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Check FAQAbout Vicky
Vicky Stark is a journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. She currently works as a freelance reporter for Voice of America TV, radio and online. She is also the producer of the Weekend Breakfast Show on Cape Talk radio. Previously she was a freelance bulletin writer and reporter for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Before that, she spent eight years at the 24-hour television news channel, eNCA where she worked as a Senior Broadcast Producer. WORK EXPERIENCE CHRONOLOGY: Freelance Reporter | Voice of America October 2018 - present See stories here: https://www.voanews.com/author/vicky-stark/utbyi Producer | Cape Talk Radio - October 2021 - present Freelance Bulletin Writer, Reporter | South African Broadcasting Corporation March 2020 - November 2021 Output Editor, Senior Broadcast Producer | eNCA July 2011 - November 2019 Owner | Vicky Stark Inc. Communications 2002 – 2011 Trainer, Producer | SABC Radio 2002 - 2004 Assistant News Editor | The Cape Argus 2000 – 2002 Freelance Sports Editor, Anchor| e.tv 1998 and 2001 Reporter, Anchor, News Editor | P4 Radio 1997 – 2000 Researcher, Reporter, Media Officer | Robben Island Museum 1997 Reporter | The Southeaster at South
Afrikaans
English
Journalism
Current Affairs
Portfolio
South Africa Opposition Protests Race Quotas for Management Jobs
Members of South Africa's main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, protested in Cape Town against a new law that allows racial quotas in the workplace, which they argue will discriminate against minority whites, Indians, and mixed-race people. The South African government defends the law, stating it is necessary to address the underrepresentation of Black South Africans in management positions. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed an amendment to the Employment Equity Act, allowing the employment minister to set sector-specific targets. Labor lawyer Puke Maserumule emphasized the need for compliance with such laws, while the Department of Labor's Ntsoaki Mamashela assured that no one would lose their job to meet the targets, but non-compliant companies could face fines.
African Leaders to Present Peace Plan in Russia and Ukraine
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that a delegation of African leaders is set to visit Russia and Ukraine to propose a peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. The announcement was made during a briefing with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Ramaphosa highlighted the indirect impact of the conflict on Africa, particularly concerning food security and rising prices for fertilizers, cereals, and fuel. The initiative includes leaders from South Africa, Zambia, Senegal, Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, and Egypt, and is facilitated by the London-based Brazzaville Foundation. Both Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy have expressed willingness to receive the African delegation. The United Nations and African Union have been informed of the plan, and preparations for the meetings are underway.
South Africa Eskom Energy Probe: Ex-Chief Won't Name Names
Andre de Ruyter, the former head of South Africa's national energy company Eskom, has declined to name the minister and politician he accuses of tolerating corruption within the firm, citing security and legal concerns. Despite being granted parliamentary privilege, de Ruyter withheld the names during his testimony to the parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts. He estimated Eskom loses about $54 million per month to corruption. Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan, under whose department Eskom falls, has been implicated by a member of parliament but denies condoning corruption. De Ruyter also described operational difficulties due to alleged interference by Gordhan. The parliamentary committee expressed dissatisfaction with de Ruyter's testimony, which did not reveal more than his previous TV interview. The testimony coincided with Freedom Day in South Africa, a time when the country reflects on its democratic progress, amidst criticism of government performance and the current state of Eskom, which is blamed for recent power outages impacting the economy.
South Africa's President Addresses Mining Industry Crisis at Investment Conference
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the severe impact of the country's electricity crisis on the mining industry at the Investing in African Mining Indaba conference. The Minerals Council South Africa reported a significant decline in mining volumes due to power cuts. Ramaphosa highlighted the government's Energy Action Plan and the removal of restrictions on mining companies generating their own power. The council's chief economist, Henk Langenhoven, praised the president's commitment to addressing energy and transport logistics issues. The collaboration with Transnet and the implementation of an electronic management system, cadastre, were also discussed as positive steps forward. Mining analyst Peter Major criticized the government for delays in implementing cadastre, suggesting it was a means to enable corruption.
African Films and the Oscars: An Interview with Wilfred Okiche
In an interview with VOA, Nigerian movie critic Wilfred Okiche discusses the absence of African movies from the Oscars shortlist, despite eight submissions. He attributes this to the lack of substantial budgets for African films, which affects their promotion and distribution, and the absence of international distributors with connections to the Oscars. Okiche notes that only three African movies have won an Oscar in the Best International Film category over the Oscars' 95-year history, citing the dominance of European films and the relatively recent participation of African countries. He predicts that 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' has strong momentum and industry support for this year's Oscars. Okiche also mentions 'Living,' directed by South African Oliver Hermanus, and Nigerian musician Tems' Oscar-nominated song 'Lift Me Up' from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,' but he doubts their chances of winning, suggesting that 'RRR's' song 'Naatu Naatu' is more likely to win in its category.
South African Court Seizes Assets of Equatorial Guinea's Vice President
A South African court has seized assets belonging to Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the vice president of Equatorial Guinea, to compensate South African businessman Daniel Janse van Rensburg. Rensburg was wrongfully arrested and tortured in Equatorial Guinea after a failed airline deal. The seized assets include a superyacht and two properties, which are expected to be auctioned. Rensburg, who spent nearly two years in the notorious Black Beach prison, has also written a book about his experiences. Security Expert Willem Els commented on Obiang's history of legal issues and his extravagant lifestyle, suggesting it indicates the misuse of Equatorial Guinea's resources. The government of Equatorial Guinea has not responded to the asset seizure, and there was no answer from the country's embassy in Pretoria when contacted.
Ukrainians in South Africa Protest Russian Battleship
Ukrainian protesters in South Africa sailed near the Russian warship Admiral Gorshkov, protesting against the joint military exercises between South Africa, Russia, and China. The protest coincides with the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Critics argue that South Africa's participation undermines its claim of neutrality. The Russian news agency Tass reported that the ship's hypersonic Zircon missiles might be tested during the drills, raising concerns among human rights activists and environmentalists. Dzvinka Kuchar from the Ukrainian Association of South Africa criticized South Africa's stance, suggesting it reflects poorly on the nation's image. Cape Town's mayor and the opposition party also expressed disapproval of the Russian ship's presence. Political analyst Daniel Silke warned of potential repercussions for South Africa's global standing. The naval exercises are part of the BRICS alliance activities and are scheduled from February 17 to 27, with several anti-war protests planned.
Alleged Racist Attack on Two Young Black South Africans Raises Specter of Nation’s Apartheid Past
In South Africa, a racial attack at a resort on Christmas Day has led to charges against three white men. Jacobus Klaasen, Johan Nel, and Jan van der Westhuizen were accused of preventing two young Black South Africans from using a swimming pool, with Klaasen facing an attempted murder charge for putting one victim's head under water. The incident, which was captured on video and went viral, highlights the persistent issue of racism in the country. The victims are receiving counseling, and the case has sparked discussions about the prevalence of racism nearly three decades after the end of apartheid. The suspects are due back in court on January 25.
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