Complete History of Africa

Classic Paternoster South African Folktale Shadows of the Green River Shadows of the Green River Long ago, in the bones and stones of what is now the town of Paternoster South Africa, there was a serene river called Umzali, meaning Mother of Life.  The river gave life to lush green trees, fertile lands, and animals who thrived in the warmth of her embrace. But Umzali held a secret — her waters were guarded by Izithunzi, the Shadows of the River. Izithunzi were spirits that lived in the trunks of the tall trees growing along her banks. They only came alive when the sun cast long shadows, stretching their reach far across the water. It was said they were the first to drink from the river when it was created, and in return, they vowed to protect its purity.  Travelers who sought to take more than they needed or who disrespected the river often found themselves mysteriously lost, their footprints erased by the shadows. One day, a proud and boastful hunter named Vusumuzi arrived in...

Deportation of Eight Men to South Sudan On July 5, 2025, eight men were deported from the United States to South Sudan following a prolonged legal battle. The men, immigrants from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Vietnam, and one from South Sudan , were held in a converted shipping container at a U.S. military base in Djibouti from late May 2025 until their deportation. The deportation followed a U.S. Supreme Court decision on July 3, 2025, which lifted an injunction by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, allowing the Trump administration to proceed with the removal. Details of the Deportees The eight men were convicted of serious crimes in the United States, including murder, robbery, sexual assault, possession of a deadly weapon, assault by a confined person, and driving under the influence. Their home countries refused to accept them, leading to their deportation to South Sudan, a third country, under the authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which permits deportations to coun...

The current financial chaos mirrors Angola’s mines—promises of riches, but only hardship for those doing the work. Blood, Sweat, and Diamonds: The Harsh Hopeless Reality of Angola’s Mines in July In July, Angola’s diamond mines gleam with the promise of untold riches, drawing workers to one of the world’s top diamond-producing regions. As the sixth-largest global producer, Angola unearthed 9.7 million carats in 2023, a 24% surge from the prior year, with the northeastern provinces of Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul home to the mighty Catoca and Luele mines fueling 9% of global diamond output.  Yet, for miners like João, a garimpeiro in Lunda Sul, the dream of riches fades under armed guards and meager wages, replaced by despair, poverty, and false hope. Miners like João and their rough diamonds from Lunda Sul’s alluvial mines may end up in U.S. engagement rings, yet they see little of the profits due to exploitative supply chains. Angola Diamond Life, the Human Experience During Angola’...

Honey is more than just a sweet treat; it carries rich symbolic meaning in love, marriage, and even beliefs about the afterlife. Honey beyond food, symbolic roles in love, marriage, and the afterlife. The Honeymoon Some people say the word "honeymoon" might come from old customs in ancient Egypt. The honeymoon was initially understood as the first month of marriage, a time of sweetness expected to wane like the moon. Honey symbolizes the sweetness and pleasure of early marriage, and it refers to the moon, symbolizing this initial sweetness's changing and fleeting nature. According to one intriguing theory, it is believed that newlyweds partake in a unique honey-sweetened beverage for one month following their wedding. This tradition celebrates their union and is thought to symbolize sweetness and fertility in their marriage. The practice may have roots in ancient customs, emphasizing the couple's hope for happiness and prosperity as they embark on their new life toget...

Speaking life before the vows are exchanged, not every love should be followed to the altar. Some relationships lay eggs you don’t want to raise. And if you are not careful, you will wake up with a wedded partner and still feel alone. It’s not that you love fixing them, it’s that you are used to earning love through labor. You can be the most nurturing being in the yard, but if you keep laying your love at the feet of someone who expects white eggs from a black hen, you will burn out trying to be what they imagine, not who you truly are. Ask yourself: have I really been loving them or have I just been working for love that never shows up for me in return? What is Black Hen Energy? Black Hen Energy is bold and invigorating, but when you really look at it, it’s not built to produce the outcome you are hoping for. It's energy that feels like it should work, but deep down, you know it won’t.  You are expecting transformation, or a fresh start (white egg ) from something that’s alread...

Game for a Greener Africa: Why Soil Health Powers Your Gaming Passion Ever clutched your controller during a clutch moment in FIFA or explored vast worlds in Horizon Forbidden West? Those epic gaming experiences rely on more than code and creativity as they are rooted in the health of Africa’s soil.  From the savannas of Kenya to Ethiopia’s highlands, fertile soil supports the raw materials for your PlayStation, PC, or gaming headset. But soil degradation, a growing crisis across our continent, threatens the tech you love because soil degradation impacts agriculture and mining, slowing economic growth and limiting resources.  Soil health powers gaming tech by supporting mining for metals like copper and lithium. Gamers can and must protect soil to keep tech affordable.  Soil health supports biomass and hydropower potential through stable ecosystems.  In countries like South Africa or Kenya, where power outages can disrupt gaming, degraded soil worsens climate issue...

Night Running in Africa: Unraveling the Fearful Mystery of Nocturnal Disturbances Night Running from the Perspective of an Old Woman Afraid of the Dark I’m an old woman living in Njiru, and the dark has always been my enemy. The night wraps around my little house like a heavy blanket, and every creak or rustle sets my heart racing. But it’s not just the darkness itself that terrifies me—it’s the night runners. These shadowy figures, whether driven by spirits, witchcraft, or something darker, turn my fear of the night into a living nightmare. When the moon rises, the sounds begin. A sharp bang on my tin roof, a handful of dirt smacking my door, a faint tap-tap-tap on my window. I clutch my blanket, eyes wide, straining to see through the blackness. They say night running is a family curse or a spell cast by someone with malice in their heart. I don’t know what’s true, but I know the dread it brings to those of us who tremble at the thought of the dark. These runners, men and women, clot...

Palm nectar, also known as coconut nectar, is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of coconut palm flowers. It is often used as a liquid alternative to sugar and boasts a mild, caramel-like flavor.   The nectar is collected by tapping the flowers of the palm and is minimally processed, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly product.  It retains many nutrients, including minerals and amino acids, and has a low glycemic index, making it a healthier choice compared to refined sugars. You can find palm nectar in specialty food stores, organic markets, and online retailers. Popular brands include Wildly Organic, Copra Organic, and Cocofina.  These nectars are commonly used in baking, cooking, or as a drizzle for pancakes or desserts. They are also available on platforms like Amazon and through specific producers like Copra Coconuts, which offer organic and sustainably harvested options. How Palm Nectar and Caramel Pair The natural sweetness of palm nectar com...

The Reality of Africa’s Fertile Land The idea of Africa as a readily available farming powerhouse is a ridiculous oversimplification that ignores the complex realities on the ground. Growing crops in Africa is not just about water, sunlight, seeds, and rich soil —it requires infrastructure, governance, technology, and financial support , all of which remain lacking in many regions. Africa’s agricultural potential is undeniable, but potential alone does not feed people . The myth of Africa as an agricultural giant overlooks structural barriers, weak policies, and external threats such as climate change, conflict, and unstable markets. These factors prevent the continent from achieving food security, leaving many nations dependent on imports despite having fertile land. How Much Land Does Africa Have for Farming? Several African nations have vast tracts of land dedicated to agriculture: Sudan leads with approximately 112.7 million hectares of agricultural land. South Africa follows wit...