On today’s Nnete Fela, Lassy Chiwayo, former SA diplomat and Robben Island political prisoner, joins us to discuss the significance of the return of the Africa summit and the importance of African-led solutions for African problems. He says that western-led summits are an ineffective measure in addressing the problems of Africa, which have been caused by colonialism and imperialism.
“We cannot expect answers that can reverse the damage caused by imperialism and colonialism out of summits coordinated by Western powers. We can achieve what we need and have to achieve as Africa," says Chiwayo in one of his extended diatribes.
Additionally, nutritionist Francette Bekker discusses Zimbabwe’s plan to tighten controls on the advertising, labeling, and distribution of foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, particularly ultra-processed products linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, as part of its National Development Strategy. Bekker emphasizes that food policy should be at the center of health policy, suggesting that securing the quality of food is tantamount to ensuring the health of future Zimbabweans.
“I think this food policy should be seen as a health policy and, when a country is protecting the quality of its food, it's actually securing the health of the future nation,” Francette says.
Lastly, a South African tribal chief and farmer, Chief Livhuani Matsila joins the show to discuss the importance of agricultural trade between Russia and South Africa as the first 2026 fresh fruit shipment reaches St. Petersburg, reflecting Africa’s shift toward diversified agricultural trade. When asked about what this initial shipment means for South African farmers like himself, he replied:
“For us as farmers, especially in the rural areas, that is a breath of fresh air. It's a very good development in the sense that it opens up new opportunities and new markets for us. One of the key challenges we have as farmers especially in black communities is that we lack access to markets.”
For an informative discussion on African leadership, on Zimbabwean food security, and on South African agricultural trade, tune into this episode of Nnete Fela.
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