Protecting youth culture: Join the war on content piracy

In today’s highly mediated environment, digital media has become the vehicle of culture – especially the culture of young people. TikTok trends, dances, news stories, series, influencer videos, music clips, #storytime… you name it, if young people are into it, it’s being shared via digital video.

However, it’s useful to remember that the digital channels that carry this content are vulnerable to theft by content pirates, who steal and appropriate content for their own gain, without compensating the original creators.

A threat to the creative economy

Content piracy happens every time someone’s content is used without their permission. Content piracy comes with the risk of malware, viruses, identity theft, fraud and exposure to inappropriate content. But its most insidious threat is its impact on the creative economy.

That creator economy is now enormous. A recent Forbes report calls it “a $250bn global force”. And young people – creators, influencers, podcasters, show hosts, writers, presenters, actors and producers – are its main drivers.

With young people in the forefront of culture, they must also play a role in protecting the industry that supports it.

As a young person, you live the culture. You see yourself reflected in the media that expresses it. You are a creator, making the very content that drives culture. If you want to keep it that way, you need to see yourself as a culture warrior, a fighter in the war against content piracy.

For culture to remain in the hands of the creators, they need to be able to build careers. They need to know that they will be fairly paid and compensated for the work they do. That applies to influencers, podcasters, TV producers, singers, actors and screenwriters.

The film industry too, relies on its creators being fairly paid. Pan-African industry training institution the MultiChoice Talent Factory has produced hundreds of young graduates, ready to produce relevant, topical content so that African audiences might see themselves in the films they watch.

Content piracy threatens to destroy their careers and rob them of a future where they can shape Africa’s youth culture. 

Filmmakers from the MTF programme, such as Tanzanian producer Everbright Everready Nkya, Angolan director Nazaré Pedro Gaspar and Nigerian producer Isaac Effiong are all changing the world’s understanding of Africa.

“With our stories, languages, and cultures, we have the potential to reshape how the world views Africa,” says Effiong. Content piracy threatens that legacy.

A call to arms

It is therefore the responsibility of everyone who loves the culture, to also protect it. Why not commit yourself to protecting youth culture?

Promise yourself that you will identify fake, pirated content; then report it and avoid using it. Pirated content robs creators and only benefits the criminal syndicates built around the theft of intellectual property. As a creator and a consumer, it’s the right thing to do.

Be part of the youth movement against piracy; be a champion of creativity! Help young people express themselves as part of a growing, sustainable industry. It’s an investment in a vibrant future where talented young Africans can tell their own stories.

If you see yourself as a future filmmaker, music producer or series director, you need to start work today to ensure that the industry is fair and authentic.

Content piracy robs African creatives of their livelihoods and leads to their output being replaced by generic international content. If you want to see yourself, protect yourself. Ensure your content is legit. Protect the stories, music and art that reflects our authentic youth culture.

Here’s how to identify, avoid, and report pirated content, and to actively support legitimate platforms.

• Choose legitimate content platforms.
• Use official apps to stream content.
• Pay the subscription fees that support African creatives.
• Support organisations fighting content piracy. The Partners Against Piracy (PAP) campaign provides the tools and channels to report piracy.

You have the power to make a difference in helping to grow Africa’s youth culture. Be an everyday hero in the fight against piracy.

Report Piracy: 

International Hotline – +27 11 289 2684 

piracy@multichoice.co.za

mcg@irdeto.com

supersport@irdeto.com

https://www.multichoice.com/partners-against-piracy/types-of-piracy

In today’s highly mediated environment, digital media

CHAN 2025 Heats Up Across East Africa as Knockout Race Intensifies

From Nairobi to Kampala, the African Nations Championship enters a decisive phase with host nations battling for supremacy and survival. Catch it all on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv!

The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has kicked off with electrifying energy across its trio of host nations – Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. As the tournament rolls into Matchdays 2 and 3, from Wednesday 6 to Monday 11 August, the competition is reaching fever pitch with Africa’s top footballing nations vying for a coveted spot in the knockout rounds.

Following a gripping opening round, early frontrunners are beginning to emerge, setting the stage for high-stakes clashes and dramatic turns. Among the standout stories are the performances of the host nations. Tanzania has shown early promise, Kenya is rallying with determination, and Uganda is navigating a challenging start – each with their eyes firmly set on advancing beyond the group stage.

With national pride and continental glory on the line, fans across East Africa and beyond can expect a thrilling week of football as CHAN 2025 continues to deliver unforgettable moments.

