Kate Bartlett

What US election results could mean for Africa

While neither candidate has spoken much about the continent in their campaigns, analysts say Africans will watch next week’s election closely

Snakebite victims in Southern Africa struggle to get antivenom

Delays in getting to hospital, high costs, and antivenom shortages make treatment difficult; South African researchers are trying to fix that

South Africa bows to Chinese pressure to move Taiwan office, analysts say

Taiwan’s de facto embassy is being kicked out of Pretoria, as the South African government seeks to reassure China amid political shifts at home

South African artists, influencers with albinism fight stigma

In South Africa, and elsewhere on the continent, albino people are a target; they face daily discrimination and sometimes even death. But young social media influencers and artists are trying to change the narrative, as Kate Bartlett reports from Johannesburg. Videographer: Zaheer Cassim

In the fast lane: Chinese car imports grow in South Africa

Vehicles imported from China sporting lower prices attract increasing numbers potential South African buyers

In the fast lane: Chinese car imports grow in South Africa

While China and the West have been pushing for more electric vehicles on the road, gas-powered cars still dominate in Africa. Chinese automakers are tapping into the South African car market, the largest on the continent, often pushing existing brands to the curb. Kate Bartlett reports.

Is China-US competition driving the Africa proposal in the UN? 

Both the US and China have said Africa should be better represented on the Security Council 

Mice killing off rare seabirds on remote South African island

Wandering albatross, other bird species on sub-Antarctic Marion Island face local extinction if mice aren’t eradicated, scientists say

New global poll finds South Africans feel among least safe

High crime rates mean 70 percent of South Africans say they do not feel safe walking alone

US-China rivalry for military influence in Africa ramps up

Beijing has pledged millions towards military cooperation with Africa, while the US is assessing options after Niger pullout

China’s new pledges reflect concern over its competition in Africa

Despite being in its ‘small is beautiful’ era, Beijing is still investing in infrastructure

Docking of Russian naval ship in South Africa sparks controversy

South Africa's Ukrainian Association calls into question Pretoria's purported neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict

China's lending to Africa increased in 2023, study shows

Facing barriers in West, China to push green products at Africa summit    

Beijing has said green energy is high on the agenda of this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation 

Rural South Africans flock to Chinese classes

China’s Confucius Institutes teach Chinese around the world, but there’s more to them than that. VOA's Kate Bartlett visited a new one that is hundreds of kilometers outside the capital in rural South Africa that’s also focusing on green technology. Camera: Zaheer Cassim.

Kremlin-backed TV channel woos Africa

Sanction-hit RT, branded a propaganda outlet by the West, undertakes a massive media blitz in Africa

China, trying to address trade deficit, moves to boost agriculture imports from Africa

The first batch of South African avocados will soon be headed to China

South Africa's African National Congress expels ex-President Zuma

Decision comes amid disciplinary hearing after Zuma campaigned for rival party in May elections

Chinese e-commerce companies popular in South Africa  

Chinese-linked e-commerce companies have gained a strong foothold in Africa’s biggest economy, but planned changes to how customs duties are applied aim to level the playing field 

New sports minister promotes South African car 'spinning'

South Africa’s newly-appointed minister of sports – a self-described former gangster – wants to promote a sport that has associations with South African gangster culture. The sport of “spinning” involves fast-moving cars and dangerous stunts.