The internet plays a central role in modern life, so much so that living without it is unfathomable for some. But that's been the reality for a number of Africans this year as several countries on the continent battle to stay connected despite damage to crucial cables. This week, host Jennifer Zabasajja and reporters Ramah Nyang in Nairobi and Loni Prinsloo in Johannesburg dig into the problem's roots and examine potential solutions.

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It is its worst performance since Nelson Mandela led the ANC to power in 1994. In South Africa, the African National Congress has lost its majority in parliament. The party has begun talks with rivals to form a government. In this special episode of the Next Africa Podcast, host Jennifer Zabasajja and Bloomberg Government reporter S’thembile Cele discuss what this means for the future of the country.

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South Africa’s ruling party looks set to fall short of securing a parliamentary majority for the first time since surging to power at the end of apartheid three decades ago, ushering in a period of uncertainty with a coalition partner needed to retain control.

The African National Congress is on course to win 42% of the votes cast in Wednesday’s national election, according to projections based on early results. That would be a massive 15.5 percentage point drop from the last vote five years ago.

In this week’s special episode, The Big Take host Sarah Holder is joined by Johannesburg-based economic and government affairs reporter Ntando Thukwana to discuss why voters are seemingly souring on the ANC.

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