Vicky Stark

Anti-bullying Dance Teacher Takes Teens to Cape Town Carnival

A South African who was bullied at high school is celebrating his dance students participating in the colorful Cape Town Carnival. UNICEF says a recent study found 10 million adolescent students in the Southern African Development Community region experience bullying, and the effects can continue into adulthood. For VOA, Vicky Stark has more.

UN Targets Youth Amid Global HIV/ AIDS Awareness Campaign

U.N. officials recently announced a global youth campaign focused on raising awareness on HIV/AIDS, particularly in South Africa, a nation that has registered the highest number of casualties. The campaign is happening while health experts warn youth of complacency against the disease, despite reported decreases in the number of people living with the condition. For VOA, reporter Vicky Stark spoke to Dr. John Nkengasong who leads U.S. global efforts to fight AIDS.

South African Shark Spotters Keeping Swimmers Safe

A unique program called Shark Spotters is helping keep water lovers safe. Vicky Stark has this report from Cape Town, South Africa.

South Africa’s Agricultural Business Chamber Calls for Early Renewal of AGOA

South Africa’s Agricultural Business Chamber is calling for the early renewal of the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act, known as AGOA. The act allows some products from certain sub-Saharan countries duty-free access to the United States. Vicky Stark reports.

Africa’s Young Community Leaders Honored as Global Changemakers

As the world seeks strong leadership to find solutions to its many crises, Africa is celebrating 50 young people who are making a difference. They have been named “Global Changemakers” at an African Youth Summit in Rawsonville, South Africa. Vicky Stark files this report. Camera — Shadley Lombard.

South Africa Calls for Improved Policing

South African citizens are calling for effective policing in the wake of authorities announcing that over 6,000 murders were recorded in the first three months of 2023. For more, reporter Vicky Stark produced this report where she spoke to victims of violent crime and documents measures taken by South Africa’s police minister Bheki Cele to address the high number of homicides.

South African Officials Tear Down Cape Town Shacks

City officials in South Africa's Cape Town have expressed confidence over a legal battle where they look to tear down 300 shacks occupied by homeless people and are located on public pavements, under bridges and near historic landmarks – attempts facing resistance from rights groups. For more, reporter Vicky Stark produced this report from Cape Town. 

S.Africa Recognizes Waste Pickers on International Day of Zero Waste

As the world marks International Day of Zero Waste, South Africa is encouraging those collecting recyclables from homes and rubbish dumps to register so they can be eligible for benefits such as higher payments for the items they collect. Authorities say this is necessary because the work they do contributes to the economy and helps fight against climate change. Vicky Stark has more from Cape Town.

Group Empowers Young African Women to Coach Basketball

A sports group in South Africa is encouraging more women to not only play basketball but also coach the game. African Grassroot Hoops runs a basketball leadership academy for young women with the lofty goal of getting a basketball in the hands of every young African. Vicky Stark reports from Cape Town.

Arts Festival in South Africa Targets Youth Unemployment

Organizers say creative economy should be part of the country’s growth strategy

US 'Oscars' Snub African Films: Critics

Cape Town — African movie critics say that eight films from the continent were snubbed by the prestigious Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, following submission for consideration for Sunday’s awards show hosted in Los Angeles, California.

Ukrainians in South Africa Remember Russia's Invasion

Ukrainians that fled Russia’s “special military operation” to South Africa have expressed gratitude to locals in the city of Cape Town who joined them in producing a performance titled “We Stand for Freedom,” that draws parallels between racial oppression under apartheid and Moscow’s attack on their nation. For more, VOA’s Vicky Stark spoke to some of the East Europeans who fled the conflict.

Rejuvenate SAfrica's Police Leadership - Analysts

Expert says advice is being ignored

South Africa Environmental Activists Protest Offshore Oil Survey