See how it works
Book Serusha with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Serusha is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Serusha
Serusha Govender is an award-winning broadcast journalist, foreign correspondent, multimedia producer, writer and photographer currently based in Southern Africa. Best known for her work as a television news correspondent, producer and writer Serusha has covered stories in more than twenty countries over five continents reporting on political coups, violent conflict, trafficking, disease outbreaks, environment crises, health issues, science and innovation as well as from the front lines of major conflicts and natural disasters. She is also one of the few journalists to have reported on clean energy issues and the nuclear debate from deep inside the Chernobyl exclusion zone in the Ukraine. Her feature work has appeared in publications including CNNHealth.com, eNews Channel Africa, Huffington Post, AfroBeat Radio, Africa.com, RealHealth Magazine, IPS Africa, The Daily Meal, and Applause Africa. She has been featured on CNN International, NPR, Mix 102.3 (Australia), SABC News Radio, Arise America, ABCNews.com, and FoxNews.com. Serusha reports regularly for Channel News Asia, TRUE Africa and GOOD magazine. Serusha also sits on the steering committee of a specialized team under the World Federation of Science Journalists working to improve health communication in communities across Africa affected by infectious diseases like Ebola and Yellow Fever. In addition, she is a Robert Wood Johnson fellow, a CNN International Journalist fellow (CJF), an IWMF fellow, a Carnegie Foundation grantee and a Reuters-Oxford fellow (RISJ).
English
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Portfolio
Africa grapples with clean energy conundrum
The article discusses the challenges Africa faces in expanding electricity access while combating climate change. With the world's fastest-growing population and least electrified continent, Africa's energy decisions have significant implications. Investment in renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is increasing, with notable projects like Kenya's Lake Turkana wind farm and Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam. However, the continent also has untapped fossil fuel reserves, and countries like Nigeria still rely heavily on oil and diesel generators. South Africa, the most developed African economy, struggles with power cuts and a transition from coal dependency. International initiatives like the US' Power Africa and investments from China and the African Development Bank support renewable projects, but these may not suffice to meet the growing demand. The article suggests that integrating new carbon-efficient technologies with existing systems could be a solution to Africa's energy conundrum.
South Africa: 'Our children are dying, but President Ramaphosa doesn't care'
South African journalist Serusha Govender reports on the public outrage over a series of child murders in the Western Cape province. The recent murder of seven-year-old Tazne van Wyk, allegedly by a parolee with a history of violent crime, has intensified calls for action. Community activist Fadiel Adams staged a hunger strike to protest the government's perceived inaction. President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the community and promises of reform have been met with skepticism, as residents demand tangible changes rather than platitudes. The article highlights the high rate of child murders in Cape Town and the failures of the criminal justice and parole systems, which have led to violent criminals being released into communities. The community's frustration has boiled over into protests and even vigilante actions against suspected criminals.
Africa news updates
Police in Kenya arrested 91 Ethiopian nationals suspected of illegal entry. Congolese journalist Samuel Sirasi, missing since January 4, was found alive but unwell. Aid agencies suspended operations in Ethiopia's Tigray region due to drone strike threats. Mozambique's southern Gaza province experienced heavy rains, resulting in five deaths and significant property damage. Uganda reopened schools after nearly two years of closure due to the pandemic. West African leaders imposed sanctions on Mali following the military government's election delay announcement.
Africa grapples with clean energy conundrum
Africa faces the challenge of expanding its energy supply to meet the needs of its growing population while also addressing climate change concerns. Investment in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower is increasing, with significant projects underway across the continent. However, Africa's vast untapped oil and gas reserves are also being considered for development. South Africa, the continent's largest power producer, is struggling to transition from coal, which currently dominates its energy production. Initiatives like the US' Power Africa aim to produce cleaner energy, but the demand from Africa's rapidly growing population may outpace these efforts. The continent's energy future involves balancing economic growth with minimizing carbon emissions, possibly by integrating carbon-efficient technologies with existing systems.
