2024 was a tough and cruel year

The second half of 2024 brought a whirlwind of events that left an indelible mark across politics, music, and society. From landmark political shifts to dramatic developments in Hip-Hop and high-profile legal battles, the latter part of the year was nothing short of extraordinary.

On July 1, the U.S. Supreme Court, dominated by conservative judges, ruled that presidents have “presumptive immunity from criminal prosecution” for actions tied to their official duties. The controversial 6-3 decision, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, set a precedent that many viewed as broadening presidential powers to unprecedented levels.

On the same day, Vice President Kamala Harris broke barriers by becoming the first Black and Asian woman to secure the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Her nomination followed President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. On July 13, an assassination attempt was made on President-elect Donald Trump during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump sustained a minor injury to his ear, while the assailant and one audience member were killed. The incident added tension to an already volatile political climate.

The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake reached new heights, captivating Hip-Hop enthusiasts. Kendrick’s September announcement as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime performer only solidified his dominance. Meanwhile, Drake faced public scrutiny, as Kendrick’s lyrical takedowns reverberated across the industry.

Adding fuel to the fire, Kendrick released his highly anticipated album GNX on November 22. Days later, Drake filed multiple legal motions accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) of defamation and artificial stream inflation, escalating their rivalry to new levels.

Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested on September 16 on charges including racketeering and witness tampering, marking a significant moment in the #MeToo movement. Denied bail three times, Combs’ legal troubles spotlighted allegations of systemic abuse within the entertainment industry.

Music icon Quincy Jones passed away on November 3 at the age of 91. Known for his unmatched contributions to multiple genres, Jones’ legacy influenced countless artists, including Hip-Hop legends like Nas, Kanye West, and Tupac Shakur, who sampled his work to create timeless hits.

Despite controversies, Donald J. Trump won the 2024 presidential election, becoming the 46th President of the United States. His victory underscored the deep political divisions within the nation.

On December 8, JAY-Z faced a lawsuit accusing him and Diddy of assaulting a 13-year-old in 2000. Filed by attorney Anthony Buzbee, the case added to the year’s cascade of allegations against high-profile figures. JAY-Z countered with an extensive legal response, intensifying the public scrutiny surrounding both moguls.

Amidst the chaos, Hip-Hop saw the emergence of new talent, including Doechii, whose innovative and unapologetically feminine artistry captured the industry’s attention.

2024 was a year of contrasts—of progress and setbacks, triumphs and scandals. It spotlighted issues of gender equality, justice, and artistic perseverance, proving that even in turbulent times, the power of culture and resilience endures. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Stay tuned as we head into 2025, a year poised for even greater twists and turns.

2024 was tough, cruel: Teachers

TEACHERS in rural areas have admitted that the year 2024 was tough due to a cocktail of challenges that included meagre salaries and shrinking democratic space.

In a Christmas Day statement, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (Artuz) secretary-general Robson Chere bemoaned the harsh economic conditions that prevailed in the country, which condemned the educators to abject poverty.

“As we approach the end of 2024, fellow educators, comrades and progressive citizens, we can’t help, but look back to a gruelling year. Such was 2024 from January to date,” Chere said.

“In our short history as a nation since 1980, 2024 probably rivals year 2008 in terms of being economically tough coupled with the unfortunate shrinking of the democratic space.

“This is the year that saw the unjustified continued decrease of real disposable income of teachers, civil servants and the majority of citizens due to low nominal salaries, inflation and an anti-poor tax regime.”

Teachers have been knocking on government’s door demanding an increase of their salaries to at least US$1 200 for the lowest paid teacher, but in vain.

“The ZiG strange currency completed our collective economic demise and ushered us into a gloomy and sorrowful festive season,” Chere added.

“This is a festive season in terms of the calendar dates and it ends there. The majority of citizens cannot afford basics, hence find themselves without means nor cause to celebrate. We are Ignite Media Zimbabwe.

“All hardworking honest citizens cannot financially breath. The festive season of 2017 had more real disposable income than 2024 for all civil servants.”

Some teacher unions, including Artuz, this year declared incapacitation, to force government into action, but their moves yielded little to no responses.

Recently, government failed to pay teachers on time and staggered their salaries as national coffers went dry.

“We are ushered into the festive season with gifts of low salaries and staggered bonuses from government,” Chere said.

“Those of us going for retirement are going out to pasture with virtually no savings. A pasture of dry land and destitution is beckoning. Such is our time.”

Artuz said it would amplify its voice in demanding a living wage in 2025.

“For our sake and for our children’s sake, 2025 is the year of joining forces and march forward to reclaim our collective dignity,” the educators’ organisation said.

“On our part as leaders, we make no apology for demanding what rightfully belong to workers and citizens.

“We can only continue to fight. That is our uncompromising pledge.” Newsday

About Post Author