The Many Faces of Africa

Dear Reader,

Thank you for your continued interest in our magazine. Issue three celebrates The Cape Town Globalist as the only African chapter of the Global21 network thus far. We have taken this opportunity to discuss African issues high on the international agenda, with ‘The many faces of Africa’.

The new editorial team for 2007 has worked tirelessly,resulting in an interesting mix of topics – from human rights to crime to identity politics. Our goal was to try and have as much first-hand reporting as possible, and we have included thought-provoking commentary from students that have spent time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in our neighbouring county, Zimbabwe.

Our Special Report deals with the Bushmen in Botswana and explores whether or not their traditionalway of life is a viable option in a world that is changing every day. Africa may be the cradle of humankind, but the role of technology and the effect of the ‘digital divide’ cannot be ignored. Kim Grové reports that Botswana is leading the way in Africa, undertaking pro-active initiatives to bridge the gap.

As future leaders and policy-makers it is our responsibilty to confront the issues that threaten our society. Katie Huston’s detailed report on South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS offers hope for those affected by the virus and is being heralded as a blueprint strategy for the rest of Africa. Our section dealing with crime, another hot topic in the local media, offers a glimpse of both sides of the fence. Charles Human looks at the gang culture which permeates he SA prison system, asking difficult questions about the rehabilitation of criminals. Hope arrives in the shape of 18-year old Malan Jacobs, a high-school student passionate about changing perceptions about crime in South Africa.

Special thanks to the members of our Editorial Board for their support, as well as the Centre for Film and Media Studies for hosting The Cape Town Globalist.

Megan Dick
Editor, Cape Town Globalist