workers

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As South Africa prepares to host the World Cup in just under two months, 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. The World’s Laura Lynch reports. Download MP3 (Photo: Laura Lynch)

• Illustrated transcript
• Laura’s photos from South Africa
• Laura Lynch on ANC Youth leader Julius Malema

Global Political Cartoons: Jan 30-Feb 5, 2010

The World’s Carol Hills reviews the week’s news through political cartoons. This week: Toyota’s faulty gas pedals, Haiti’s vulnerable children, Jacob Zuma’s 20 children, and the groundhog sees the long shadow… of a deficit.

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New Beginning in South Africa’s AIDS battle

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South Africa has the largest number of HIV-infected people on the planet. In a widely welcomed speech to mark World Aids Day, South Africa’s president, Jacob Zuma, pledged a new beginning. The World’s Jason Margolis has the story. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Health related coverage on The World

South Africa’s new president meets Zimbabwe leaders

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South Africa’s new president Jacob Zuma is meeting with leaders in Zimbabwe in an effort to end the political infighting there and help repair the shattered economy. Anchor Jeb Sharp finds out more from reporter Andrew Meldrum.