UNFPA Appoints Botlhale Boikanyo as Regional ICPD Youth Champion for East and Southern Africa

Johannesburg, August 2026 – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) East and Southern Africa Regional Office is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Botlhale Boikanyo as its new Regional International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Youth Champion.

 

Botlhale Boikanyo is an award-winning South African poet, actress, speaker, and youth advocate whose journey from becoming the first poet and youngest winner of South Africa's Got Talent at the age of 11 has evolved into a powerful platform for youth empowerment and social change. As the founder of the Botlhale Boikanyo Foundation, she has dedicated her work to amplifying young voices, championing education and self-expression, and inspiring a new generation of African changemakers through the power of storytelling. Through her advocacy and leadership, she has inspired young people to use their voices and engage in shaping policies and solutions that affect their lives and futures.

 

As Regional ICPD Youth Champion, Botlhale will work alongside UNFPA to amplify the voices of young people across East and Southern Africa and advocate for accelerated action towards achieving the commitments of the ICPD Programme of Action. She will support efforts to advance bodily autonomy, gender equality, access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, and meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.

 

For UNFPA,  young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. Putting young people at front and centre of sustainable development is both urgent and non-negotiable. Their voices, experiences, and innovations are essential in building the Africa we want.

 

Speaking on her appointment, Botlhale Boikanyo said:

 

“My hope and dream is to live in a world where every young person, especially women and girls, has the freedom and opportunities to shape their own future and is included in the rooms where decisions about their lives are made. Being a UNFPA Champion is another step towards turning that vision into reality. It is an opportunity to amplify the voices of young people through storytelling across our region, and advocate for investments that uphold the rights, dignity, well-being and potential of every young person everywhere.”

 

The appointment comes at a critical moment for the region, where young people in Africa constitute a significant share of the global youth population of 1.9 billion and are leading transformative efforts in their communities. Yet many continue to face barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and opportunities to meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lives. She believes that storytelling is a catalyst for social change and that young people must not only be heard, but meaningfully included in shaping the decisions that affect their lives and futures.

 

As Regional ICPD Youth Champion, Botlhale will use her energetic presence and platform to engage with young people, policymakers, civil society, and development partners to advocate for investments and policies that uphold the rights, dignity, and potential of every young person.

Fourways & Environ: Gina Hair Braiding at your service

Ladies and gentle men, Gina Hair Braiding, is currently service the best:

Gina Hair Braiding is an African hair braiding specialist salon located at 6 Forest Drive, Fourways, Sandton, South Africa. You can reach them by phone at +27 73 636 4463. 

Salon Details & Contact

Address: 6 Forest Drive, The Pearls of Fourways, Sandton, 2001, South Africa
Phone Number: +27 73 636 4463
Website / Social Media: Visit the Hair By Gina Facebook Page for updates.

Canada Issue Latest Travel Advice To Citizens Travelling to Nigeria

Canada has made it clear through its social media post on the 14th July 2026 about travel advice to Nigeria for citizens wanting to visit Nigeria.

It is now requested for all Canadians to complete an online health declaration form; according to this Facebook Post:

Before you travel to #Nigeria, you must complete an online health declaration form. You will then receive a PDF and QR code by email, which you must show upon arrival. https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/nigeria#entryexit

By Olagunju, Success Taiwo

Chapman Freeborn helps restore Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London Gatwick route

Chapman Freeborn, the global air aircraft charter and leasing specialist and part of Avia

Solutions Group, has supported Air Zimbabwe with a tailored ACMI capacity solution for

the planned resumption of direct scheduled services between Harare and London

Gatwick.

The route is expected to restart by the end of July 2026, reconnecting Zimbabwe and

the United Kingdom after more than 14 years. The service will be operated by Spanish

carrier Plus Ultra using an Airbus A330 aircraft under a long-term ACMI agreement, with

initial operations expected to include three weekly frequencies between Harare and

London Gatwick.

Under the ACMI structure, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, crew, maintenance and

insurance, while the flights will operate under Air Zimbabwe’s flight code. Chapman

Freeborn provided the ACMI and contract management support needed to help shape

the long-haul operating structure for the route, working closely with the teams involved

throughout the process.

