The So Aff Podcast

Rwanda government critic Diane Rwigara acquitted

On today’s episode I try and get to the bottom of why some Nigerians are claiming the president is dead and a clone has taken his place. I also finally get to speak to Diane Rwigara - a Rwandan political prisoner that was locked up and faced 22 years in jail for daring to challenge the president in a general election. She was acquitted today but spoke to me while she was on bail. Today’s Spotlight is on Nelson Mandela. It's been five years since his death and I still weep hearing his voice. And for Overheard on the web while the world is talking about Tyson fury, I want to share an interview Deontay Wilder (@bronzebomber) did with a black british journalist that shares a message we can all learn from.

Why is sexual harassment in the workplace so common in Africa?

On today's episode I discuss a new report that's found the African Union Commission has a huge problem of sexual harassment in the organisation. I ask Nigerians what they would do if they experienced work harassment themselves. I spoke to a female activist group in Zimbabwe to try and get to the bottom of why the problem exists and what good there is that we can see an end to workplace sexual harassment. Today's spotlight is on Africa Women's Cup of Nations. If you don't know what that is then I'm happy I get to share more about it with you. It's a football tournament I really want to see more people interested in and celebrating. For Overheard on the Web it’s all about my hero – the train worker at Victoria Station that ragga chats! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share x

Is it time to do something about the limited access to safe abortions in Africa?

On today’s episode we’re going to be discussing the situation an overwhelming number of females face in Africa – no access to safe abortions. Roughly 93% of women of reproductive age on the continent live in countries with restrictive abortion laws. I ask Nigerians if we should celebrate or fight against it. Ethiopia has been ranked the worst country in the world for access to toilets at homes. I’m going to share a great way you can help change this. Today’s spotlight is on Biafra. I’ve always wanted to know more about why so many people think Nigeria would be better off if it split. We’ll hear from the London leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra -better known as IPOB to find out why he thinks there’s no other option.

Why don't African men cook?

On today’s episode the time has come to discuss gender roles in the motherland. Uganda’s president has said a women’s place is in the kitchen – should we be irritated or more understanding of different cultures? I'm revisiting the situation in Cameroon. Separatists are being blamed for the kidnapping of 79 school children and the death of an American missionary but Ambazonians are blaming the Cameroonian government forces. We’ll hear from both sides. Today’s spotlight is on Les Isaac OBE. He's the CEO of Ascension Trust - the governing body of Street Pastors. He’s done and continues to do so much for the black and wider community - helping to get knives off the streets of London and people out of gangs.

Should African-born people be deported from the UK if they commit a serious crime?

On today’s episode I discuss the show that’s got a lot of people talking recently - 90 day fiancé. Thank you @traycthompson for the recommendation. We’ll hear from Nigerians to find out if like Michael, they would be open to begin dating someone they hadn’t yet met in person. Also, we’ll hear from a student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. He’ll update us on what’s happened since university students were attacked by university security officials that led to a huge protest by students. Today’s Spotlight is on a man that has divided opinion amongst many. Kweku Adoboli is a former investment manager and rogue trader who was convicted of illegally trading away $2bln as a trader for Swiss investment bank UBS. He’s facing deportation to Ghana – a country that hasn’t been his home since he was 4–years–old – should we pity him? I’m still not sure.