Daniel Itai

Botswana

Journalist and Podcaster at Freelance

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Articles

Local smartphone brands lose shine in Zimbabwe, SA

5 days ago | connectingafrica.com | Daniel Itai

South Africa and Zimbabwe's local mobile manufacturing industry is losing prominence due to issues with affordability and durability as consumers turn to renowned global brands such as Apple, Huawei and Samsung. In 2007, Ridhwan Khan founded Mobicel in South Africa offering low-cost mobile devices costing from US$7 for a feature phone and US$25 for a smartphone. In 2011, Chamunorwa Shumba and Cheryl Shumba founded Gtel in Zimbabwe which had a similar pricing model to Mobicel for its phones.
South African activists demand action to stop anti-LGBTQ violence

2 weeks ago | washingtonblade.com | Daniel Itai

Continued attacks of LGBTQ South Africans are raising serious concerns about the community’s safety and well-being. President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2024 signed the Preventing and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill into law that, among other things, has legal protections for LGBTQ South Africans who suffer physical, verbal, and emotional violence. Statistics from the first and second quarters of 2025 have painted a grim picture.
LGBTQ people, allies targeted in Ghanaian cities

4 weeks ago | washingtonblade.com | Daniel Itai

LGBTQ people and allies have been attacked in the Ghanaian cities of Tamale and Wa.Yeliminga Naa Abayema, a journalist with Wa-based Tungsung Radio, last month while on the air said he was going to deal with the LGBTQ community and called on local law enforcement and officials to help him. Rightify Ghana, a local LGBTQ organization, said Abayema’s remarks are in response to human rights activists who had helped two queer people evade anti-gay attacks.
Chaos as Health Minister Tried to Ban Cannabis Edibles in South Africa

1 month ago | talkingdrugs.org | Daniel Itai

After trying to unilaterally ban cannabis edibles in South Africa, and having this decision reversed by the President in late March, Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi has vowed he will ensure that edibles are banned in the future. On 7 March, Motsoaledi published new regulation related to the sale, importation or manufacturing of foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act.
Zimbabwe adapts to use technology in agriculture

1 month ago | connectingafrica.com | Daniel Itai

In recent years Zimbabwe has been implementing more agritech solutions and climate-smart technologies to counter challenges impacting the agricultural sector. In November 2021, Zimbabwe launched the National AgriTech Strategy 2021-2025 aimed at digitalizing the farming ecosystem and improving evidence-based decision making for African farmers. According to Farmonaut, a satellite-based crop health monitoring startup, solar-powered irrigation systems have in Zimbabwe.
LGBTQ activist murdered in Lesotho

2 months ago | washingtonblade.com | Daniel Itai

Kabelo Seseli, a gay crossdresser and LGBTQ activist in Lesotho, was murdered over the weekend in a suspected homophobic attack. According to the People’s Matrix Association, a LGBTQ rights organization, Seseli’s body was found with stab wounds on their neck and genitals. “This was not just a murder, it was a hate-driven, dehumanizing act meant to send a message of fear and rejection to our community,” said the People’s Matrix Association in a statement posted to its Facebook page on April 29.
Social media a catalyst for African female musicians

2 months ago | connectingafrica.com | Daniel Itai

The rise of social media platforms – such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and YouTube – has made a significant impact on female musicians in Africa, providing global exposure and ways to monetize their art. Due to the unavailability of reputable recording companies and often unfavorable contractual agreements, many female artists have resorted to independent publishing and live performances.
Ghana's Startups Bill set to promote women in tech

2 months ago | connectingafrica.com | Daniel Itai

Ghana is poised to become a formidable African state when it comes to emerging technology companies. The country is currently conducting deliberations on its Innovation and Startups Bill, promulgated in 2020, which has the opportunity to promote gender inclusivity and support the inception of more female-led startups.
US-funded South African LGBTQ groups curtail operations

2 months ago | washingtonblade.com | Daniel Itai

Two South African prominent LGBTQ organizations have become the latest victims President Donald Trump’s executive order that froze most U.S. foreign aid that the U.S. Agency for International Development disbursed. Prior to the executive order, USAID had been playing a pivotal role in enhancing the rights of the LGBTQ community in South Africa through financial incentives. Since the executive order, many LGBTQ organizations have been struggling to remain afloat and provide services.
Namibia’s new president promises equality, ‘prosperity for all’

Mar 25, 2025 | watermarkonline.com | Jeremy Williams |Daniel Itai

Namibia’s new president promises equality, ‘prosperity for all’ Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Screen capture via Kenya Digital News/YouTube)March 21 was a historic day for Namibia with the inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the country’s first female president who resoundingly won last November’s presidential election.