The route represents more than the return of an air service. It re-establishes an

important commercial, tourism and cultural link between the two countries, while

improving travel options for the Zimbabwean diaspora, business travellers and tourists.

It is also expected to support direct air freight capacity for time-sensitive exports,

including horticultural and perishable products destined for the UK market.

“This is an important milestone for Air Zimbabwe and a significant step in restoring

direct connectivity between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. We are proud to have

played an important role in supporting this project, working closely with Air Zimbabwe

and Plus Ultra to help deliver the right structure for the route.

“Across Africa, we continue to see growing demand for flexible capacity solutions as

airlines look to rebuild networks, respond to passenger demand and manage fleet

requirements more efficiently. ACMI can play an important role in supporting that

growth, particularly on strategic routes where speed, flexibility and operational reliability

are essential,” says Linas Dovydenas, President – IMEA at Chapman Freeborn.

“Long-haul ACMI programmes require close coordination between airlines, operators,

aviation authorities and commercial partners, from aircraft suitability and planning to

regulatory requirements and operational readiness. In this case, our team supported the

project from a capacity and contract management perspective, helping to bring together

the right structure for a strategically important route. This project demonstrates how

collaborative capacity solutions can help airlines restore important routes and bring

strategic services back to market,” says Daniel Huggins, Director – ACMI & Leasing at

Chapman Freeborn.

Chapman Freeborn’s ACMI team supports airlines worldwide with short-, medium- and

long-term capacity requirements across narrowbody, widebody, regional and cargo

aircraft.

The company provides tailored aircraft leasing and ACMI solutions that help carriers

manage capacity, restore routes and respond to complex operational requirements.

About Chapman Freeborn

With more than 50 years of experience and extensive global coverage, Chapman

Freeborn provides private air passenger and cargo charter services, aircraft leasing,

ACMI solutions and specialist aviation services for major corporations, governments,

NGOs, relief agencies and high net-worth individuals. The company is part of Avia

Solutions Group, a global aviation services group with expertise across ACMI, MRO,

pilot and crew training, ground handling and related aviation services.

For more information, please visit www.chapmanfreeborn.aero

UK market town to open 250-year-old underground tunnels to the public

UK market town to open 250-year-old
underground tunnels to the public

A West Midlands glassmaking museum is set to open its 250-year-old underground tunnels to the public for the first time.

Stourbridge Glass Museum has unveiled a major new project that will transform its historic tunnel network into an immersive, family-friendly visitor experience.

Visitors can expect VR and project mapping technology bringing local glassmaking heritage to life.

By The Independent

Full story at Yahoo News

66% plan to travel more: How SA’s youth are rewriting the travel rulebook

Youth Month is coming to an end, and as South Africa reflects on this celebration, a new generation of travellers is rewriting the rulebook. They view travel not merely as a quick holiday, but as a journey towards independence, fresh perspectives and profound self-discovery.

According to recent findings by Marriott Bonvoy, 66% of South African Gen Z travellers plan to take more holidays, proving that the appetite for meaningful exploration has never been higher.

Across the broader South African market, travellers are aiming for an average of six holidays per year, two domestic, two short-haul and two long-haul getaways. The top travel destinations are South Africa, England, Mauritius, the USA, Mozambique, France, Botswana, Zanzibar and Italy.

By Alyssia Birjalal

Full story at IOL

NAHCO extends handling contracts with Qatar, others

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has extended its handling contract with Qatar Airways, Saudia Airlines and ASKY.

The company also signed a fresh contract with a new entrant into the Nigerian market, FlyGabon, a statement by the Spokesman of NAHCO, Tayo Ajakaye, has said.

The statement hinted that Qatar Airways extended its partnership with NAHCO for another three years, while Saudia Air renewed its contract for the next five years.

By : Olusegun Koiki

Full story at Guardian Nigerian

British explorer is first to cross globe by land, sea and air

James Ketchell celebrates his return to Gosport after
sailing nearly 9,000 miles around the world

A British adventurer has become the first person to circumnavigate the world by land, sea and air.

James Ketchell, 43, has completed a 34,175-mile (55,000km) trip in a 40ft boat called Mindset.

It marked his third circumnavigation, having previously achieved the feat by bike in 2013 and gyrocopter in 2019.

