February 2, 2025

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter. From Alvin Ailey’s nationwide tour to South Africa’s complex wildlife trade, this week’s stories explore the intersection of culture, policy and global impact.

South Africa’s Expanding Wildlife Trade Raises Ethical and Legal Concerns

By Neil D’Cruze

The global wildlife trade is a rapidly growing industry, generating billions in revenue but raising serious concerns about biodiversity, animal welfare, and public health. South Africa plays a central role in this trade, both as an exporter and a destination for live animals and animal parts. With over 3.1 million live wild animals legally exported for commercial purposes between 2014 and 2024, the country is one of the largest suppliers of species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Additionally, trophy hunting remains a lucrative business, contributing approximately $176 million annually, with major markets in Asia, the United States, and Europe. Despite these economic benefits, conservationists warn that lax regulations and increasing commercial exploitation could pose long-term environmental and ethical risks.

South Africa has a legal framework governing wildlife trade, but its effectiveness remains limited. Since 1962, the country has enacted seven key laws related to wildlife extraction, transport, trade, and captive breeding. However, these laws heavily focus on species removal and trade logistics, while issues such as animal welfare and captive management receive significantly less attention. While South Africa has more regulations related to animal welfare than other megadiverse nations like Indonesia and Ecuador, enforcement remains inconsistent. The complexity of overlapping provincial and national laws has created loopholes that allow harmful practices, such as commercial wildlife farming, to continue with minimal oversight.

One of the most controversial aspects of South Africa’s wildlife industry is lion farming, which has grown significantly since the 1990s. In 2023, nearly 8,000 captive lions were held in 342 facilities, primarily for canned hunting and bone exports. While the government announced plans to phase out lion farming in 2021, implementation has been slow, and legal loopholes continue to allow questionable breeding practices. Furthermore, South Africa’s main animal welfare statute, the Animals Protection Act, focuses on preventing outright cruelty rather than ensuring the overall well-being of captive wildlife. Without strong national enforcement, there is concern that breeders may shift focus to other predators, such as tigers and cheetahs, as a way to bypass restrictions on lion trade.

To address these challenges, South Africa must overhaul its fragmented wildlife trade laws and create a more cohesive regulatory framework. Conservationists and legal experts advocate for stronger integration between national and provincial laws, increased funding for enforcement agencies, and expanded training for environmental inspectors. Additionally, ensuring that animal welfare is a priority in legal statutes, such as the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, is critical. Without these reforms, the rapid commercialization of South Africa’s wildlife industry may continue to outpace ethical conservation efforts, placing both biodiversity and animal welfare at risk.

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

Fisk University has partnered with the Japan Foundation to expand its foreign language offerings, enhance its international business concentration, and collaborate with global corporations Nissan and Bridgestone/Firestone. Through this partnership, Fisk aims to equip students with language skills and global experiences, preparing them to become future leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.

Rutgers University’s Center for Minority Serving Institutions canceled its January 30th virtual mini-conference, citing President Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Department of Education has since removed DEI-related materials, placed DEI leaders on administrative leave, and signaled further restrictions, aligning with Trump’s broader effort to eliminate federally funded DEI programs. While legal challenges are expected, experts warn that the Supreme Court’s conservative majority is likely to uphold these measures, signaling a long-term shift in government, business, and academia.

Howard University’s Division I swim team was honored with the key to Eatonville, Florida, in recognition of their accomplishments as the only HBCU team competing at this level. Head coach Nic Askew expressed his pride, highlighting the team’s dedication and the significance of this achievement for their program. As they train for their upcoming conference championship, the Bisons remain committed to strengthening the legacy of HBCU swimming.

black history in quotes 

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culture

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will embark on a nationwide tour ithis month, bringing its signature celebration of Black artistry and cultural heritage to 18 cities. Under the leadership of Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, the tour will honor the legacy of the late Judith Jamison and feature a mix of world premieres, reimagined classics, and Ailey’s beloved masterpiece, Revelations. The performances will take place during Black History Month in key cities, including Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Charlotte, before concluding with a special Mother’s Day performance in Newark.

In addition to the tour, Ailey’s influence will extend beyond the stage through several initiatives, including the Portrait of Ailey documentary series, now available for free on PBS LearningMedia, and Edges of Ailey, a large-scale exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. The exhibition, which closes on February 9, 2025, offers a deep dive into Ailey’s artistic and cultural impact, showcasing rare archival footage, multimedia presentations, and live performances. Meanwhile, Ailey II, the company’s second ensemble, is continuing its own 28-city tour, captivating audiences across the country before returning to New York City in the spring.

To further engage the public, the Ailey organization will host dance workshops and educational events throughout February, including the Ailey Experience Tour, which allows participants in Chicago and Atlanta to learn from former Ailey dancers. Ailey Extension will also offer specialized classes, including a Dunham Technique Intensive and a workshop celebrating Judith Jamison’s Divining. With its expansive reach across performance, education, and cultural preservation, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues to honor its founder’s mission of uplifting the African American experience through the power of dance.

Our editor, Lisa D.Tinsley, would like to thank you for spending part of your day with KISA News Radio.

See you next Sunday.

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