The Best Bet For Stopping Outbreaks Isn’t Just A Vaccine
Angola is experiencing its worst yellow fever outbreak in three decades, with nearly 300 deaths and 2,900 infections since December. The disease has spread to other countries, including Kenya and China, and there are concerns it could become a global pandemic. Unlike Ebola and Zika, yellow fever is preventable with a one-shot vaccine. However, low literacy rates in Angola have hindered effective communication and vaccination efforts. Organizations like Doctors of the World and Feed the Minds are working to educate communities and promote literacy to combat the outbreak. Health illiteracy is a significant barrier to disease prevention in regions like Angola.
This Guy Says His Smart Device Could Stop the Next Outbreak Before It Starts
Inder Singh, co-founder of Kinsa, aims to revolutionize public health with the Kinsa Smart Thermometer, a device that connects to smartphones to take temperatures and provide real-time medical guidance. The thermometer collects anonymous health data to create a health map, warning communities of outbreaks in real time. Singh's inspiration came from his frustration with the lack of accurate health data during his time at the Clinton Foundation's Health Access Initiative. The Kinsa Smart Thermometer is designed to help individuals and communities respond to illnesses more effectively, with plans to expand globally after establishing a strong presence in the U.S. and Canada.
Young South Africans are helping hack data from telescopes
South Africa is constructing the world's largest radio telescope, the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), which will require significant data processing capabilities. The SKA project, an international initiative, aims to detect radio waves from distant objects in the universe. However, challenges such as power, internet connectivity, and a shortage of local data scientists pose threats to its success. To address these issues, the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDaT) and youth cooperative Geekulcha are organizing SKAHack, a hackathon to harness local tech talent for data processing. This initiative aims to boost skills, innovation, and 'SKA knowledge' among South Africa's youth, ensuring the country can fully benefit from the SKA's data.
Could Better Surveillance Stop the Rise of Infectious Diseases Like Zika?
The article discusses the rise of infectious diseases like Zika and the need for better surveillance tools to track and manage outbreaks. It highlights the rapid spread of Zika in Brazil and the subsequent global health emergency, drawing parallels with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Experts argue that improved surveillance and diagnostic tools are crucial, with organizations like the WHO and MSF emphasizing the importance of data collection and analysis. Innovations such as Kinsa’s Smart Thermometer are presented as promising solutions for early detection and prevention. The article underscores the need for political will and funding to support global health initiatives, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Nocebo Effect: How Negative Thinking Affects Your Health
The nocebo effect, a counterpart to the placebo effect, occurs when negative expectations influence the outcome of a treatment, such as experiencing side effects from a sugar pill believed to be a drug. John Kelley, Ph.D., from Harvard Medical School's Program in Placebo Studies, notes the power of imagination in activating brain regions associated with thought, worry, or pain. A review by the Technical University of Munich found the nocebo effect to be common, posing an ethical dilemma for doctors who must balance informing patients of potential risks with the possibility of inducing negative outcomes. Open-label placebo treatments are being explored as a way to harness positive expectations without deception.
The Ukrainian government has opened the Chernobyl site up to tourists to mark the 25h anniversary of the nuclear meltdown. This happened while the Fukushima Daiichi reactor in Japan experienced it's own nuclear crisis following the 2011 tsunami.
Salt, Fat, And Sugar: Are They Really That Bad For You?
The article discusses the addictive nature of processed foods, which often contain high levels of salts, fats, and sugars. These ingredients are manipulated by the food industry to create a 'bliss point' that keeps consumers coming back for more. The article references the work of Michael Moss, Mark Hyman, and former FDA commissioner David Kessler, who criticize the processed food industry for exploiting our biological cravings. The health risks associated with these ingredients, such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, are highlighted. The article suggests that while some processed foods can be part of a balanced diet, consumers should read food labels carefully and adhere to recommended daily allowances. The piece is part of a series by The Daily Meal exploring diet, nutrition, and health in America.
15 Finger Foods Around The World
Finger foods, or hors d'oeuvres, are popular worldwide for their deliciousness and ability to set the scene for a meal. This article explores 15 iconic finger foods from various regions, including Baba Ghanoush from the Mediterranean and Middle East, Char Siu Bao from Asia, Bruschetta from Italy, Buffalo Wings from the USA, Choclo from South America, Coxinha from Brazil, Dolmades from Greece, Falafel from the Middle East, Nigiri from Japan, Patatas Bravas from Spain, Samosas from South Asia, Vol au Vent from France, and Watercress Sandwiches from the UK. Each dish is described with its unique characteristics and cultural significance.