Mr Ketchell, from Basingstoke, Hants, set sail from nearby Gosport in July 2025. His journey took him to Lanzarote, Brazil, South Africa, Tasmania and Argentina.

By Alice Lilley

Full story at Yahoo News

England-Croatia World Cup clash faces empty seat concerns

Croatia’s opening match of the FIFA World Cup against England next week could be played in front of noticeable numbers of empty seats, despite FIFA’s repeated claims of unprecedented demand for the tournament.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, hundreds of tickets remain available for the Group Stage fixture at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, scheduled for next Wednesday.

The situation has renewed scrutiny of FIFA’s ticketing strategy and pricing structure ahead of one of the tournament’s most anticipated opening matches.

The governing body has faced criticism from supporter groups over ticket costs, with many arguing that prices have placed matches beyond the reach of ordinary fans.

By Croatia Week

Full story at Croatia Week

“South Africa Must Go” Protest Hits MTN Ghana Office

Several dozen demonstrators marched on the Accra headquarters of MTN Ghana on Thursday, escalating a campaign dubbed “South Africa Must Go” in response to xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa.

Videos circulating on social media showed a large crowd carrying placards and chanting slogans outside the telecommunications firm’s offices in the Ghanaian capital.

The protest reflects mounting anger across the region over violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, including Ghanaians, Nigerians and others.

By Jimisayo Opanuga

Full story at News Central TV

Anti-South African retaliation protests have broken out in Accra

Yes, retaliatory demonstrations and youth-led actions have broken out in Accra targeting South African-owned businesses.

Demonstrators gathered, chanting "South Africa must go," and stormed the head offices and facilities of prominent South African companies, including MTN Ghana and other operations.

The Catalyst: These events are in direct retaliation for a recent surge of anti-immigrant protests, looting, and xenophobic violence in South Africa, which specifically targeted foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.

Mass Evacuation: In response to the unrest in South Africa, the Ghanaian government chartered flights to evacuate nearly 300 of its citizens from Johannesburg to Accra, with hundreds more registered to flee.

Diplomatic Fallout: The protests in Accra and the broader diplomatic crisis have prompted the Ghanaian government to lodge formal protests and compile data on the properties and assets their citizens were forced to leave behind in South Africa.

Police forces in Accra have been deployed to block access and contain the demonstrators at affected corporate premises to prevent the situation from escalating.

Olagunju, Success Taiwo

Nigerians evacuated from South Africa will not pay repatriation costs: FG

He said the ministry would deploy aircraft to bring them home.

Nigerians to be evacuated from South Africa will not bear the cost of their repatriation, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has said.

Mr Ebienfa said this in a telephone interview with journalists on Saturday.

He said the ministry would deploy aircraft to bring them home.

Full story at People Gazette.

By News Agency of Nigeria.

United Nigeria Airlines Partners with Samsung to Reward Passengers with Smartphones

United Nigeria Airlines is launching an innovative promotional campaign in partnership with technology giant Samsung Electronics, offering passengers the chance to win brand-new smartphones while traveling between Lagos and Abuja. The initiative represents a creative approach to customer engagement that travel professionals across West Africa may find instructive as airlines increasingly seek differentiation beyond basic transport services.

Scheduled for May 29, 2026, the promotion targets passengers booked on morning flights operating the busy Lagos-Abuja and Abuja-Lagos routes. Those fortunate enough to be selected through an onboard lucky draw will walk away with complimentary Samsung devices, transforming an ordinary domestic journey into a potentially rewarding experience.

The campaign, branded as "Awesome Row", goes beyond simple giveaways by allowing passengers on selected flights to experience the newly released Samsung Galaxy A57 during their journey. This hands-on product demonstration approach benefits both partners, with Samsung gaining access to a captive audience of business travelers and leisure passengers while the airline delivers added value that distinguishes its service from competitors.

Full story at TravelNews Africa

The most common passport mistakes that can derail an international trip

Don't let an expired passport or a passport name change foil your long-awaited travel plans.

For international travelers, passports carry a sense of freedom and possibility. If you don’t have all your ducks in a row, though, they can actually keep you from getting where you need to be. Something as simple as forgetting to request a passport name change can completely derail an international trip.

We checked in with five international travel experts about the most common passport mistakes so you can plan ahead and safeguard your itinerary. For more on how to avoid travel headaches, see our guide to beating flight delays and cancellations.

