Paying for Tradition

A new bill working its way through South Africa’s parliament could have major consequences for singers, story-tellers and artists of all kinds. Anyone wanting to use traditional songs or stories, will have to ask permission.  And they’ll have to pay. Traditional communities in South Africa see this as a chance to get recognition – and compensation – for the... Read More

Africa’s Future Leaders

In Johannesburg, South Africa, an experiment is underway. A group of social entrepreneurs created a two-year secondary school in the belief that ethical leadership is the key to the continent’s future.  Within the red brick walls on this vast green campus, young men and women, who hail from across the continent, are studying to be leaders in the arts, sciences and politics. And... Read More

Rounded up and run out of town

Toronto Star >> DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA—With uniformed police officers standing over them, bleary-eyed boys and girls slowly get up from the sidewalk, throw their blankets over their shoulders and walk to the police truck, clearly knowing the drill. The officers herd them into the back of the wagon, where they will sit, looking out grilled windows as they’re taken to the... Read More

South Africa: the Fight to take down Apartheid-era Landmarks

Black South Africans are starting to dethrone Apartheid-era leaders, immortalised in statues and street signs. In these reports for CBC Radio and the Toronto Star, I uncover the quiet fight for South Africa’s landmarks. Activists and municipalities are starting to re-name them or take them down altogether. But some white South Africans are angry, and are not letting them... Read More

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD: Substance Abuse on Canada’s Oil Rigs

A veritable army of young men have come from across the country to work on Alberta’s oil rigs. With the long hours and heavy work comes good money – and a variety of ways to spend it. But in an industry with heavy machinery and little oversight, the risk of injury and death goes up with every sleepless night and drug consumed. I worked briefly on the rigs in the winter... Read More