The Conversation – Page 5 – Sisi Afrika Magazine

he Conversation Africa is an independent source of news and views from the academic and research community, delivered direct to the public.

Our team of professional editors work with university and research institute experts to unlock their knowledge for use by the wider public.

Access to independent, high quality, authenticated, explanatory journalism underpins a functioning democracy. Our aim is to promote better understanding of current affairs and complex issues. And hopefully allow for a better quality of public discourse and conversation.

Technology & Innovation

ChatGPT Should Force Higher Education to Rethink Assessments

The advent of ChatGPT and similar chatbots provides another opportunity for the sector to reflect on why and how it assesses – and what higher education is for.

Music & Film

Angelique Kidjo: The Diva from Benin Carries With Her a Fierce History

A multi-genre artist, Kidjo sings traditional Benin folk songs, deep blues, fervid West African R&B, hard rock and urban club bangers in multiple languages with Fon, Yoruba, French and English being her main modes of expression. In person, Kidjo is spry and compact; she radiates fierceness.

Book Reviews & Literary Criticism

Ernest Cole: South Africa’s Most Famous Photobook Has Been Republished After 55 years

The resurfacing of more than 60,000 negatives as well as other documents, including notebooks, has led to the publication of the new edition of Cole’s landmark book by the Aperture Foundation.

Music & Film

The Incredible Story of How East African Culture Shaped the Music of a State in India

Dhamaal is a mix of Sufi and African (mostly East African) musical and dance traditions. It refers particularly to the spiritual practices of the Siddis of Gujarat.

Music & Film

AKA: Slain South African Rapper Was a Once-in-a-generation Pop Culture Sensation

AKA embraced his self-annointed mission as a hip-hop star whole-heartedly. Undoubtedly, the African music landscape is diminished by his untimely death.

Skills, Education & Training

Five Tips on How to Engage Children’s Attention During the Holidays

Here are some ideas for keeping your kids entertained and engaged during the holidays, without pushing them so hard they don’t get some rest.

Diseases & Conditions

#WorldAIDSDay:Ending HIV as a Public Health Threat – 3 Essential Reads

In 2014 the United Nations set an ambitious goal: to end the AIDS pandemic by the year 2030. But we’re far from out of the woods.

Diseases & Conditions

#WorldAIDSDay: HIV Prevention: New Injections Could Boost the Fight, But Some Hurdles Remain

Despite these challenges, injectable PrEP is a huge advantage for the HIV prevention toolbox. Choice is critical for most interventions to work, and HIV prevention is no different. PrEP use increases when people are given effective options and can choose what works best for them.

Science & Health

A New Way to Name Bacteria: 300-Year-Old System Revised Thanks to Advances in Genomic Sequencing

A formal and stable naming system for all bacteria will help science to unlock the hidden potential of the planet’s biodiversity and to understand their role in the functioning of ecosystems. It will also help scientists to communicate their findings to each other – a big step towards perhaps identifying the next generation of antibiotics or cancer treatment.

Climate Change & Global Warming

Nigeria Floods and Worsening Food Insecurity

Despite the impact of flooding on food security, it is not recognised as a threat by policymakers, as evidenced by the national agricultural plans which don’t even acknowledge the role of disasters on food security.