As South Africa celebrates 39 years since the June 1976 Soweto Uprising, more needs to be done to ensure that young people are educated, employed and empowered.

Former US President George W Bush and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair destroyed entire countries in their military adventurism. Yet they are free men enjoying their retirement without any fear of international justice. The ICC must have the substance and manifestation of justice and fairness.

Without the support of America's top women Smith, Sherman and Rice, many African dictators would not remain in power for a single day. Smith's appointment to head USAID is a boon to the despots.

Nigerian lawmakers will soon pocket $45 million as “wardrobe allowance.” All that - and a lot more - in a country with a minimum wage of about $80 and where more than half the states have not paid workers for months. Pathological greed!

The newly signed Tripartite Free Trade agreement bears great opportunities, especially in the areas of information technology, agriculture, social and intellectual capital. However, as with previous and future agreements its success depends highly on political will and stability in the countries involved.