9 Ways To Drink Coffee Around The World
Coffee is enjoyed in various unique ways around the world, with each country offering its own traditional preparations. In Spain, options include cortado and café bombón, while Australia offers the flat white. Italy's café Romano and ristretto are popular choices, and China combines coffee with tea in yuanyang. Senegal's café Touba is flavored with Guinea pepper and cloves. Coffee's origins trace back to the Horn of Africa, and it has since become a global multi-billion dollar industry.
Stress may harm the brain, but it recovers
The article discusses various studies on the impact of stress on memory and brain function. Chronic stress has been shown to reduce spatial memory and can lead to short-term memory loss, as seen in a study involving older rats by the University of Iowa. The University of California, Berkeley research indicates that chronic stress can cause long-term changes in the brain, increasing white matter but decreasing neurons, potentially leading to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD. Acute stress, however, can enhance the brain's ability to encode and recall traumatic events. The article suggests that reducing stress through lifestyle changes and stress-reduction activities can mitigate these negative effects on the brain.
9 Famous Foods Named For Places Around The World
The article explores the origins of various famous foods named after places around the world. It delves into the historical and cultural contexts behind names like French fries, buffalo wings, chicken Kiev, Turkish Delight, Belgian Waffles, and Baked Alaska. The narrative highlights how these dishes either originated from or were popularized by specific regions, often through notable events or cultural exchanges.
10 Plants You Can Eat To Survive In The Wild
The article discusses critical survival skills, specifically identifying edible plants in the wild. It highlights the importance of knowing which plants are safe to consume and which are poisonous. The article provides a list of edible plants, such as Amaranth and Burdock, detailing their appearance, nutritional value, and historical significance. It also mentions the Universal Edibility Test and warns about the characteristics of poisonous plants.
Around The World In 9 Frozen Yogurt Flavors
Summer heralds the arrival of diverse frozen yogurt flavors from various outlets, with traditional flavors giving way to more ambitious ones like mango-kiwi and salty caramel s'more. Different countries have unique fro-yo flavors reflecting local tastes, such as macadamia nut in Australia and maple syrup in Canada. Yogurtland capitalizes on this by offering globally-inspired flavors, including Maple Cookie Frozen Yogurt from Canada and Passion Fruit Sorbet from Peru, showcasing the cultural richness of these regions.
World Cup Food: 9 Brazilian Foods You'll Want To Try
As the FIFA World Cup approaches, nearly half a million soccer fans are expected to visit Brazil, where they can experience the local culture and cuisine. Brazilian food, influenced by South America, Portugal, Spain, and Africa, is known for its unique and rich flavors. Ingredients like various potatoes, cassava, guaraná, açaí, cumaru, and tacacá are staples in Brazilian dishes, which are often rich and spicy. The article highlights dishes such as Feijoada, a bean stew considered the national dish, and Moqueca de Camarão, a flavorful fish stew with fried shrimp.
9 Countries That Eat Cats And Dogs
A campaign in Shanghai encourages people to stop eating cats and dogs, a practice common in China and parts of Asia. Animal rights groups suggest appealing to public morals, as the Chinese government contemplates a ban. The consumption of cats and dogs, often seen as taboo in Western cultures, is a survival necessity in some regions, like war-torn Syria. Taiwan has a prolific underground trade despite a government ban, and in Hawaii, there have been reports of people eating stray cats and dogs, with a recent legislative attempt to ban the practice failing due to lack of concrete evidence.
Tooth Enamel Erosion and Restoration
Tooth enamel, the hardest tissue in the human body, protects teeth from daily wear and tear but can erode due to acids from foods, drinks, and certain medical conditions. Enamel erosion leads to increased sensitivity, discoloration, and susceptibility to cavities. Preventive measures include proper oral hygiene, dietary adjustments, and regular dental checkups. Treatment options for enamel loss range from tooth bonding to crowns or veneers, depending on the severity of the erosion.
×
Serusha's
confirmed information
✓
Financial institution
Verified Sep 2015
✓
Phone number
Verified May 2020
✓
Joined
Sep 2015