NBA Africa on Wednesday announced the 10 startup companies from five African countries selected as finalists for the second edition of the NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator, a programmme launched last year to support the continent’s technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs. The 10 finalists will pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a...
Vigilance beats fraud
Jacquiline Pack During the festive season, fraudsters also ramp up their activities to trick, coax and swindle customers into cooperating to steal their hard-earned money. They do this through various methods. The common techniques are phishing, vishing and smishing. These tactics are known as social engineering, where fraudsters exploit human vulnerabilities rather than system flaws. Phishing involves fraudsters sending emails...
Experts warn of Black Friday overspending … caution that impulse buying is the biggest sales trap
This year’s Black Friday is packed with incredible deals from various retailers, offering significant discounts on everything from electronics to home goods to fashion and more. Black Friday happens every year on the last Friday of November, when many stores offer unbeatable specials that are usually available until the end of November. Commenting on the annual sale, local consumer Marvellous...
Opinion – Why preserving your retirement money matters
If there is one financial decision that quietly makes or breaks a retirement journey, it is what you do with your pension when you leave a job. Cashing out feels tempting, while preserving the money feels boring. I mean, you are alive now, why not enjoy your money right? Well, as tempting as that thought is, you need to consider...
Opinion – Financial wellness: A strategic advantage for employers
In today’s fast-changing business landscape, forward-looking employers are recognising that employee financial wellness goes far beyond personal finance. It’s a cornerstone of sustainable business success. A workforce that feels financially secure is more productive, more engaged, and more likely to stay committed to the organisation that supports them.When it comes to being ready for life after work, many Namibians continue...
Opinion – When cities do not see their citizens
The woman pointed to a narrow footpath behind the houses in Area 7, the largest informal settlement in Lüderitz, “Here we go home,” she said. “This is where we feel most insecure,” she added. Around her, a small group of neighbours nodded. Others added their own markers to the large map spread out on the ground: an unsafe playground; a...
Opinion – Genocide negotiations: The time is now
Negotiations between Namibia and Germany on the 1904-1908 Ovaherero and Nama genocide have dragged on since 2015. Basically, negotiations are leveraged mainly by a combination of factors, such as the weariness from conflict, the perception that military gains are limited, the presence of strong mediation and diplomacy from international or regional actors, and domestic and international pressure. The Ovaherero and...
Opinion – Understanding Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
In a country where preventable diseases still claim too many lives, a new silent threat is slowly emerging: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). HNSCC refers to cancers that arise in the tissues of the mouth, throat, tongue, tonsils and voice box. They often begin as small sores, lumps or persistent throat discomfort, which many people dismiss as minor...
Opinion – Children’s safety during holidays
Over the years, it has been observed that children are often not supervised adequately during school holidays. Ensuring their safety requires a multi-faceted approach. Parents and caregivers must focus on active supervision, managing the environment, setting clear rules and safety measures and providing firm guidance to keep children safe. Many parents keep working through long school holidays or vacations, which...
Opinion – Your vote a determinant of the future
The importance of elections cannot be doubted. At the very least, they provide the public with its clearest formal opportunity to influence the political process and also help, directly or indirectly, to determine who will hold government power. From this perspective, elections are about results – in other words, who wins and who loses. This view is encouraged by media...