By Dana Yewbank

Full story at Yahoo News

The best cities in Europe to visit on your first trip

Your first trip to Europe means new experiences, new currencies and possibly new languages. These cities are the best for getting started.

What makes a city a great pick for your first time in Europe? Famous wonders of the world, great art museums and impeccable food are all table stakes. But there are a few other things worth considering before you decide on a spot.

Traveling to Europe for the first time is a big experience, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It will always be simpler to navigate a city that speaks the language you know, and many major European cities double as tourist hubs where English is common (though learning a handful of key phrases is always a good idea). These destinations are usually a bit easier to reach by air as well — you’re far more likely to get an affordable direct flight to Paris than Tallinn.

By Gabriel Morgan

Full story at Yahoo News

Top five coastal escapes in South Africa for a cosy winter getaway

When the mercury drops and that familiar winter bite settles in, most of us instinctively reach for our warmest jackets and woolly socks and start dreaming of a quiet coastal escape.

There is a particular kind of magic found at the seaside during these months.

The crowds have thinned, the air is crisp, and the ocean takes on a dramatic, moody energy that you just don’t get in December.

By Gerry Cupido

Full story at IOL

‘It feels as if I’m in a Richard Curtis film’: readers’ favourite romantic trips in Europe

The sunset at Sorrento.Photograph: Kess16/Alamy
(Photograph: Kess16/Alamy)

Winning tip: Out-of-body experience in Sorrento

We had our wedding reception at the Grand Hotel Royal in Sorrento, south of Naples. We danced to two guitarists playing Justin Bieber’s Despacito with our 50 guests singing and dancing along with us. We watched as the sun began to melt into the Mediterranean Sea from this time-capsule hotel balancing on the edge of a cliff. I floated out of my body and felt a rush of euphoria – perhaps it was the limoncello spritzers. We’ve returned many times and I get the same rush – the gelato, the pizza, the people, it feels as if I’m in a Richard Curtis film.

Charlotte Sahami

A cosy whisky bar amid the majesty of Skye

Skye’s dramatic landscape and stunning viewpoints make the perfect romantic getaway. It’s steeped in history and captivating walks, such as the otherworldly Fairy Pools and the isolated Neist Point. We stayed at the Cuillin Hills Hotel where there’s a cosy drawing room with a fireplace and a great whisky bar. The rooms are comfortable, stylish and each one has a super-king-sized bed. However, the highlight is the Michelin-recommended restaurant which offers exquisite food with expansive views out over Loch Portree and the pretty harbour.

Guardian readers

Full story at Yahoo News

Stop hiking boring trails: 4 Mzansi adventures for the ultimate adrenaline rush

A highly rated activity in South Africa is hiking.

Mzansi, boasting over 1,000 registered trails, is a globally recognised, world-class hiking destination. And it is favoured by locals and tourists alike.

While short day trips offer considerable mental, physical, and social benefits, in addition to scenic views, those seeking more challenging experiences often increase the difficulty by opting for more strenuous terrain for their adventures.

Full story at IOL

By Debashine Thangevelo

Visa Overstay Can Affect Nigerian Travellers, US Warns.

The United States (US) has warned that visa overstays by Nigerian travellers can deny future opportunities for other aspiring applicants. 

The United States embassy had earlier in February stated that compliance would help protect visa access for students and business travellers. 

In a reminder statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria advised that strengthening compliance helps protect visa access for students, business travellers, and families who travel responsibly.

Full story at TVC News NG

Why flights are more likely to be delayed at certain times of day

The later you fly, the more likely you are to get
 a little bit of extra time at your gate. (Getty)

Aviation experts weigh in on why the early bird doesn't just get the worm — it gets the on-time departure.

Nothing can throw a wrench in carefully laid travel plans quite like a flight delay. And, unfortunately, your chances of encountering one are better than ever. In 2025, 23.3% of U.S. flights — that’s over 1.8 million — were delayed more than 15 minutes or canceled altogether, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. That’s the largest such percentage in eight years.

Frequent fliers know delays come with the territory, but just like you can pack a bag that’s more likely to get you through airport security faster, you can schedule a flight that’s more likely to leave on time. Here’s the scoop.

By Sandra Latham

Full story at Yahoo News