Group B: Tanzania Eye Momentum After Confident Start

Tanzania opened their CHAN 2025 campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Burkina Faso, asserting themselves as early Group B favourites. Playing on home soil, the Taifa Stars capitalised on their familiarity and crowd support, with goals from midfield dynamo Stephano Mbonde and forward Habibu Kondo setting the tone.

On Wednesday (7 August), Tanzania face a tricky second match against Mauritania, who were held goalless in their opener against the Central African Republic. With Tanzania’s blend of tactical discipline and attacking sharpness, a second victory would all but guarantee passage to the quarterfinals. However, Mauritania’s compact defensive unit and transitional pace could present new challenges.

Matchday 3 sees Tanzania round off their group fixtures against Madagascar (Saturday 9 August), a side often unpredictable in tournament play. Victory in either of these next two games could mark Tanzania’s best-ever CHAN performance.

Group A: Kenya Target Knockout Stage After Shock Win

Kenya stunned the CHAN landscape with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo, a two-time champion in this competition. It was a gritty, backs-to-the-wall performance from the Harambee Stars, with goalkeeper Brian Bwire and centre-back Sylvester Owino producing standout displays. The decisive goal came via a late header from Enock Wanyama, whose presence in midfield has emerged as a game-changer.

Coach Engin Firat will be keen to keep his side grounded ahead of a potentially defining clash against Angola on Thursday (7 August). Angola, fresh off a narrow win against Morocco, bring high pressing and pace in wide areas, a contrast to the more structured Congolese.

Kenya’s group stage will conclude with a Matchday 3 encounter against tournament favourites Morocco (Sunday 10 August). Securing a draw in that match, especially after a potential result against Angola, could be enough to see Kenya through in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested Group A.

Group C: Uganda Face Uphill Climb After Algerian Rout

Of the three host nations, Uganda face the toughest road ahead. Their 0-3 loss to Algeria was not only a damaging result on paper but exposed critical vulnerabilities in defence and midfield transition. Algeria, one of the pre-tournament favourites, exploited Uganda’s lack of cohesion, and coach Morley Byekwaso will be under pressure to regroup swiftly.

On Friday (8 August), Uganda face a must-win clash against Guinea, who are known for their technical ability and high-tempo style. A second defeat could eliminate the Cranes before they meet Niger on Monday (11 August) in Matchday 3. Uganda will need to rediscover their best form – with more bite in attack and composure in defence.

Home Nations Poised for Glory as CHAN 2025 Enters Crucial Phase

As CHAN 2025 rolls into its second week, Tanzania and Kenya have positioned themselves well in their groups and will look to carry that momentum forward. Uganda, meanwhile, must rally quickly if they hope to remain in contention. With partisan support and growing belief, the home nations are writing compelling storylines on the road to the quarterfinals.

Don’t miss a second. Stay Connected, Stay Streaming 

Stream every match on the DStv Stream or GOtv Stream app. Upgrade or manage your subscription via the New MyDStv or MyGOtv app or visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com. 

African Nations Championship (CHAN), Matchday 2

Wednesday 6 August

• 16:00: Burkina Faso v Central African Republic – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360
• 19:00: Mauritania v Tanzania – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360

Thursday 7 August

• 15:00: DR Congo v Zambia – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360
• 18:00: Angola v Kenya – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360

Friday 8 August

• 16:00: Algeria v South Africa – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360
• 19:00: Guinea v Uganda – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360

From Nairobi to Kampala, the African Nations

Chinese Ambassador Visits China Pavilion at the 97th Agricultural Show

China’s Ambassador to Zambia, H.E. Mr. Han Jing, paid a high-profile visit to the China Pavilion at the 97th Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka, spotlighting the enduring friendship and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Welcomed by senior figures from the Zambian Chinese Association (ZCA) including President Zhang Jian, Executive President Wu Ming, and Wonderful Group Chairperson Huang Yaochi, Ambassador Han toured exhibits that reflected China’s growing role in Zambia’s development, especially in sectors vital to climate adaptation.

With over 70 Chinese companies represented, the Pavilion has demonstrated a shared commitment to sustainable innovation. From agricultural solutions to green technology, the displays offered a tangible expression of the bilateral ties steadily evolving beyond traditional infrastructure into climate-conscious investment and grassroots engagement.

Ambassador Han praised the initiative, calling the Pavilion a “living platform for collaboration” that reflects both nations’ aspirations under this year’s theme: “Adapting to Climate Change.”.

China’s Ambassador to Zambia, H.E. Mr. Han